Your wheelchair is so much more than a piece of equipment — it's your independence, your transport, and your connection to the world around you. Like any high-use item, a little regular care and attention goes a long way toward keeping it performing at its best and avoiding those inconvenient breakdowns at the worst possible times.
Why regular maintenance matters
It might be easy to put off maintenance when your wheelchair seems to be running fine. But small issues like a loose bolt or a low tyre have a way of snowballing into bigger problems that affect your comfort, posture, and safety. Staying on top of the basics means fewer disruptions to your daily life and can extend the lifespan of your chair significantly.
Tyres and wheels
If your wheelchair has pneumatic (air-filled) tyres, checking and maintaining the correct tyre pressure is one of the most important things you can do. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, meaning you have to work considerably harder to propel yourself, and that extra strain on your shoulders adds up over time. Check your tyre pressure regularly using a standard bike pump with a pressure gauge, and aim to keep them inflated to the recommended PSI printed on the tyre wall.
While you're at it, spin each wheel and watch for any wobbling. A wheel that isn't running true could indicate a loose axle or a buckled rim, both of which are worth addressing promptly.
Bolts and screws
Wheelchairs vibrate with everyday use, and over time bolts and screws can work themselves loose. A quick periodic check of the key bolts on your frame, armrests, footrests, and anti-tip devices is a good habit to build into your routine. If you notice anything that feels loose or rattly, it's worth tightening it up or flagging it with your service team before it becomes a bigger issue.
Brakes
Your brakes should engage firmly and hold the chair in place. If they feel spongy, fail to hold on a slope, or require excessive effort to engage, they likely need adjusting. This is usually a straightforward fix that your AT consultant or service technician can sort out quickly.
Castors
The small front castors on your wheelchair take a surprising amount of punishment. Check them for any buildup of hair, lint, or debris around the axle, as this can cause them to spin sluggishly or wobble. Cleaning them out regularly keeps them rolling smoothly. If a castor is cracked or chipped, it's worth replacing it, as damaged castors can affect the handling and manoeuvrability of the whole chair.
Frame and upholstery
Give your frame a visual once-over every so often. On rigid frames, look for any signs of cracking or stress, particularly around weld points. On folding wheelchairs, check that the cross-brace moves freely and that the frame opens and closes as it should. Upholstery including seat slings and backrests can stretch and sag over time, which can have a real impact on your positioning and pressure distribution. If your seating no longer feels like it did when the chair was new, it may be time to discuss a replacement with your clinician.
When to call in the professionals
If you notice anything that doesn't seem right with the handling or performance of your chair, or if you're not confident about making an adjustment, reach out to a service technician. Things like castor angle, centre of gravity, and camber adjustments all have meaningful effects on how your wheelchair handles and on your own comfort and posture. These are best left to the professionals to assess and set correctly.
The GTK service team and Assistive Technology Consultants are always here to help, whether you have a question about a strange noise, need a part replaced, or simply want peace of mind that your wheelchair is in good shape. Getting in touch sooner is always better than waiting for a small problem to become a big one.
A quick maintenance checklist
As a handy summary, here are the key things to keep an eye on regularly: tyre pressure and condition, wheel tracking, brake engagement, castor condition and cleanliness, bolt and screw tightness, frame integrity, and seat and backrest condition.
Staying on top of these basics keeps your wheelchair performing the way it should and keeps you moving through your day with as little interruption as possible. We also recommend that most wheelchair users book an annual service with a qualified technician, and if you're a heavy user, more frequent servicing may be beneficial. Your GTK service technician can give you personalised advice on the right service schedule for you. If you have any questions about maintaining your wheelchair or want to book a service check, get in touch with the GTK team today.