At Aarogyaa Bharat, we hear this
almost daily:
“The wheelchair is there, but
something always feels wrong.”
This long, solution-oriented
guide identifies the most common wheelchair problems faced in Indian homes and
outdoors, explains why they occur, and gives practical, realistic
solutions from simple adjustments to knowing when an upgrade is necessary.
Why Wheelchair Problems Are So
Common in India
Wheelchair challenges in India
arise due to:
- Uneven indoor & outdoor surfaces
- High daily usage in small spaces
- Heat, dust, and humidity
- Improper sizing or rushed purchases
- Limited maintenance awareness
The good news: Most problems are
solvable with the right knowledge.
Problem 1: Wheelchair Feels
Uncomfortable After 1-2 Hours
Symptoms
- Hip pain
- Lower back pain
- Numbness
- Restlessness
Root Causes
- Poor seat cushion
- Wrong seat width or depth
- Low backrest
- Long continuous sitting
Solutions
- Upgrade to gel or memory foam cushion
- Ensure correct seat size
- Add lumbar support
- Encourage position change every 1-2 hours
Using sofa cushions worsens pressure problems.
Problem 2: Wheelchair Is Too
Hard to Push Indoors
Symptoms
- Bumping into walls
- Difficulty turning in rooms
- Caregiver fatigue
Root Causes
- Oversized wheelchair
- Large rear wheels in small spaces
- Heavy steel frame
Solutions
- Switch to compact or attendant-propelled model
- Choose foldable aluminium wheelchair
- Check wheel alignment
Problem 3: Brakes Don’t Hold
Properly
Symptoms
- Wheelchair moves during transfers
- Slipping on slopes
Root Causes
- Worn brake pads
- Dust or rust
- Improper brake adjustment
Solutions
- Clean brakes weekly
- Adjust brake tension
- Replace worn brake components
Brake failure is a major fall risk, especially
for elderly users.
Problem 4: Wheels Get Stuck or
Wobble
Symptoms
- Uneven movement
- Noise while rolling
- Sudden jerks
Root Causes
- Loose bolts
- Uneven tyre pressure
- Damaged bearings
Solutions
- Tighten bolts monthly
- Maintain correct tyre pressure
- Replace worn wheels if needed
Problem 5: Wheelchair Is Too
Heavy to Lift or Fold
Symptoms
- Caregiver back pain
- Difficulty loading into car
Root Causes
- Steel frame
- Non-foldable design
- Extra accessories
Solutions
- Switch to aluminium foldable wheelchair
- Remove detachable parts before lifting
- Learn correct lifting technique
Problem 6: Transfers Feel
Unsafe or Painful
Symptoms
- Fear during bed or toilet transfers
- Near-falls
- Caregiver strain
Root Causes
- Fixed armrests
- Wrong seat height
- Weak brakes
Solutions
- Use detachable armrests
- Ensure seat height matches bed
- Always lock brakes before transfer
Problem 7: Pressure Sores or
Skin Redness
Symptoms
- Redness on hips or tailbone
- Skin pain or sores
Root Causes
- Long sitting without breaks
- Poor cushion
- Moisture and sweating
Solutions
- Upgrade to pressure-relief cushion
- Improve hygiene
- Change position frequently
- Consult doctor if redness persists
Problem 8: Wheelchair Rusts or
Smells Bad
Root Causes
- Humidity
- Wet bathroom use
- Poor storage
Solutions
- Dry wheelchair after washing
- Store in dry area
- Use light oil on joints
- Avoid balcony storage during monsoon
Problem 9: Wheelchair Feels
Unstable or Tips Easily
Root Causes
- Weight imbalance
- No anti-tip support
- Incorrect footrest usage
Solutions
- Use anti-tip bars
- Avoid leaning forward suddenly
- Ensure weight is cantered
When to Repair vs When to
Replace
Repair If:
- Minor brake or wheel issues
- Cushion replacement needed
- Bolt tightening
Replace If:
- Frame bending
- Chronic discomfort despite fixes
- Frequent breakdowns
- User needs have changed
Preventive Maintenance
Checklist (Monthly)
- Check brakes
- Tighten bolts
- Inspect wheels
- Clean cushions
- Test folding mechanism
Preventive care saves money and avoids accidents.
Conclusion
Wheelchair problems are not
failures-they are signals. When addressed early, they:
- Improve comfort
- Prevent injuries
- Extend wheelchair life
- Restore confidence
A wheelchair should work with the user, not against them.
