Top Tips to Service & Maintain Your Power Wheelchair for a Longer Life

Keep your power wheelchair running like new with these expert tips on maintenance and servicing – ensuring safety, reliability and a longer lifespan. Regular care not only prevents costly repairs, but can also impact your NDIS funding eligibility. Let’s dive into the essential steps to keep your mobility equipment in optimal condition.

Why a 12-month service is essential

To keep your powerchair running smoothly, it is recommended to schedule a professional service at least once every 12 months.

Regular servicing helps identify minor issues before they become major problems, preventing unexpected breakdowns and ensuring uninterrupted mobility, performance and comfort.

For NDIS participants, maintaining service records may also be required to ensure continued funding for equipment maintenance and replacements.

Depending on who you choose, your service provider may be able to help provide service records required by the NDIS.

Simple checks to help prolong your chair’s life

To maintain your power wheelchair, you should clean it regularly, check the tyre pressure and condition, inspect moving parts for wear and tear, ensure proper battery charging, and schedule professional maintenance checks. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you should do to keep your mobility equipment in great shape:

1. Cleaning

Wipe down the chair with a damp cloth and mild detergent
Use a lint-free cloth to clean the controller
Remove hair and fluff from wheels and casters with tweezers or a soft brush
Wash cushion covers as per the manufacturer’s instructions
Avoid harsh chemicals, detergents or bleach.

For a more detailed guide on cleaning, check out our blog: 10 Tips for Cleaning Your Power Wheelchair.

2. Tyres

Regularly check and adjust tyre pressure
Inspect for cracks, wear and damage
Pneumatic tyres require regular inflation, while solid tyres need occasional maintenance.

3. Moving Parts

Check all moving parts for wear, loose bolts and frayed cables
Tighten any loose hardware

Lubricate moving parts such as casters and wheels for smooth operation.

4. Batteries

Fully charge your batteries before use
Avoid letting the batteries fully discharge
Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and clean as needed
Follow the maintenance guidelines for your specific battery type (lead-acid, lithium-ion, etc).

5. Professional Maintenance

Have your powerchair serviced by a qualified technician at least once a year
Familiarise yourself with your wheelchair’s functions to identify potential issues early
Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific care recommendations.

If you also use a manual wheelchair, check out our blog: Top 10 Tips to Help Maintain Your Manual Wheelchair.

Our Technical Manager, Rorey Costin with long time client, Perry Cross AM.

Common problems with power wheelchairs

Even with regular maintenance, issues may arise. Here are a few common problems and why they might be happening:

Battery not holding charge: May be due to aging batteries, improper charging habits or corroded terminals
Joystick or controller issues: Calibration problems, loose connections or software malfunctions may cause erratic movement
Unusual noises: Grinding or squeaking sounds may indicate worn-out bearings or unlubricated parts
Wheelchair not responding: May be a loose connection, motor failure or software glitches.

Whether we’re on the road or in the workshop, our experienced technical team can get your chair up and running again.

Trust Power Mobility’s service expertise

A trusted and experienced service provider for over 40 years, Power Mobility offers a convenient Service & Maintenance Program designed to keep your mobility equipment safe and functional, minimising the need for expensive repairs. Our experienced technicians are fully trained to conduct complex electrical and mechanical repairs, alterations and customisations, ensuring your equipment remains in optimal condition.

At Power Mobility, we specialise in servicing and repairing power wheelchairs (sometimes referred to as electric or automatic wheelchairs). Our skilled technicians ensure that your chair is functioning well, providing you with the mobility and independence you need. We service most well-known brands of mobility equipment, including Magic Mobility, Pride Mobility, Quantum Rehab, Amylior, Sunrise Medical and Ottobock.

Our mobile repair service covers areas such as Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Dalby, Wide Bay and Central Queensland. Or if you prefer, you can bring your equipment into our service centre in Brisbane. Please call first to make an appointment, so a technician can see you promptly. By servicing your chair regularly, you’re less likely to break down when you’re out and about.

What we include in a service

When you book a service with Power Mobility, our expert technicians conduct a comprehensive inspection and maintenance check, including:

Battery health check and terminal cleaning
Motor and drive system inspection
Tyre pressure adjustment and tread assessment
Checking and tightening all hardware
Lubrication of moving parts
Controller and joystick functionality testing
Seat and frame condition assessment
Software updates (if applicable).

Book your service today

Regular servicing keeps your power wheelchair reliable, safe and comfortable. Ensure your powerchair remains in top condition by booking a professional service with Power Mobility today!

Call our service centre on 07 3907 0569
Email us at [email protected]
Scroll down and fill out the contact form below
Visit our service centre at 2/452 Bilsen Road, Geebung QLD 4034.

Trust the experts at Power Mobility

At Power Mobility, we understand the importance of having someone you can rely on to maintain, service and repair your equipment. So before you buy, ask about after-sales service and repairs.

Many retailers simply sell the products – they don’t offer service and repairs. But when you purchase from us, you have peace of mind knowing we’ll be there to help with after sales service and repairs.

An NDIS Registered Provider, Power Mobility provides the perfect combination of quality mobility products, personal service, expert advice and after sales service. Widely regarded as the power chair specialists, Power Mobility also offers a wide selection of scooters, lift chairs, manual wheelchairs and much more. Feel free to drop into our showroom in Geebung for a chat.