Loopwheels are innovative wheelchair wheels designed with an integral suspension system. They use springs, made from a composite carbon material, in place of traditional spokes to absorb shocks and vibrations. This design offers a smoother ride and improved comfort on uneven terrain, and helps manage back pain, neck pain and fatigue by reducing the vibration and shocks transmitted through the wheels into the person using the wheelchair.
With three distinct Loopwheels models – Urban, LT, and Extreme – each designed for different needs and environments, how do you know which one is right for you? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the unique features, benefits, and best-use cases of each Loopwheels model, so you can confidently pick the one that matches your lifestyle, goals, and daily needs.
All Loopwheels models are designed for:
- a maximum load of 120kg
- a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
Load is the total weight that is carried by the wheels and axles themselves. So this includes the person, the wheelchair, and any luggage on the chair – everything that sits over and is supported by the wheels. If you have an attachment to the chair with wheels that supports its own load, such as a handbike or a trailer, this is not part of the load carried by the Loopwheels.
1. Loopwheels Urban
Best for: General everyday use on all terrains (not just in towns!)
The Urban is the most popular Loopwheels model: over two-thirds of all Loopwheels made each year are Urban models. Most customers choose regular suspension as this is the rate optimised for most adults in typical everyday environments.
Key Features of Loopwheels Urban:
- Regular or stiff suspension for improved comfort over pavements, kerbs, cobblestones or any surface
- Available as 24” or 25” sizes.
- Ideal for both manual wheelchair users who want more comfort, and for adding suspension when using with a power add-on device or hand bike.
How do I know what size wheels I need?
The wheel diameter depends on what your wheelchair has been designed for: choose the same size Loopwheel as your current spoked wheels. Your wheelchair should be made to your measurements. The vast majority of people need 24″ wheels, but some very tall people may use a wheelchair with 25″ wheels (or even 26″).
Pros and Cons of this Loopwheels Model
Pros:
- A real all-rounder: great for typical city and country park environments, whether you’re manually propelling or using some form of power-assist
- Reduces vibration and shock to help reduce pain and fatigue
- Light enough to be able to use when you propel manually or with an e-power handbike or other power add-on
Cons:
- Ordinary tyres lack the extra grip of MTB or off-road tyres in more extreme off-road conditions.
- Slightly heavier than non-suspension wheels
Would this model be the right choice for you? Learn more about the Loopwheels Urban →
2. Loopwheels Extreme
Best for: Use with a power add-on, handbike, or e-bike, either for off-road, rugged environments or for regular, long-distance commuting.
Key Features of Loopwheels Extreme:
- Deeper MTB tyres, combined with the Loopwheels suspension system, provide greater grip and shock damping over more rugged terrain.
- Built with regular or stiff springs (for larger or more active users)
- Optimised for trail, gravel, and rough outdoor terrain, or longer-distance travel on any terrain, e.g., regular daily commuting.
Pros and Cons of this Loopwheels Model
Pros:
- Exceptional comfort on rough or uneven terrain.
- Best grip of all the Loopwheels when cornering at speed or travelling in the wet.
- A smaller inner wheel allows a wide choice of deep MTB tyres from any good MTB bike shop (507 wheel).
Cons:
- The heaviest Loopwheels model (the greater weight comes from the larger tyres; the wheels themselves aren’t heavier until the tyres are fitted).
- The greater rolling resistance of the larger tyres makes Extremes unsuitable for people who want to self-propel manually.
- More expensive than other models.
Want to explore this option further? Learn more about Loopwheels Extreme →
3. Loopwheels LT
Best for: People whose weight is between 40-60kg and want to add suspension to their wheelchair, either self-propelling or using a power add-on or handbike.
Key Features:
- Designed for users who weigh 40-60kg
- Softer suspension version of the Urban model
- Designed for lightweight active users who want comfort and/or want to reduce fatigue and pain from shocks and vibration
- Ideal for people who either self-propel or who use a power add-on and don’t do a lot of high-speed cornering off-road
Pros and Cons of this Loopwheels Model
Pros:
- Best for people who want suspension but aren’t heavy enough to activate the regular suspension system of another Loopwheels model.
- Still offers great vibration damping and reduced shock.
- Suitable for use with a power add-on or for manual self-propulsion.
Cons:
- Ordinary tyres lack the extra grip of MTB or off-road tyres in more extreme off-road conditions.
- Slightly heavier than non-suspension wheels.
Are Loopwheels LT the right wheels for you? Learn more about Loopwheels LT →