Whilst winter can be a beautiful season, it also presents unique challenges for people who use wheelchairs. Taking the time now to ensure your wheelchair and wheels are prepared will allow you to safely enjoy all that the season has to offer. That is why we have gathered 5 top tips to help with preparing your wheelchair for winter!
As a general rule you should check the tyre pressure of your wheels every month, as well as your chair’s quick release mechanism, the anti-tip (if fitted), footrest, upholstery and overall condition of the wheelchair.
For winter, you may also want to…
Clean your tyres
This may sound slightly strange, as they’re only going to get dirty again, but cleaning your tyres is the best way to make sure that no dirt or debris is present which could affect their traction. Whilst cleaning them, make sure to have a look for any signs of wear, especially if you take your wheelchair out on rough terrain.
Check your castors…
As well as your rear tyres, your castors can also be subject to debris and dirt, particularly around the bearings. Leaving things wrapped around your castors could cause them to wear out at a quicker rate than normal.
…and all other moving parts!
During cold months, people often line roads and pavements with salt to help reduce slippiness. This makes it important to check your wheelchair after you have been out. Look for and clean away any residue, particularly where the moving parts are! This includes the brakes, side guard, axels as well as any screws or bolts which may have come loose over time.
Make sure your tyre pressure is right
As temperatures drop, so does the air pressure. This means you may need to check your tyre pressure more regularly than in warmer summer months. The manufacturer’s recommendation for minimum and maximum tyre pressure levels for your specific wheels should be marked on the side of the tyre. It is important to make sure that your tyre pressure is within these levels.
However, make sure you don’t just assume your tyre pressure is low due to the temperature! Always check for punctures or other damage which could explain decreased tyre pressure.
Consider a pair of winter tyres
Just like a car, you can equip a wheelchair with a specific set of tyres for tackling winter weather. This may be especially useful if you live in an area prone to snow! Wheels designed for tougher terrain provide better traction, reducing the effort required to push over snow and ice. This can help to make travelling in winter a smoother and easier experience.
You could also consider looking into push rims which are suitable for extreme climates, such as wooden push rims which remain a steady temperature even in extreme cold! If you’re interested in getting some Lignorim wooden push rims, use code WINTERWARMER10 for a 10% discount at checkout!
This code is active until March 31st, 2025.
As winter approaches, taking the time to prepare your wheelchair wheels is essential for a smoother, safer experience. By following these five tips, you can help your wheels tackle whatever the season throws your way!
If you have any questions about your Loopwheels, please get in touch with the member of our team! For questions about your wheelchair specifically, please contact a specialist dealer.