A manual wheelchair is something many people rely on every day. This includes both self-propelled wheelchairs, which are moved by the user, and attendant-propelled wheelchairs, which are pushed by a carer or another person. Looking after your wheelchair can help keep it safe, comfortable and working as it should.
The good news is that manual wheelchair maintenance doesn’t need to take a lot of time. A few regular checks can help you spot small problems before they become bigger ones, and many can be done at home.
Not every wheelchair user can carry out every maintenance task themselves, and that’s completely normal. Some jobs are easier with help from a family member, friend or carer, while others are best left to a mobility engineer.
Keeping your wheelchair in good condition can help you stay mobile and reduce the chance of unexpected repairs when you rely on it most.
Build a Simple Maintenance Routine
The easiest way to keep your wheelchair in good condition is to make maintenance part of your normal routine. Rather than waiting until something breaks, carry out a few quick checks throughout the year.
These checks don’t all have to be done by the wheelchair user. They can easily be shared with a family member, carer or friend.
| When | What to check |
| Every week | Check tyres, test wheel locks, remove dirt from the front casters and wipe down the frame if needed. |
| Every month | Check bolts, hand rims, moving parts, the seat, backrest and cushion, and give the wheelchair a more thorough clean. |
| Once a year | Book a professional service to inspect parts that can’t easily be checked at home. |
If you use your wheelchair every day, these small checks can help prevent unexpected problems and keep it working reliably.
Who Can Help With Maintenance
Some jobs involve reaching underneath the chair, lifting wheels or checking parts that aren’t easy to see. If that’s difficult, it’s completely fine to ask for help. Many people rely on support from others for these tasks.
You could ask:
- A family member
- A friend
- A carer
- A mobility engineer
- Your local mobility shop
If your wheelchair is your main way of getting around, it’s worth planning servicing in advance where possible. This can help avoid being without your chair while repairs are carried out.
Cleaning the Frame and Wheels
Keeping your wheelchair clean isn’t just about appearance. Dirt, grit and hair can build up over time and stop parts moving as smoothly as they should.
Use warm water, mild soap and a soft damp cloth to clean:
- The frame
- The seat and backrest
- Hand rims
- Footplates
- Push handles
Dry everything afterwards to stop moisture sitting on metal parts.
The front casters can collect hair, fluff, grass and small stones. These should be removed regularly so the wheels continue turning freely.
The underside of the wheelchair can be an awkward area to reach, so this is usually easier with help from someone else.
Avoid using pressure washers, as they can force water into bearings and other moving parts.
Checking the Tyres
Most manual wheelchairs have two large rear wheels and two smaller front casters. Take a few minutes each week to check for:
- Low tyre pressure if your wheelchair has pneumatic tyres
- Worn tread
- Uneven wear
- Flat spots
- Cuts or cracks
Tyres that are worn or underinflated can make your wheelchair harder to push and less comfortable to use. If your wheelchair has air-filled tyres, keep them inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer.
Checking tyre pressure is usually straightforward, but pumping the tyres or lifting the wheelchair slightly may be easier with another person’s help.
Replace tyres if:
- The tread is worn smooth
- They no longer hold air properly
- They’re cracked or damaged
- Flat spots have developed
Testing the Brakes (Wheel Locks)
Wheel locks are one of the most important safety features on a manual wheelchair. Test them regularly to make sure they:
- Hold the wheelchair securely
- Engage and release smoothly
- Are still easy to reach
If you use your wheelchair every day, you’ll probably notice first if the wheel locks begin to feel weaker or don’t grip as firmly as they used to. Make sure you don’t ignore this and arrange for a mobility engineer to inspect them.
It’s always better to have safety-critical parts checked professionally than risk them failing when you need them.
Hand Rims, Casters and Moving Parts
These parts work hard every day, so it’s worth checking them regularly to make sure everything is working smoothly.
Start by looking at the hand rims. They should feel smooth all the way around without any dents, rough edges or damage that could make pushing uncomfortable.
Next, check the front casters. These smaller wheels can easily collect hair, string, grass and grit, especially if you spend time outdoors. Removing any debris helps them turn freely and can make the wheelchair easier to steer.
