Can I put wheels with push rims on my Freedom Chair?

Sure! However, the process is a bit tricky, so it is important to understand each step and find a qualified technician to perform the labor.

Because installing push rims requires specialized tools (like a drill press), extreme precision, and parts that aren't always easy to find, GRIT recommends you coordinate with a professional bicycle technician on every step of the process. It is imperative that you use the correct parts and that a trained professional handles all assembly.

An overview of the process: Acquire the appropriate wheels from one supplier, acquire the appropriate push rims from another supplier, acquire the torque couplings from GRIT, and then find a bike shop with the necessary tools and knowhow to drill into the wheels and install the push rims. Here's a detailed explanation of how to start from scratch and attach wheels with push rims to your Freedom Chair:

 

Step 1: Acquire the appropriate wheels. You will need 36-spoke, 15mm thru axle rims with an ISO 6-bolt disc brake pattern (i.e., mount for the couplings). Because most push rims have 6 tabs, it is far easier to install push rims on 36-spoke wheels than 32-spoke wheels.

NOTE: You can install push rims on 32-spoke rims, but GRIT recommends against it. The tabs should be evenly distributed between the spokes. Since most push rims have 6 tabs, wheels with spoke counts divisible by 6 are preferred!

Standard Freedom Chair Wheels are 559mm in diameter, max 26" x 2.25" with 36 spokes. Our hubs have a 15mm thru axle with 100 over-locknut-distance (OLD) and use an ISO 6-bolt disc mount for the couplings.

Step 2: Acquire the appropriate push rims. The push rims you'll need are 25" (559 mm), 6-tab push rims. Here is one third-party source, though others are available: https://enableyourlife.com/anodized-aluminum-6-tab-wheelchair-pushrim.asp

Step 3: Acquire the torque couplings. This is what connects wheels to the Freedom Chair and must be purchased through GRIT. To purchase the torque couplings, email support@gogrit.us with that request and we will send an invoice your way.

Step 4: Connect with a qualified bike technician for the installation. Not every bike shop will have the necessary tools for this job; not every bike technician will be willing to drill into the wheels (a required step) to install the push rims. You may need to call around to find someone willing to take on the job. It is important that the holes for the push-rim tabs are measured and drilled precisely; not doing so can ruin the rims or render them unsafe for use.