Common Wheelchair Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Hello there! I'm Emma Bennett, an occupational therapist with 15+ years of experience specializing in mobility solutions at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. Today, I'm sharing insights from both my clinical practice and personal experience as someone who's used a wheelchair part-time for the past decade due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

2. Skipping Regular Maintenance

The Wheelchair Service Delivery Association reports that 78% of wheelchair failures could have been prevented with proper maintenance. Would you drive your car for years without a service? Probably not! So why do we often neglect wheelchair maintenance?

Your chair needs regular TLC to keep it rolling smoothly. I learned this lesson the hard way when my tyre went flat during a rainy day out in Brighton. My colleague Dr. James Wilson, rehabilitation engineer at King's College Hospital, recommends this maintenance schedule:

Evidence-based maintenance checklist:

• Check tyre pressure weekly (recommended PSI is listed on the sidewall)

• Tighten screws monthly with the appropriate torque settings

• Clean axles and bearings every 2-3 weeks using a dry cloth followed by a light application of WD-40

• Inspect upholstery for tears or pressure points quarterly

• Have a professional service by a certified technician every 6-12 months (NHS wheelchair services provide this free for NHS-supplied chairs)

A 2022 survey by Disability Rights UK found that wheelchair users who followed a structured maintenance routine reported 60% fewer breakdowns and repairs.

3. Choosing the Wrong Wheelchair for Your Needs

According to a nationwide survey by the Muscular Dystrophy UK, 42% of wheelchair users report using a chair that doesn't fully meet their needs. It's like wearing shoes three sizes too small—uncomfortable and limiting!

As both an OT and wheelchair user, I've assessed hundreds of clients using evidence-based tools like the Wheelchair Outcome Measure (WhOM) to ensure proper fitting. Your wheelchair should match your:

• Environment (home doorway widths, typical terrain, storage space)

• Transport needs (folding vs. rigid frame, weight for lifting)

• Physical capabilities (propulsion strength, sitting balance)

• Daily activities (work requirements, leisure activities)

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend a comprehensive wheelchair assessment by a qualified professional. Their 2023 report shows that properly fitted wheelchairs reduce secondary complications by up to 65%.

4. Not Using Cushions Properly

"It's just a cushion, what's the big deal?" Oh, if I had a pound for every time I've heard that!

Pressure injuries are serious business—NHS England reports that treatment costs for pressure ulcers exceed £1.4 billion annually. Professor Michael Smith at the University of Southampton has demonstrated that proper cushioning isn't just about comfort—it's about preventing pressure sores, maintaining good posture, and avoiding back pain.

The International Best Practice Guidelines for Seating recommend:

• Air-cell cushions (like ROHO) for high-risk users

• Foam contoured cushions for moderate risk

• Gel-hybrid cushions for users who transfer frequently

Have you checked your cushion lately? Research shows cushions should be replaced every 2-3 years as they lose their pressure-redistributing properties over time.

5. Forgetting About Accessibility Planning

A 2023 accessibility audit by the Equality and Human Rights Commission found that 37% of public venues in Britain still fail to meet basic accessibility standards despite legal requirements. Ever set off for a day out only to find yourself faced with a flight of stairs and no lift in sight?

A bit of planning can save you loads of hassle:

• Call ahead to verify current accessibility (websites aren't always updated)

• Use validated accessibility apps like AccessAble or Euan's Guide

• Join wheelchair user forums like Wheelchair Users UK on Facebook where members share recent experiences

• Carry a portable ramp for small steps (I recommend the Aerolight range, tested to support up to 30 stone)

Dr. Sarah Thompson's research at the University of Bristol shows that pre-planning reduces negative experiences by 78% for wheelchair users.