Which rim type is indicated when hand contact requires extra support due to grip limitations?

• A. Small diameter handrims.
• B. Covered rims.
• C. One-piece footboard.
• D. Adjustable angle footrests.

Answer: (B)

When grip is limited, the hand needs a surface that provides more traction and cushioning so that the user can grasp and push without slipping or injuring the skin. Covered rims supply a softer, textured surface around the handrim, increasing contact area and friction while distributing pressure more evenly. This makes propulsion easier and safer for someone with weak grip or sensory/skin concerns, because the hand can stay securely on the rim with less effort and less risk of bunching or slipping.

Other rim types don’t address grip quality in the same way. A small diameter handrim changes the leverage and can actually make propulsion harder for someone with limited grip, since the smaller circumference offers less surface for the hand to hold onto. Footboard options are about the feet, not the hands, so they don’t help with grip support at the handrim.