Measurement of the turning, rolling and obstacle resistance of wheelchair castor wheels.

The turning resistance and rolling resistance of a range of wheelchair wheels up to 200 mm in diameter were measured on three types of indoor surface. Rolling resistance values were found by measuring deceleration on a flat surface and also by direct measurement on a treadmill. The horizontal forces required to push the front wheels of a wheelchair over small step obstacles were also found. Measurements were made for a variety of front wheels and the relationship between the horizontal force, step height, load, and type compressibility was investigated.