Adaptrac | Tire Pressure Control System
In keeping with the theme of yesterday’s wheelchair-bicycle relations article, here is another potential example. Some manual wheelchairs and all electric wheelchairs use inflatable tires. And with all of these tires, they need to be maintained with proper tire pressure. Which may or may not be a hassle for some. Then I came across this tire pressure control system for mountain bikes. Adaptrac of California also has the potential of being adaptable for wheelchair wheels.
Mountain Bike Usage
Adaptrac is made specifically for mountain bikes so let’s first explain how it works in this format. The system begins with a CO2 canister mounted on the bicycle frame where you would normally put a water bottle. From the canister is a tube the leads to both the front and rear wheel hubs. The wheel hubs are specially made for the system. Another tube comes out of the hub and goes to the tire valve. Finally controls and gauges at the handlebars allow the rider to control tire pressure.
Pressure Control
While out on a ride, riders can keep an eye on the gauges and then adjust the pressure as necessary. With simple toggle switches, they can both raise and lower tire pressure.
Adaptrac to Wheelchair
Now for the potential wheelchair adaptability part. For a manual wheelchair the hub installation would be basically the same as with a bicycle. The CO2 canister could be mounted on the back of the wheelchair or below the seat. Controls and gauges could be attached to an armrest or added to a mount. Users probably wouldn’t be constantly adjusting pressure as the mountain bikers. But tire pressure maintenance could be easily done when needed.
Conclusion
Electric wheelchairs would be a bit more difficult and would require a hub and system specifically designed for these type of tires. Though it could be done. While Adaptrac might be a bit of an elaborate system for wheelchair tire pressure filling, some might find such a system useful. For more information on Adaptrac visit www.Adaptrac.com.
