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Piper (PVC Wheelchair)

Photo Aug 13 2026, 5 08 38 PM.jpg

Piper is an active wheelchair made with 1" diameter PVC. Therefore, it is only suitable for people under 150 lbs (this is a guess). Heavier people should use 1.25" or 1.5" diameter PVC. 

Piper features two 4" caster wheels in the front and 24" x 1" street tires on 540 rims for the rear wheels. The frame weighs about 20 lbs (not including the rear wheels). Piper features an aftermarket padded aluminum backrest that has up/down adjustability.

My prototype model has a 14" wide seatpan which is my size. I typically use 25" wheels, but since 24" (540) are more common, the frame is based on 24" x 1" wheels. The wheel size can be modified as desired.

I am using (pre-bent) large grey 90 degree elbows for the curved part of the leg supports. I used a heat gun to reduce the angle from 90 to 75 degrees to allow for 15 degrees of dump. There is a "brake bar" which can be use to hold the brackets for either upper mounted or lower mounted undermount brakes (wheel-locks).

Piper Fabrication Photos

Piper Stock List

Frame​

 

Fasteners

  • A small box of 3/4" wood screws.

  • (6) 3.5" x 5/16" bolts, nuts, washers. 

  • (6) 1" plastic Saddle Washers.

Aftermarket Wheelchair Parts

  • (2) 4" stem caster forks and wheels.

  • (2) Axle receivers

  • (2) Quick release axles.

  • (2) 24" (540) wheelchair wheels.

  • (1) Rigid backrest with padding

  • (1) Seat cushion.

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Frame Component Dimensions

(1) Back Panel - 14" x 8"x 1/4"

(2) Metal Backrest Supports - 8" x 7/8"
(2) Back Supports - 13"

(2) Lower Chassis - 21" 
(2) Upper Chassis - 15"

(1) Seatpan - 15" x 14"x1/4"

(2) Camber Tube - 15" x 4"x1", 15" x 4"x1"

(2) Camber Mounting Brackets - 6"x 2.5"x1"

(2) Front Leg Supports (bend) - 20"

(2) Upper Leg Large 90 degree elbows -13"

(2) Lower Leg Supports - 8"

(2) Front Caster Supports -  2.5"

(1) Seat Cross Brace - 11"

(1) Lower Chassis Cross Brace - "12"

(2) Footrest Tubes - 7", 9"

(2) Sideguards - 15" x 8"

© 2026 Open-Source Wheelchairs

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