Proper maintenance of your electric wheelchair is crucial to ensure a safe, comfortable, and reliable experience. Regularly checking the various components such as the electric scooter battery, tires, and electrical components can help extend the life of your wheelchair and reduce repair expenses and downtime. By following a consistent maintenance routine split into manageable daily, weekly, monthly, and periodic tasks, you’ll guarantee that your chair is always in top condition.
Daily Maintenance
Daily maintenance on your wheelchair doesn’t take long but by doing these things regularly you can save time and help prevent problems down the road. Make sure that you follow the instructions and timelines given in your instruction manual- the tasks listed here are just suggestions.
First, you should start each day with a quick visual inspection of your wheelchair. Look out for any loose parts, signs of wear and tear, or anything that seems out of place. Make sure that the shroud that covers the electrical components is firmly in place to avoid damage to your wheelchair from the weather. This can also help prevent personal injury.
At the end of the day, take a few minutes to give your seat, armrests, and controller a wipe-down with a damp cloth, removing dust, crumbs, or spills. By giving your chair a quick daily wipe-down, you can prevent the need for more detailed scrubbing of built-up grime and keep your chair looking and working at its best. While you are wiping down your chair at the end of the day, keep an eye out for damage to the cushions. Tears, snags, or worn areas can quickly become bigger problems and can contribute to an uncomfortable ride.
Weekly Maintenance
In addition to daily maintenance, your electric wheelchair will also need a slightly more extensive weekly maintenance plan to ensure it is safe and working properly. Each week you should check the battery, tires, and brakes on your wheelchair. Your instruction manual will have specific instructions on how to test the brakes and tires on your model.
First, dedicate a little time weekly to check your battery. Make sure it receives a full charge and holds that charge effectively. Pay attention to how long your battery lasts and contact your service technician when you notice it’s decreasing in quality or you have to charge it more often than you used to. If you have a wet-cell battery, keep an eye on the fluid levels to ensure that it will continue working well.
Second, you should check your tires and brakes weekly. Inspect your tires for any tears, bulges, or low pressure, and maintain the correct inflation as specified in your manual. If your tires begin looking worn, developing cracks, or have bulging areas, they may not be safe and you should contact your service person. Similarly, if you have to add air to your tires regularly there might be a problem and you should have them inspected. Also, check your brakes. If they make strange noises or don’t respond immediately, or if you notice they’re no longer working as well as they used to, schedule an inspection.
Monthly Maintenance
A monthly maintenance schedule will allow you the chance to perform more detailed or extensive maintenance work on your wheelchair and is essential for having a long-lasting vehicle. Each month you should check your chair for loose screws and other parts, visually check the electrical components, listen for any new or strange noises coming from the chair, and check the anti-tip features. Again, follow the instructions in your user’s manual on how to check the electrical systems, frame, and other parts.
First, inspect your vehicle and tighten any loose screws, nuts, or bolts to keep your wheelchair frame secure. Look over the frame and check for any signs of damage, bent areas, or rust. If there are any loose components that you can’t tighten or damaged areas, contact your service provider.
Next, ensure all electrical connections, especially those around the controller and electronics, are free from signs of corrosion or damage. Look for any areas that need to be cleaned and any signs of visible damage or wear. Verify that your joystick or other controls are working seamlessly.
Finally, take a moment to listen for odd noises from your motor or gearbox. Go for a drive in a quiet area and listen carefully to see that everything sounds normal. Try different motions and speeds in order to thoroughly test the wheelchair.
Quarterly or Biannual Maintenance
Every few months, set aside time for a more thorough cleaning session and detailed inspections. This cleaning should include removing the seat and any other detachable parts to clean the areas underneath. While you are doing this, visually inspect these hidden areas for signs of damage, corrosion, or wear. You will also need to carefully remove any debris build-up from around the motor and gearbox.
Your wheelchair will need to visit a certified service technician regularly to have a professional inspection of the electrical system, motors, and other complex components. Your instruction manual and dealer will have the recommended schedule for a maintenance check-up, but it’s likely to recommend these visits every 6 months to 1 year.
Conclusion
By following a detailed maintenance schedule, your wheelchair will be able to work at its best for years and you will be able to minimize repair bills. Take a few minutes each day, week, and month for these maintenance tasks and your wheelchair will thank you.