They won a £24,000 Innovate UK grant in 2013 that helped them to develop the loopwheel for wheelchairs. A further £240,000 grant in 2017 allowed them to work with 2 companies, Strategic Simulation and Analysis (SSA) and Composite Braiding, to further develop the loopwheel to go faster and for use off road and on rough terrain.
As you can see, the fitment looks very good on the car. The wheels and tires fill out the wheel wells satisfyingly, though don’t rub in any way. Since the tires are summer fitment, we are running them only in warmer weather. Before the seasons turned, we were able to log some miles and found that the greater weight and larger contact patch with summer compound tires did take a toll on range. We’ve seen that come in at about 185-190 miles for a full charge in fall temperatures.

Ditto for cars, said Barel, although implementing the SoftWheel system in planes and cars won’t happen overnight. “Plane designs have to be approved by the Federal Aviation Industry in the US, and implementing changes in the automobile industry takes time. But eventually, both industries are going to adopt our design. Until now you had to choose between comfort and efficiency in wheel design, and now, for the first time, you can have both.”
Suspension Wheels Loopwheel & Softwheel Home Parts & Accessories Accessories Suspension Wheels SoftWheel state that their wheel's innovative in-wheel suspension technology can help reduce pain and provide a more comfortable ride. 3 suspension arms are built inside the wheel and automatically compress when encountering an obstacle or rough terrain, but remain rigid and strong over flat surfaces The arms are set equidistant around a central hub to provide shock absorption - no matter what the angle of impact is. The suspension arms immediately reset and return the wheelchair – and rider, to a level ride. Standard Specifications Carbon Fibre springs with Hydraulic and Pneumatic damper suspension rams Aluminium hub - to suit 1/2" quick release axles Max Travel: 32mm Carbon Fibre rims Standard 6-tab hard anodised push-rims 32mm clearance required if you have mud guards Wheels are not interchangeable between left and right sides * Wheel weight without pushrim and tyres A Loopwheel is a wheel with integral suspension, designed to reduce vibration and increase performance and provide greater comfort. Loopwheels give you a smoother ride. They are more comfortable than standard wheels: the carbon springs absorb tiring vibration, as well as bumps and shocks. They’re designed for everyday use and are strong and durable. They won’t run as true as a spoked wheel, but they will be a lot more comfortable. Loopwheels are not just a wheel, they’re a suspension system. Loopwheels help people push over uneven streets, rough tracks and gravel paths, with less effort, and the carbon springs give you extra power to get up or down kerbs. They reduce jolting and vibration, by as much as two thirds compared with a spoked wheel. Users report that this helps them manage pain. With standard quick release axles, a choice between 12mm or ½ inch bearings and available in 24″ and 25″ sizes, loopwheels fit most manual wheelchairs. Standard Specifications Carbon fibre Loop suspension Load limit: 120kg Max Travel: 70mm Double wall aluminium rims Standard 6-tab hard anodised push-rims Contact us for available colours * Wheel weight without pushrim and tyres