Welcome to part two of our series on troubleshooting mobility aids. In this part, we will focus on wheelchairs—both manual and powered.
Keeping a wheelchair in top shape is essential. A small problem like a loose brake or wobbly caster can quickly turn into a safety hazard. The good news is that you can fix many issues by knowing what to look for or when to call for help.
Let’s get into it.
Common Wheelchair Problems and Their Fixes
Below are the most common mechanical issues you’ll encounter with manual and powered wheelchairs and what you can do about them.
Tires and Wheels
Problem: Flat or Underinflated Tires
What it looks like:
- Chair feels hard to push
- Brakes don’t hold well
- Turning becomes sluggish
Fix:
First, check the air pressure using a simple handheld gauge. Most wheelchair tires have the recommended PSI right on the sidewall. If the measured pressure is lower, inflate the tire using a bicycle pump.
If a tire goes flat repeatedly or you hear a hiss, the inner tube may be punctured. You can fix this by patching the small holes using a bike tube repair kit. Alternatively, you can replace the tube altogether.
Tip: Keep a spare tube around if you're a regular user.
Problem: Worn or Damaged Casters
What it looks like:
- The chair pulls to one side
- Front wheels don’t spin smoothly
- Rattling or wobble while moving
Fix:
Flip the chair slightly and check the small front casters. If they look flat on one side, have hair wrapped around the axle, or squeak, it’s time for a fix.
Clean off any hair, string, or dirt using tweezers or scissors. Apply a silicone-based lubricant (not oil) to the bearing area. If the wheel still sticks, the bearings may be worn or the caster may be cracked. In such cases, you may have to replace the whole unit.
Tip: Most casters are held with a bolt and can be replaced using simple tools.
Braking Issues
Problem: Loose or Ineffective Brakes
What it looks like:
- Brakes don’t stop the chair from rolling
- Wheel lock doesn’t make contact with the tire
Fix:
First, check tire pressure. Brakes rely on fully inflated tires to make contact. If the tires are fine, loosen the brake mounting bolts slightly. Then, slide the brake closer to the tire until it touches and retighten.
If the brake pads look worn or too smooth, you can buy replacements or upgrade to better, high-friction pads. Proper brake tension ensures the chair stays parked on slopy surfaces or during transfers.
Problem: Squeaky or Stiff Brakes
What it looks like:
- Brakes make a squealing noise when engaged
- Brake levers are hard to move
Fix:
Use a small amount of dry lubricant or silicone spray on the brake pivot points. Avoid oil-based lubes—they attract dirt and can gum up the moving parts.
If the brake lever remains stiff or difficult to engage, there may be internal rust or binding. Replacing the brake unit may be safer than forcing a temporary fix.
Frame and Upholstery
Problem: Sagging or Torn Seat/Backrest
What it looks like:
- You feel like you're sinking into the chair
- Uneven posture or discomfort
- Fabric is visibly ripped or stretched
Fix:
Upholstery is bound to naturally wear out over time. If you sit in the chair for long periods, this might get faster. If the fabric is sagging or torn, your weight will not be properly supported. And this will lead to back pain or pressure sores.
For the short term, you can patch holes with fabric tape or stitched-on patches. For a lasting solution, order a replacement seat and backrest kit from your wheelchair brand.
Tip: Installation of the seat/backrest is usually straightforward using a screwdriver or Allen wrench.
Problem: Loose Frame or Screws
What it looks like:
- Frame rattles
- Armrests or footrests feel wobbly
- Crossbrace or seat frame creaks
Fix:
Inspect and tighten all screws and bolts using the appropriate tools. Usually a combination of Allen keys and small wrenches will be enough. For areas that repeatedly come loose, apply a threadlocker product such as Loctite to the bolt threads before tightening.
If the folding mechanism feels stiff, clean the hinges and apply a light lubricant to the pivot points. Never force the chair open or closed—if something feels jammed, investigate before using it.
Powered Wheelchair-Specific Problems
Problem: Battery Not Charging or Draining Quickly
What it looks like:
- The chair doesn’t power on
- Charge doesn't last through the day
- Battery indicator drops fast
Fix:
Start by checking the basics. Is the charger plugged in properly? Are the connectors clean and firmly attached? If you see any corrosion on the battery terminals, disconnect and clean them with a dry cloth.
Make sure to follow good charging habits: charge after each use, never let the battery sit empty, and store it in a dry place. If your battery is over 1.5–2 years old and doesn't hold charge, it’s likely time for a replacement.
Problem: Joystick Not Responding
What it looks like:
- Chair powers on but won’t move
- Joystick doesn’t react
- Error beeps or blinking lights
Fix:
Ensure the joystick controller is securely connected—look for any loose or frayed wires. Some chairs include a reset function or power cycle option. Turn the chair off, wait 10 seconds, then power back on.
Consult your wheelchair’s manual for any fault codes shown through beeps or blinking patterns. These codes often point to specific problems with the motor, controller, or battery.
