Based on the tire type, there are 3 types of 4 wheel rollator tires: solid tires, pneumatic tires, and semi-pneumatic tires. In terms of tire material, there are rubber and plastic tires. This article also introduces the tire materials of three VOCIC models of 4 wheel rollators and explains what terrain they are best suited for.
3 Types of 4-Wheel Rollator Tires
Tires can be divided into solid tires, pneumatic tires and semi-pneumatic tires based on their type.
solid tires
Unlike traditional pneumatic tires, solid tires are made entirely of solid rubber or other elastic materials. Since they do not have an air chamber, they are resistant to punctures and flats. Solid tires are typically used in applications where high durability and puncture resistance are required.
Suitable terrain
- Indoors and flat surfaces: Solid tires provide stable locomotion in indoor environments such as hospitals, nursing homes and residential buildings.
- Hard outdoor surfaces: On hard outdoor surfaces such as gardens, paths and sidewalks, solid tires provide reliable traction and stability.
- Slightly uneven terrain: Solid tires can handle slightly uneven surfaces without many obstacles, providing a comfortable walking experience on flat grass, beaches and muddy ground.
Unfavorable terrain
- Deep grass and muddy surfaces: Solid tires are less suitable for deep grass or muddy surfaces due to their lack of flexibility and traction, as the vehicle may get stuck or slide.
- Very uneven terrain or large obstacles: On terrains such as sand, gravel roads or areas with large potholes, solid tires have difficulty adjusting, which can lead to unstable movement and possibly even damage.
- Environments that require high comfort and shock absorption: Compared to pneumatic tires, solid tires lack shock absorption. For environments that require high comfort (e.g. for prolonged walking or for users who are sensitive to hard surfaces), solid tires may not be the best choice.
Pneumatic tires Rollators with pneumatic tires are suitable for most complex outdoor areas, but care should be taken on particularly slippery or sharp surfaces.
Suitable terrain
- Gravel roads: Pneumatic tires can better absorb the vibrations of gravel roads and provide a smoother walking experience.
- Grass: When walking on grass, pneumatic tires can distribute weight better, reducing the risk of getting stuck in mud.
- Rocky roads: These tires can soften the bumps on rocky roads.
- Unpaved roads: Pneumatic tires provide better traction and stability, making walking safer.
Adverse Terrains Despite their many advantages, pneumatic tires may not be suitable for certain terrains, including:
- Smooth tile or marble surfaces: Pneumatic tires can slip on these smooth surfaces, increasing the risk of falls.
- Extremely steep slopes: On extremely steep slopes, pneumatic tires may not provide sufficient braking power, increasing the safety risk.
- Sharp rocky terrain: Sharp rocks can puncture tires, causing air leaks or tire failure.
Semi-pneumatic tires
Also known as airless tires, they are a type of tire that falls between solid and pneumatic tires. They are usually made of durable rubber or plastic materials with air pockets inside, but do not rely entirely on air pressure. The design of semi-pneumatic tires gives them some shock absorption while reducing maintenance.
Suitable terrain
- Interiors: floors, carpets, tile surfaces, etc.
- Flat areas: sidewalks, parking lots, squares, etc.
- Slightly uneven terrain: grass, gravel roads. Semi-pneumatic tires provide some shock absorption, making them suitable for slightly uneven terrain and providing a relatively comfortable experience.
Unfavorable terrain
- Rough terrain: mountain trails, rough outdoor paths. These terrains require better shock absorption and traction.
- Deep mud or sand.
- Ice and snow covered surfaces: Icy sidewalks, snow covered areas. Semi-pneumatic tires do not provide enough traction on icy surfaces, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
2 Types of 4-Wheel Rollator Tire Materials
Based on the tire material, there are two types: rubber tires and plastic tires.
rubber tires
Rubber tires offer excellent performance on flat and common indoor and outdoor terrains, providing good traction and comfort. However, their performance may be limited on extreme or uneven terrain.
Suitable terrain
- Indoors:Wooden floors: Rubber tires provide excellent traction and protection on wooden floors, preventing slipping and scratching the floor.
- Tile floors: They provide stable movement on tile floors with excellent slip resistance.
- Carpets: Rubber tires roll easily over carpets without snagging or pulling carpet fibers.
- Outdoor areas:Sidewalks: On flat sidewalks, rubber tires provide comfortable cushioning and good traction.
- Shopping malls and public places: Suitable for use in shopping malls, parks and other public places, they offer quiet travel with minimal noise levels.
- Municipal roads: They work well on flat roads within municipalities, ideal for short trips.
- Concrete and asphalt roads: Provide stability and comfort on these common urban surfaces.
- Park paths: Adapt to small gravel and slight bumps on park paths.
- Grass: Suitable for short-grass areas such as lawns and gardens.
Adverse Terrains Rubber tires are not suitable for steep slopes, forest trails, muddy roads, sandy areas or gravel surfaces. Note that suitability may vary depending on the complexity of the terrain. In some cases, rubber tires may still be used, but we do not recommend this due to potential tire damage and safety concerns.
plastic tires
These rollator tires are typically made of plastic or similar materials. Compared to traditional rubber tires, they are lighter, easier to maneuver, and require less maintenance. Materials such as PU (polyurethane), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) are all types of plastic tires.
Suitable terrain
- Indoors:At home: On smooth floors, tiles and carpets, plastic tires provide stable movement without scratching the floor and produce minimal noise.
- Hospitals: Suitable for hospital corridors and rooms, they provide good traction and stability.
- Shopping malls: On smooth surfaces, plastic tires are quiet and comfortable, making them ideal for longer use.
- Outdoor areas:Similar to rubber tires, plastic tires are also suitable for sidewalks, concrete and asphalt roads, and grassy areas.
- Slightly uneven surfaces: Plastic tires can handle these and provide a comfortable walking experience, such as flat grass, sandy beaches and muddy areas.
Unfavorable terrain
- Icy and snowy surfaces: On icy and snowy surfaces, plastic tires may not provide enough traction, resulting in a higher risk of skidding.
- Steep slopes: On very steep slopes, plastic tires may not provide sufficient braking power, increasing the danger to the user.
What types of tires are available for the VOCIC 4-wheel rollators?
Currently, the tire types, materials and terrain adaptations for three VOCIC rollator models, Z21 with solid tires , Z51 with semi-pneumatic tires and Z71 with solid tires , are as follows. It is worth mentioning that the tires of VOCIC rollators are not made of a single material, but are made of a combination of several materials. This approach improves product performance, including adaptability to different terrains and scenarios, and increases the service life of the product.
VOCIC rollator tire types
Conclusion
In terms of tire types, they can be divided into solid tires, pneumatic tires, and semi-pneumatic tires. Based on tire materials, they can be divided into rubber and plastic tires. Overall, these tires are suitable for daily use and most travel needs. Different materials offer different levels of performance, and the combination of multiple materials allows VOCIC 4-wheel rollators to combine multiple benefits. This approach ensures adaptability to different terrains and improves product durability, which is why VOCIC uses multiple materials in its rollators.
Related reading: Are rollators with large wheels the best choice for outdoor adventures?
