Think about ordering a replacement part for a car.

You probably wouldn’t walk into an auto parts store and simply say, “I need a part for my car.”

They’d need more information.

Ford → Mustang
Chevrolet → Camaro
Dodge → Charger

Knowing the make and model helps narrow down which parts were designed for that specific vehicle.

Ordering wheelchair parts works in a similar way.

Knowing that you have a manual wheelchair, power wheelchair, or mobility scooter is a good start, but it often isn’t enough to identify the replacement parts you need.

Knowing your wheelchair’s manufacturer, model, and serial number when available can make finding compatible parts much easier.

Make vs. Model: What’s the Difference?

The make is the manufacturer or brand that made your wheelchair.

The model is the specific wheelchair they produced.

For example:

Quickie → Q7
TiLite → Aero Z
Invacare → Tracer EX2
Drive Medical → Cruiser III

Just like car manufacturers produce many different models, wheelchair manufacturers do too.

Two chairs from the same manufacturer can use very different parts, so knowing the brand alone may not be enough.

Why Does Your Wheelchair Model Matter?

Wheelchairs are not built around one universal set of parts.

Depending on the chair, differences can include:

• Rear wheel and tire sizes
• Inner tube sizes and valve types
• Bearings
• Axles
• Casters and caster forks
• Wheel locks
• Armrests and arm pads
• Footrests and footplates
• Upholstery
• Mounting hardware

Even parts that look nearly identical can differ in size, mounting style, or other specifications.

Your wheelchair’s make and model gives you a much better starting point when searching for replacement parts.

“But I Know My Wheelchair Has 24-Inch Wheels”

That’s useful information, but it still may not be enough.

It’s similar to saying your car has 18-inch wheels. That tells a parts supplier something, but it doesn’t tell them whether you drive a Mustang or a Charger.

Wheelchair tires and tubes can be especially confusing because commonly used wheel sizes do not always tell the whole story.

Two tires may both be called “24-inch” but use different sizing standards or dimensions. Inner tubes can also vary by size and valve type.

That’s why it’s important to check the full markings and specifications on your existing tire or tube whenever possible.

Where Can I Find My Wheelchair’s Make and Model?

Start by looking for a manufacturer label or serial number sticker on the wheelchair.

The location varies by manufacturer, so check the frame and areas around or underneath the seating system.

Look for:

Manufacturer
Model or model number
Serial number

If you’re unsure which number is which, take a clear photo of the entire label.

Don’t Know? Ask!

You do not have to figure everything out on your own.

If you purchased your wheelchair through a mobility dealer, DME provider, rehabilitation provider, or another wheelchair supplier, contact them and ask for the information associated with your chair.

You can simply say:

“I’m trying to order replacement parts for my wheelchair. Can you tell me the manufacturer, model, and serial number of the chair I received from you?”

If they have your original equipment records, they may be able to help identify exactly what you have.

Knowing this information can help you better understand and maintain the equipment you rely on.

Keep Your Wheelchair Information Handy

Once you identify your wheelchair, save the information somewhere easy to find.

Consider keeping:

Manufacturer:
Model:
Serial Number:
Year received:
Rear tire size:
Caster size:
Other important specifications:

Save it in your phone, take a photo of the label, or keep it with your wheelchair paperwork.

Know Your Chair Before You Order

Knowing your wheelchair’s make, model, serial number, and relevant specifications can make ordering replacement parts much easier.

And if you do not know that information yet, that’s okay.

Check the label. Check your paperwork. Ask the provider who supplied your chair.

At WheelchairParts.net, we want wheelchair users and caregivers to feel more confident understanding their equipment and finding the replacement parts they need.