The wheelchair you have just built will last longer, ride more smoothly, and fold more easily if it is maintained periodically. After one month of use every chair will need to have its bolts and spokes tightened. From then on the wheelchair will need to be serviced every four to six months.
It is not difficult to service the chair, and we recommend that your shop encourage the new wheelchair owner to service the chair him or herself. The new owner will need access to a few simple tools and supplies: a spoke wrench, an adjustable wrench, a bicycle pump, a tire gauge, a screwdriver, some medium weight machine oil, and some wax. Your shop may wish to stock these tools and supplies to sell to the customers who buy your chairs.
Go over the directions on the following page with your customers to be sure that they understand how to take care of their chairs. You may also wish to duplicate the directions and give each customer a copy.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR NEW WHEELCHAIR
AFTER ONE MONTH
1. Check the spokes in the back wheel. Use the spoke wrench to tighten any that are loose.
2. Inflate rear tires to rated pressure.
3. Tighten the following screws and bolts: seat back screws, seat bolts, handrim bolts, x-brace bolt, footrest bolts, front axle bolts, rear axle bolts, front caster pivot bolts.
The front caster pivot bolt should be just tight enough to cause a little resistance. This will keep the front wheels from vibrating wildly when the chair is rolling quickly. Don't tighten it too much, or the chair will be difficult to steer.
4. Use medium weight machine oil to oil the center and bottom of the x-brace.
5. Wax the back frame where the guide hooks slide up and down. This will help the chair to open and close more easily.
EVERY 4 - 6 MONTHS
1. Repeat all the steps listed above.
2. Check the seat fabric, and replace it if it is torn or if it sags too far. This is very important; sagging or torn upholstery can lead to pressure sores.
3. If you are using a foam cushion, check to be sure that it is still springy. A foam cushion that has lost all its bounce can also lead to pressure sores.
FLAT OR WORN-OUT TIRES
The back tires can be fixed or replaced by a bicycle repair person. Be sure to replace your tire with one that is exactly the same size.
The front tires, whether they are pneumatic (filled with air) or solid rubber, will need to be replaced by a wheelchair shop.