Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Mobility Equipment

As the weather warms up and spring rolls in, it’s the perfect time to give your home health care equipment a thorough check-up. Just like your car or home appliances, mobility equipment requires routine maintenance to function safely and efficiently. Whether you rely on a power wheelchair, mobility scooter, stair lift, or ramp system, seasonal upkeep is key to extending the life of your equipment and avoiding unexpected breakdowns.

At Universal Health Products, we believe that maintaining your mobility solutions is just as important as selecting the right ones. This spring, take a proactive approach with these expert tips to keep your equipment in top shape.

1. Inspect and Clean Your Equipment

Start with a thorough visual inspection of your devices:

Look for cracks, wear, or rust on any frames, screws, and moving parts.
For devices like mobility scooters or power wheelchairs, check for dirt or debris that may have accumulated over winter months.
Use a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner to wipe down surfaces. Avoid spraying electronics directly.

Pro Tip: Clean wheels and casters thoroughly to ensure smooth movement and reduce wear on floors.

2. Test the Battery Life

Batteries can suffer from long periods of inactivity or cold weather. This is especially important for powered devices like scooters, lifts, and wheelchairs.

Charge the battery fully and monitor how long it holds a charge.
If the device seems to lose power quickly, it may be time to replace the battery.
Look for signs of corrosion around battery terminals.

At Universal Health Products, we offer replacement batteries and can assist in battery testing to ensure your mobility equipment is reliable when you need it most.

3. Lubricate Moving Parts

Keep mechanical parts in working order by applying lubricant to:

Hinges and joints on folding wheelchairs
Swivel points and axles on scooters
Tracks and rollers on stair lifts

Always use manufacturer-approved lubricants, and wipe away any excess to prevent buildup.

4. Tighten Bolts and Adjust Screws

With regular use, nuts and bolts can loosen, leading to instability and even accidents. Inspect the following areas:

Wheel locks and brackets
Armrests and seat attachments
Joystick or tiller mounts

If your device feels wobbly or makes unusual noises, tighten any loose components or bring it in for a professional tune-up.

5. Check Tires and Tread

Just like any vehicle, tires on scooters and power chairs wear over time:

Inspect for cracks, flat spots, or worn-out tread
Ensure tires are inflated to the recommended pressure
If your model has solid tires, look for signs of hardening or brittleness

Proper tire care improves traction, comfort, and battery efficiency for all your mobility equipment.

6. Inspect Safety Features

Don't overlook the features designed to keep you safe:

Test brakes and emergency stop functions
Ensure seat belts and straps are secure and undamaged
Confirm that headlights, reflectors, and warning signals are functioning

If your device has a backup battery or alarm system, test those as well.

7. Don’t Forget Your Home Accessibility Equipment

Spring maintenance isn’t just for mobile devices. Be sure to inspect:

Stair lifts for noise, delay, or jerky movement
Vertical platform lifts for track cleanliness and lift response
Ramps for structural integrity, rust, or warping due to moisture

Even daily living aids like grab bars, support rails, and transfer benches should be checked for secure mounting and wear.

8. Schedule Professional Servicing

While DIY maintenance is important, an annual check-up from a trained technician helps identify issues you might miss. At Universal Health Products, we offer routine servicing to:

Calibrate controls
Update firmware (if applicable)
Inspect electronics
Replace worn components

We’re happy to inspect and maintain any product, even if it wasn’t purchased through us.

9. Update Your Accessories

Spring is also a great time to assess whether your needs have changed. Consider updating or adding:

Weatherproof covers
Storage baskets or oxygen holders
Cup holders, mirrors, or upgraded seats

Accessories enhance comfort and usability while keeping your equipment organized and protected.

10. Ask About ADP Funding for Repairs or Replacements

If your device is showing signs of age or damage, replacement may be a better option. In Ontario, many assistive devices qualify for ADP funding through the Assistive Devices Program. This program can cover a significant portion of costs related to new equipment.

Our team can walk you through the process and help determine if your repairs or replacements are eligible.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal maintenance ensures that your mobility equipment continues to perform reliably and safely year-round. By taking a few simple steps each spring, you can avoid costly repairs, extend the life of your device, and enjoy greater peace of mind.

Need help with your spring tune-up? Visit us at 635 Tecumseh Road West, Windsor, Ontario N8X 1H4, or call (519) 258-6717 to book a maintenance check.

Let Universal Health Products help you stay mobile, safe, and independent this season!

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