We often get asked what the difference is between our wheels and wheels with much larger tyres, particularly when they are looking for improved comfort and performance off-road.
Recently, we ran testing to compare the vibration-reduction and shock-absorption of 3 different wheels: Loopwheels Urban, Loopwheels Extreme and Fat Wheels (Omobic brand).
This blog post covers the results of this testing. For more information, please get in touch with our team.
Background Information
Wheelchair users are exposed to high levels of vibration and shock, which are likely to be detrimental to their health.
Given the risk of health consequences, the International Standards Organisation (ISO) has published several guidelines on levels of vibration exposure and their relationship to health outcomes, specifically ISO 2631, which covers vibration and shock exposure in a separate position, which is relevant to wheelchair users.
Using ISO 2631 and related calibrated equipment, we tested Loopwheels Urban, Loopwheels Extreme and Fat Wheels (Omobic brand) on tarmac and forest track to ride at 5, 10, 15 and 25km/h.
Provided below is a table to demonstrate a brief comparison of each model involved in the testing:
| Wheel | Tyre Fitted | Weight per wheel (with tyre and push rim fitted) |
| Omobic Fat Wheel | Schwalbe Smart SAM | 2.8kg |
| Loopwheels Extreme | Schwalbe Smart SAM | 2.5kg |
| Loopwheels Urban | Schwalbe Marathon Plus | 2.3kg |
Results of Testing
The testing resulted in a range of valuable, informative takeaways. One thing that was really clear was that even at lower speeds, people should seek protection from Whole Body Vibration.
Loopwheels Extreme allows a person travelling at 10km/h on a forest track to ride for 76% more time than a Fat Wheel before the vibration could start to create harmful effects in the body.
Loopwheels Urban allows a user travelling at 10km/h on tarmac to ride for 52% more time than the Fat Wheel before the vibration could start to create harmful effects in the body.
The Fat Wheel is harder to push due to its higher rolling resistance. This increased resistance arises from the tyre’s larger contact area with the road, which leads to greater deformation of the rubber. The additional flexing generates friction and heat, resulting in energy loss.
In summary, Loopwheels Extreme and Loopwheels Urban provide better protection from vibrations and shocks than the Fat Wheel, and will suit users who are sensitive to pain or fatigue.
The Omobic Fat Wheel works well off road, and will suit users with less pain or fatigue issues who are not regularly manually propelling.
Loopwheels Extreme is the best option for a wheel that reduces vibration and shock when travelling off-road and using a front mounted power attachment.
Loopwheels Urban would be the ideal wheel to minimise vibration and shock for all occasions. This is due to the wheels’ lower rolling resistance compared to both Loopwheels Extreme and the Fat Wheel, making it suitable for manual propulsion and use with a power assist.
Our recommendation would be for people to try Loopwheels to experience the difference to comfort, pain and fatigue that they can make.
For more information on further research and testing that involves Loopwheels, please see our Research Studies and Evidence page.