Owning a folding electric wheelchair offers convenience, mobility, and independence. However, like any other mobility aid, it requires regular maintenance to ensure longevity, safety, and optimal performance. This guide covers essential maintenance tips, including cleaning, bolt tightening, battery care, and proper folding mechanism upkeep. By following these best practices, you can maximise the lifespan of your wheelchair and ensure it remains reliable and safe for daily use.

Why Maintenance Matters

Routine maintenance is not just about keeping your wheelchair looking clean—it’s about ensuring that all moving parts function properly, reducing wear and tear, and extending its lifespan. Neglecting maintenance can lead to operational failures, unexpected breakdowns, and even safety risks. A well-maintained wheelchair runs smoothly, remains stable, and reduces the likelihood of costly repairs. Additionally, proper maintenance improves the efficiency of the motor and battery, ensuring you get the most mileage out of every charge.

Essential Folding Electric Wheelchair Maintenance Tips

1. Keeping Your Wheelchair Clean

Dirt, dust, and grit can accumulate over time, affecting performance. Proper cleaning prevents damage to both the frame and electronic components. A clean wheelchair not only looks better but also functions better by preventing debris from interfering with moving parts.

How to Clean Your Wheelchair Safely:

• Use a spray bottle to lightly mist water onto the frame to remove dirt and dust. Avoid soaking electrical components, as excessive moisture can cause damage.
• Wipe down with a microfibre cloth to keep surfaces free of grime. Microfibre cloths are ideal because they trap dust and absorb moisture without scratching surfaces.
• Pay attention to the motors—grit buildup in the motors can impact functionality. Wipe them down after outdoor use, especially after trips to the beach, hiking trails, or muddy areas.
• Avoid jet washes or hosepipes as excessive water exposure can damage electrical connections and battery terminals. Instead, use a damp cloth for precision cleaning.
• Use compressed air to remove dirt from hard-to-reach areas, such as around the joystick controls and wheel bearings.

Keeping your wheelchair clean not only maintains its appearance but also helps prevent mechanical issues caused by dirt buildup.

2. Checking and Tightening Bolts

Over time, vibrations from daily use and uneven surfaces can loosen bolts, compromising the wheelchair’s stability. Loose bolts can cause wobbling, misalignment, and even structural damage. Regularly checking and tightening bolts ensures your wheelchair remains secure and safe.

Key Areas to Inspect:

• Frame Bolts – Vibrations from rough terrain can loosen bolts on the frame. Check and tighten these every three to four months to maintain structural integrity.
• Wheel Bolts – Loose wheel bolts can affect performance and even lead to accidents. When tightening, ensure the Allen key is properly aligned to avoid stripping the bolts. If a bolt becomes stripped, replacing it immediately is crucial to maintaining safety.
• Armrest and Footplate Bolts – These bolts can become loose due to repeated movement. Use Allen keys or a spanner to secure them, ensuring they don’t have excessive play but are not over-tightened.
• Front Forks – Grab the wheel and check if the fork rattles. If there’s any movement, tighten the nut and bolt under the fork cap with a socket set to prevent instability.
• Controller Unit and Cables – Loose cables can cause malfunctions, leading to erratic wheelchair movement. Use cable ties to secure wiring and ensure all connections are firmly plugged in. Inspect cables regularly to check for fraying or damage, which may require replacement.

By tightening bolts and securing components, you ensure a smoother, safer ride and prevent long-term damage to your wheelchair’s frame.

3. Battery Maintenance: Maximising Lifespan and Performance

A folding electric wheelchair relies on a battery for power, making proper battery care essential. Poor battery maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, shorter battery life, and costly replacements. A well-maintained battery ensures longer usage time and reliable performance.

Best Practices for Battery Care:

• Charge Regularly – If you don’t use your wheelchair daily, charge the battery at least once a month to prevent power loss. Keeping a consistent charging schedule prevents the battery from depleting too much.
• Avoid Overcharging – Never leave the battery plugged in continuously. Once fully charged, unplug it to avoid degradation. Modern wheelchair batteries have built-in protection, but excessive charging can still reduce longevity.
• Don’t Fully Drain the Battery – Ideally, recharge when the battery reaches 10-15% instead of allowing it to fully discharge. Fully discharging a lithium battery can significantly reduce its lifespan.
• Charge Overnight Safely – It’s fine to charge overnight, but make sure to unplug it in the morning. Using a smart charger with auto-shutoff can help prevent overcharging.
• Be Mindful of Temperature – High heat can degrade battery life, and cold temperatures can reduce performance. Store your wheelchair indoors when not in use. Avoid placing your wheelchair in direct sunlight or extremely cold areas for prolonged periods.
• Charging on the Go – If you’re staying at a hotel or somewhere that doesn’t allow wheelchairs inside, remove the battery and charge it separately. Many modern wheelchairs offer removable battery packs for easier charging.

Proper battery maintenance extends the lifespan of your wheelchair and ensures reliable power output, reducing the risk of running out of charge unexpectedly.

4. Folding and Unfolding Mechanism Care

Folding electric wheelchairs are designed for compact storage, but frequent folding and unfolding can cause wear over time. If the chair is difficult to fold, follow these maintenance steps to keep it functioning smoothly.

• Check the hinge bolt – If it feels stiff, adjust it slightly with a multi-function spanner. Avoid overtightening, as it may make folding difficult.
• Keep the mechanism clean – Dirt and debris can hinder smooth folding. Wipe down hinges and moving parts regularly using a dry or slightly damp cloth.
• Lubricate if necessary – If the folding mechanism becomes stiff, use a small amount of silicone-based lubricant on non-electrical moving parts to prevent stiffness.
• Test the folding mechanism regularly – Make sure the chair folds and unfolds smoothly. If you notice resistance, address the issue immediately before it worsens.

By taking care of the folding mechanism, you ensure that your wheelchair remains easy to transport and store without unnecessary strain.

How Often Should You Perform Maintenance?

• Every 3-4 months – For general users who operate their wheelchairs indoors and on smooth surfaces.
• Every 2 months – For users who frequently travel on rough terrain or use their wheelchair extensively.
• Before long trips – Conduct a full check to ensure all components are in top condition and that the battery is fully charged.

Final Thoughts

A well-maintained folding electric wheelchair will not only last longer but also provide a safer and more comfortable ride. By dedicating just a few minutes every few months to cleaning, checking bolts, and maintaining the battery, you’ll save money on repairs and ensure reliability.

For those who prefer a more structured approach, consider investing in a wheelchair maintenance kit that includes essential tools like a ratchet, spanners, Allen keys, cable ties, and microfibre cloths.

We’re always available for support should you ever have any problems with your folding electric wheelchair. If you’re looking for an upgrade, you can find your next chair HERE. Stay safe, stay mobile, and keep your wheelchair in top condition!

Find Out More

You can watch some pre-recorded demonstrations on how to maintain your folding electric wheelchair on our Youtube Channel. Hit the links below to check them out.