Office chair wheels may seem like a minor detail, but they actually have a significant impact on the comfort and functionality of your workspace.
When choosing an office chair, one of the most important decisions to make concerns the type of wheels: auto-braking or free, soft or hard. In this blog post, we will explore the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of all these options to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Contents
What are auto-braking wheels?
Auto-braking wheels, as the name suggests, are designed to automatically lock the chair when not in use. This safety mechanism is activated when the chair is not occupied, preventing unwanted movements. Moreover, the reference standard for office seating, EN1335, requires auto-braking wheels to ensure greater safety in the workplace.
Advantages of auto-braking wheels:
- Safety: Prevent accidental chair movements when standing up, reducing the risk of falls; ideal for shared or public work environments where it’s important that chairs stay in place.
- Certifiability: Auto-braking wheels are mandatory if you intend to purchase a chair certified to EN1335.
- Stability: Provide greater stability, particularly useful when performing tasks that require precision.
Disadvantages of auto-braking wheels:
- Reduced Mobility: It may be difficult to move the chair when seated, especially on soft surfaces like carpets. If the feature is not correctly explained, it might sometimes seem like a “defect” of the wheel itself.
- Cost: Generally offered as an optional feature at a higher cost than free wheels.
What are free wheels?
Free wheels, on the other hand, allow the chair to move freely in any direction, whether the chair is occupied or not. They are the most common choice for most office chairs.
Advantages of free wheels:
- Ease of movement: Allow for easy and quick movement within your workspace.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of surfaces, from carpets to hard floors.
- Cost: Usually less expensive than auto-braking wheels.
Disadvantages of free wheels:
- Safety: Can cause accidental chair movements when standing up or sitting down.
- Stability: Less stable than auto-braking wheels, especially on inclined or uneven surfaces.
Soft wheels vs. hard wheels
In addition to choosing between auto-braking and free, it is important to also consider the type of material of the wheels: soft or hard.
Soft wheels
Soft wheels, often also called rubberized wheels, have the part in contact with the ground made of materials such as rubber or polyurethane, designed to protect hard floors and prevent scratches.
Advantages of soft wheels:
- Floor protection: Ideal for wood, tile, or laminate floors where they can prevent damage and scratches.
- Shock absorption: Provide a smoother ride and better absorb shocks, improving comfort.
Disadvantages of soft wheels:
- Greater wear: Wear out more quickly on soft surfaces like thick carpets.
- Resistance to movement: Can offer more resistance to movement on some surfaces, making it more difficult to move the chair.
Hard wheels
Hard wheels are usually made of plastic or metal, designed to be used on soft surfaces like carpets.
Advantages of hard wheels:
- Durability: More resistant to wear on soft surfaces like carpets and rugs.
- Ease of movement: Allow for smoother movement on soft surfaces.
Disadvantages of hard wheels:
- Floor damage: Can cause scratches and damage on hard floors if not used carefully.
- Noise: Can be noisier compared to soft wheels, especially on hard floors.
Which one to choose?
The choice between auto-braking and free wheels, soft and hard, depends on your specific needs and work environment. Here are some factors to consider:
- Work environment: If you work in a shared space and want to have a chair certified to EN1335, auto-braking wheels offer greater safety and stability.
- Type of floor: Auto-braking wheels work better on hard floors, while free wheels are more versatile and suitable for various types of surfaces. If you have hard floors, opt for soft wheels to avoid damage; if you have carpet, hard wheels are more suitable.
- Budget: Consider the cost. If you have a limited budget, free wheels are generally more economical.
Conclusion
Both auto-braking and free wheels, soft or hard, have their pros and cons. The final decision depends on your specific work needs, the type of floor, and safety considerations. Investing in the right office chair wheels can make a big difference in your daily comfort and productivity.
Take into account all the factors and choose the solution that best fits your work environment. Happy choosing and happy working!
