How to Clean Your Wheelchair

How to Clean Your Wheelchair

by | Feb 7, 2023 | Electric Wheelchairs, How To's

Upkeep of your electric wheelchair or power chair is very important. And, it’s a key to keeping it in good condition. We all know that maintenance such as tightening the screws and bolts if they start to loosen up as well as applying grease/oil to any moving parts that may need to stay lubricated is essential.

But, a big part of upkeep that gets overlooked is cleaning your wheelchair. Believe it or not, your power chair needs to be cleaned regularly. Keeping your power chair clean can help extend the life of the chair and its components. And, it also keeps it looking nice and presentable. Especially if you’re taking it outdoors. Here are a few important tips and tricks so you can learn how to clean your wheelchair.

IMPORTANT NOTE – Please make sure your electric wheelchair/power chair is OFF before any cleaning takes place. It may be best to turn off the chair and fully remove the battery prior to cleaning to avoid potential electric shock, unintended movement of the chair, and damage to the electrical components of the chair. 

The Chair Itself – Cushions, Backrest, and Armrests

Similar to the seat cushions of your car or couch, your seat cushion and backrest should be cleaned regularly. This can prevent odor and will keep the cushion fresh and clean. It also can prevent dirt and bacteria from building up that can slowly eat away at the material. And, even wear down the fabric faster. Some cushions have a removable cover that you can throw into your washing machine. 

For models that don’t allow that, you’ll have to wipe it or scrub it clean with a damp cloth or per the care instructions that came with your power chair. Some power chairs that use rubber or vinyl seats must be cleaned using a damp cloth. Since the cushions are not machine washable, it is usually best to spray the cushion with some sort of scented fabric spray that fights off odors. And keeps the cushion smelling good. With that said, it is not recommended to spray a scented fabric spray on vinyl and rubber seats as the ingredients may cause damage to the material. The armrests are usually able to be wiped clean using a damp cloth.

Wheelchair Cushion

Wheels

Keeping the wheels clean is simple. Since the wheels on power chairs can get wet, you can clean them with warm water and light detergent. Like light dish soap, like Dawn. You can also clean the wheels with wipes that you would use to clean the surfaces in your car’s interior. With that said, be mindful of the ingredients in the cleaning products you use as some ingredients may be too harsh for certain materials. Some people prefer to wipe down their wheels with a damp cloth and nothing more. 

You can scrub the thread of the wheels with a soft or medium bristle brush. Like a household cleaning brush, a toothbrush, or even a paintbrush depending on how stiff the bristles are. Since wheels for power chairs are either flat-free rubber or pneumatic air-filled tires, we do not recommend using anything with metal bristles. Using metal bristles on solid rubber tires can cause scratches and damage to the wheels. Using metal bristles on pneumatic tires can puncture the wheel, which will cause it to go flat. If you plan to drive your chair right after cleaning your wheelchair wheels, we highly recommend ensuring the wheels are dry to prevent any sort of slipping. Use extreme caution when washing the wheels that are attached to the motor as the motor cannot get wet. We’ll talk more about motors later.

Frame

The frame of power chairs is easy to clean considering they are usually made of some kind of metal. Power chair frames are usually made of aluminum or magnesium or another type of metal. You should be able to simply wipe the frame clean with a damp cloth if it gets dirty. It is also recommended to dry the frame using a dry towel or cloth after cleaning it to prevent any discoloration. Or, in some cases, rust. Similar to the rest of the chair, try to avoid using any harsh chemicals when cleaning your wheelchair frame, as harsh chemicals can strip the finish off of the frame. If there is anything stuck to the frame that needs to be scrubbed off, such as mud, it is recommended to use a soft-bristled brush with light dish soap and warm water. Again, do not use any sort of metal bristles or strong harsh cleaners to scrub the frame as it will result in damage.

Elite Model Wheelchair

Controls / Joystick and Motor

Joysticks are easy to clean. You can usually just wipe them down. However, joysticks and the control panels are usually made with or covered in a soft rubber material that can be damaged by harsh chemicals. Joysticks and control panels should never be washed in water. This is because of the electrical components of the power chair. Therefore, it should never get soaked or submerged. The charging port, which is sometimes located on the joystick, will be damaged if it gets wet. And, this will prevent the chair from charging with that port. Keep all water away from the charging port or keep the rubber cover on it. If the charging port needs to be cleaned, compressed air is the best thing to use. 

