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CarboLife Handrims

Elevate Your Ride with CarboLife Handrims

CarboLife handrims are engineered to enhance wheelchair mobility through ergonomic design and advanced materials. Founded in 2013 by a team of engineers and designers, CarboLife focuses on creating innovative products that improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

With options in various sizes, coatings, and mounting styles, CarboLife handrims are a premium choice for those seeking enhanced performance and comfort in their daily mobility.

Carbolife has 3 handrim models that are tailored to meet specific user needs: Curve, Gekko and Quadro. Explore the different functions of these below.

Functional benefits

Sketch of human hand in a fist position, showing the ergonomics of grasping the Carbolife Wheelchair Rim.

Ergonomic Design for Natural Grip - CURVE

The CURVE and CURVE L has a contoured shape that fits the hand's anatomy, enhancing comfort and reducing strain.

Close up image of a hand pushing a wheelchiar rim from the back.

Improved Propulsion Efficiency

The CURVE rim supports smooth, controlled push strokes with reduced effort—ideal for active daily use.

Close up image of a hand pushing a wheelchiar rim from the front.

Wrist and Joint Relief

CURVE rim promotes a relaxed wrist position to help prevent fatigue and repetitive strain injuries.

Sketch of human hand in a fist position, showing the ergonomics of grasping the Carbolife CURVE Tetra-Grip Wheelchair Rim.

Enhanced Grip for Limited Hand Function - CURVE TETRA-GRIP

The enlarged profile for the CURVE TETRA-GRIP and anti-slip coating provide reliable grip and control with reduced hand strength.

Close up image of a hand pushing a wheelchair with hand glove.

More Effective Braking with Less Heat Build-Up

The CURVE TETRA-GRIP distributes pressure across a wider surface area to reduce heat and improve safety when braking.

Close up image of hand pushing the wheelchair rim with wheel guard attached

Energy-Saving Propulsion

CURVE TETRA - GRIP requires less force per push, helping users maintain independence and mobility with less effort.

Media

QUADRO - Setting new limits!

Specifications

Specification CURVE CURVE L CURVE TETRA-GRIP
Hand Function Complete hand function with complete hand strength Complete hand function with complete hand strength Complete hand function with limited strength; Limited hand function with triceps function
Available Sizes 22″, 24″, 25″ 24″, 25″, 26″ 22″, 24″, 25″, 26″
Surface/Coating Powder coated, anodized Powder coated, anodized Anti-slip plastic coating
Mounting Options 6 Tab Mounting, 6 Rivnut Mounting 6 Tab Mounting, 6 Rivnut Mounting 6 Tab Mounting, 6 Rivnut Mounting
Colour Options Black Silver, Black Black
Recommended Hand Size Small Normal – Large Normal – Large

CarboLife CURVE & TETRA - GRIP

CURVE and CURVE L

For Wheelchair Users with Complete Hand Function.

The CarboLife Curve Series handrims are meticulously engineered to align with the natural anatomy of the hand, offering wheelchair users a more comfortable and efficient propulsion experience. Designed for individuals with complete hand function, these handrims feature an innovative curved profile that provides a controlled, low-effort grip while stabilizing the wrist. This ergonomic design reduces muscle fatigue, alleviates cramps, and may help relieve pain associated with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, ensuring a relaxed and enduring ride. 

The innovative profile enables you to gain controlled, low-effort grip while stabilising your wrist. Compared to conventional handrims, the hand muscles tire less and so help to reduce cramps and relieve pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome creating a relaxed and lasting riding experience.

Wheelchair users with small hands should use the small CURVE profile. If you have normally-sized or large hands, we recommend choosing the larger CURVE L profile. Those who enjoy fast downhill rides in higher temperatures, should use the anodised surface.

Curve Tetra-grip

For Wheelchair Users with Complete Hand Function but Low Strength.

The CarboLife CURVE TETRA-GRIP handrims are specifically designed for wheelchair users with limited hand function, particularly tetraplegics with triceps function. Featuring a larger profile than conventional round handrims, they provide an optimized gripping surface that allows users to exert more pressure with less effort. This design facilitates easier propulsion on flat surfaces and inclines, reduces joint strain, and enhances overall wheelchair handling. 

