What wheelchair is allowed in wheelchair tennis?
Officials' detail · The rules · 1 of 1The chair may be of any non-reflective material, with one pushrim per wheel and no levers, gears, brakes or steering. Tyres must not mark the court. Powered chairs, limited to 15 km/h, are for eligible players only. Medical changes need approval 60 days ahead. Repair breaks totalling 15 minutes bring a penalty, 20 a default.
How it works
- Material: any, non-reflective.
- Pushrims: one per wheel.
- Banned: gears, levers, brakes, steering.
- Tyres: non-marking.
- Powered chair: 15 km/h, eligible players only.
- Modification: applied for 60 days ahead.
- Inspection: by the ITF Supervisor.
- Repairs: 15 minutes total, then penalties.
The glossary has the wheelchair specification, the powered wheelchair, the wheelchair modification, the wheelchair inspection, the repair break and the extra-long racket.
Tricky cases
A chair breaks three times. Allowed?
Yes, until the total reaches 15 minutes.
Are light-up casters allowed?
No.
Can a Quad player use a longer racket?
Only if needed to tape it to the hand.
Who checks the chair?
The ITF Supervisor.
Why the rule exists
Banning gears and brakes keeps movement the player's own work.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Repair 15 minutes | Delay penalty | Reg 84.4.1 |
| Repair 20 minutes | Default | Reg 84.4.1 |
| Powered | 15 km/h | App L 1e |
From the rule book
ITF, Wheelchair Tennis Competition Regulations 2026 (January 2026), Appendix L rule 1e and Regulations 84.4.1, 85.2 and 85.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ITF Wheelchair Tennis Competition Regulations 2026.