Wheelchair Maintenance

Manual Wheelchair Maintenance

Below is the safety checklist for the

http://www.lightweightmobilityandseating.com contained within the owner's manual. This list can be used as a general guide for inspecting manual wheelchairs. It is important that the rider visually inspects their wheelchair on a regular basis. If there is an issue, the rider should call it in as soon as possible. Not addressing an issue will often lead to further damage, resulting in the need for more extensive repairs and extended downtime. #lightweightmobilityandseating #quickiewheelchairs #quickienitrum

Weekly

Tire Inflation level

Wheel locks 

3 Months

Visually check for loose hardware

Quick-release axles

Wheels, tires, and spokes

Castors

Wheels, tires, and spokes

Anti-tip tubes 

Upholstery

6 Months

Armrests

Axle and axle sleeves

Frame, camber tubes

Axle and axle sleeves 

Frame, camber tubes, and crossbrace

Annual Safety & Function Check Service by a Sunrise Medical authorized dealer

NOTE: The user or caregiver should perform these weekly and monthly checks to maintain the safety of their chair. If an item is not working properly, please contact your Sunrise Medical authorized dealer.

It is also important for riders to familiarize themselves with all the parts on their wheelchair. The owner's manual typically has a diagram of the components of the specific wheelchair. Below is an example showing the QUICKIE Nitrum.

Power Wheelchair Maintenance

The same principles apply to power wheelchair maintenance. It is important to read the owner's manual for the specific model of power wheelchair and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Basic daily checks for power wheelchairs include checking the wheels and tires (Is there adequate tread? Are the tires sufficiently inflated?), batteries (Are the batteries sufficiently charged?), lights & indicators, controls, seating (Are the cushions in place?), and ensuring the free wheel switch is set to drive/engage. Ensuring the power wheelchair remains properly charged is a crucial daily check that can extend the overall life of the battery as well as optimize the rider's daily range they can achieve on a single charge.

Weekly checks for power wheelchairs include: checking the electronic brake; connectors and cables to ensure proper connection and that there are no signs of damage; the controller to ensure it is securely mounted and that there are no signs of damage; the controls to ensure operation of all electric options, seating, and drive profiles; the frame and base for foreign objects and/or obstructions; and ensuring the knobs that attach the seat frame to the front of the base are not loose.

Quarterly checks include checking all straps for fraying, ripped seams, or other indications of excessive wear damage; the chair for any missing or loose nuts, bolts, and/or fasteners; and the wheelchair for any broken components.

Just as with manual wheelchair riders, power wheelchair riders should familiarize themselves with all the parts and components of their power wheelchair. Below is a diagram outlining the basic components of the QUICKIE Q300 M Mini.

 Making Adjustments

There are some simple adjustments that can be made by the rider if they are properly educated and have the right tools. It is important to use the right tools for the job. Riders should check their owner's manual to ensure they are only using the recommended tools for their specific wheelchair model. A small set of Allen wrenches and a small crescent wrench are typical tools needed. If the rider has pneumatic tires, then a bicycle pump or portable air compressor will also be needed.

There are some excellent resources available for wheelchair maintenance. The University of Pittsburgh Model Scenter on Spinal Cord Injury has several resources. Additionally, this fact sheet published by The Spinal Cord Injury Model System and Model Systems Knowledge Transition Center has detailed instructions on how to perform specific tasks.

The Role of the Therapists

Clinicians can play an important role in educating and empowering riders to perform self-maintenance of their wheelchairs.

Simple maintenance such as keeping the wheelchair clean, tightening any loose parts, ensuring proper tire inflation, keeping the casters & rear wheel axles clean and free of hair and dirt, and keeping the bearings and axles lubricated, can reduce the need for frequent repairs and ensure optimal safety and performance of a rider's wheelchair.

End users should also schedule an annual service with their supplier and be sure to take care of any issues as soon as they appear to prevent bigger problems. Research shows that clinicians have an opportunity to help wheelchair users avoid repairs in the first place by providing preventative chair maintenance, and reduce adverse consequences of wheelchair breakdowns by repairing breakdowns in a timely and efficient manner (Henderson, et. al, 2022).