Last year, we discussed all the dos and don’ts for caring for your manual wheelchair (read the article here). Well, the upkeep on a power chair can be just as challenging. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Shrouds
Shrouds are the plastic covering on a battery that protect the electronics. If damaged, it could lead to dirt or moisture building up in the battery and impacting on its functioning. Regularly inspect the shroud to see if there are any cracks, breaks or denting. If you spot any issues, immediately contact the wheelchair manufacturer or a wheelchair maintenance company to have it fixed.
Brakes
Arguably the most critical aspect of any chair is its brakes. If it malfunctions, it could lead to serious injury. The Physiopedia website recommends the following tips to testing your brakes:
Turn down the speed of your chair. Push the joystick forward until you hear the brakes click, then immediately:
- Release joystick; or
- Put joystick in reverse; or
- Turn the wheelchair off (recommended).
Motor
For the motor, it is recommended to have it checked and serviced by the manufacturer according to their recommendations. However, you should also listen to the motor noise. If it makes strange noises, it could mean that the motor is failing, bearings are worn out, belts or gears are out of alignment or the frame is giving a problem. It’s advisable to seek professionals to check the motor.
As with a manual wheelchair, it is strongly advised that you keep your chair clean, regularly inspect it and reference the manufacturer’s manual on keeping the chair in a healthy condition.
