How frequently is a wheelchair tune-up necessary? - Laura Wehrli, PT

Wheelchairs do need tune-ups, and I believe that the person using the wheelchair should be in tune with what is needed with their chair—are there things that are becoming worn? Especially, the most dangerous I’ve seen is a footrest that is not well maintained, or slips down and becomes too close to the ground, which unfortunately—in several cases that I’m aware of—has caused patients to hit the ground in a decline and then quick incline. The chair stops suddenly, and they get catapulted out of it, so that’s one of the dangers. Being aware of how the chair is being worn out, and things that need to be adjusted is helpful, but then also seeing a therapist that can really evaluate the chair and check it out on a regular basis.