Essential Inspections To Determine if Your Wheelchair Needs Repair
For individuals with limited mobility, a wheelchair serves as a reliable companion, helping them navigate their daily lives. It provides essential support and allows users to maintain their routines with confidence. Given how often we rely on it, regular wheelchair repair and maintenance become crucial.
Experiencing a breakdown can not only disrupt your mobility but may also lead to injuries. By scheduling routine upkeep, you can extend the lifespan of your mobility aid and avoid expensive repair costs. Most importantly, it ensures your safety!
While the complete wheelchair maintenance checklist can seem daunting, we’ve simplified it by highlighting key areas to check for signs of damage.
Seat and Backrest
It’s usually relatively easy to spot traces of wear on your wheelchair’s seat and backrest. Whether it’s an evident tear or just a lack of comfort when sitting down, you’ll likely be aware if they’re in poor condition.
Sometimes, the backrest may begin to lose its form, which can result in inadequate back support. This can lead to poor sitting posture, potentially causing backaches or other related issues. If you find that your seat or backrest isn’t as comfortable as it used to be, consider a replacement.
Wheelchair Frame
Rust or breaks in a wheelchair frame can pose serious risks. Even a minor fracture, if ignored, may lead to the equipment failing over time. It’s essential to inspect your wheelchair frame for any visible defects regularly. If you notice a crack or break, have it repaired right away. Addressing minor damage early on can make for a straightforward fix by a skilled repair technician.
Tire Pressure
If you’re struggling to maneuver your wheelchair, it might indicate that your tires are either under or overinflated. Ensuring that your tires are adequately inflated is vital for smooth movement. If not, you risk increasing wear on the wheels, which can shorten their lifespan. It’s advisable to check your tire pressure weekly to maintain optimal performance.
Tire Treads
Similar to cars and bicycles, wheelchair tires also experience wear and tear over time. If you notice it’s becoming harder to move forward or if braking feels challenging, inspect your tire treads. Reduced traction can pose serious risks, particularly on rough surfaces or in icy, snowy, or wet conditions. Worn tires are also more likely to get punctured.
Tire tread can be difficult to see, so if you’re unsure, run your hands over the surface to assess the texture. Look or feel for any noticeable damage, like cracks, tears, or bulges.
Brakes and Wheel Locks
Regularly test the brakes by applying them to make sure the chair remains stationary, and the wheels don’t move. If they aren’t functioning correctly, check for basic issues like underinflated tires or loose screws. Properly working brakes are crucial for safety, so it’s essential to keep them in good condition.
Battery
The batteries in a powered wheelchair generally last between 12 and 24 months, depending on your usage. To prolong their life, try not to let them run completely flat and make it a habit to recharge them regularly. Charging your wheelchair overnight ensures it’s fully powered and ready for you each morning. If you find that the batteries are not holding their charge as well as they used to, it might be time for a replacement.
Nuts, Bolts, and Screws
These components can loosen over time, particularly if you frequently cross rough terrain or bumpy surfaces. It’s important to inspect any moving parts on your wheelchair to ensure they are secure. Be sure to check areas such as the caster wheels, armrests, footrests, and brakes.
Get Expert Wheelchair Repair Today
It can be overwhelming to keep track of everything needed to ensure your mobility device is functioning at its best. While you can perform basic checks on your own, nothing beats the expertise of a professional who has hands-on experience with wheelchairs.
Reach out to a trusted mobility equipment technician today to get your wheelchair inspected or fixed, ensuring it’s in optimal condition for your daily needs. Whether it’s a simple tune-up or more extensive repair, these professionals are equipped to enhance your safety and comfort. You can count on them to keep you moving confidently.