Operate Heavy Duty Power Wheelchairs Carefully to Prevent Accidents & Malfunctioning
Bariatric people can lead an active lifestyle by making heavy duty power wheelchairs as their travel companion. These wheelchairs are better than standard wheelchairs as they have greater weight holding capacity, made from sturdier material and have a wider seat. Available in all kinds of driving range, the popular brand of bariatric wheelchairs even can hold weight up to 600 lbs. However, a buyer must understand this basic fact that if he weighs 500 lbs, he should buy a wheelchair with a weight holding capacity of 550 lbs or more.
Just like mobility scooters, even power wheelchairs need to operate safely to enjoy a comfortable ride outdoors. The users should regularly maintain their assistive mobility devices to keep them in working condition for a long duration. Some of the standard precautions to follow with heavy duty power wheelchairs are as follows:
- Before getting in and out of the wheelchair, turn off the power. This prevents the accidental usage of the vehicle in case someone touches the joystick unintentionally.
- If you are travelling outdoors, avoid putting items with heavy weight on the back of the wheelchair as it will increase the chances of tipping of the wheelchair backward.
- Always charge the vehicle before any indoor or outdoor usage.
- Keep them in a cool and dry place especially at the time of charging them.
- Do not allow children to play with your power wheelchair. Moreover, do not allow them to rests on the footrests or armrests as chances of breakage will increase.
- Avoid going outdoors if there is raining. Even the modern wheelchairs are not water-proof. So, controls may stop working during the rain and even wheels lose traction due to wet ground.
- Set the speed of heavy duty power wheelchairs as per your control so that you can easily handle it. Take the special care of speed when you are operating it in a reverse direction.
Keep these precautions in the mind and keep enjoying safe and comfortable ride on power wheelchairs for long duration. These tips not only keep you safe but even prevent the malfunctioning of the wheelchair.
