When a power wheelchair works properly, it improves the life of a person with mobility issues. When this power wheelchair has been used for a very long time, it becomes almost like a friend or a family member, and thus it is difficult to let it go when a new one is needed.
In this article we will look at how long a power wheelchair lasts.
Table of Contents
Importance Of General Maintenance
Power wheelchairs are known to have a strong built and are durable and long lasting. The date that they will expire depends mostly on how they are used and treated on a daily basis.
A power wheelchair that is well cared for can last for up to five years or more if it is regularly maintained and repaired.
Batteries
The batteries are responsible for giving power to the wheelchair and must always be in good working order. The wheelchair will not function without a battery.
Tips To Keep Your Battery Working Properly
- Keep the following tips and your battery will function at optimum:
- Try not to use a battery that is depleted more than 80%
- Keep the battery fully charged by charging it every night
- Always use the charger that came with the wheelchair battery
- Drain the battery only 30 percent during the first 10 days of using it
Protecting The Electrical Components
The electrical components of a wheelchair should never be exposed to water and thus they are often protected and covered.
As such, avoid deep puddles to lessen risk of damage. In the event that your power wheelchair does get exposed to water or elements that cause damage, get it fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Replacing Tires
Tires must be replaced at the first sign of wear. When tires are uneven it causes pressure and thus the weight will be distributed unevenly, which puts more pressure on other areas of the wheelchair which were not designed for that amount of pressure.
This above average wear in one part of the power wheelchair can cause long term damage, which needs to be repaired expensively, which would not have been necessary in the first place if the tires were replaced at the proper time.
Maintenance And Service
Power wheelchairs are built to last and therefore it is easy to ignore signs of damage that are gradually starting to appear.
As a wheelchair user you must keep note of every maintenance or repair done to the unit. Another helpful tip is to set calendar reminders for conducting maintenance or for reminders to upcoming repairs for your wheelchair.
Tips To Keep Your Power Wheelchair Last Longer
Conduct regular maintenance and repairs.
Keep your wheelchair clean by wiping down with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime. Also clean between the tires where twigs get trapped.
Charge your battery regularly or replace it. Do not forget to always use the charger that came with your wheelchair battery.