PVC-X Stock List
This page contains the general stock list of supplies needed to build the PVC-X. Excluding the rear wheels, the retail cost of the materials for me was about $200 (not including taxes & shipping). Buying in bulk should greatly reduce this cost. Bolts, screws, glue, and paint are not included here either.
The cost of the rear wheels will vary widely depending upon the source, type of materials & construction.
PVC Frame Pipes and Fittings
For me, the price for these material was about $125 not including shipping. Prices and availability will vary by location.
The major elements of the frame are made out of 1 1/2" Schedule 40 PVC.
Slip on T's could also be used instead of Snap On T's. These fittings are used for the cross braces.
These are used to connect the Lower Chasis and Backrest.
Two are used on the front leg supports to create the curve, and two are used on the Lower Chasis by the trike wheel.
These are used to secure a cross brace for the rear seat pan.
The caps go on the top of the backrest supports to create a smooth end surface.
These fittings connect the axle rod to the rest of the PVC frame by seating the metal collars.
Comes after the 90 degree elbow to convert the vertical leg support to 1".
1" PVC is used for the vertical leg supports, and the footrest bars.
Axle Materials
Axle materials cost about $35. The most expensive aspect is the metal collars. Buying in bulk should reduce the price significantly. Remember, you must match your axle rod with your wheel hub size! Wheelchairs are typically 1/2". Mountain bikes are 12mm.
This rod will need to be cut depending upon the width of the frame and rear wheels. I used 1/2" since that size matches my wheelchair wheel axle.
Each Side T holds (2) collars = (4). I use (2) collars taped together to hold the wheel on = (4). (2) collars on the inside of the frame to secure the rod from moving sideways. Total = 10 collars.
(2) surround the Side T which holds the axle rod to provide support. (2) Surround the cut section of the vertical axle support.
Front Trike Wheel
The front trike wheel you choose will depend upon local availability. There are two basic types, swivel and stem. There are multiple different sources of caster wheels depending upon your approach.
1. You can purchase an assembly intended for industrial uses.
2. You can purchase an assembly intended for hospital style wheelchairs.
3. You can purchase an assembly intended for power wheelchairs.
The desired wheel size is 6" or 7" in diameter by 2" wide. Hospital style assemblies will usually be 1" in width, but they may work. Common power WC assemblies are 2" wide. Industrial assemblies will vary in wheel width and diameter size.
Ideally, the wheel would be pneumatic, but you may not have that option.
The casters you want to AVOID are the ones made for sports/ultralightweight wheelchairs. These casters are both extremely expensive and too small in size for rough terrain.
Prices will vary in the $25 to $50 range.
6"x2" caster wheel includes the tire, rim, tube, axle, & fork. Inner tube with an angled Schrader valve stem. Our Deluxe Hoverboard go-kart kit has proven to be a popular item and now we can supply a replacement caster to keep it going. The same caster that comes with a new Deluxe Hoverboard Go-Kart Attachment Kit with Large Front Wheel & Suspension
The swivel caster has a top plate that will be bolted to the Lower Chasis in some manner.
The stem will have to be secured to the Lower Chasis in some manner. Likely using a similar method of metal collars to hold the axle.
You can buy the wheel and fork separately.
This is a standard WC fork of different diameters 6,7,8".
$45 - Pride Jazzy Select Elite GT 6 Wheelchair Front Caster Wheels w/ Forks 6" X 2"
PERMOBIL M300 HD Power WHEELCHAIR Pair (2) CASTER Wheels WITH FORK ASSEMBLY #1.