For more information on maintenance, service, and sales of manual and power wheelchairs, as well as scooters, hand-cycles and accessories, contact Wheelchair Medic at 718-352-1623 or visit www.wheelchairmedic.com.
Ray Grim, who manages the Wheelchair Medic division of United Spinal Association, recommends an easy do-it-yourself wheelchair maintenance plan.
First, is to periodically clean the entire frame with a damp cloth and mild detergent or disinfectant (do not use bleach) and then dry thoroughly. Polish chrome plated parts by using a commercially available polish or metal protectant spray. Check wheelchair frame for rust and cracks and that the nuts and bolts are in place and secure.
Use a damp cloth and mild detergent or disinfectant, (not bleach) to clean the upholstery.
Dry with a towel. Inspect for excessive stretch or cracks. Last of all nourish the vinyl by using a commercial upholstery restorer or general purpose protectant spray.
Tires
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• Check pressure and inflate to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the sidewall of the tire.
• Check tread. Inspect for flat spots and wear. Check for wobbles when pushing the chair. Contact Wheelchair Medic repair or replacement.
• Inspect axles. Remove hair, lint, and dirt. Brakes
• Once the tires are correctly inflated, check the brakes, which should lock the drive wheels as the user gets in/out of the chair, and completely clear the wheels when pushing.
• Minor adjustments may be made by the user. If the brakes need significant adjusting, contact Wheelchair Medic.
Casters
• Remove hair, lint, and dirt from axles.
• Check pressure and inflate to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the sidewall of the castor.
• Castors spin and pivot freely.
• Check for excessive wobbling or binding of the castors while propelling the wheelchair. If there are wobbles, contact Wheelchair Medic.
Armrests
• Check that armrests can be easily removed, swung-away and adjusted (if they are designed to do this). Armrests can seize up if they are not moved regularly. Footplates
• Check position of footplates. Footplates should be high enough that the soles of the feet are taking weight but not removing weight from the thighs. The thighs should be taking weight for almost their full length.
• Check action of swing-away, fold up or removal mechanism. Footplates can seize up if they are not moved regularly.
Headrest & Posture Supports
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• If fitted, check that headrests and other posture support components are secure and adjusted for the user.
• Clean oils from hair off vinyl headrests to prolong lifespan.
• If upholstery is very worn or damaged, or hardware mountings are very loose or damaged, contact Wheelchair Medic.
* This maintenance checklist has been adapted from a list compiled by Queensland Health, the health information agency of Queensland, Australia.
