[Wheelchair] Disk brakes?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter

Hello,
I know nothing about wheelchairs and am looking for infos on how to use this contraption that hooks up a plain bike to a wheelchair. In this particular case, the chair would only be used for that purpose, and remain permanently attached to the bike.
Its maker demands setting up two rear brakes on the bike. In addition or as an alternative, I googled for "wheelchairs disk brakes".
Do you know if those brakes can be installed on any wheelchair, and if they can be operated by the cyclist using either one* or two** handlebar-mounted brake levers?
Thank you.
* like on a cargo trike, eg. Tektro's Auriga.Twin hydraulic brakes
** one for each disk, in which case the bike would be equiped with a single rear brake: Gear hub + coaster brake

I know nothing about wheelchairs and am looking for infos on how to use this contraption that hooks up a plain bike to a wheelchair. In this particular case, the chair would only be used for that purpose, and remain permanently attached to the bike.
Its maker demands setting up two rear brakes on the bike. In addition or as an alternative, I googled for "wheelchairs disk brakes".
Do you know if those brakes can be installed on any wheelchair, and if they can be operated by the cyclist using either one* or two** handlebar-mounted brake levers?
Thank you.
* like on a cargo trike, eg. Tektro's Auriga.Twin hydraulic brakes
** one for each disk, in which case the bike would be equiped with a single rear brake: Gear hub + coaster brake


#2
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I'm just some rando on the Internet, but I'm pretty sure that if twin discs are fitted (genius idea btw) to the wheelchair, that an additional rear brake is not necessary on the bicycle driver. If it were me, I would operate both 'front' brakes with a 2 brake (caliper) to one lever adapter, and operate the rear brake conventionally.
Last edited by Leisesturm; 07-20-23 at 04:19 PM.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Yes, I did mention twin brakes (Tektro's Auriga Twin). I'm interested in knowing what options are out there to stick disk brakes on a wheelchair.
The makers of that device just aren't aware that disk brakes can be fit on a wheelchair, hence their recommendation to install two rear brakes.
The makers of that device just aren't aware that disk brakes can be fit on a wheelchair, hence their recommendation to install two rear brakes.
#4
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Tadpole trikes (like Terra Trikes) have disc brakes and cantilever hubs. So it’s possible. I think some older ones had roller brakes. They have an independent brake on each front wheel, and no brakes on the rear. Based on my experience riding one the disks rub a bit when you’re in a turn due to the flex but it’s a perception and not a problem.
there is a lot to know about frame standards and fixturing for disc brakes and I’m sure half of it goes out the window when you start making some thing that isn’t a bicycle but it’s not impossible
there is a lot to know about frame standards and fixturing for disc brakes and I’m sure half of it goes out the window when you start making some thing that isn’t a bicycle but it’s not impossible
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 07-20-23 at 07:15 PM.
#5
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Yes, I did mention twin brakes (Tektro's Auriga Twin). I'm interested in knowing what options are out there to stick disk brakes on a wheelchair.
The makers of that device just aren't aware that disk brakes can be fit on a wheelchair, hence their recommendation to install two rear brakes.
The makers of that device just aren't aware that disk brakes can be fit on a wheelchair, hence their recommendation to install two rear brakes.
Last edited by Leisesturm; 07-20-23 at 10:58 PM.