Panthera partners up with reTyre to launch detachable tyre tread for wheelchairs
Wheelchair manufacturer Panthera has partnered with modular e-bike tyre producer reTyre to launch a fully detachable tyre tread for wheelchairs.
reTyre Traction is a lightweight and compact tyre tread that provides stable grip not only on snow, but also on soft, wet, and slippery surfaces and on sand and gravel.
While rough-patterned tyres made specifically for tough surfaces do exist, having to change between two sets of wheels leaves little space for flexibility and everyday surprises.
Norwegian start-up reTyre, which is known for its modular bicycle tyres, aimed to address these challenges by offering a lightweight rough-patterned tyre tread that the user mounts on top of the existing tyre, providing users with instant grip and safety.
Unlike the bicycle variant that reTyre produces, which uses zippers as means of attachment, the manufacturer designed the Traction so that it can quickly and easily be mounted and detached with a Velcro fastener.
Panthera AB, a Swedish producer of lightweight wheelchairs for adults and children, has ensured global distribution rights for reTyre. Its Founder, Jalle Jungnell, said: “The reason why we seized the opportunity to work with reTyre is that this product makes life so much easier for me as a wheelchair user.
“I used to have two wheelchairs – one for indoor use and one for outdoor, but with reTyre Traction I can always use one wheelchair and still be prepared for changing conditions and weather.
“This advantage I would love to share with wheelchair users around the world, and as a distributor and wheelchair producer we have the possibility to make that happen.”
Alexander Gjendem Gjørven, COO and Co-founder at reTyr added: “Panthera is in the forefront of innovation on wheelchairs and with our innovative modular tyre systems, we knew that the two companies were a perfect match when we entered into a partnership in 2018.
“After three years of development and continuous feedback loops from wheelchair users around the world, reTyre Traction is now launched after being optimized to perfection. Basically, we have invented the shoe for wheelchairs.
“We look forward to supporting wheelchair users’ mobility by providing a fantastic grip on uneven surfaces and on snowy roads with a Skin that is easily mounted in 30 seconds with no tools required.
“I can think of no better distribution partner than Panthera to bring reTyre Traction out to wheelchair users around the globe”.
