We break down the different types of handrims available and list all the models currently available in the U.S., who they’re good for and where to buy. Scroll through to view all the products available. If you know what you’re looking for, you can jump to a specific section by clicking the hyperlinks below.

• Basic
• Performance
• Grip Assist

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Basic Handrims

These basic handrims are made from common materials and are relatively inexpensive. They are available from a variety of online retailers as well as your preferred DME supplier.

Aluminum Handrims

Aluminum handrims are affordable, basic rims that will work with virtually any wheel. Aluminum handrims can be found at many online retailers including DMEHub for $65 each, Sportaid for $79, and LivingSpinal for $75.

Vinyl Handrims

Vinyl handrims are heavier than aluminum handrims but offer a tacky surface for anyone with weak grip. With medium durability, they can generate significant heat while braking. Vinyl handrims can be found at your local DME dealer, or DMEHub for $78 each.

Projection Knob Handrims

Projection knob handrims have knobs that protrude from the rim either straight up or at angle. The knobs make it easier to push the wheels. They are especially useful for those learning how to push a wheelchair or who are still gaining strength. Projection knob handrims can usually be purchased as an option from wheelchair manufacturers or found online, from $265 each, from retailers like wheelchairparts.net.

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Performance Handrims

Performance handrims feature high-end materials and ergonomic options to reduce fatigue for those with good hand strength.

Carbolife

Curve and Curve L

The CarboLife Curve features an innovative design with a flat pushing surface for the thumb and a curved side for the fingers to wrap around. The design is intended to reduce fatigue and stress of the hands and wrists. The Curve L has the same design but is for those with larger hands. The Curve is available in anodized and powder-coated finishes and with a variety of 6-tab and rivnut mounting options.

Sizes Available: 501 (22-inch), 540 (24-inch), 559 (25-inch)

Best for: Paras

Pricing/Availability: The Curve and Curve L retail for $399.99 a pair but are available from LivingSpinal for $294.22 for the Curve and $352 for the Curve L.

Lignorim

Wooden Handrims

Lignorim are made of ash, a hardwood used in tool and shovel handles and in baseball bats because of its natural shock absorption and resistance to impacts. The wooden rims are available in four models: light, medium, big and prime. Light is a small-diameter round rim about the size of a typical metal handrim. Medium and big are both oval-shaped, which some find more comfortable to grip. Prime is the largest rim, with an ergonomically contoured gripping surface. You can choose from a variety of colors, from natural — a light tan — to flashy, including bright blue, green, red, pink, jet black and more.

Sizes Available: 540 (24-inch) and 559 (25-inch)

Best For: Paras or quads with some grip.

Pricing/Availability: Starting at $479 from Lignorimusa.com.

Out Front

Natural-Fit and Natural-Fit LT

The Natural-Fit and Natural-Fit LT feature an oval handrim and an optional thumb piece that covers the gap between the rim and the wheel. The design is intended to reduce the effort needed to grip the handrim and to reduce stress and fatigue in the hands and wrists. The LT version is for those with smaller hands or looking to reduce weight. They are available with either rivnut or 6-tab mounting options.

Sizes Available: 451 (20-inch), 501 (22-inch), 540 (24-inch), 559 (25-inch), 590 (26-inch)

Best for: Paras or quads with some grip

Pricing/Availability: The base model retails for $120 each, but can be found as low as $99 from SpinLife. The optional thumb piece with standard grip costs $60 each, and the thumb piece with super grip costs $82. The LT option is available for $30 per handrim. Available from many online retailers and local DME providers.

Spinergy

TC Max Stainless Steel

The TC Max Stainless Steel is ergonomically designed with a wider surface area and oval shape to make gripping easier while reducing stress on the hands and wrists. The handrim has an embossed texture to improve grip without adding friction. It is available with a 6-tab mounting attachment.

Sizes Available: 540 (24-inch), 559 (25-inch)

Best for: Paras

Pricing/Availability: Retails for $249.50 each or available for $224.55 from DMEHub. Also available from a variety of other online retailers or local DME dealers. 

TC Stainless Steel

The TC Stainless Steel is a lightweight round handrim with an embossed finish that offers good grip without the stickiness of a coated handrim. It is available with a 6-tab mounting attachment.

Sizes Available: 501 (22-inch), 540 (24-inch), 559 (25-inch), 590 (26-inch)

Best for: Paras

Pricing/Availability: Retails for $199.50 each or available for $179.50 from many online retailers.

Hard Anodized Gray or Silver Aluminum

Spinergy aluminum handrims are an affordable option for those looking for a durable and lightweight handrim. The hard anodized gray option is scratch and dent-resistant, while the silver option hides scratches well. Both are available with a 6-tab mounting attachment, and the 28-inch handrim comes with a 12-tab mounting attachment.

Sizes Available: 540 (24-inch), 559 (25-inch), 590 (26-inch), 700c (28-inch)

Best for: Paras

Pricing/Availability: Silver retails for $60 and can be found for $54 at HowIRollSports. Hard anodized gray retails for $80 or $67.50 at HowIRollSports. Both can be found from various online retailers and local DME distributors.

