How to Maintain and Care for Your Wheelchair

Start with a quick check before use

Look around the chair before setting off. This takes one minute.

Check:

• Both wheel locks hold
• Tyres look firm and free from cuts
• Footrests and arms are locked
• The cushion sits flat
• Straps and clothes clear the wheels
• Nothing is loose or bent

For a powerchair, check the charge, joystick, cables and warning lights.

Listen as you move. Stop for a scrape, click or grind. Do not hope it goes away.

A simple maintenance timetable

Timing depends on use, weather and the manual. Outdoor use needs more care than a spare.

When                                                                                  What to check

Before use Locks, tyres, loose parts, cushion and charge.

Weekly Tyre pressure, tread, castors, axles and brakes.

Monthly Frame, bolts, spokes, fabric, arms, footrests and folding parts.

Every 6 to 12 months Full check and service by trained staff.

After a hard hit Stop for an expert check.

Keep a phone note with each check date.

Tyres need the right pressure

Check air tyres with a gauge. Use the pressure on the tyre or in the chair manual. Never copy another chair.

Low pressure makes pushing harder and can stop wheel locks gripping well. Uneven pressure may pull the chair to one side.

Look for:

• Cuts and cracks
• Worn or flat tread
• Sharp items in the rubber
• Fast air loss
• Valve damage

Do not pull out a nail without a repair plan. It may slow the leak.

Solid tyres need no air, but still wear. Replace cracked, loose or smooth tyres.

Test the wheel locks

Wheel locks hold a stopped chair. They do not slow a moving chair.

On a level floor, lock both and try to move. The rear wheels should stay still.

If a lock slips, check tyre pressure first. A soft air tyre changes the gap at the lock.

Look for loose parts, bent levers or poor contact. Do not force a weak lock. Safe adjustment needs the right tools. Ask the repair team if unsure.

For cable brakes, squeeze both levers. They should feel even and stop the chair pulling aside.

Clean the castors and wheels

Hair, thread and fluff wrap around front castors. This makes them slow, noisy or stiff.

Use a brush or tweezers on dirt you can see. Keep fingers away from moving wheels. Follow the manual if a castor must come off.

Spin each wheel by hand on an empty chair. It should not grind, click or wobble.

Check spokes, handrims and wheel nuts. Loose spokes can creak and bend the wheel shape. Sharp rims may cut hands.

If the chair shakes, pulls to one side or scrubs its tyres, ask for an alignment check.

Check quick-release wheels

The axle must lock fully.

After fitting a wheel, make sure its button pops out. Pull gently to confirm it is held. Check both sides.

Wipe the axle with a clean cloth. Look for bends, wear or a stuck button.

Do not use the chair if a wheel will not latch. It could come off. Call the supplier.

Look at the frame and folding parts

Check frame tubes, welds and cross braces for cracks or bends. Check it after a fall, kerb hit or crash.

The chair should fold with ease. Stiff action may mean dirt, bent part or dry joint.

Nuts and bolts should be firm. Do not tighten them all by guesswork. Some set wheel angle or seat shape. Too much force can cause harm.

Use only the lubricant named in the manual. Some makers warn against WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil. Keep oil off tyres, locks, rims and fabric.

Wipe off excess oil; it draws dust.

Footrests, arms and anti-tips

Footrests should lock, swing and adjust without dropping. Footplates must be level and clear of the floor.

Arms must lock in place. Loose arms are a risk when the user pushes on them.

Check anti-tip bars for bends, loose pins and correct position. Put them back after any kerb move.

Never stand on footplates or lift an occupied chair by its arms or footrests.

Clean the frame and upholstery

Use a soft cloth, warm water and mild soap unless the manual says otherwise. Wipe the frame, arms, footrests, rims and handles. Dry well.

Never use a pressure washer. Keep water out of tubes, bearings, brake cables and electrics.

Bleach, solvents and rough pads may harm fabric or paint. Use only approved cleaners.

Follow the wash label on removable covers. Many need a cool wash and air drying. Heat may shrink them.

Let parts dry before use.

Care for the cushion

The cushion is part of the seat. Check it when washing the cover.

Look for:

• Tears or broken zips
• Flat foam
• Moved gel
• Air loss
• A wet inner liner

The cover should fit without deep folds and face the right way.

Air, foam and gel need different care. Follow the cushion guide. If skin turns red, sore or numb, stop and call the seating team.

Powerchair battery and electrical care

Switch the chair off before a check or clean.

Use its correct charger. Follow the manual. Many NHS guides say to charge after daily use and avoid a flat battery.

Charge indoors on a hard surface with fresh air. Never cover the charger. Keep it from heat, water and sun.

Check the lead, plug and socket. Stop for a frayed cable, hot plug, swollen battery or odd smell.

Keep the joystick dry. Use a damp cloth; never spray it. Check wires for rub marks, loose plugs or traps.

If range drops fast or fault codes return, call an engineer.

After rain, mud or winter salt

Dry the chair after wet trips. Wipe mud, grit and road salt from the frame and wheels.

Store it in a dry place. Do not leave it in a damp shed or hot car for long.

For a powerchair, follow the heat and battery storage rules. Deal with water near the joystick, charge port or battery case at once.

When should the chair stop being used ?

Stop and call for help if you find:

• A cracked or bent frame
• A wheel that will not lock on
• Wheel locks that slip
• A loose transfer arm
• Bare or torn wires
• A joystick or brake fault
• A hot, swollen or leaking battery

Never test a bad fault with the user seated. Use a spare chair if available.

After a crash or hard hit, get an expert check before reuse.

NHS chairs, warranties and servicing

For an NHS chair, use the repair number from the wheelchair team. Do not change or add parts without consent.

For a private chair, check the warranty before doing work. Home repairs may affect it.

We advise a yearly service for a chair in regular use. Follow the maker if its timing differs.

A service should cover the frame, wheels, bearings, brakes, folding parts, seat and power system where fitted.

Questions we are often asked

How often should I check tyre pressure ?

Many manuals say weekly. Use the tyre or chair guide for the right pressure.

Can I use WD-40 on my wheelchair ?

Do not guess. Some makers warn against it. Use only the lubricant named in your manual.

Why does my chair pull to one side ?

Uneven air, worn tyres, a dragging lock or poor alignment may cause it. Check simple things, then call an expert.

Can I wash a wheelchair with a hose ?

No. Use a damp cloth and mild soap. A hose can force water into bearings, tubes, cables and electrics.

How often should a wheelchair be serviced ?

For regular use, a yearly check is sound. Follow the maker or NHS plan for your chair.

Our final advice

A routine can prevent a repair. Keep it simple. Listen for change, keep the chair clean and act early.