Common Manual Wheelchair Problems and How to Fix Them
If you ride a manual wheelchair, it’s important that you keep it in good condition. Since you’re operating it yourself or with the assistance of a carer, even small faults with the chair can seriously affect your journey.
Whether you use a manual wheelchair for day-to-day movement or just occasionally when a long journey by foot will be too tiring, issues with performance can be hugely frustrating. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the most common manual wheelchair faults and what you can do if they happen to you.
Damaged Upholstery
However your seat and back cushions are upholstered, they are likely to wear down over time with regular use. Tears and rips in the fabric can result in an uncomfortable riding experience and possibly lead to injury. While some materials can be sewn by hand or patched with duct tape, this is usually a temporary solution and doesn’t look great. The best way to resolve the issue is to replace the upholstered parts or have them professionally repaired.
Jammed or Stiff Brakes
The brakes on your manual wheelchair are an important safety feature, and you should make sure they are in good working order before each journey. If the brake mechanism is jammed in position or feels unusually stiff to operate, you should have it checked out by a wheelchair expert. Brakes and pads are easy enough to repair or replace, and it’s much safer for you.
Stiff or Jammed Front Wheels
The front wheels on your manual wheelchair help direct you when in motion. If they become jammed in one position, you may find that you can’t control your chair. Sometimes this is a result of grit or stones caught in the mechanism, but it can also happen if the wheels or castors have rusted. You may be able to remove any obstruction yourself or lubricate the wheels with some WD40. If this doesn’t work for you, the wheels may need to be repaired or replaced.
Rear Wheels and Tyres
While your front wheels are important to make sure you’re moving in the right direction, your rear wheels help you get there. They should roll freely when in use, so if you feel them stiffen up as you move, this could be a sign that they need lubricating. Another important consideration is the tyres themselves. They should be well inflated to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. If they have lost some of their air, it may be enough to refill them. However, if you can see or hear air escaping, it’s likely that you have a puncture that will need repairing.
If you live on the Wirral and are having problems with your manual wheelchair, Easi-way Mobility is here to help. We provide a full wheelchair inspection and repair service that covers the major issues listed above and any other faults you might be experiencing. You can call the team today on 0151 346 1186 to arrange an inspection at our Bromborough store.