Simple Steps to Maintaining a Manual Wheelchair

Running a business that sells wheelchair parts, I often get asked questions on wheelchair maintenance – from changing tires, bearings, and upholstery, to caster forks and casters. Many times the questions come from people with chairs that are not very old. We love the questions and enjoy helping people fix whatever problem they may be having with their wheelchair. So much so we have written numerous buying guides for parts that include tips, tricks and instructions for many of the parts categories we sell. Some even include how-to videos.


Replacing a tire because you have used it up versus replacing a tire because it was underinflated and as a result it pinched in a doorway and blew out are different in that one of the replacements could have been avoided. The goal of this article is to generate awareness about simple things you can do to keep your wheelchair in top condition and provide years of service.

Here are some easy things you can do yourself (or with someone else) that will keep your wheelchair operating at peak performance:

• Periodically check the air pressure in your tires if you have air filled tires. Natural air loss through an inner tube is about 25% per month. Even if you don’t use your chair that much, the loss still occurs. Having low air pressure requires more effort on the push rims to get going and to maintain your momentum. It can also pose a safety risk by increasing your likelihood of getting a flat tire. In most cases a bicycle air pump is all that is needed.
• Inspect your casters and caster forks for debris and clean them as necessary. You may need to remove the caster or the fork to really get all of the debris out. I often see caster wheels and forks with all sorts of hair and debris wrapped around them. Not only does this keep the caster and caster fork from spinning freely, it causes premature wearing of the bearings. Typical wheelchairs have two bearings per caster fork and two bearings per caster wheel – that’s eight bearings on the front of your chair! Most bearings are low in price, but take that low price and multiply it by 8 and suddenly it’s not so low anymore.
• Inspect your rear wheels for debris wrapped around the axle. The rear wheels are less likely to have hair and debris wrapped around them but should be checked periodically and cleaned as necessary. Rear wheels generally have two bearings per wheel and keeping them clean helps ensure their longevity.
• If your wheelchair is a foldable type that can be transported, make sure that it unfolds smoothly all the way down into its locked position. If it won’t go all the way down, look for an obstruction like a positioning belt, wheelchair bag or pocket, straps, etc. Using a wheelchair that is not in its down and locked position can put strain on the various parts and may even cause the frame to bend.
• Check your upholstery regularly – look for rips or tears in the fabric especially around the secure points (screws). Check both the seat and the seat back. Make sure you have proper tension before sitting in it (unfolding the chair all the way down to its locked position).
• Inspect the wheel locks regularly. When you push or pull on the lever (depending on the type), it should go into the tire enough to keep it from moving. It is possible for a wheel lock to become loose and no longer provide the stopping power it once did. Most wheel locks can be adjusted back and forth with the turn of one bolt (the one that attaches the whole assembly to the chair). In most cases having the locking part set about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch back from the tire in the open position will ensure it locks properly. Never try and adjust any of the other bolts or screws as they are preset at the time of manufacture.
• Lastly, keep your wheelchair clean. Wipe it down with a disinfectant periodically. If you have a seat cushion, see if you can remove the cover to wash it.

Now I realize that if you are a wheelchair user, you may not be able to perform these tasks on your own. Consider partnering with someone such as a friend, loved one, or a caregiver to help.

The Reacher – An Indispensable Tool

When you have a temporary or permanent disability and are unable to bend low or reach high, everyday life can be a challenge.  I’m no longer able to bend my hips because of arthritis.  Recently while I was doing some cleaning around the house, I was reminded of how much I appreciate the reacher as an everyday tool.  In fact, I have a reacher in every room of the house, plus one I keep in my car.  Using a reacher has become second nature with me and it is easy to forget what an amazing invention it is.

What is a reacher? A reacher is an assistive device used to reach an object that is far away. You can pick things up from the floor or take things off a shelf (or put them back). You can use them to help you dress, do laundry, or perform any daily task that involves bending or reaching.

The two main types of reachers are the claw type and the suction cup type. They both work well picking up a variety of items such as a coin on a smooth floor or heavier items from a shelf. When purchasing a reacher, pay particular attention to the length that you select.  Longer reachers give you more range, but the longer the reacher, the heavier the item will feel when you pick it up.  Some reachers have claws that can rotate 360 degrees, or even have a magnet on the tip to help pick up lightweight metal items. Many suction cup reachers have a locking feature to keep the suction cups locked onto your item.

Most reachers work well for up to 1 pound in weight, but consider the size of the item to avoid an accident. Also, never use the reacher in a manner that brings the object you’re picking up over your head! If you lose your grip or the reacher fails, it could cause a serious accident.

The reacher is an inexpensive, yet indispensable tool for everyday tasks.

Choosing between a Walker and a Rollator

Why write about walkers and rollators you ask? I thought it would be a good article since our company gets asked sometimes which one is better. The better one depends on what your condition is and what your needs are. One thing is for sure: both can help you regain a little more freedom!


