Your wheelchair should be so comfortable that it feels like an extension of yourself with a little practice — and you should care for it in much the same way!
A broken-down wheelchair spells trouble for your day-to-day activities and mobility and could even be dangerous or put you in harm’s way.
By taking a bit of time to understand how to care for and maintain your equipment properly, you can ensure your chair is operating smoothly long into the future.
Banner for our instructions on how to maintain your wheelchair.
You’ll likely be the first to notice if something has gone awry with your chair.
Even if you’re not able to perform the necessary repairs yourself, it’s a good idea to have a maintenance routine in place to avoid ever having your chair be out of order.
Don’t wait!
You can get a head start on knowing how to maintain your wheelchair the day it’s delivered.
First, familiarize yourself with your chair’s owner manual.
Some repairs may be covered by your warranty and easily taken care of by your service provider.
Next, it’s a good idea to have a set of tools on hand to take care of more minor repairs yourself or with the help of a caretaker.
Some useful tools may include an Allen wrench set, phillips and flat head screwdriver, spoke wrench, and tire repair kit.
Lastly, keep a list of useful information and phone numbers close at hand.
This may include the number for your chair’s service provider, transportation alternatives, who to call in case of emergencies, and other helpful contacts.
This can be a major key in knowing how to maintain your wheelchair.
Keep it Clean
Just as with your body, keeping your chair clean helps cut down on germs and the chance of infection.
You can maintain the cleanliness of your chair by wiping it down regularly with a damp cloth and mild detergent, ensuring not to use harsh chemicals that may break down the materials of your chair or be irritating to your skin.
Use a small tool to keep cogs and wheels free of debris, and consider using car wax on your chair’s frame.
Keep an Eye Out
If you’re able, regularly give your chair a once-over to check for any potential problems.
These may include cracks or breaks in the frame, tears in upholstery, or loose screws.
Regular use of your chair will also help maintain it and ensure you notice as soon as something feels off.
For power or motorized wheelchairs, check that all moving parts are free from entanglements and cords, electrical connections are free of corrosion, and all wires are secured in the correct place.
Remember that batteries are more likely to keep their charge if charged up regularly.