Grip-Assist Handrims

These handrims feature anti-slip coatings, modified shapes, rubber inserts or a combination of materials to provide better performance for those who rely on friction to push.

Curve Tetra Grip and Curve L Tetra Grip

The CarboLife Curve Tetra Grip has the same design as the Curve with a flat top and curved sides but features a larger surface area and an anti-slip coating to make it easier for quads to push and brake. The Curve L Tetra Grip is appropriate for those looking for an even larger pushing surface. The Curve Tetra Grip is available with a variety of 6-tab and rivnut mounting options.

Sizes Available: 501 (22-inch), 540 (24-inch), 559 (25-inch), 590 (26-inch)

Best for: Quads and those with weak grip

Pricing/Availability: The Curve Tetra Grip and Curve L Tetra Grip retail for $549.78 a pair. The Curve Tetra Grip are available from Living Spinal for $459.99 and the Curve L Tetra Grip is available for $440 from Rolling in Paradise.

Quadro

The Quadro is a handrim designed specifically for quads. The rim has a curved and angled design to accommodate the mechanics of a quad pushing with the palms of their hands. The shape of the rim provides a larger surface area for pushing and the anti-slip coating makes for more efficient propulsion. The Quadro is available with a variety of 6-tab and rivnut mounting options.

Sizes Available: 501 (22-inch), 540 (24-inch), 559 (25-inch), 590 (26-inch)

Best for: Quads

Pricing/Availability: The Quadro retails for $549.78 a pair but are available from Rolling in Paradise for $415.

Motion Composites

Newton Air Grip

Motion Composites Newton Air Grip handrims are a lightweight rim with a “grippy” finish that won’t peel or crack and reduces burning when slowing down and stopping. The Newton Air Grips are available in 11 different colors.

Sizes Available: 540 (24-inch), 559 (25-inch), 590 (26-inch)

Best for: Paras and quads with sufficient strength

Pricing/Availability: AirGrips are available for $134 a pair from a variety of online retailers, including Sportaid, Spinlife and HowiRollSports.

Surge and Surge LT

The Surge handrims feature a combination of ergonomic oval tubing with a rubber “gription” strip along the top edge. The design aims to provide enhanced pushing grip while allowing you to use the metal sides for braking. The LT version offers the same features in a smaller profile. They are available with either rivnut or 6-tab mounting options.

Sizes Available: 451 (20-inch), 501 (22-inch), 540 (24-inch), 559 (25-inch), 590 (26-inch)

Best for: Quads or anyone with limited grip strength or endurance.

Pricing/Availability: The Surge retails for $186 each or available for $147.50 from DMEHub. The LT option is available for $12 per wheel. Also available from a variety of other online retailers or local DME dealers. 

Q-Grip

The Q-Grip handrims have an anti-slip neoprene coating that covers the entire surface of the rim, providing maximum grip when pushing or braking. They are available with either rivnut or 6-tab mounting options.

Sizes Available: 501 (22-inch), 540 (24-inch), 559 (25-inch), 590 (26-inch)

Best for: Quads or anyone with limited grip strength or endurance.

Pricing/Availability: Retails for $175 each or available for $145 from LivingSpinal. Also available from a variety of other online retailers or local DME dealers. 

Rib Grips

Rib Grips Wheelchair Handrim Covers

Rib Grips are an add-on for ¾-inch diameter handrims that provide increased grip and pushing area. The soft rib discs make it easier for quads to push without replacing the entire handrim.

Sizes Available: Available in sizes to fit 18 to 23 inch handrims

Best for: Quads

Pricing/Availability: Rib Grips are available in black, red and blue, and retail for $149.99. They can also be found from online retailers including Amazon.

Spinergy

Flexrim

Spinergy Flexrims are a wheel and handrim package. A metal handrim is fused to the wheel rim with a urethane rubber. The rubber makes for a grippy pushing surface while also allowing the outer handrims to flex when squeezing through narrow spaces.

Sizes Available: 540 (24-inch), 559 (25inch)

Best for: Quads or anyone with narrow doorways.

Pricing/Availability: LX model Flexrims (wheel and handrim) retails for $1,345 a pair, while the XLX model retails for $1,395. They can be found on DMEHub for $1,210.50 for the LX and $1255.50 for the XLX.

Vesco

BLAX Active Grip Everyday And Rugby

BLAX Active Grip handrims were designed to meet the needs of active quads. The Active Grip Everyday coating is tacky and gets tackier with repeated use. The Rugby version is designed for wheelchair rugby players and has a thicker coating and larger pushing area. Both models are available with 6-tab mounting.

Sizes Available: 540 (24-inch), 559 (25-inch), 590 (26-inch)

Best for: Quads

Pricing/Availability: BLAX Everyday are available for $120 each from Vesco and BLAX Rugby are also available from Vesco for $150 each. Both are available from various online retailers.

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