Wheelchair Maintenance

For riders who rely on manual and power wheelchairs for their independence in mobility, it is essential to ensure that their wheelchair remains in good condition and will last until they are eligible for a replacement.

It is estimated that more than 50% of wheelchair users are affected by wheelchair repairs (Worobey, et. al 2022). In a 2022 study looking at a veteran population, Henderson et. al found that 88.3% of participants required at least one repair in a six-month period. A similar study by Toro et. al in 2016 reported 63.8% of participants with spinal cord injury required at least one repair in a six-month period. The most frequent repairs to manual wheelchairs were to wheels and casters. For power wheelchairs, the most frequent repairs were to the electrical system (motors, batteries) and power/control systems (joystick, controller, battery charger). Interestingly, manual wheelchair users were more likely than power wheelchair users to complete repairs at home. "Forty percent (79/201) of manual wheelchair users reported completing repairs at home themselves compared with 14% (21/150) of power wheelchair users" (Toro et. al, 2016). Adverse effects of wheelchair breakdowns include being stranded, injuries, missing school or work, and missing medical appointments (Toro et. al 2016, Worobey et. al 2022).

There are several maintenance checks that riders can perform on a regular basis to extend the life of their wheelchair, reduce downtime due to waiting for repairs, and reduce the risk of injuries related to wheelchair breakdown. It is also recommended to schedule regular service with the wheelchair supplier at least once a year to further ensure the durability and performance of a rider's wheelchair as recommended within the owner's manual.

QUICKIE wheelchair owner's manuals have a section on "Use and Maintenance" and a section on "Dealer Service and Adjustments." This can be very helpful for clinicians and riders to ensure the rider is empowered to know what checks should be performed to maintain the safety, durability, and optimal performance of the wheelchair. The frequency of maintenance checks will depend on the specific function or part of the wheelchair.

Manual Wheelchair Maintenance

Below is the safety checklist for the QUICKIE Nitrum contained within the owner's manual. This list can be used as a general guide for inspecting manual wheelchairs. It is important that the rider visually inspects their wheelchair on a regular basis. If there is an issue, the rider should call it in as soon as possible. Not addressing an issue will often lead to further damage, resulting in the need for more extensive repairs and extended downtime.

Safety Checklist

NOTE: The user or caregiver should perform these weekly and monthly checks to maintain the safety of their chair. If an item is not working properly, please contact your Sunrise Medical authorized dealer.

It is also important for riders to familiarize themselves with all the parts on their wheelchair. The owner's manual typically has a diagram of the components of the specific wheelchair. Below is an example showing the QUICKIE Nitrum.

Being able to identify the various wheelchair components and understand the routine maintenance checks will also help when a rider is communicating with a supplier about any repair needs that may arise.

Power Wheelchair Maintenance

The same principles apply to power wheelchair maintenance. It is important to read the owner's manual for the specific model of power wheelchair and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Basic daily checks for power wheelchairs include checking the wheels and tires (Is there adequate tread? Are the tires sufficiently inflated?), batteries (Are the batteries sufficiently charged?), lights & indicators, controls, seating (Are the cushions in place?), and ensuring the free wheel switch is set to drive/engage. Ensuring the power wheelchair remains properly charged is a crucial daily check that can extend the overall life of the battery as well as optimize the rider's daily range they can achieve on a single charge.

Weekly checks for power wheelchairs include: checking the electronic brake; connectors and cables to ensure proper connection and that there are no signs of damage; the controller to ensure it is securely mounted and that there are no signs of damage; the controls to ensure operation of all electric options, seating, and drive profiles; the frame and base for foreign objects and/or obstructions; and ensuring the knobs that attach the seat frame to the front of the base are not loose.

Quarterly checks include checking all straps for fraying, ripped seams, or other indications of excessive wear damage; the chair for any missing or loose nuts, bolts, and/or fasteners; and the wheelchair for any broken components.

Just as with manual wheelchair riders, power wheelchair riders should familiarize themselves with all the parts and components of their power wheelchair. Below is a diagram outlining the basic components of the QUICKIE Q300 M Mini.

Making Adjustments

There are some simple adjustments that can be made by the rider if they are properly educated and have the right tools. It is important to use the right tools for the job. Riders should check their owner's manual to ensure they are only using the recommended tools for their specific wheelchair model. A small set of Allen wrenches and a small crescent wrench are typical tools needed. If the rider has pneumatic tires, then a bicycle pump or portable air compressor will also be needed.

There are some excellent resources available for wheelchair maintenance. The University of Pittsburgh Model Scenter on Spinal Cord Injury has several resources. Additionally, this fact sheet published by The Spinal Cord Injury Model System and Model Systems Knowledge Transition Center has detailed instructions on how to perform specific tasks.

The Role of the Clinician

Clinicians can play an important role in educating and empowering riders to perform self-maintenance of their wheelchairs. Simple maintenance such as keeping the wheelchair clean, tightening any loose parts, ensuring proper tire inflation, keeping the casters & rear wheel axles clean and free of hair and dirt, and keeping the bearings and axles lubricated, can reduce the need for frequent repairs and ensure optimal safety and performance of a rider's wheelchair.

Riders should also schedule an annual service with their supplier and be sure to take care of any issues as soon as they appear to prevent bigger problems. Research shows that clinicians have an opportunity to help wheelchair users avoid repairs in the first place by providing preventative chair maintenance, and reduce adverse consequences of wheelchair breakdowns by repairing breakdowns in a timely and efficient manner (Henderson, et. al, 2022).

Summary

For riders who rely on manual or power wheelchairs for their mobility and independence, regular maintenance is essential to keep their equipment in good condition until they are eligible for replacement. Proper upkeep helps prevent breakdowns, ensures safety, extends the wheelchair's lifespan, and supports consistent access to daily activities, all of which makes maintenance a critical part of preserving the rider's independence.

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References

• Henderson, G. V., Boninger, M. L., Dicianno, B. E., & Worobey, L. A. (2022). Type and frequency of wheelchair repairs and resulting adverse consequences among veteran wheelchair users. Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology, 17(3), 331–337. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2020.1785559
• Toro, M. L., Worobey, L., Boninger, M. L., Cooper, R. A., & Pearlman, J. (2016). Type and Frequency of Reported Wheelchair Repairs and Related Adverse Consequences Among People With Spinal Cord Injury. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 97(10), 1753–1760. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2016.03.032
• Worobey, L. A., Heinemann, A. W., Anderson, K. D., Fyffe, D., Dyson-Hudson, T. A., Berner, T., & Boninger, M. L. (2022). Factors Influencing Incidence of Wheelchair Repairs and Consequences Among Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 103(4), 779–789. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2021.01.094
• University of Pittsburgh https://www.upmc-sci.pitt.edu
• Spinal Cord Injury Model System https://msktc.org/sites/default/files/2022-06/MSKTC-Wheelchair-Maint-508.pdf

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