The CURVE TETRA-GRIP handrims are an excellent choice for individuals seeking improved propulsion efficiency, enhanced control, and increased safety in their daily mobility.

CarboLife GEKKO

GEKKO and GEKKO S

For Wheelchair Users with Limited Hand Strength

The CarboLife GEKKO Series handrims are engineered for wheelchair users seeking enhanced propulsion efficiency, comfort, and control. Featuring an innovative oval profile and integrated silicone grip, these handrims are designed to reduce strain and improve handling across various terrains.

The GEKKO Series handrims are an excellent choice for users seeking a balance of ergonomic design, superior grip, and lightweight durability. Whether navigating daily commutes or engaging in active lifestyles, the GEKKO and GEKKO S models offer tailored solutions to enhance wheelchair mobility and comfort.

The Gekko S is recommended for users with small hands or children as well. Especially children who are learning, how to push and grab the hand rim properly. If you have normally-sized or large hands,  the larger Gekko profile is recommended. Robust replaceable silicone strip is also available.

Functional benefits

Close up image of a hand holding onto a wheelchair rim with blue spokes and rim

Exceptional Grip in All Conditions

The integrated silicone strip ensures a secure, non-slip grip—even in wet or sweaty hands.

Sketch of human hand in a fist position, showing the ergonomics of grasping the Carbolife GEKKO Wheelchair Rim.

Reduced Hand Fatigue

The ergonomic oval shape supports the natural hand posture, minimising strain over long distances.

Close up image of a hand holding onto a wheelchair rim with blue spokes and rim from the front.

Low Heat Build-Up When Braking

Anodised side surfaces provide smooth braking while dispersing heat effectively.

Macro shot of blue wheelchair rim

Replaceable Silicone Strip for Longevity

Easy-to-replace grip insert allows users to maintain performance and hygiene over time.

Close up image of young girl hand on a wheelchair rim.

GEKKO S - Optimised for Smaller Hands

Specially designed profile provides a more comfortable and effective grip for children or adults with smaller hands.

Specifications

Specification GEKKO GEKKO S
Hand Function Complete hand function with complete or limited hand strength Complete hand function with complete or limited hand strength
Available Sizes 22″, 24″, 25″, 26″ 22″, 24″, 25″, 26″
Surface/Coating Anodized Anodized
Mounting Options 6 Tab Mounting Austauschbare Silikonlippe (replaceable silicone strip), 6 Tab, 6 Rivnut
Colour Options Silver, Black Silver, Black
Additional Notes Designed for general adult use with standard hand sizes Optimised for users with smaller hands (children or adults)

CarboLife QUADRO

For Tetraplegics without Triceps Function

The CarboLife QUADRO handrims are specifically engineered for wheelchair users with limited hand function without triceps function, such as tetraplegics. These handrims feature a unique profile that offers a significantly larger gripping surface compared to conventional handrims, enhancing propulsion efficiency and control. 

The QUADRO handrims are designed to push the limits of mobility for users with specific functional needs, offering unparalleled grip and control to enhance daily wheelchair use.

 Featuring an extremely robust anti-slip coating, it offers unsurpassed grip for efficient propulsion as well as maximum control during braking and when correcting the direction of travel.

Functional benefits

Sketch of human hand in an extended fist position, showing the ergonomics of grasping the Carbolife QUADRO wheelchair rim.

Ergonomic Design

Tailored to the biomechanics of individuals without triceps function, reducing strain and improving comfort during use

Close up image of the back of a hand pushing a wheelchair rim with a gloved on.

Enhanced Grip

The robust anti-slip coating ensures a secure grip, facilitating efficient propulsion and maximum control during braking and directional adjustments.

Close up image of the front of a hand pushing a wheelchair rim with a gloved on.

Larger Gripping Surface

The specially adapted profile provides a considerably larger contact area, accommodating users who propel their wheelchairs using the heel of the hand or thumb pad.

Specifications

Specification

QUADRO

Hand Function

Limited hand function without triceps function

Available Sizes

22″, 24″, 25″, 26″

Surface/Coating

Anti-slip plastic coating

Mounting Options

6 Tab Mounting

Colour Options

Black

Resources

CarboLife Catalouge 2022

9.43 MB

Installation and Care Instructions - CarboLife

0.16 MB

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