Like any piece of mobility equipment, wheelchairs experience wear and tear over time. And, when you rely on it every day, it's easy to forget just how much work it does until something doesn't feel quite right. Maybe it's become harder to push, the brakes don't feel as responsive as they used to, you’re growing less comfortable in the seat, or a tyre keeps losing pressure. Even the smallest changes in function can affect not only your comfort, but your confidence too.
Looking after your wheelchair doesn't have to be complicated. A few regular checks and the occasional professional service can help keep it safe, reliable and comfortable for years to come. And, as Life and Mobility Solutions knows, beyond simply finding the very best chair you can for your lifestyle and your budget, these checks can vastly improve the lifespan of your accessibility equipment.
But, what do you need to check and when? Let’s take a look.
How often do you need to check your wheelchair?
Every wheelchair will have its own maintenance requirements that should be explained in the product manual, but ideally every wheelchair should be checked by an authorised supplier annually. This may change depending on whether or not you have an electric or manual wheelchair, as manual wheelchairs have less stringent maintenance rules.
However, because of its nature as an accessibility tool, even manual wheelchairs need to be checked to make sure they continue to provide you with the best support.
Certain wheelchair parts will need to be checked more frequently, for example:
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Tyre pressure: Check monthly
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Brake condition: Check weekly
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Backrest: Check monthly
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Moving parts: Check monthly
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Quick release mechanism: Every 3-4 months
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Foot rest: Every 3-4 months
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Upholstery: Every 3-4 months
What do you need to check on your wheelchair?
Every moving part and mechanism on your wheelchair needs to be checked periodically to make sure it is safe and comfortable. The most important parts are:
Brakes
Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your wheelchair. If they aren't working properly, you could struggle to transfer safely, find your chair rolling unexpectedly, or even become stranded while you're out.
If your brakes don't feel as responsive as they usually do, arrange for them to be adjusted or serviced rather than trying to compensate for the problem yourself.
You will usually notice changes in your brakes during everyday use, but it's worth checking:
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Both brakes engage fully
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The wheelchair doesn't move when the brakes are applied
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Brake levers aren't loose or difficult to operate
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There are no signs of excessive wear or damage
Wheels and castors
Your wheelchair's wheels have a significant impact on comfort and stability. If your wheelchair begins pulling to one side or feels harder to push than normal, the wheels are often the first place to investigate.
Take a few moments to check that:
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The wheels rotate freely
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There is no excessive wobbling
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The front castors swivel smoothly
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Wheel bearings don't make unusual noises
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The wheels remain securely attached to the frame
Tyres
Tyres naturally wear over time, particularly if your wheelchair is used outdoors on rough surfaces.
Keeping tyres inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure makes the wheelchair much easier to propel. Regularly check for:
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Sufficient tread depth according to manufacturer requirements
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Cracks or splits in the rubber
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Embedded stones or debris
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Signs of punctures
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Correct tyre pressure if your wheelchair uses pneumatic tyres
Screws, bolts and fasteners
Daily use naturally causes vibration, meaning screws and bolts can gradually loosen over time. Check that:
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Nothing appears loose
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There are no missing bolts
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Folding mechanisms remain secure
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Armrests and footrests feel stable
Avoid overtightening components yourself unless instructed by the manufacturer, as this can sometimes damage the wheelchair.
Cushions and seating
Your wheelchair cushion supports your posture and, for many users, helps reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. If you begin experiencing new aches, discomfort or pressure sores, it may be time to replace your cushion or have your seating assessed.
Check that:
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Cushions haven't flattened or lost their shape
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Covers aren't torn
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The foam hasn't deteriorated
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Positioning remains comfortable
Upholstery
Regularly inspect the seat and backrest fabric for:
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Tears
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Loose stitching
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Sagging material
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Excessive wear
How to clean your wheelchair
If you are capable, it is best practice to give your wheelchair a basic clean on a regular basis. This will help keep it looking its best and can also prevent dirt from affecting moving parts.
Take care to:
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Wipe the frame using a damp cloth and mild soapy water
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Spray using approved disinfectants
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Dry metal components afterwards to help prevent corrosion
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Remove mud, leaves and debris from around the wheels and castors
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Vacuum fabric upholstery if needed
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Clean cushions according to the manufacturer's instructions
Cleaning tips:
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Avoid using pressure washers or harsh cleaning chemicals, as these can damage electrical components and painted finishes.
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If you own a powered wheelchair, take extra care not to allow water into charging ports or control panels.
How to store your wheelchair
How you store your wheelchair can have a big impact on its lifespan.
Ideally, you should:
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Store it indoors in a dry environment
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Keep it away from excessive moisture and direct sunlight
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Avoid leaving it outside overnight where possible
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Fold manual wheelchairs carefully according to the manufacturer's instructions
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Keep powered wheelchairs charged if they won't be used for an extended period, following the battery guidance in your owner's manual
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If you're transporting your wheelchair in a car, make sure it's properly secured to prevent unnecessary damage during travel
Should you service your wheelchair professionally?
Although regular home checks are important, they shouldn't replace professional servicing.
A trained technician can identify wear that may not be obvious during everyday use and replace components before they become safety issues.
If you notice anything unusual, such as squeaking, increased resistance, loose parts, or reduced battery performance, it's best to arrange a service sooner rather than waiting for your annual inspection.
Can you get your wheelchair insured?
Yes. Both manual and powered wheelchairs can be insured.
Insurance can provide valuable peace of mind, particularly if you use your wheelchair every day or travel frequently. If your wheelchair was provided through the NHS, check whether it is already covered before purchasing additional insurance.
Wheelchair insurance can help cover accidental damage and breakdown assistance as well as a wide range of other unplanned circumstances you may encounter.
Depending on the wheelchair you have, insurance is not a legal requirement but it is strongly recommended if you have a powerchair with more expensive parts.
Are there any legal requirements for powered wheelchairs?
Unlike cars, powered wheelchairs generally do not need to be taxed, registered or insured to be used in the UK.
However, if you use your powered wheelchair on public pavements or roads, it must meet the legal requirements for its classification. Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are usually divided into different classes depending on their maximum speed and where they can be used.
Regardless of the legal requirements, it is your responsibility to keep your wheelchair in a safe working condition. Regular servicing and maintenance not only helps keep you safe but also ensures your wheelchair continues performing as intended.
Finding the right wheelchair
At Life and Mobility Solutions, we understand how important it is that your wheelchair is reliable. Whether you're looking for advice on caring for your current chair or you're considering upgrading to a new model, our friendly team is always happy to help. Visit one of our showrooms or get in touch to discuss your mobility needs with one of our specialists.