How Often To Service a Power Wheelchair: Tips on Maintenance

A power wheelchair is an excellent investment for those who need assistance. It can provide anyone with the independence they need to get from one place to another. However, for a power wheelchair to run well and last long, it needs to be serviced regularly. In this guide, we will cover how often you should service a power wheelchair and tips for maintenance. We will also discuss how long a power wheelchair should last when appropriately serviced.

How often you should service an electric wheelchair? This will depend on how often you use it. The general rule is at least one time a year for those that use a power wheelchair daily. However, if the power wheelchair is only used occasionally, it can be serviced within two years. Several things need to be checked during service, including the batteries, motors, and brakes.

In terms of maintenance, there are a few things that you can do to keep your power wheelchair running well:

  1. Make sure to check the batteries often and clean them if necessary.
  2. Keep an eye on the wheels and tires to ensure they are in good condition.
  3. If you notice any problems with the power wheelchair, make sure to take it to a service center as soon as possible.

If you take care of your power wheelchair and service it regularly, it should last for years. However, if you do not take care of your power wheelchair, it may only last for a few years. Therefore, it is critical to take care of your power wheelchair and have a professional look at for maintenance purposes at least once a year.

Maintenance Checklist

Cater wheels and Drive tires

  • Looks for punctures, cracks, and wear and tear
  • Make sure casters easily rotate without friction
  • Wheels should have the proper air pressure and adjust if needed

Brake system

  • Make sure manual break releases
  • Separate brakes should be checked to ensure they engage and release when in use

Connectors for electrical use

  • Check cords, connections to make sure cords are not damaged

Joystick

  • Make sure the rubber boot around the joystick are in good working order and intact

Seat and armrests

  • Check to make sure your armrest bolds are nice and tight
  • Make sure any swivel seat screws are tight

Clean the power wheelchair and keep dry

  • Keep your chair clean and dry after each use

Keep your electric wheelchair clean and dry.

It is essential to keep your power wheelchair clean and dry as much as possible. Wipe down the frame and wheels after every use, and more thoroughly clean it at least once a week.

Most manufacturers recommend servicing your power wheelchair once a year, but this may vary depending on how often you use it. If you use your wheelchair regularly or are exposed to harsh weather conditions, you may need to service it more frequently. When in doubt, consult a qualified technician.

Keep a close eye on your tires.

Tires are essential parts of a power wheelchair, and they can wear out quickly if not properly maintained. Inspect your tires often for any signs of wear and tear, and inflate them to the recommended pressure levels.

Have the tires checked by a qualified technician if you notice any unusual wear patterns or damage? Replacing worn-out tires is much cheaper than having to replace the entire wheelchair.

Monitor your battery

The battery is another crucial component of a power wheelchair, and it needs to be appropriately maintained to function properly. Most batteries need to be replaced every two to three years, but this may vary depending on how often you use your wheelchair. Also, its important to charge your batteries correctly to get longer use out of them.

Inspect the electric wheelchair frame

Keep a close eye on the frame. If you notice any damage, it’s critical to get the wheelchair repaired as soon as possible. Having a damaged wheelchair can cause further issues down the road and even lead to an accident. The wheelchair frame is the essential part of the wheelchair, so keeping it in good condition is necessary.

Check electronics regularly.

Electric Wheelchair Maintenance

The electronic components of a power wheelchair should be checked regularly. These include the battery, motor, and controller. If any of these electronic components are not working correctly, it can cause the wheelchair to malfunction.

Know what a properly working power chair should sound like because the first sign something may be wrong is your electric chair will start to sound different.

Your joystick is something that can malfunction, and if you feel like this component is not working smoothly and starts to stick when you try to move it, you should have this looked at by a professional.

If kept outside, use a protective cover.

If your power wheelchair is kept outside, it’s essential to use a protective cover. This will protect the wheelchair from the elements and keep it in good condition. It’s also important to bring the wheelchair inside if there is a chance of severe weather.

Keep track of how many miles you have on the power chair

Like a car, you want to keep track of how many miles are on your power wheelchair. This data can be useful when it comes time to service the wheelchair. It’s also beneficial to have this information when troubleshooting any issues.

How to find the right power wheelchair maintenance professionals in your area

If you’re having trouble finding a power wheelchair maintenance professional in your area, there are a few resources you can use. The first is the internet. Many websites can help you find a service provider in your area. Another resource is your message boards like nextdoor.com. You can also ask around to see if anyone you know has used a power wheelchair maintenance professional in the past and can recommend someone to you.

When it comes to servicing your power wheelchair, it’s vital to be proactive and have regular checkups. By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your wheelchair will last for many years. And if you do run into issues, you’ll know exactly where to turn to get the help you need.

Final thoughts on when to Maintenance a power wheelchair

Servicing your power wheelchair regularly is essential to keep it running smoothly and prevent any issues. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure that your wheelchair will last for many years to come.

If you ever do run into technical or maintenance issues, contact a professional power wheelchair maintenance provider in your area. Thanks for reading! We hope this was helpful.

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About ASmith

Adam Smith is the main researcher and contributor at Mobility Medical Supply. Adam has many years of research in public data, and software security. With Mobility issues within Adam's family, he decided to dedicate in-depth guides on mobility products to anyone looking to improve movement and gain independence.