Wheel chairs consist of a relative amount of parts that, as with
any other mechanical device, wear out over a period of time. For
a wheel chair to work optimal these parts have to be in a good
condition.
Regular services will help to keep the wheel chair in a good
condition, but the time will arise when certain of your wheel
chair parts need
replacement. Worn out or malfunctioning parts would not only
reduce the comfort level of the user, but can also be dangerous.
These parts can be replaced by the company servicing the wheel
chair or certain parts like arm or foot rests can easily be
replaced by the user, a caregiver or family member. People using
hi-tech motorized wheel chairs will find that certain parts may
need to be replaced by a technician with the necessary
knowledge. Processors and computerized parts should be left to
the professionals.
Some of the wheel chair parts that will eventually need replacement are wheels,
castors (the small wheels in front that helps to steer and
turn), foot rests, elevated leg rests, arm rests and brakes.
Most of these can easily be replaced without having to send the
wheel chair for repairs.
There are a few things to take into consideration before
attempting these repairs.
Be sure to buy the correct wheel chair
parts. The supplier of the
wheel chair should be able to assist with this. They might have
it in stock for sale or be able to order it. If they dont stock
it themselves they should be able to tell you where to buy from.
It is better to use parts specifically made for the type of
chair you have. Certain parts might fit on more than one type or
model, but make very certain that it is possible before you buy
parts. There are many online shops selling wheel chair parts and
it would be a good place to start to see what is available.
Consult the manual for specific sizes or part specifications.
Be knowledgeable about your chair and attempt to understand
how different parts work and what their functions are. The
better you understand your wheel chair the easier it will be to
know when replacements are necessary and how to replace these
parts.
The batteries for an electric chair, as well as the charger,
will also need to be replaced from time to time.
Certain occurrences can be a sign that you need to replace
parts.
If your wheel chair suddenly has a tendency to tip backwards,
it can be the anti-tippers or a bent frame.
If the wheel locks dont work as well as before, it can be
worn tires, broken wheel locks or it might just need some
tightening.
Wheel chairs that are suddenly hard to push or
manoeuvre can be
because of tire problems or it can be the axles that are not
properly aligned. A bent frame can also be responsible.
Taking good care of a wheel chair will add to your comfort and
safety.
More Wheel Chair Articles:
Wheel Chair Carrier
Wheel Chair Accessories
Cheap Wheelchairs
Transport Wheel Chairs
Wheel Chair Rental
Light Weight Wheel Chairs
Wheel Chair Lift
Wheel Chair Wheels