If your wheelchair has quick-release rear wheels, make sure the axles lock into place properly and don’t feel loose. Also check areas that naturally loosen over time through everyday use, including:
- Footplates
- Quick release axles
- Folding cross brace
- Any visible nuts and bolts
If tightening bolts isn’t something you can safely do yourself, ask a family member, friend or carer to help, or have them checked during a professional service.
Some moving parts can be lubricated with a silicone spray if the manufacturer recommends it. Avoid using WD-40 or household oils, as they can attract dirt and dust which may cause more wear over time.
Wheel bearings should always be left to a mobility engineer if they need attention.
Seat, Cushion and Upholstery
Your wheelchair should be comfortable as well as safe. Check your seat, backrest and cushion regularly for signs of wear, including:
- Tears or holes
- Sagging fabric
- Flattened or worn padding
- Loose fittings
Keeping your cushion clean is also important. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions where possible and allow it to dry fully before using it again.
If you spend long periods sitting in your wheelchair, your cushion plays an important role in supporting your posture and helping to protect your skin.
Folding and Storing It Safely
When your wheelchair isn’t being used, storing it correctly can help keep it in good condition.
Keep it somewhere clean, dry, sheltered from the weather and away from excessive heat. Leaving a wheelchair outside for long periods can increase the risk of rust and weather damage.
If your wheelchair folds, storing it folded can save space. Some people may need help folding or lifting the chair safely, particularly if they have limited strength or mobility.
If you’re transporting your wheelchair in a car, make sure it’s folded or secured according to the manufacturer’s guidance to help prevent damage during travel.
When to Get a Professional Service
While regular checks at home are important, they don’t replace a professional service. For most people, having a manual wheelchair serviced once a year is enough.
If you use your wheelchair every day, travel long distances or regularly use uneven ground, you may benefit from a service every six months.
Arrange a professional inspection if you notice:
- Wobbly front casters or forks
- Wheel locks that feel loose or don’t hold properly
- Unusual squeaking, rattling or grinding noises
- Wheels that don’t turn smoothly
- Loose or damaged parts
- Cracks in the frame
A qualified mobility engineer can safely inspect and adjust parts that are difficult to access at home.
If your wheelchair is your main way of getting around, try to arrange servicing at a time that causes as little disruption as possible. Planning ahead may help reduce the time you’re without it if repairs are needed.
Insuring Your Wheelchair
Looking after your wheelchair can help keep it in good working order, but regular maintenance can’t prevent every problem.
Accidental damage, theft or loss can happen when you least expect it. If your wheelchair is your main source of mobility, being without it can have a significant impact on everyday life.
Surewise Wheelchair Insurance can help provide reassurance if your wheelchair is lost, stolen or accidentally damaged, depending on the cover selected and the terms of your policy.
If you’re still deciding which type of mobility aid is right for you, our Mobility Aid Comparison Guide explains the differences between common mobility aids and who they’re best suited for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t maintain my wheelchair myself?
That’s completely normal. Many wheelchair users ask a family member, friend or carer to help with maintenance, particularly when checks involve reaching underneath the chair or lifting wheels. You can also arrange for a mobility engineer or local mobility shop to carry out maintenance for you.
How often should you service a manual wheelchair?
For most people, a professional service once a year is recommended. If your wheelchair is used heavily every day or on rough ground, servicing every six months may be more suitable. It’s also a good idea to carry out simple checks each week.
What can I use to lubricate my wheelchair?
Use a silicone spray on suitable moving parts. Avoid WD-40 and household oils, as they can attract dirt. Wheel bearings should be serviced by a professional.
How do I clean a manual wheelchair?
Clean the frame, hand rims, footplates and seat using warm water, mild soap and a damp cloth. Dry the wheelchair afterwards and remove any hair or debris from the front casters. Avoid using pressure washers, as they can force water into moving parts.
How long does a manual wheelchair last?
Most manual wheelchairs last between two and five years, although many continue to perform well for much longer with regular maintenance, servicing and replacement parts where needed.
How do I know when to replace the tyres?
Replace the tyres if the tread is worn, they have flat spots, they’re damaged or cracked, or air-filled tyres no longer hold pressure properly.
