4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Routine Wheelchair Maintenance
Timely upkeep of your mobility aid is essential for proper wheelchair function.
How often does your wheelchair need a maintenance check? That depends on how often you use the mobility device.
As a general rule of thumb, a wheelchair that is used every day should be serviced around once every month. On the other hand, if you are using the wheelchair occasionally — say, only for trips to the bank or grocery store — then scheduling maintenance checks twice or thrice a year should be enough.
Skipping wheelchair maintenance? Here’s what could happen
1. You could face a wheelchair breakdown.
The wheels could pop or get stuck. The brakes may fail. The motor on your power wheelchair might snag. Many things can go wrong if you haven’t serviced the device recently. This could lead to accidents that are wholly preventable or you might be left stranded at the parking lot or a grocery store because the device broke down. Be on the safe side by scheduling timely check-ups for your wheelchair.
2. Damage may build up gradually.
While a ripped seat is an obvious issue, not all of the damage that a wheelchair sustains is visible. Mud, moisture, dust, and debris could collect in the inner mechanisms of the wheelchair. Even if you’re careful about wiping down the wheelchair each day, problems could be building up inside without you being any wiser. That’s why you need an expert technician to check the wheelchair routinely. They can examine the nooks and crannies to confirm that everything is in order.
3. Your wheelchair may have a shorter life.
Don’t let small, easily fixable issues balloon into more challenging problems that are hard to rectify. Having a wheelchair technician examine the device as per schedule ensures that any nicks and niggles are worked out early. Maintenance ensures that the wheelchair remains in good working condition. A well-maintained wheelchair will serve you well. Minor repairs may not cost too much, and you wouldn’t have to shell out a lump sum on a brand-new wheelchair every few years.
4. You could hurt or strain yourself.
If the wheelchair is not in top condition, the drag may increase and propelling or pushing it may be harder. In the case of a self-propelled wheelchair, for example, the user may need to strain more and use more strength to push the device. Getting around may take longer, leading to exhaustion for the user. Too much strain while using the wheelchair could also strain the muscles and cause injuries.
Wheelchair maintenance tips
When you rent a wheelchair through EquipMe, we ensure that the device you receive is up-to-date on servicing and in top condition. Should you face any issues, our technicians will examine your mobility device to ensure that everything works as it should.
In the meanwhile, there’s more you can do. Follow these pointers to get more out of your mobility aid:
- Check the tyre pressure every month.
- Adjust your backrest to the optimum level.
- Inspect the upholstery for rips and tears.
- Watch out for signs of rust on the frame.
- Keep an eye on how well the brakes are functioning.
- Replace the caster wheels if they start to flutter.
- Ensure that the wheelchair is not tipping over.
- Check that removable armrests and footrests work properly.
- Lubricate all moving parts with a suitable lubricant.
- Tighten any screws that loosen up with use.
- Keep the wheels and axles free of dirt and lint.
- Follow a daily and weekly cleaning routine.
