Winter is a season of adventure, but it can also bring some unique challenges for powerchair users. The colder temperatures, ever changing weather shifting from snow and ice to thawing mud, slush, and grit-covered roads can have an impact your chair, but with some regular maintenance and care you can breeze through the colder months. We’ve put together our top tips to help you take care of your chair at this time of year so you can get on with your day whatever the weather.
Monitor your battery performance
Colder temperatures can reduce the range and performance of your battery so it’s important to check regularly.
- Don’t let the battery run completely flat and charge it every couple of days, even if you’re not planning to use it. If your chair isn’t going to be used for a longer period then it’s a good idea to isolate the battery and put the powerchair into flight safe mode. This is easy if you have a Series 5, simply turn the key on the left-hand side of your chair until you are ready to use it.
- If you’ve been out in cold weather for a long period of time, don’t charge your chair as soon as you get home. Instead, you should leave it for at least an hour before connecting the charger, so the battery temperature has time to increase and give you a more efficient charge.
- Never charge a battery that’s below 0 degrees as it can cause permanent damage. It’s very unlikely that your battery will be that cold because it is well protected, but if you’re outdoor for long periods of time you should check the battery temperature in statistics if you’re unsure before charging.
- If you’re charging in a garage, we recommend putting an oil heater on low near your chair just to keep the temperature up.
Check your tyres
Like a car, you should always check your tyres for wear and tear, especially during the winter months when you want to make sure that you can safely move over icy or wet surfaces.
- Inspect your tyres regularly, checking the tread and for any punctures or damage that could compromise your traction.
- Tyre pressure can drop in cold weather, so check this every couple of weeks to make sure you’re maintaining the correct pressure. For a Series 5 the recommended tyre pressure is 10psi hybrid, 5psi offroad and 35psi casters.
Protect and clean your powerchair
Snow, rain, and rock salt used for gritting icy roads have the potential to damage your powerchair’s electronics and frame.
- Always try to wipe down your chair with a damp cloth and dry it after you’ve been out. This will remove any salt, mud and dirt from the bottom of the frame and around the wheels that could cause rust.
- Try to keep your chair somewhere warm and dry when you’re not using it. If you need to store it outdoors, you should always use a waterproof cover to protect against the elements.
- Never use a high-pressure hose or jet washer to clean your chair.
Plan your journey and stay safe
Winter weather can affect travel plans so you should always try to plan ahead.
- Check the weather forecast before heading out and try to stick to routes that are well-maintained and accessible for powerchairs.
- Always be extra cautious when travelling over ice – even if you know the road, path or street inside out and travel on it daily, you should always allow more time for breaking as it can take you longer to stop.
- Carry a small emergency kit with essentials like a phone charger, gloves, hat and a waterproof blanket. If you have a Series 5, then this is easy with the handy side storage bags and built in usb charger!
- If visibility is low then make sure to wear bright clothing so that you can always be seen.
Powerchair designed for all seasons
The Series 5 powerchair is built to excel in winter conditions. With its waterproof interface that can be used in the rain or snow, long-range battery, and hybrid capabilities, it’s designed to tackle snow, mud, and wet environments with ease. Its compact, public-transport-approved design ensures you can get about in any season, while features like the front and read lights keep you visible during shorter winter days. Whether you’re navigating icy paths or exploring new routes, the Series 5 provides the freedom and independence you need.
Ready to experience the Series 5 for yourself? Book a test drive today and see how it can transform your winter adventures!
