Wheelchair Caster Wheel Selection

Modern wheelchairs are often custom-made, offering various options for size, color, backrests, rear wheels, tires, casters, and more. Here, we’ll focus on the most common caster wheel choices. Noting that each choice has pros and cons associated with each.


3in Wheelchair Caster

3" Caster Wheel

The 3-inch caster wheel is the smallest commonly available. Typically used on sport or court wheelchairs, its small size and light weight offer excellent directional response and maneuverability, ideal for hard, flat surfaces like basketball or tennis courts.

 - **Pros:** Ultra-maneuverable, great for tight spaces.  
 - **Cons:** Poor performance on rough terrain; more prone to 

4in Wheelchair Caster

4" Caster Wheel

      - **Pros:** Good balance between agility and stability; smooth ride indoors.  
      - **Cons:** Less shock absorption on uneven surfaces.  

5in Wheelchair Caster

5" Caster Wheel

      - **Pros:** Improved obstacle clearance; stable yet agile.  
      - **Cons:** Slightly reduced maneuverability compared to smaller 

6in Wheelchair Caster

6" Caster Wheel

- **Pros:** Enhanced shock absorption; smoother ride on rough terrain.  
- **Cons:** Bulkier, may reduce tight turning ability.  

8in Wheelchair Caster

8" Caster Wheel

- **Pros:** Best for outdoor use; rolls over cracks and bumps easily.   
- **Cons:** Less maneuverable in tight spaces; heavier.