Tips To Keep Your Wheelchair Running Smoothly

By: Megan Murphey, PT, DPT, ATP, NCS

Why is it so important to maintain my wheelchair?

Poor wheelchair maintenance increases the risk of your wheelchair breaking down, which can lead to personal injury or even death and increase the cost of your medical care. Additionally, wheelchair breakdown can limit your mobility and social participation.

What research tells us about wheelchair maintenance

According to a 2016 study, up to 18% of wheelchair users experience a wheelchair-related injury each year. Furthermore, 44-57% reported at least one wheelchair breakdown in the past six months. Of these, 20-30% of users stated that because of the breakdown, they missed work and appointments, were stranded at home or away from home, or were injured.

What can you do to maintain your wheelchair?

  • Perform routine inspections on your wheelchair
  • Perform simple maintenance such as cleaning your equipment, tightening loose bolts, and making minor adjustments
  • Have your wheelchair inspected and serviced annually by your wheelchair provider just like you would your car

Before you begin:

  1. Do NOT perform any maintenance on your wheelchair that you do not feel comfortable doing!
    • Who is your vendor? Always keep their contact information with you
    • Call your wheelchair vendor if you need help with ANY repair or maintenance needs
    • Your therapy team may also be able to help if they are trained in wheelchairs
  1. If you are performing the maintenance yourself, make sure to transfer to a stable and protected surface to sit on.
  1. Gather your tools. Helpful tools to have on hand include:
    • Screwdrivers
    • Allen wrenches
    • Combination wrenches
    • Lubricant
    • A tire lever
    • A tire pump
    • A tire patch kit
    • A bucket with water
    • A cloth
  1. Begin your maintenance! Here is a checklist of items on your wheelchair to inspect regularly:
    • Axel hub
    • Handrims
    • Rear wheel bearings
    • Rear wheel spokes
    • Tire condition
    • Wheel locks
    • Tire pressure
    • Wheel alignment
    • Caster flutter
    • Floating casters
    • Wheelchair frame
    • Caster wheel bearings
    • Powerchair shroud
    • Powerchair frame
    • Powerchair suspension
    • Powerchair motor disengagement
    • Powerchair motor
    • Powerchair breaking system
    • Joystick
    • Chairing the powerchair
    • Power seat functions
    • Electrical wiring and wire connections

In this video playlist on our YouTube channel, we’ll guide you through each of the items on your wheelchair maintenance checklist to learn how to properly inspect your wheelchair.

Sheltering Arms Institute has an in-house wheelchair clinic at our Short Pump location and provides seating and wheeled mobility needs to individuals recovering from an array of injuries, illnesses, and conditions. To learn more about our wheelchair clinic or to contact a specialist, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com/conditions-and-services/wheelchair-clinic or call (804) 764-1000.

References:

SCI Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center 2018: Maintenance Guide for Users of Manual and Power Wheelchairs; www.msktc.org/sci/factsheets

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury You May Not Know

What exactly is a traumatic brain injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that can be caused by a forceful jolt, bump, or hit to the head. It can also be caused by a sharp object that pushes through the skull and into the brain. Such injuries are often caused by car accidents, falls, sports, or natural disasters. For example, a concussion is a mild form of TBI; however, not all injuries to the head will cause a TBI.

Floor Transfers: Why They’re Important

Floor transfers, the ability to get down and rise from the floor without assistance, are an indicator of an individual’s functional independence, quality of life, and a predictor of longevity and overall health. This seemingly simple movement represents a complex integration of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination that is closely linked to one’s overall functional mobility.

Heart Healthy Foods

Five Foods That Promote Heart Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, women, and most ethnic groups in the United States. While some risk factors—such as age, gender, and family history—are beyond our control, many other factors can be managed through lifestyle choices. Diet, physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco all play a critical role in supporting heart health.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.