Most electric wheelchair faults are the same ones we see on mobility scooters, plus one that catches a lot of people out: the joystick lock. Here's what goes wrong most often, what you can try yourself and when to call us.
1. The chair has locked itself
Electric Wheelchairs don't have a key. Instead, most can be locked with a sequence of moves on the joystick. It's a useful feature: if you get out of the chair, for example to use the bathroom, nobody can drive it off.
Sometimes a chair gets locked by accident. People panic, press everything, and make it worse. If yours won't respond:
- Stay calm and switch the chair off.
- Look up the unlock sequence in your user manual or on the manufacturer's website, for example Pride or Quantum.
- If you still can't unlock it, call us on 01789 339 738 and we'll talk you through it.
2. Batteries that don't last
Just like scooters, most battery problems come from short top-up charges. Charge for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight, after every use. It costs pennies, and replacing the batteries costs a lot more. We can test your batteries in our workshop for £15. See mobility scooter batteries.
3. The chair won't drive after being pushed
Electric Wheelchairs have freewheel levers so they can be pushed. If the chair was switched on while the levers were moved back into drive, it may not go. Switch it off, check both levers are in drive, then switch it back on.
4. Warning lights or beeps
When something's wrong, the joystick usually flashes or beeps a pattern. Count the flashes or beeps before you call us, as it tells our engineers which part to look at.
5. A chair that hasn't been used
If you don't use it, you lose it. A chair left unused dries up, and its batteries go flat. Use it and charge it regularly, and have it serviced once a year.
When to stop and call us
- Any grinding, whining or knocking noise
- The chair pulls to one side or stops suddenly
- A burning smell, or a charger that gets very hot
Always use the right charger. With lithium batteries especially, a cheap replacement charger can be a fire risk.
Book a repair
Call our workshop on 01789 339 738. Please call first, so we can book you in. See servicing and repair prices and 5 common mobility scooter faults.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my electric wheelchair move?
It may be locked, in freewheel, or have flat batteries. Try switching off, checking the levers, and switching on again. If it's still locked, check your manual or call us.
How do I unlock my electric wheelchair?
Use the joystick unlock sequence in your user manual or on the manufacturer's website. We can talk you through it.
How long should I charge my electric wheelchair?
At least 8 hours, ideally overnight, after every use.
