Not all wheelchair users are able to get out as much over the winter months and cherish the Spring when the weather is more suitable to venturing out. If you had retired your powerchair for the winter, now is a good time to uncover your electric wheelchair and get out into the fresh air and sunshine to take advantage of the fact that spring has officially arrived, although looking at the British weather of late it may not seem to appealing on some days !
Before venturing out onto your local pathways, it is wise to perform a few inspections, especially if you are a rider who is compelled to ride whatever the weather.
If you give the powerchair a careful inspection and make sure it is adequately prepared, you can make sure that everything functions as it should. Before leaving, it is essential to examine the following most important parts.
Take advantage of the springtime to clean your powerchair
A significant amount of dust and muck can accumulate on an electric wheelchair if it has been left sitting idle over the winter months. Consequently, it is of the utmost importance to perform a comprehensive cleaning of the powerchair prior to embarking on the initial voyage of the spring season to avoid those breakdowns that everyone dreads.
However, this is not simply for the purpose of making it seem nicer; it also serves a crucial purpose in ensuring that the powerchair continues to function properly. In the event that dust and muck are not removed, the moisture that is contained within them has the ability to produce corrosion on any metal parts which can lead to mechanincal failure and ultimately you getting stuck and facing some unwanted repair costs.
Make sure there are no loose parts
If an electric wheelchair has been kept in an area that is subject to severe temperature fluctuations such as the garage or a shed then the material may undergo microscopic expansion and contraction over the course of time, which may potentially result in some degree of looseness. This can effect nuts, bolts, handles and levers in fact most type of mechanical fixing.
Consequently, it is sensible to check for any components that might be rattling or moving when they shouldn't be doing so. Should you discover any components that are not securely fastened, you might be able to secure them by using a screwdriver or a spanner to tighten them. If these become lose again a product like locktight that acts as a glue can be used to prevent them from loosening again.
See our range of electric wheelchairs and powerchairs here
However, if you do not feel comfortable repairing more technical elements, you should check to see if your powerchair is covered under warranty for repairs. Alternatively, you might ask someone you know who is knowledgeable about mechanics to assist you although make sure that you do not undermine any warranty is it is still in place.
Make sure that the batteries are functioning properly
It goes without saying that one of the most important aspects of getting your electric wheelchair ready for the new spring season is to check that the batteries are functioning properly.
The best place to start is a speedy visual inspection is the first thing that needs to be done. This inspection should ensure that there is no residue, such as battery acid, around the terminals and there are no lose cables or connections.
As soon as you are certain that it is clear, you are free to proceed with plugging the battery in so that it may be charged. If the device does not charge well or at all, it is possible that the temperature at which it was stored was the cause of the problem. For optimal storage, batteries should be kept at room temperature or slightly below.
In an ideal scenario, you should maintain the battery charged while it is not being used. We suggested charging it once a week overnight, even if you have not been using your powerchair as this will help to get the full life from the battery.
The first powerchair outing of Spring
Make sure that your powerchair has been fully charged for a period of 12 to 14 hours before you want to use it for the first time this year. You are able to test the powerchair's range (battery charge) and ensure that it functions appropriately in a driving environment by taking it out for a test after it has been charged. This allows you to go a short distance away from your house.
If you discover that the battery is losing its charge at an excessively rapid rate or if you notice any irregular behaviour, you should think about replacing either the battery or the charger for the powerchair, or both.
Examine the brakes and the tyres
In order to have a safe level of control over your powerchair, it is essential that the brakes work well and are in good order.
When it comes to tyres, pneumatic types can be influenced by temperature just like other parts. This means that air can contract and expand, which results in a loss of pressure. SO using a tyre pressure gauge make sure that the tyre is inflated within the pressure range stated on the tyre itself. It may be necessary to find replacements if they are very soft or if the tyre walls are cracked.
It is also important to inspect for wear and debris on both solid and pneumatic tyres, as this might lead to an obstruction or a loss of grip on the road. Find a place that is calm, open, and level to drive the powerchair in before beginning the process of inspecting the brakes. After that, you should get the powerchair moving and check to see if it stops in the way that it normally would and that you feel happy with their performance.
On account of this, you may rest assured that there are no technical flaws or physical barriers that could potentially catch you off guard in a more hazardous circumstance. Additionally, this test helps to ensure that the operation of the joystick and the overall driving experience are both normal.
Make sure your lights are on.
Make sure that all of your lights, including the brake lights, are in good working order if you have them, and this is especially important if you have an electric wheelchair that is ready for use on the road. After you have completed these tests, you will be able to go outside and take pleasure in the springtime.