Topeak JoeBlow Sport III
My wheelchair needs air! But how?
22.6.2023
Pictures: Christian Walker
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
I recently had to trade my legs for two wheels. Now, everyday life has me regularly dealing with unexpected problems. For example, how to get air into my tyres.
At least every two weeks, for a smooth driving experience, I pump up my tyres to nine bars. Until now, I’ve been going to a bike shop for that. But in future, I’d like to have a solution in place that allows me to inflate my tyres at home myself. During the last few weeks, I’ve been testing three possible alternatives.
The floor pump: worth a try
The most obvious choice is a floor pump. But there’s one little problem. I can’t get up. There’s no way I can build up enough strength for it sitting down. I can’t even manage one pump.
Source: Christian Walker
- Pro: the floor pump provides a good amount of pressure, is inexpensive and space saving.
- Con: I can’t operate it and need to ask someone for help.
The compressor: tinnitus and a storage problem
Since my upper arms don’t have enough oomph, I give it a go with a compressor. As expected, it does the job perfectly. However, I’ve no room for it in my tiny 1.5-bedroom flat. Another drawback is that it’s not just my legs but also my hearing that’ll be lost if I use this thing in the long-run.
Source: Christian Walker
- Pro: The compressor provides sufficient pressure, and I can operate it by myself. You can also use it for other purposes.
- Con: It will damage my hearing in the long run, and I don’t have the space for it in my small apartment.
The battery-driven compressor: an unexpected powerhouse
I had some serious doubts about this battery-driven compressor. Surely, it would be a waste of money. Turns out I was completely wrong. This gadget’s terrific. Not only does it deliver plenty of pressure, it’s also space saving and bearable in terms of volume. Hands down my favourite.
Source: Christian Walker
- Pro: the battery compressor provides sufficient pressure. I can operate it myself without any help. It’s compact and the noise levels are humane.
- Con: nothing.
Verdict: I have a favourite
While the floor pump is impossible for me to operate sitting down, the compressor takes up too much space. But my search has come to an end. I’ve found the ideal solution in Xiaomi’s battery-driven compressor. It does its job outstandingly well. I no longer need help inflating my tyres. What’s more, I can easily stow it away in a drawer. Thanks to this wee gadget, I’ve got one less problem in my new everyday life.
Riding my motorbike makes me feel free, fishing brings out my inner hunter, using my camera gets me creative. I make my money messing around with toys all day.