8 Wheelchair Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Ride in Top Shape

Wheelchair breakdowns are more common than you think. According to the latest data, over 50% of wheelchairs break down within six months. When a wheelchair breaks down, it can take weeks, if not months, to get it fixed, which only adds to the perils faced by around 5.5 million Americans who rely on wheelchairs.

One of the reasons behind this frequent breakdown is the lack of regular maintenance. Just like a car needs oil changes and tire rotations, your wheelchair requires routine checks and cleaning. With DIY wheelchair maintenance, you can keep your wheels ready for action without worrying about an unexpected breakdown.

At Build My Wheelchair, we believe in educating our customers. So, in this quick guide, we will provide you with a few DIY wheelchair maintenance tips.

Let’s get started. 

1. Keep Your Wheelchair Clean

Regular cleaning is often the first step in maintaining your mobility aids. Without regular cleaning, dirt, and debris can build on your wheelchair, whether electric or manual, leading to a less smooth ride and unexpected breakdowns.

It’s easy to keep your wheelchair spotless and prevent these issues. You’ll need mild soap, water, and a clean cloth. First, mix the mild soap with water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Dip the cloth in this solution and wipe down the wheelchair frame. Make sure to reach all corners and crevices.

Wheels might need more elbow grease. Use a brush to remove any stuck dirt, small rocks, or mud. Gently scrub the wheels, clean them with soap water solution, and give a final rinse with clean water. The seat should also be cleaned with soapy water, but dry it thoroughly to prevent any mildew or mold growth.

2. Check Your Wheels and Tires

All your wheelchair parts and accessories need regular care, but none as much as the wheels and tires. Make it a habit to check them for damage after every cleaning.

Check the tire treads. Healthy treads provide better traction and stability, keeping you safe. If you notice significant wear or bald spots, it’s time to order new wheelchair tires.

Next, check the tire pressure using a tire gauge. Your tires need just the right amount of pressure to work smoothly. If the pressure is too low, you will need more effort when moving around. On the other hand, high pressure increases the risk of a blowout or early wear and tear.

Always use a pump with a gauge to inflate your tires, which helps you keep pressure within the recommended range. You can usually find this range on the tire or the owner’s manual.

Additionally, include a quick wheel check in your DIY wheelchair maintenance. Check the wheels and casters for cracks or signs of damage. Spin the wheels to ensure they move smoothly without wobbling.

If you find any issues, replace the damaged parts immediately. You can use our wheelchair parts finder to order the parts you need from the comfort of your home.

3. Pay Attention to the Brakes

The next step in your DIY wheelchair maintenance is checking the brakes. Push the wheelchair forward on a flat surface and apply the brakes. The wheelchair should stop quickly and firmly without sliding. If not, the brakes might need a tune-up.

Tightening the adjustment screws, typically found near the brake mechanism, should fix this problem. Adjust these screws until your wheelchair brakes start working smoothly. However, if adjusting the screws doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to call in a professional.

Listen for strange noises when applying the brakes, as it could mean worn-out parts or a misalignment. Additionally, check the brake pads for wear and replace them if they seem thin or damaged. When you call a professional, they will check all these wheelchair parts and accessories and recommend suitable repairs or replacements.

4. Take Good Care of Your Battery

Battery is the beating heart of your power wheelchair, so it must be a part of your DIY wheelchair maintenance. Check your battery level regularly and watch out for corrosion on the terminals.

Corrosion can affect battery performance. If you notice any corrosive buildup, clean it carefully with a battery terminal cleaning brush. Use a corrosion inhibitor to avoid this issue in the future.

Another maintenance tip is proper charging habits, which include:

• Charging the battery overnight or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Avoid letting it run all the way down before the next charge. 

5. Oil Up the Moving Parts

Regular lubrication reduces friction, making it easier to handle your wheelchair. Typically, moving parts like wheel bearings, caster forks, joints, and axle ports need lubrication. We recommend using a silicone or Teflon-based lubricant. It is highly effective and doesn’t attract dust.

Before applying the lubricant, clean the parts thoroughly to remove any dirt or old lubricant. Applying the lubricant without cleaning can cause the parts to stick instead of moving smoothly. Apply a small amount of lubricant to each part and move the wheelchair back and forth, or spin the wheels to spread the lubricant evenly.

Make this a part of your monthly DIY wheelchair maintenance. You can lubricate your wheelchair every 30 days or as needed if you hear an unusual squeak. Do check the user’s manual for lubrication guidelines, especially for power wheelchairs.

6. Tighten Screws and Bolts

Although critical, this DIY wheelchair maintenance step often gets ignored. Loose screws and bolts can cause your wheelchair to wobble, which is a safety risk.

Many parts of your wheelchair, such as the armrests, footrests, and frame joints, have screws and bolts. Use a screwdriver or a wrench to tighten the screws and bolts on your wheelchair. But be careful not to overtighten, as this can strip the threads or damage your wheelchair parts and accessories.

7. Don’t Forget Your Seat and Backrest

These two wheelchair accessories are essential for your comfort and support. Check your seat and backrest for signs of wear and tear during your DIY wheelchair maintenance. Look for rips, tears, or worn areas in the upholstery and loss of firmness in the cushions.

Think of using removable and washable seat and backrest covers. They are easy to clean, dry quickly, and prevent the risk of mold and mildew, adding to your comfort and hygiene. If you notice any damage, replace your covers and cushions immediately.

8. Replace Worn Out or Damaged Parts

Whether you use it indoors or outdoors, your wheelchair will wear out or get damaged over time. Replacing the damaged parts with the right ones keeps your wheelchair running smoothly. You can refer to your wheelchair manual to find the right parts and accessories.

Build My Wheelchair supplies high-quality wheelchair parts and accessories from all major brands, such as Permobil, Quantum, Pride Power, and Universal Mobility. We also offer expert advice and support to help you choose the right parts and install them correctly.

You can order everything you need online with just a few clicks. Our fast shipping and excellent customer service make it easy to keep your wheelchair in top condition.

Conclusion

With regular DIY wheelchair maintenance, your ride will remain in perfect shape. All you have to do is clean your wheelchair, check all its parts and accessories, tighten a few screws, and lubricate the moving parts. Replace worn-out parts as needed, and you can move around safely and worry-free.

Check out our wheelchair parts and accessories if you need replacements or repairs.