The motor is one of the most important parts of any electric wheelchair or power chair. Because of this, it should be cleaned with extreme caution. Make sure no part of the motor gets wet. Otherwise, the chair will no longer work. Use extreme caution when you clean the wheels attached to the motors. Ensure no water gets in them. The easiest and best way to clean any debris from the inside of the motor is to spray it with compressed air. If there is too much debris within the motor to properly clean it, it is recommended that you contact the manufacturer or company from which you purchased your power chair for further guidance.

Cleaning your EasyGo

EasyGo power chairs are among the easiest power chairs to clean. The joystick is removable and you can wipe it clean with a damp cloth. The charging port located at the bottom of the joystick has a rubber cap that you can use when the chair is not charging. Especially when you are cleaning the joystick. If there is any debris in the charging port, use compressed air to clean it out. The frame of the EasyGo power chair can be wiped clean using a damp cloth and should be wiped dry to avoid water stains or discoloration. Wheels should be wiped clean or scrubbed using a small cleaning brush with warm water and light dish soap. If the rear wheels require scrubbing with water and soap, ensure the motor does not get wet or cover the motors to prevent any water from getting in. EasyGo power chairs also have a removable seat and backrest cover that are machine washable. The cover for the seat cushion can be removed from the cushion and is also machine washable. Because of this, EasyGo power chairs are very simple to keep clean and in good shape!

Conclusion

Electric wheelchairs are a big investment so you want to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. Keeping your wheelchair clean is just as important as all other maintenance. It will help extend the life of your chair and its components and will keep your chair looking good. It will also help with the performance of your chair. We hope these tips help you clean your wheelchair. Thank you for choosing EasyGo Mobility.

6 Tips for Driving an Electric Wheelchair

6 Tips for Driving an Electric Wheelchair

by | Jan 27, 2023 | How To's, Mobility Aids

When you receive a new electric wheelchair or power chair, the first thing you want to do is get in and go. You want to test out your new set of wheels and enjoy your restored mobile independence. As you ride your electric wheelchair, you will get accustomed to how it drives. Like, how it handles turns, and overall, how it maneuvers. There are many things to take into consideration when riding around in your new electric wheelchair. With some customer feedback and research, EasyGo Mobility has put together a list of 6 tips for driving an electric wheelchair.

1. General Considerations

The speed, turning radius, width, and length of your electric wheelchair should always be taken into consideration. These factors come into play when coming to a full stop or trying to complete any turns. We’ll get into these soon. 

Similar to driving a car, you should be checking all your blind spots. Especially the ground and your lower surroundings. Make sure you’re looking behind you before you back up. If you have a horn or indicator, use it. Even if no one is behind you, there may be somebody around the corner you don’t see who has no idea you’re about to back up. So, your horn is a great tool.

If you need to get up from your chair, fold up your footplate. This will allow you enough room in front of you to safely stand and move away from and around your chair. Also, ensure you have enough room around you if you need to fold or unfold your chair. Having a general idea of safety and driving will take you and your wheelchair a long way!

 

Driving an Electric Wheelchair

2. Consider the Length and Width of your Wheelchair

You can sometimes forget how long and wide your electric wheelchair is. While most electric wheelchairs have no issues going through standard doorways, it is still good to consider your angle when coming through a doorway. Make sure you are straight to avoid bumping. And, don’t get too close to the doorframe or you could end up bumping and hurting your hand.

Try to avoid making any turns until you have made sure the full length of your chair is through the doorway. And that there are no obstacles in your way. You also want to be aware of the width as you drive down narrow hallways. Knowing the length also helps when backing up.

As mentioned previously, it’s a good idea to look behind you as you back up. This will ensure you don’t back into anything or anyone. Overall, take the width and length of your electric wheelchair into consideration. And, make sure you have sufficient room to move all around your wheelchair. It can take some practice before you are spacially aware of your wheelchair’s size. So, don’t get discouraged if you have a few bumps along the way.

3. Understand Your Turning Radius

You must also consider your turning radius. Depending on the model of the wheelchair you have, the turning radius will be different. And, is just as important as anything else on this list. The turning radius defines how much space you need to make a turn. When turning in your chair, it is necessary to ensure there is sufficient room for your wheels, handles, armrests, footplate, basket, or anything that you have sticking out of your wheelchair. If you do not have enough room to turn, simply reverse and don’t go forward unless you know there is sufficient room and your path is clear of obstacles.

