How to Repair Electric Wheelchairs

An electric wheelchair is an important tool for the disabled. Unlike a manual wheelchair, an electric wheelchair has motorized parts that can help anyone with the harshest disabilities. Because of their necessity and importance, routine maintenance and repairs are needed so electric wheelchair owners can maintain a high quality of life. There are a number of parts to immediately check when an electric wheelchair starts to malfunction.

Things You'll Need

• Battery charger
• Cloth
• Owner's manual
• Replacement battery
• Wrench
• Wheel pump

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Instructions

• 1

  Move your wheelchair to a dry place and wipe down the wheelchair with a clean cloth. This ensures that all dust, dirt or moisture is removed from the chair. This step could help repair the issues with the wheelchair, as it could remove any object or objects hindering electrical signals.

• 2

  See if the battery is fully charged or dead. Batteries in an electric wheelchair are similar to ones found in small motors. These batteries can be charged by external cords, but overtime they lose their potency. Occasional battery replacement is needed with electric wheelchairs so always have a replacement battery ready.

• 3

  Test the chair's steering controls and wheels. Physical jams may occur with the wheels or the steering controls near the armrests. Double check to see if all the switches can move and the wheels can move in all directions. If the wheels seem to lack air, use a wheel pump to add more air to them.

• 4

  Make sure all the nuts and bolts of the chair are intact. If any bolt seems loose, tighten the nuts with a wrench.

• 5

  Check the programming of the wheelchair. Higher end electric wheelchairs have computer software installed to maximize quality for the owner. There could be a computer malfunction or glitch that is altering the specifications of the electric wheelchair's performance. Consult your owner's manual for further details.

• 6

  Look at any exposed wiring across the wheelchair. Weather and exposure to the elements could wear and tear at electrical connections, making it difficult for computer or electrical signals to reach parts of the chair.