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Tips On How To Maintain Your Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter

Maintaining your wheelchair

Do you have a wheelchair or mobility scooter but are unsure how to maintain it? Taking care of mobility equipment seems intimidating for a lot of people but in truth it is simple. With our easy tips youโ€™ll feel more confident about being the master of its maintenance.

Maintenance Is Crucial

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are critical equipment for people who struggle with mobility and walking for longer periods. Whether you use a manual wheelchair, a power/electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter, having the know-how to care for your equipment means it will perform better, be more reliable and extend the life of your device.

A bit of maintenance can go a long way; read on to see our easy checklist for keeping your mobility equipment in top-notch shape.

1. Read Your Instruction Manual

Your manual is a good source of information for maintenance tips and safe use guidelines. Regularly following these can help preserve the performance of the wheelchair/mobility scooter and extend its life. Read about what the lifespan of a wheelchair is so you can have realistic expectations.

2. Keep Your Equipment Clean And Dry

There are parts on both wheelchairs and mobility scooters that need to be kept dry and cleaned often, particularly moving parts that can attract dust and dirt. It is also important that you store your equipment undercover or indoors whenever possible to avoid wear and corrosion.

3. Keep Your Battery Well Charged

If your device is powered/electric it will need regular charging. Your batteryโ€™s charge time can reduce if left unused for longer periods of time. Consider regularly charging it or purchasing a smart charger that can automatically top up the batteries if left plugged in.

4. Monitor Your Tyres

Checking tyre tread and keeping pneumatic tyres well inflated is important as these help the wheelchair/mobility scooter roll smoothly on the ground. If your tyres arenโ€™t looked after they may impact the overall performance of your equipment. For example, more resistance when self-propelling or difficulty accelerating in a motorised device.

5. Speak Up

If you notice any strange sounds, manoeuvring issues or other changes to your equipment it is vital that you report them to your repairer straight away.

6. Regular Servicing

Your wheelchair or mobility scooter supplier should be able to service your equipment and include a service program for your records. It is recommended that you service your device every 6-12 months depending on how frequently you use it.

Planning a trip? It is worth getting a service before taking your wheelchair or scooter on holidays or long trips. A professional service should include:

  1. Checking batteries and chargers, repairing or replacing them as needed.
  2. Making sure brakes and steering are safe and have been cared for.
  3. Monitoring the condition of tyres and tubes and replacing is necessary.
  4. Ensuring all screws, fixtures and moving parts are intact g. bolts, fuses and wheel bearings.
  5. Monitoring any issues or concerns you raise.
  6. Repairing damage.

Insurance

While maintaining your mobility equipment is very important for keeping you safe, remember often your environment may not be. Everyday obstacles like uneven footpaths, pedestrians, cyclists, road crossings and driveways can create dangerous situations and unfortunately, accidents happen.

This is why we have created a series of unique features and benefits in our policy specifically for mobility equipment users. This includes third party injury and property cover, loss or damage by theft, fire, flood or vandalism, costs to get you and your equipment home after an accident.

You can find out more here – Comprehensive Wheelchair Insurance Policy and Comprehensive Mobility Scooter Insurance Policy.ย 

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