If it still doesn’t respond, it’s time to contact a technician.
Problem: Sudden Stops or Jerky Movement
What it looks like:
- Chair randomly stops while driving
- Movement is uneven or stuttering
- Often worse on ramps or uneven surfaces
Fix:
This might be a freewheel lever accidentally set to “neutral.” Make sure the lever (usually on the rear wheels) is pushed down to the drive position.
If the issue persists, try resetting the system. If that doesn’t work, the problem may lie in the motor, wiring, or controller unit. These are not safe to troubleshoot yourself—contact a mobility repair service.
When to Seek Professional Help
Even with regular maintenance and small fixes, there are times when the safest move is to get help. Wheelchairs are highly personalized tools—and when they don’t work as expected, your safety, health, and mobility are at risk.
So how do you know it’s time to stop trying to fix it yourself?
Here are the warning signs that require professional attention.
Structural or Frame Damage
What to look for:
- Cracks along the frame or seat rails
- Broken welds or joints
- A bent axle or crossbrace
- The chair feels “off balance” or leans
Why it matters:
Any kind of structural weakness puts you at risk of a fall or full collapse. Even if the chair seems usable, those cracks and bends can worsen quickly under daily stress—especially if the user shifts weight or transfers frequently.
What to do:
Stop using the chair until a technician has inspected it. Most structural issues can’t be fixed with DIY tools. In some cases, a full frame replacement is safer and more cost-effective than a repair.
Persistent Brake or Wheel Failure
What to look for:
- Brakes don’t hold after adjustment
- You’ve replaced the pads, but wheels still roll freely
- Front wheels shake, veer, or feel unsteady even after cleaning and tightening
Why it matters:
If your brakes or wheels aren’t functioning reliably, every transfer, slope, or stop becomes risky. You need to fully trust that the chair will stay put when it should—and move smoothly when it needs to.
What to do:
If you’ve already checked air pressure, repositioned brakes, or cleaned casters without success, bring in a wheelchair repair service. They can check for deeper problems like warped rims, faulty brake arms, or alignment issues you can’t see.
Electrical or Motor Issues (Powered Chairs)
What to look for:
- The chair won’t power on, even with a new battery
- Joystick is unresponsive or moves erratically
- You hear clicking or grinding sounds from the motor
- You’ve noticed burning smells, flickering lights, or random shut-offs
Why it matters:
These symptoms point to internal faults in the battery system, control unit, or motor. Trying to fix these without the right tools—or worse, ignoring them—can lead to a full system failure or pose a fire risk.
What to do:
Don’t try to open the electronics casing or rewire anything yourself. Call a certified technician. Many providers offer home service or pickup options. Be ready to describe any error codes or flashing lights when booking the repair.
User Discomfort, Pain, or Skin Problems
What to look for:
- Back or shoulder pain after using the chair
- New pressure sores or skin breakdown
- Difficulty maintaining posture
- Needing to shift or adjust constantly while seated
Why it matters:
Even if the wheelchair is mechanically sound, it may no longer fit your body properly—or the upholstery and cushions may be too worn to offer support. Poor fit leads to long-term health issues, including pressure injuries, nerve damage, and chronic joint pain.
What to do:
Contact a physical therapist or assistive technology specialist. They can assess whether your current chair still meets your needs and recommend fit adjustments, posture supports, or a better-suited model. Don’t ignore small signs of discomfort—these often lead to serious injury if left unaddressed.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Taking a few minutes each week to care for your wheelchair can prevent breakdowns and extend its life. Here's a quick schedule to follow:
Weekly Checks
- Check tire pressure: Low air affects movement and brake grip
- Inspect brakes: Test both sides to ensure they lock firmly
- Clean caster wheels: Remove hair, dirt, and debris that can jam movement
Monthly Tasks
- Tighten all bolts: Especially on armrests, crossbraces, and footrests
- Inspect upholstery: Look for sagging or tears that could affect posture
- Clean wheel rims: Built-up grime affects traction and braking
For Powered Chairs
- Charge after every use: Don’t let batteries drain completely
- Keep terminals dry and clean: Corrosion shortens battery life
- Avoid water exposure: Store indoors and dry thoroughly if wet
Annual Servicing
- Schedule a full inspection with a wheelchair technician
- They’ll check electrical systems, frame integrity, motor health, and more
- Think of it like a car tune-up—it catches problems early and keeps everything running smoothly
Final Thoughts
A wheelchair is more than just a seat on wheels. It’s mobility, safety, and independence all in one. Learning how to handle the small things—like tightening brakes or cleaning wheels—can make a big difference in day-to-day life.
But some problems aren’t worth risking. If something feels wrong, stop and ask for help. Your health and mobility are worth it.
Next up: Walker Troubleshooting →
We’ll explore how to keep your walker balanced, rolling, and ready to support every step you take.