Wheelchairs are used for a wide variety of medical cases. They can be used in hospitals for more than one person to operate or for an individual alone who may require it to move around for long or short periods depending on the type of disability, injury or illness, or because of old age. Wheelchairs come in different types and with a variety of features.
The widely agreed-upon view of how long wheelchairs last is approximately four years. However, every individual has different experiences depending upon factors like
- the type of wheelchair they have
- their age and how fast they outsize the wheelchair
- how much time per day is the wheelchair used
- how much weight is carried on the wheelchair
- the material the wheelchair is made up of
After choosing the right wheelchair for oneself, it is important to maintain it as well. There are ways of increasing the lifespan of your wheelchair, for example, with regular maintenance and charging your wheelchair the correct way if you own a power-assisted one.
Manual Wheelchairs
Even though a manual wheelchair offers limited functions as compared to a powered wheelchair, it is more likely to last longer, around 20 years, with only a few replacements of wheels and tires. The seat cushion may also require replacements a few times during these years.
Battery Powered Wheelchair
A wheelchair operated by power usually comes with a heavy-duty motor and batteries. Since these wheelchairs have moving parts and can also be maneuvered by certain controls, they use electricity and battery for around 10-12 hours a day (depending on the activity of the individual). Apart from the weight of the person on the wheelchair, there may be the additional weight of their daily needs accessories, for example, their clothes and laptops. All these objects with their weight work up the battery of the wheelchair, hence powered wheelchairs require major repairs in 4-5 years no matter how carefully they are operated.
Factors Affecting Wheelchair Lifespan
Wheelchairs can last long if certain factors that affect their lifespan are kept in mind, along with regular maintenance and proper care. Since a wheelchair can be a hefty investment, one should account for these factors to use it to its full capacity.
Is the Wheelchair Power Assisted or Manual?
The type of wheelchair affects its lifespan. Powered wheelchairs require more maintenance and replacements due to their heavy and complex mechanisms, while manual wheelchairs do not require a lot of upkeep as long as they are smoothly handled and cared for.
How Long per Day is the Wheelchair Used?
Wheelchair life depends on how much it is being used. Some people require the chair only to move from one place to another for limited amount of time. These people need not replace wheelchairs for long periods of time. They also may not need to invest in a powered wheelchair. However, some individuals have medical cases, and daily routines, which require them to move about a lot, and these people use wheelchairs for maximum hours of the day, constantly. In such cases where you are bound to the wheelchair, it is likely that replacements are required frequently, even within 6 months of use.
How Old is The Person Using the Wheelchair?
It will be necessary to replace your wheelchair if you are a child under 16 because of your growth spurts. Older teens and adults last longer with their wheelchairs because their size doesn’t change much in those years. Wheelchairs are made age-appropriately, and there does come a time for kids where their seats might not accommodate them anymore.
How Much Weight is Carried on the Wheelchair?
Apart from the weight of the person themselves, it is important to account the extra weight carried on the wheelchair (things a person needs to use through the day) along with keeping in mind what weight limit the wheelchair has. Extra weight can drain the motor and batteries of a powered wheelchair and can wear the tires and wheels out of a manual one.
What Material is the Wheelchair Made up of?
- Aluminum wheelchairs are affordable and lightweight. However, they rust quickly, which makes them prone to cracking. They may last two years or more if used carefully.
- Steel wheelchairs, also found in public places, are cheap and strong. However, they are hard to maneuver and are heavy. They do last long but don’t fit for personal use. They may last three or more years.
- Wheelchairs are also made out of titanium, and they are strong and light-weighted. They last longer because they don’t rust easily.
Pros and Cons of a Manual Wheelchair
Pros:
A manual wheelchair is less expensive as compared to a powered wheelchair. A good quality manual wheelchair may also last longer than a battery-powered wheelchair because of it simple mechanism and strong manufacturing.
Cons:
The main drawback of a manual wheelchair is operating it. It can get tiresome to move around in a manual wheelchair. No matter how upgraded the wheelchair is, the smoothness of mobility cannot be matched with a powered wheelchair.
Pros and Cons of a Battery Powered Wheelchair
Pros:
The main benefit of a powered wheelchair is the ease of use. It is a heavy advantage because one can get tired, manually operating a wheelchair to move around. These wheelchairs also offer smoother mobility.
Cons:
Battery-powered wheelchairs offer many features to the user; however, these features also require due care and maintenance. There are some downsides to such wheelchairs including:
They are More Expensive than Manual Wheelchairs.
With their increased features, batteries, motor, and power comes at a greater price as well. Powered wheelchairs can be heavy on the pocket.
They Can’t Be Carried on Majority Airlines
Powered wheelchairs can’t be taken with you when traveling by air because they are powered by lead-acid batteries, which aren’t approved by certain airlines to be carried on a plane.
The Battery and Motor can Deteriorate on Steep Slopes
Powered wheelchairs can be difficult to operate on steep slopes and harsh terrains. They are heavy, and the motor attached to the wheelchair may not be suited to power the chair enough to move over such landscapes. With underpowered motors, one can rapidly lose power in their wheelchair and waste battery in the process. This can reduce the lifespan of the wheelchair to a great extent.
They have a Shorter Lifespan than Manual Wheelchairs
Generally, with its heavy mechanics, a powered wheelchair is likely to not last longer than a manual wheelchair. The daily usage of battery and motor is bound to make the wheelchair less efficient over time.
How to Make Your Wheelchairs Last Longer?
Wheelchairs in everyday use are hard to maintain and care for; however, staying vigilant to do so can be beneficial for you and your pocket. Certain steps taken can help make your wheelchairs last longer.
- Avoid accidents. Sometimes in a hurry, a person may end up bumping the wheelchair into a surface that may affect both a manual or powered wheelchair. This can increase the risk of your wheelchair breaking down, therefore, operate it smoothly.
- For a powered wheelchair, use and charge the battery wisely because it is the main component of your wheelchair that is keeping you mobile.
- Get your wheelchair serviced annually by a professional who might detect and fix a fault that you may not see in your wheelchair.
- Check for loose parts and rust. Make sure to keep the wheelchair clean and avoid the accumulation of dust and dirt on it.
- Avoid your powered wheelchairs getting into contact with water
- Replace wheels and seats when you feel the need to do so or when they start getting uncomfortable.
Sometimes it is better to replace your wheelchair instead of making repairs on the old one. Especially for powered wheelchairs, replacement of some parts may get as expensive as getting a new wheelchair, for example, gears of the wheelchair. In such cases, it makes more sense to get a new chair. Keep yourself alert with any red flags regarding your chair. With proper care and maintenance, it can last longer.