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Common Malfunctions of Electric Wheelchairs

2024-08-30

High-end electric wheelchairs come with batteries that are relatively expensive on the market. Therefore, battery maintenance is extremely important during the use of electric wheelchairs.
Common Malfunctions of Electric Wheelchairs

The main malfunctions of electric wheelchairs include battery failure, brake failure, and tire failure.

I. Battery

  As the name suggests, the battery is the key component that powers an electric wheelchair. High-end electric wheelchairs come with batteries that are relatively expensive on the market. Therefore, during the use of an electric wheelchair, battery maintenance is extremely important. The most common battery issues are the inability to charge and reduced battery life after charging. First, if the battery cannot be charged, you should check whether the charger is functioning properly and then inspect the fuse—most minor problems usually stem from these two areas. Second, if the battery doesn't last long after being fully charged, remember that batteries naturally degrade over time during normal use. Over time, the battery's endurance will gradually weaken—a perfectly normal phenomenon due to battery wear and tear. However, if the battery’s endurance suddenly drops significantly, it’s usually caused by excessive discharge. Thus, during the use of an electric wheelchair, it’s crucial to regularly maintain and care for the battery.

II. Brakes

  In the control components of a power wheelchair, the brakes are an extremely important part, directly related to the user’s personal safety. Therefore, it is crucial to check whether the brakes are functioning properly every time before using the power wheelchair. The most common causes of brake malfunctions are the clutch and the joystick. Before each outing with your power wheelchair, make sure the clutch is in the “engaged ON” position, and then verify that the controller’s joystick has returned to its neutral, center position. If neither of these issues is present, you should consider whether the clutch or the controller itself is damaged. In such cases, it’s essential to get the equipment repaired promptly—never use the power wheelchair if the brakes are malfunctioning.

III. Tires

  Since tires are in direct contact with the ground, their wear and tear during use varies depending on road conditions. One of the most common tire problems is punctures. In such cases, start by inflating the tire—be sure to refer to the recommended tire pressure indicated on the tire’s surface—and then check the tire’s firmness by gently squeezing it. If the tire feels soft or your fingers can easily press into it, there may be an air leak or a puncture in the inner tube. Tire maintenance is also crucial. Many users notice after a period of using their electric wheelchairs that the wheelchair no longer travels in a straight line. In fact, many of these issues can be traced back to the tires themselves—for example, tire deformation, air leaks, or loose tire mounting. Additionally, insufficient lubrication or rusting at the wheel hub bearings can also cause the electric wheelchair to lose its ability to travel in a straight line.