How to Repair a Motorized Wheel Chair

Motorized wheelchairs utilize batteries to power the wheelchair's movement. Such devices are needed for handicapped and disabled individuals who have limited control over their upper body or arms. There are usually directional controls that allow a person with some hand control to move themselves in the wheelchair. Because of the complex electrical systems in a motorized wheelchair, repairs are often required. If you have someone who can help you, there are some simple repair tips you can follow before involving a repairman or the wheelchair company.

Things You'll Need

• New wheelchair battery
• New tires
• Tire pump
• Wrench

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Instructions

• 1

  Examine the chair to find its specific problem. If the wheelchair can turn on, but won't move, it may be a mechanical problem, such as the tires or electric connections. If the wheelchair cannot turn on, it's an electrical problem most likely based in the battery.

• 2

  Disconnect the battery from the wheelchair. All motorized batteries are detachable since they are rechargeable. Place the battery in its recharge station. If the recharge station is charging the battery correctly, then the problem may have been a low battery.

• 3

  Replace the battery. This step is only needed if the battery cannot adequately re-charge.

• 4

  Check the brake system. Motorized wheelchairs have a dynamic brake and mechanical brake. The mechanical brake helps stop the wheelchair if there is an incline, while the dynamic brake slows down the vehicle. Check fluid levels and connections in this brake system.

• 5

  Check to see if the tires need to be replaced or inflated. As with any tire, a motorized wheelchair tire needs maintenance; it may need to have more air pumped into it if it is low, or be replaced if it is flat.

• 6

  Test the hand controls. The hand controls should aim the wheels in appropriate directions and move in the direction you want. If the hand controls are not following their commands, you will need to check the wire connections.

• 7

  Tighten all nuts and bolts across the system. A well-maintained wheelchair needs to have all its mechanical parts tightened so that the chair's infrastructure is sound.