All across the country, there are more than 2.7 million people using wheelchairs in their everyday lives. These are some of the most helpful tools for giving people more freedom and access when they have physical limitations.

For those who use manual wheelchairs, it’s extremely important that they are never left without them. A broken or out-of-commission wheelchair is useless and leaves their user stranded until it can be fixed. It is obviously much better to do everything you can to avoid and prevent any issues to begin with.

Inspect Brakes

While the most important function of a manual wheelchair is that it moves where you want it to go, the brakes are just as important. There would be nothing worse than not being able to stop the wheelchair if it started rolling or you needed to change directions.

It’s a good idea to give the wheelchair’s brakes a regular inspection to ensure that they continue to function properly to avoid injury.

This will look like testing them out in a controlled, safe environment. Then make any adjustments needed, like changing out pads or tightening up loose handles. For more intense damage, it’s important to take them to a certified technician for repair. It’s not worth skimping on the brakes!

Spot Clean Upholstery

For most wheelchairs, the part that sees the most damage and breakdown after continued use is the upholstery on the seat and armrests. This is normal and happens regardless of the type of material that is used on the chair but it can be slowed and even partially prevented with some extra care.

After use each day, the seat and armrests should be wiped down. This allows you to remove any debris and spot clean stains that have happened throughout the day. Most of the time, water will be enough to get it sparkling clean.

Some chairs can also benefit from seat covers that can be removed and washed completely if there is a major problem.

Mobilize Adjustable Parts

One of the best things about manual wheelchairs is that they can be customized to be in the comfiest position possible. Every seat has parts that can be adjusted to find that perfect fit. When those parts get gummed up or jammed, it inhibits your ability to move the seat around.

The best thing you can do is check these parts occasionally to ensure they’re still functioning. Some may need some additional lubrication for easier movement and sometimes some parts may need to be replaced altogether.

Add Functional Accessories

In and of itself, a wheelchair is a functional tool for so many people. It completely changes the way they can live their lives and makes such a difference every time it’s used. Part of your wheelchair care routine should be adding accessories that make it even more of a productive tool.

Choosing a wheelchair can be an overwhelming task because there are so many options. In order to make it easier, consider the scenarios you run into in your daily life and see what options will solve those problems.

The same goes for the accessories you add on. As you fully customize your wheelchair, make sure to check in with the accessories to see if they are still working and haven’t sustained any damage.

Check Tire Pressure

Just like the tires on a car or bicycle, continued use of a wheelchair can cause them to lose some of the air and have too low of pressure to function properly. Flat tires make it so the wheelchair can’t move as easily or even at all on occasion. It’s important to check the tire pressure often and especially before larger outings or trips.

It’s also a good idea to have a wheelchair repair kit that can get you out of a bind if something should happen to your tires while out.

Tighten Loose Parts

As you travel along in your wheelchair, it’s natural that parts may become loose from all of the extra movement. This is especially true when you travel along bumpy or rougher terrain for extended periods of time.

When creating your preventative maintenance checklist for your wheelchair make sure to add tightening up all the nuts and bolts around the chair. These things are crucial for holding the parts together so the chair can function. Letting parts get too loose will eventually result in the whole chair falling apart and being unsafe to travel in.

It’s better to take a few moments every few weeks to check how everything is doing than be left with a major issue.

Regular Professional Repair

No matter how much wheelchair care you put into maintaining and preventing issues, nothing will replace taking the chair in for a professional inspection.

Our technicians have expert knowledge that will help them service your wheelchair to keep it in the best shape possible. We will have access to the parts and tools needed to make any repairs or upgrades needed. Your chair will come back good as new to keep you mobile and ready to go!

Maintenance Tips for Manual Wheelchairs

For those with physical limitations, finding a wheelchair that helps perform daily tasks and have some independence is a complete game-changer. That tool should be well-taken care of so it can continue to do its job for years and years.

Luckily, taking care of manual wheelchairs doesn’t have to be a full-time job. As long as you regularly and consistently check things out and follow the steps in this guide, you should always be ready to go! A little effort every once in a while will make a huge difference overall.

If you are interested in getting a new wheelchair and would like to see some amazing options, contact us today!