Wheelchair

4. Your Weight

Your weight also plays a factor in driving your chair. Depending on your electric wheelchair and regardless of the weight capacity, your weight can still affect the performance of your power chair. Your weight can affect how quickly the chair accelerates, the top speed, how quickly it reaches its top speed, and most importantly, how quickly it comes to a full stop once the brake engages. Weight also accelerates how fast wear and tear can occur. While you may be within weight capacity for your wheelchair, your weight could be putting additional strain on the motors shortening their life expectancy.

The same goes for the battery. If the battery needs to work harder to accommodate additional weight on the chair, it will lose power a little faster requiring it to be charged sooner. The tread on your wheels can also be affected by your weight. This is because extra weight will cause the tires to turn harder on the ground wearing them down more quickly. Ensure you keep your weight at capacity or less than the capacity supported by your wheelchair to ensure it lasts as long as possible. 

5. Brakes and Stopping Distance

Despite the stopping distance reported by the manufacturer, you should do your testing on the brakes. Find a safe spot where you can test out the brakes and stopping distance of your chair. This helps give you a good idea of how soon to let go of your joystick to allow sufficient time and space for a safe stop. Use a stopwatch and tape measure or ruler to measure how long it takes, both in time and distance, for your chair to stop. Do this at all speeds. If you feel are going too fast to stop before hitting something, you should try putting your chair into reverse. This stops the motor from accelerating the chair forward and can help stop your chair faster.

Climb Radius

6. Speed

The last tip for driving an electric wheelchair is to understand your speed. It is usually best to change the speed to your preference and depending on where you will be driving your chair. You may find that a lower speed works better indoors. Going at a lower speed indoors avoids obstacles and ensures you get around your home safely. It helps when entering a room or making a turn. Higher speeds are usually best outdoors or in larger areas where you have more room to move with fewer obstacles. As long as your ground clearance will allow it, higher speeds outdoors will also get you over small obstacles such as little cracks and bumps.

As previously mentioned, testing your speed also gives you a chance to test the brakes. See how long it takes to come to a full stop when you let go of the joystick and the brake engages. Doing this at all speeds will give you a great idea of when to stop wherever you are. 

Driving an EasyGo

EasyGo power chairs live up to the “Easy” in the name. Not only do they fold and unfold in under 30 seconds, but they also come fully assembled and ready to go right out of the box. They are lightweight enough to lift and load into your vehicle and have been reported by customers as being one of the easiest and most convenient power chairs to use. EasyGo power chairs are just over 2 ft wide, making them compact enough to easily drive through standard doorways. With a tight turning radius of 28.3 inches, EasyGo power chairs turn smoothly and effortlessly. They also have a horn button on the joystick panel that allows you to let everyone know you are coming through. Once the brake is engaged by letting go of the joystick, EasyGo power chairs come to a full stop within 39 inches or less of when you let go. EasyGo power chairs can travel up to 15 miles on a single battery charge at speeds up to 3.7 MPH, which is a little faster than it sounds. The Standard model power chair weighs 51 lbs. including the battery and holds a max weight of 250 lbs. The bestselling Elite model power chair weighs 56 lbs. with the battery and holds a max weight of 264 lbs. Driving an EasyGo power chair truly is easy.

Conclusion

Driving an electric wheelchair involves more than just getting in and going. There are many factors to consider in how to safely drive your electric wheelchair. Considering and being mindful of these factors as you drive will ensure safe trips with no accidents. Make sure you check all your surroundings, let people know that you are coming through, and ensure you are traveling at a safe speed where a sudden stop will not be a problem. We hope these tips help you become a better electric wheelchair driver. We wish you all safe driving and thank you for choosing EasyGo Mobility.

How Can I Transport a Wheelchair?

How Can I Transport a Wheelchair?

by | Sep 28, 2022 | Electric Wheelchairs, How To's

As a current or future wheelchair user, you may be asking yourself, “How can I transport a wheelchair?”. The ability to travel with your wheelchair and take it with you everywhere you go can help you regain your mobile independence. In this article, we are going to go through a number of ways that you can transport a wheelchair, so you can make an informed decision on what will work best for your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Foldable Wheelchair

Folding wheelchairs come in at number one on our list of ways that you can transport a wheelchair. This is because, without a doubt, it is the easiest and most affordable for wheelchair users. Here at EasyGo Mobility, we provide foldable electric wheelchairs that fold in 3 easy steps, so you don’t have to fidget with disassembling pieces. With the ability to fold into a compact size, you will still be able to use your trunk for shopping bags. Additionally, our folding wheelchairs are more affordable than any other option mentioned on this list, not to mention we offer various financing options.

