Many motorized wheelchair owners are not aware of the regular maintenance required to keep their chair working at its best until it breaks down. Costly repair bills can often be avoided with a regular check on the condition of a few key areas, and fixing any minor issues before they become bigger problems.
Tighten Any Moving Parts: Adjustable pieces, such as the headrest and arm rests, will occasionally become loose after being used for an extended period of time. It is very important to ensure that these parts are kept secure to avoid causing damage which will make it harder to keep them tightened in the future. This will affect comfort and reduce the value of the device.
Dirt, hair and other debris can collect on the wheels and upholstery and lead to abnormal performance. If a lot of material attaches to either of the wheels it can cause the wheels to be unbalanced an make controlling direction much harder. A very important time to watch for this is in winter when salt used on roads can attach to the fabric and frame, leading to corrosion and rusting. When salt is detected, wash and dry the area immediately.
Listen For Changes in The Motor: Sounds from the motor are the best way to monitor performance of your motorized wheelchair. After a few weeks of regular use, the user will be able to recognize the normal noise their device makes, and any changes could be a sign of a more serious problem. Louder or uneven tones should be taken seriously, a minor malfunction that can be repaired quickly and cheaply can quickly turn into a bigger and much more costly problem. If the chair becomes very hot in a short period of time it must be taken to a mechanic to have it serviced as soon as possible, as it could be a safety risk.
Occasionally the tires will have to be refilled with air and replaced if they have become too worn. To inspect the tires for air loss, squeeze them firmly. If they are soft it is advisable to add more air. Frequently flat tires may be a sign of a hole, which can easily be repaired. Tires that lack air will cause the motor to work harder, which will drain the battery much quicker than normal use.
The control panel will have wires that run from it to the motor, and often these will become dirty or detached. When this happens the device may malfunction or not work at all. To easily avoid this issue, the connections can be detached and washed using a mild cleaning agent and warm water. To ensure that the wires are attached in the correct locations, they are often color coded. Never affix different colored wires to one another, as it can cause irreparable damage and potentially cause a fire.
Though it may sometimes be difficult for the user to perform all of these actions, a close friend or family member may be willing to help. The regular care of a motorized wheelchair is the best way to ensure that it functions properly.
A motorized wheelchair is a costly purchase, so it is important that you give it appropriate upkeep. A less expensive alternative for those who have mobility disabilities is the scooter. Indeed, those who need to be especially cost conscious might want to check into a used mobility scooter.
categories: motorized wheelchair,wheel chair,power chair,mobility scooters,disability,disabled,handicapped
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