Abstract: A wheel for a manual wheelchair includes a gear assembly which is linked to the wheel and includes first and second gear ratio arrangements. A rotating shift mechanism provides the shift capability between the two gear ratios, the shift mechanism having two to six (preferably three) extended, approximately equally spaced leg members, mounted so as to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the axle between two positions. In one position of the shift assembly, the wheelchair is in a standard 1:1 gear ratio, while in another position, the wheelchair is in a lower, 2:1 gear ratio.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a wheelchair having a number of structural features, including a two-gear arrangement, in which one gear is a hypocycloidal gear providing a gear ratio lower than 1:1. A shift member is located on the wheel assembly with hand operated shift portions of the shift member, the shift member capable of moving laterally (perpendicular to the axle) of the wheel between two positions. The shift member can be moved by the user while seated in the wheelchair. The wheel assembly includes a hand rim which is connected to a housing within which is a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes two spaced cage plates which are joined by fixed shafts having unidirectional rollers positioned thereon around the periphery thereof.