Abstract: A wheel and brake system adapted for use with a vehicle for transportation comprising: a tread having a plurality of elements circumferentially spaced around the wheel to define a substantially circular outer edge of the tread, the elements capable of flexing inwardly upon contact with a protruding surface to expose a load bearing surface to support a load of the vehicle; a brake; and a handle connected to the brake and adapted for moving of the vehicle in a pulling direction and engaging brake when a pulling force is applied in the pulling direction, the brake when engaged, adapted to permit rotation of the wheel in the pulling direction and to impede rotation of the wheel in an opposite direction. In one embodiment, the brake system comprises two braking elements and a brake actuating element to controllably engage one braking element to impede rotation thereof, the one braking element engaging another braking element to impede rotation of the wheel.