Walkers and rollators are similar in that they involve both hands to operate which helps provide a great deal of stability. If your doctor hasn’t recommended one or the other, here is a brief overview of what they are and what the main considerations are for most users.

Walkers:

Think of an open frame that you stand behind. Typical walkers are made from aluminum with some of the heavy duty models made from steel. Most walkers are height adjustable, have hand grips, and have rubber tips or skids at the end of the legs. Most of them fold up to a flat profile making them easy to take along while traveling. A walker works by picking up the weight a little and scooting it forward, allowing you to take an extra step, then putting your weight back down on it for stability. Some walkers come with wheels on the front legs making it easier to scoot the walker forward. The surface has to be relatively smooth to operate a walker safely.

Rollators:

A rollator is similar to a walker but with wheels, brakes, and on most models a seat. Some even have a basket for storing items while on the go. The seat is convenient allowing you to rest and most models fold up for easy portability. Rollators are available with 3 wheels (think tricycle), 4 wheels, and some with 6 wheels (the two rear wheels are paired with another). Many of the models with hand brakes have a parking brake feature making the rollator more stable while seated. They work much the same as pushing a shopping cart while holding onto the hand grips for stability.

Main Considerations for Most Users:

• Doctor’s advice – If you are under a doctor’s care, it is important to get their input. They may have certain requirements, or recommend something else.

• Operating environment – do you have the space to operate a walker or rollator safely in your home? Think ahead about all the places you will maneuver and make sure you have enough clearance. Steps are another concern – if you have steps to traverse for example, make sure you have a plan for getting up or down. Also keep in mind the terrain you will most commonly face. Larger diameter wheels on rollators work better in rough terrain such as grass or dirt roads. Walkers are very hard to operate on all but the smoothest surfaces.

• Do you travel? Most walkers and rollators fold for easier portability, but could you carry the weight of it if you had to, or could your companion or caregiver? And while rollators fold up, most of the models have a basket that doesn’t fold which may cause problems especially with getting on a plane.

• Realistically consider the proper size. Most walkers and rollators have a weight rating that must be followed for safe operation. This is especially true for rollators with a seat. Exceeding the weight limit could cause a potentially dangerous situation.

• Rollater braking – rollators all have some sort of braking system. Most have hand brakes or push down brakes. If you have hand brakes, can you squeeze the brake handle enough to apply brake pressure? Push down brakes work by applying weight to the handle so that a rubber stop will make contact with the ground and keep the rollator from moving forward.

So if you have a need for a walker or rollator and don’t have one yet, go out and get one. You won’t be disappointed!

A Few Words About Bathroom Safety

Bathroom safety is important for everyone, but it is especially important for someone with any type of permanent or temporary disability. If you think about it, the bathroom can present many dangers with sharp edges, slippery floors, limited spaces, etc. A large part of your independence rests on being able to use the bathroom in a safe way.

Primarily it boils down to stability and keeping your balance while performing basic tasks in the bathroom. Being able to safely get up from the toilet, get in and out of the bathtub, or enter or exit the shower is key to avoiding injury and being able to maintain your independence.

Two of the most basic ingredients to make your bathroom a safer place are grab bars and raised toilet seats. But there are others, such as bath seats, transfer benches, and hand-held showers.

• Wall grab bars - the great thing about these is that they offer the balance and stability right where you need it. They come in a variety of lengths and attach to the wall with screws. You could put one next to your toilet making it easier to get up or sit down, or one or two in the shower or bath allowing you a place to grip for added stability. They can be mounted at any angle. It's all up the user where to mount them but take great care to properly install them into wall studs or use heavy-duty wall anchors. If you are not comfortable installing grab bars, get professional help. Any handy person or contractor should be able to help. Improperly installed grab bars could end up being a safety hazard.

• Tub grab bars - typically these attach to the tub wall with clamps and rise above the tub by up to a foot or more allowing you a place to grip while you swing your leg over into the tub (or out of it). Most of the clamps are tightened by hand making them easy for just about anyone to install.

• Floor to ceiling pole grab bars - these work in many areas of the home but especially in the bathroom. They are simply wedged into place by twisting the pole. Since no drilling is required, you can take the pole down and move it to another location if you wish. Since they don't mount to the wall you could put one in front of toilet for example.

• Raised toilet seats - These simply attach to the toilet either with thumb screws (for locking models) or rest on top of the toilet with gravity holding it in place (the existing seat and cover is removed). A raised toilet seat can add up to 6" height to your toilet making it easier to sit down. They are easily removable for cleaning. Some models feature built-in handles that rise up on the sides for added grip while sitting down or standing up.

Devices like grab bars or raised toilet seats are an inexpensive and easy way to improve safety your bathroom. Take some time to investigate which of these items might be right for you!