Disassembling Wheelchair

The second most popular way to transport a wheelchair is by using a disassembling wheelchair. As the name implies, this type of wheelchair can break down into multiple parts. This makes them more manageable to lift up and put into the trunk of your vehicle. Keep in mind that disassembling may be difficult for some people who have limited mobility or arthritis in their fingers, wrists, and/or arms. Additionally, if you have a hard time bending over, disassembling wheelchairs could be difficult to manage if you plan on using it fairly regularly. If you want to read a comparison of foldable vs disassembling wheelchairs, check out this article.

Platform Lift

A platform lift, like the Bruno Joey Platform Lift shown below, is able to lift up your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ground and into your vehicle. A platform lift is very convenient as you can drive your wheelchair right onto the platform. They have a 350-pound weight capacity, so most scooters and wheelchairs under this weight are compatible. Then, use the remote to automatically raise the lift, and bring it safely into your vehicle. This can be a good option for those that have difficulties bending over. But, as you can see, this lift requires a large SUV or van in order to accommodate. Additionally, you lose out on storage in your trunk as it takes up a lot of space. Keep in mind that platform lifts can be on the more expensive side.

Hitch Lift

Hitch lifts, like the Bruno Out-Sider seen below, can carry wheelchairs or scooters on the outside of your vehicle. This can be helpful if your vehicle has a towing ability, but not enough space for a platform lift. Additionally, you will still have access to your trunk for storage. Again, this type of lift can accommodate wheelchairs or scooters weighing 350 pounds or less. A hitch lift is generally more affordable than a platform lift as it is easier to install and has fewer mechanics, but is still fairly expensive.

Wheelchair Accessible Van

Of course, a wheelchair-accessible van is always an option if you are looking to transport a wheelchair. These types of vans are converted specifically for wheelchair users. They offer either rear ramps or side door ramps to help the wheelchair user drive right into the van. This is a great option if you have assistance with you when you are looking to use it. Wheelchair-accessible vans can be upwards of a hundred thousand dollars, so keep this in mind if you are considering it. Some may be able to get insurance coverage or grants from charities.

Accessible Taxi Services

Most taxi companies in your area will have a handful of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. But, they can be difficult to book from time to time and you typically have to book at least a few hours in advance, if not more. Recently Uber has come out with UberWAV, which can accommodate electric wheelchair users who do not use foldable electric wheelchairs. Simply download the Uber app to your phone, and choose the option UberWAV when you are selecting which type of ride want. UberWAV is not available everywhere and still may require pre-booking due to how new it is. But, it is a step in the right direction for taxi companies to become more accessible.

Portable Wheelchair Ramp

Portable wheelchair ramps can be a good option for those with a heavy wheelchair that does not disassemble. A lot of smaller wheelchairs can fit in the back of an SUV or van with the seats down. If you have the space, a ramp might be a good option for you. Ramps are definitely one of the more affordable options on this list, but require a decent amount of strength and stability to roll your wheelchair up the ramp and into your vehicle.

Public Transportation

One of the less-fun options on this list is public transportation. Public transportation, like city buses, can accommodate most sizes of wheelchairs. Every city will have different size requirements for wheelchairs and other mobility equipment, so if you’re unsure, it’s best to reach out to your area’s transportation office. Public transportation is the most affordable option on this list, but it comes with its cons. Bad weather, a full bus, indirect routes, and unfriendly passengers can all make public transportation a less-than-ideal option.

Roof Chair Topper

I left this option for last, as it’s not a super popular way to transport a wheelchair. But, it’s still good to mention it because it might be convenient for you. One of the most popular versions of the roof chair topper is by BraunAbility, seen below. This specific chair topper is essentially a capsule that sits on the top of your vehicle. Then, it is able to lift the wheelchair up, and then turn it horizontally so it sits inside of the capsule while you are driving. Not every roof chair topper is this fancy, you can find some that are more manual, which will be more affordable. Keep in mind that this might not work on all vehicles, and will add weight and height to your vehicle as well.

Practice Makes Perfect

The first time that you load up your wheelchair, no matter how you do it, it will be difficult. Every way that you can transport a wheelchair will have a learning curve. But, the more times you do it, the easier it will be. You will get faster and more comfortable transporting your wheelchair in no time. 

