JIANLIAN HOMECARE PRODUCTS CO,.LTD

How do you fold a wheelchair?

Foldable wheelchairs are a popular choice for home care and transportation due to their ease of storage and transport. However, not all wheelchairs have a folding function, and different types of foldable wheelchairs have different operating methods. Mastering the correct folding method and precautions can effectively extend the life of the wheelchair and ensure safe operation.

 I. What types of wheelchairs can be folded?

The folding function is primarily designed for portability, and mainstream foldable wheelchairs fall into two main categories. The first is the manual wheelchair. Most lightweight manual wheelchairs (weighing 20-35kg) have a folding function, including standard steel tube foldable wheelchairs, lightweight aluminum alloy foldable wheelchairs, and sports foldable wheelchairs. These wheelchairs rely on mechanical structural design to achieve folding, making them suitable for home storage, car transportation, and other scenarios. Some heavy manual wheelchairs use fixed frames due to load-bearing requirements and do not support folding. The second is the electric wheelchair. Medium and light electric wheelchairs (weighing 30-50kg) generally support folding, such as portable electric foldable wheelchairs and semi-automatic electric foldable wheelchairs. However, heavy electric wheelchairs (weighing over 50kg) and tracked electric wheelchairs generally do not have a folding function due to limitations in motor and battery layout.

II. How to fold different types of wheelchairs

1. Manual folding wheelchair operation steps

First, prepare the manual wheelchair by parking it on a flat surface. Press the brake pedals on both sides of the manual wheelchair to lock the wheels, and clear any debris from the seat and armrests. Next, fold up the armrests, press the buckle at the bottom of the armrests to unlock them, and flip the armrests backward or inward to fit them against the sides of the wheelchair. Then, fold the footrests. Lift the foldable footrests straight up until they are parallel to the sides. Press the unlock button on the detachable footrests and remove them. Finally, close the frame, stand in front of the wheelchair, and firmly grasp the front and rear sides of the seat. Then, slowly lift the seat toward the center and fold the wheelchair. During the folding process, the two wheels will move closer together. If the manual wheelchair does not move, press harder on the seat.

2.Electric foldable wheelchair operation procedure

Safely disconnecting the power supply is the first step. Turn off the power switch on the control panel and unplug the external battery (this step is not necessary for internal batteries). Next, fold the electric foldable wheelchair footrests. For electrically adjustable models, adjust them to the horizontal position using the buttons and then fold them down using the snaps. For fixed models, simply lift them upwards to fit the frame. Finally, close the frame. For manually assisted models, press the release levers on both sides and push them together. For hydraulically/electrically assisted models, press the "Fold" button on the control panel, which will automatically close the wheelchair. For heavy electric foldable wheelchairs, hold the frame steady to prevent collisions.

III. Precautions for foldable wheelchairs

1.Regarding operational safety, always lock the wheels to prevent slipping before folding, and always disconnect the power cord from the electric wheelchair. Avoid forcible force on the frame. If it becomes stuck, check for obstructions and never force it. Regarding component protection, clean the frame crevices to prevent obstructions. Avoid damaging the seat and armrest padding when folding. Avoid placing heavy pressure on the battery area after folding the electric wheelchair to prevent damage to the circuit.

2. During maintenance, regularly inspect the folding shafts, buckles, and other components, and apply a small amount of lubricant to any rusted areas. For long-term storage, cover the folded wheelchair with a dust cover and store it in a dry, ventilated area. Special precautions apply: If an older wheelchair cannot be locked after folding, it should be removed from use and repaired. If the electric wheelchair becomes stuck, first check for power outages and obstructions. Do not force it.

Mastering the operating techniques and precautions for different types of foldable wheelchairs will make storage and transportation easier while maximizing safety and longevity.