You depend on your power wheelchair to provide you with reliable transportation throughout the day. Caring for your power wheelchair is an important part of keeping it working well. Here is what you need to know about how to take care of your power wheelchair.
Read Your Owner’s Manual
Your owner’s manual is an important resource and will provide you with the information you need to care for the specific model of
power wheelchair that you own. Familiarize yourself with the care and maintenance section of the manual, and make sure that you also read and understand your wheelchair’s warrantee.
Provide Proper Battery Care
Your wheelchair may come with one or two
rechargeable batteries. It’s important to care for these batteries properly to keep them functioning well. As a general practice, try to avoid completely draining the batteries, as this shortens their lifespan.
When you recharge the batteries, place a battery on the charger only until it is fully charged, then remove it. Leaving a battery on the charger for longer than necessary can cause the battery to malfunction. Always try to store your batteries inside to avoid damage caused by extreme heat and cold.
Avoid Moisture
Your power wheelchair contains electronic components which can be damaged by moisture. You should never drive your power wheelchair in the rain or snow. If you get caught in the rain or snow, then bring your wheelchair inside to completely dry out.
Provide General Maintenance
As you use your wheelchair, you may notice small issues occurring, like screws or bolts becoming loose. It’s important to provide your power wheelchair with general maintenance. Periodically check your wheelchair over for loose bolts or screws which need tightening.
Check the tires over to make sure that they are wearing evenly and haven’t worked themselves out of alignment. It’s also important to keep a close eye on your tire pressure to make sure that you haven’t damaged a tire.
Consult a Professional
Sometimes, you may encounter issues with your power wheelchair that you can’t fix. The sooner you consult a professional to repair your chair, the better. Remember, your wheelchair is essentially a small electric vehicle. It requires the same attentive care that your car does.
By taking good care of your power wheelchair, you can prolong its lifespan and reduce the chance that it will need significant repairs. Want to learn more tips on how to get the most from your power chair?
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