Closing Statements

There are a number of ways that you are able to transport a wheelchair. Hopefully, in the future, there will be even more as accessibility options become more available. If you are between a few different options, try to make a chart and weigh out the pros and cons of each option. This can make it easier to visualize how you will transport a wheelchair on a regular basis. If you have any questions about EasyGo Mobility’s foldable power chairs, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Loading EasyGo into a vehicle with the EasyLoad Vehicle Wheels

Loading EasyGo into a vehicle with the EasyLoad Vehicle Wheels

by | Sep 17, 2022 | How To's

Loading EasyGo Powerchair into a vehicle with the EasyLoad Vehicle Wheels

Want to make loading the EasyGo Powerchair even easier and more convenient? Not possible, you say? Think again! We offer the EasyLoad Vehicle Wheels as an additional accessory to go with your EasyGo Powerchair.

The EasyLoad is a set of two wheels that attach to your EasyGo. These wheels make loading the EasyGo Powerchair into your vehicle even easier with added convenience.

First, start by unfolding the EasyLoad wheels from the battery.

Second, line up the chair and EasyLoad with the edge of your trunk or flatbed.

Third, lift from the bottom and allow the chair to use the EasyLoad Wheels as leverage to lift.

Loading EasyGo Into Vehicle

Fourth, finish loading the EasyGo by pushing the chair into the trunk or flatbed and into your preferred position.

In addition to the EasyGo Powerchairs, we offer the EasyLoad Vehicle Wheels which can be used to make loading easier.

You are now an expert at loading the EasyGo Powerchair! Give yourself a pat on the back. If you have any questions and want to talk to the real experts, give us a call at 1-833-709-3499 or send us an email at cs@easygomobility.com.
We can’t wait to hear from you and how we can help you and your mobility!

How to Load Your EasyGo Electric Wheelchair into Your Vehicle

How to Load Your EasyGo Electric Wheelchair into Your Vehicle

by | Aug 23, 2022 | How To's

In this short guide, you will learn about two options on how to load your EasyGo Electric Wheelchair into your vehicle for safe and easy transportation. Easy to fold and easy to load, the EasyGo Powerchair does it all. Loading the EasyGo Powerchair into your vehicle is simple and convenient due to its lightweight design. At only 45-50 pounds, depending on the model, the EasyGo can be picked up by the frame and loaded into a trunk.

 

With the Help of EasyLoad

Step 1: Fold the chair down as you would normally. If you’re not sure how to fold it, check out this guide.

 

Step 2: Unfold your EasyLoad wheels from the bottom of your chair, near the battery. Below is an image of what the wheels look like when they are properly unfolded.

Step 3: Place the wheels at the edge of your trunk, then pick up the bottom of the chair and carefully guide it into your trunk. Adjust the placement of your chair if necessary.

Without the Help of EasyLoad

Step 1: Fold the chair down as you would normally.

 

Step 2: Pick up the chair by the the upper back bar and the bar behind the wheels, as shown below. Place it in the back of your vehicle. To help prevent scratching the chair or your vehicle during the transfer, we do offer a Scratch Resistant Vehicle Pad.

Now you know how easy it is to load your EasyGo Electric Wheelchair into your vehicle!

 

Accessories to help:

How to Fold the EasyGo Power Chairs

How to Fold the EasyGo Power Chairs

by | Aug 23, 2022 | How To's

We wanted to provide Americans with a power chair that was not only one of the lightest available, but also easy and quick to both use, and fold. This is the inspiration behind creating the EasyGo Powerchair. Other power chairs are either not portable, very heavy, or unable to fold. But EasyGo has it all.

We are going to walk you through exactly how to fold the EasyGo Powerchair.

Stick around, it’s going to be a smooth ride…

Folding your EasyGo Powerchair may seem daunting at first but we promise, it is like learning your ABCs, once you know how, it will be second nature!

First, start with folding down the top of the backrest to expose the casters. (Keep in mind, these casters are very useful when pulling the folded chair behind you as you walk.)

Second, fold the anti-tipping wheels by pulling on the round lever and folding the wheels inward. You will hear a click when they are in the correct place.

Third, pull on the cord at the back of the chair, behind the seat cushion, and pull the chair towards you. This allows it to rest on the casters while the chair folds and automatically locks in place.

For further security, the seat strap can be used to wrap around the chair. Once your EasyGo Powerchair is fully folded, you can use the convenient strap handle to wheel the chair behind you. Or, lift it to load into a vehicle.

For further security, the seat strap can be used to wrap around the chair. Once your EasyGo Powerchair is fully folded, you can use the convenient strap handle to wheel the chair behind you, or lift it to load into a vehicle.

See, folding your EasyGo Power Chair is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

You are now an expert at folding the EasyGo Powerchair! Give yourself a pat on the back. If you have any questions and want to talk to real experts, give us a call at 1-833-709-3499 or send us an email at cs@easygomobility.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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