What is the purpose of offset rear wheels on a wheelchair?

What is the purpose of offset rear wheels on a wheelchair?

• A. Moves axis posterior to center support and provides greater stability during propulsion over varying surfaces
• B. Reduces turning radius
• C. Increases wheelbase height
• D. Decreases ground clearance

Answer: (A)

Offsetting the rear wheels moves the rear axle behind the chair’s center of support, shifting weight toward the back to broaden the base of stability. This arrangement makes propulsion over varying surfaces safer and smoother because more of the user’s weight sits on the rear wheels, which helps resist tipping forward when crossing bumps, thresholds, or irregular terrain. It improves stability during forward propulsion and going over obstacles, rather than primarily changing how tight the chair turns or how high the wheelbase sits or how much ground clearance there is.

Offsetting the rear wheels moves the rear axle behind the chair’s center of support, shifting weight toward the back to broaden the base of stability. This arrangement makes propulsion over varying surfaces safer and smoother because more of the user’s weight sits on the rear wheels, which helps resist tipping forward when crossing bumps, thresholds, or irregular terrain. It improves stability during forward propulsion and going over obstacles, rather than primarily changing how tight the chair turns or how high the wheelbase sits or how much ground clearance there is.