The Ultimate Guide to Wheelchair Maintenance

A wheelchair is a mobility device that allows persons with disabilities to independently move around with greater ease and helps contribute to living a normal life in society. A wheelchair allows persons with disabilities to engage in daily activities, and access education and even employment opportunities.

Sadly, wheelchair users may unexpectedly encounter problems and failures that can cause considerable discomfort and serious harm. Proper wheelchair maintenance is essential to ensure the safety and long-term usability of a wheelchair.

In this article, we will discuss some of the important daily care and routine checkup tips along with common repairs of wheelchairs that could help make your wheelchair more comfortable and durable.

The Importance of Regular Wheelchair Maintenance

Regular maintenance is important for wheelchairs, According to the article  “Community-based wheelchair caster failures call for improvements in quality and increased frequency of preventative maintenance” by Anand Mhatre,  who is an accomplished researcher on wheelchair design and field data collection. His research shows nearly 70% of individuals with spinal cord injuries in the U.S. rely on wheelchairs. Surprisingly, over 50% of these wheelchairs experience significant problems within the first six months of use, with front caster wheels accounting for 27% of these failures. Anand is experienced in both industry and academia. Just imagine that. You are just getting past the additional challenges of a spinal cord injury and then your wheelchair lets you down in just a few months.

The time taken for repairs is even more worrisome. For example, a caster repair could take up to 210 days, terribly affecting a user’s mobility and depriving them of their rights. Children who are unable to go to school, visit the playground and also get to spend time with their peers. Adults are unable to go about their daily routine for a very long time. The lack of timely repairs highlights the urgent need for a more efficient and user-centered approach to wheelchair maintenance and support services.

Making regular maintenance a top priority can avoid these delays and setbacks, ensuring the wheelchair is safe, comfortable, and reliable.

Simple Tips For Wheelchair Maintenance

Daily care for a wheelchair doesn’t need to be complicated, but it can go a long way in keeping it in optimal condition. 

Here are four important  daily care tips:

Frequent Cleaning of the Frame: Dirt, dust, and grime can build up on the frame which will wear it away quickly. Use a diluted cleaning agent and a damp cloth to clean the frame daily to keep the wheelchair’s finish intact. Stay away from harmful chemicals since they can harm the surface.

Inspect Moving Parts: Examine the wheel and footrest regularly to prevent improper alignment of the wheelchair. As the saying goes, “It is better to prevent things rather than cure them.” Fix something small when it is small or else when something is already big it will take much more stress and effort to fix.

Monitor Tire Pressure:  Make sure to check any inflatable tires on the wheelchair, if any are present. Underinflated tires can make it hard to move around and risk a breakdown.

Check Upholstery: Check to ensure the backrest upholstery is correctly positioned and intact so as not to cause discomfort. Address them promptly so that you may be comfortable while using them. 

Routine Checkups: The Best Way to Minimize Breakdowns.

It is essential to schedule routine checkups to prevent problems from arising when you do daily care. While getting your routine checkup, look for the following areas.

Wheel Alignment: The wheelchair's maneuverability is affected by wheel alignment. Wheels that are not lined up correctly strain the user and decrease the ability to maneuver with ease.

Brake System: Brakes or wheel locks are probably the most essential safety features on most wheelchairs. A malfunctioning brake can cause an accident. Always make sure that the brakes can lock the wheel and be replaced if needed.

Caster Wheels: Caster wheels are usually the first to fail on a wheelchair, especially when not maintained properly. Check daily for dirt and grit around the caster wheels so that they can rotate without restriction. Change the bearings when required. Keep an extra set on hand so that you are not stranded when the inevitable happens and a wheel wears out.

Common Wheelchair Repairs: Be Prepared

Even with the best maintenance, certain parts of the wheelchair will eventually require repair or replacement. Here are three of the most common repairs and how to address them:

Brake Adjustments: If your brakes are not gripping the wheels tightly enough, they may need adjustment. This can usually be done by moving the brake shoe closer to the tire just a little bit. If the problem persists, the brakes may need to be replaced.

Flat Tires: Flat tires are one of the most common issues wheelchair users face. It’s important to know how to change or patch a flat tire. Having a tire patch kit handy can be a lifesaver until the tire can be properly repaired or replaced.

Upholstery Replacement: Over time, the seat and backrest upholstery may wear out. Replacing these components will improve comfort and support. 

As technology evolves, consider upgrading to modern, lightweight wheelchair designs for added comfort and usability.

The Importance of Ongoing Maintenance

Investing time and effort into proper wheelchair maintenance not only extends the life of the wheelchair but also ensures the user’s safety and comfort. Whether it’s performing daily care routines, scheduling routine checkups, or tackling common repairs, keeping up with maintenance will help you get the most out of your wheelchair.

This quote from Anand Mhatre sums it all up:  

By following this guide, you can reduce the risk of breakdowns and ensure that your wheelchair continues to offer the mobility and freedom it’s designed to provide.