Many wheelchair users believe that they can count on getting a new wheelchair every five years. But in reality, insurance or government-funded replacement is not tied to a calendar. Unless your medical needs have changed or your wheelchair is so worn that replacement would be cheaper than repair, you may have to keep your current wheelchair running. A wide variety of wheelchair parts are available to keep your chair in good working condition.
Actually, major repairs and wheelchair parts replacement can be avoided with weekly maintenance checks. Look for loose bolts and tighten them up. Wipe away dirt and grime that may be building up around moving parts. Pay particular attention to the axle--make sure it's connected tightly. Check the air in your tires. Low tire pressure uses more battery power in electric wheelchairs, and requires more human power in manual chairs.
Your wheelchair is your personal means of transportation and for some, a full-time environment. Using the right replacement parts will help ensure that your chair works safely and efficiently.
One of the most important power wheelchair parts is the battery. If you need a replacement battery, make sure you get the right one. Wheelchair batteries come in different types and they're usually not interchangeable. The type of battery you have will also determine the type of charger you need. Using the incorrect charger simply won't work and it could be dangerous.
A wide variety of wheelchair parts are available for manual wheelchairs. It's possible to buy almost any part online, but wheelchairs aren't exactly simple. They are made up of many different parts and it's important for you to know exactly what you need. If you don't happen to know your specific model or specifications, usually you can get help from the parts supplier.
It's possible to replace almost any part of your manual wheelchair. Seat and back upholstery can be replaced or upgraded. New hand grips will provide better grip and greater comfort for anyone who happens to be pushing from behind. You may need to replace the rear wheels or hand rims. Arm rests and leg rests may also need replacement from time to time. The smaller caster wheels up front come in many different sizes, so make sure your getting the correct ones for your wheelchair.
Online providers provide wheelchair parts for a variety of manufacturers. It's also possible to obtain wheelchair parts from the manufacturers themselves. For example, if you need Invacare wheelchair parts, the Invacare website has an entire selection devoted to replacement parts for their products. You can browse their parts selection by using "drop-down" boxes or search for the specific part you need. However, it will help if you know your wheelchair model name or number as well as the part number or part description.
If you're in the market for Quickie wheelchair parts, the Quickie company website has a parts section as well. It's designed so that you browse by part type. First you choose the part you're looking for, like tires or bearings or arm rests. Then you choose the part that you need for your specific wheelchair.
Your best bet is to establish a pattern of regular maintenance. If you need to replace a few wheelchair parts, you can order them online and install them yourself. That should help you head off major repairs for several years.
Regular wheelchair maintenance prevents major repairs, but replacement wheelchair parts are often still needed