Can electric wheelchairs be used in the rain?

If you cannot live without an electric wheelchair in your daily life, rainy and snowy weather means that you cannot go out, which greatly limits your daily travel. At the same time, electric wheelchairs are expensive, so many people choose not to go out in bad weather.

But as long as some protective measures are taken. Even occasional rain will not affect the service life of the electric wheelchair. Firstly, the controller and battery should be protected from rain. And these two parts should be covered with protective covers when going out in bad weather. When driving, avoid areas with deep water accumulation. After returning home. Thoroughly dry the wheelchair with a dry towel and place it in a warm place to allow residual moisture to completely evaporate.

All KANGNI SMART brand wheelchairs can be used in light rain by simply covering the joystick to protect electronic components. Each of our electric wheelchairs comes with a joystick cover. Our battery is also waterproof, and the electric wheelchair can be used in light rain weather. As long as we understand and value the impact of weather on wheelchair performance, use is safe.

When using a wheelchair in the rain, the control lever must be covered (we will provide a transparent bubble film material control lever protective cover for each wheelchair). Which can effectively prevent rainwater from damaging the control lever. Also, it is important to pay attention to speed: in rainy and snowy weather, the braking distance may be extended. It is recommended to slow down the driving speed for your safety.

What will happen if an electric wheelchair gets wet?

If there is water ingress in the electric wheelchair. If conditions permit, the electric wheelchair should be parked indoors or in a sheltered area. And then driven after the rain subsides to avoid serious damage to the battery and electronic components.

After returning home, use a towel to dry every part of the wheelchair and clean any dirt or residue to prevent rusting. You can also use a hair dryer or fan to dry the water entering parts, which can extend the service life of the electric wheelchair.

If encountering heavy rain outdoors:

Before going out, carry the protective sleeve of the joystick with you. In case of a rainstorm, it is recommended to cover the joystick immediately, and then move carefully to the shelter. After the heavy rain turns to light rain, you can travel safely.

How to keep oneself dry in a wheelchair?

When traveling, not only should you protect your wheelchair from getting wet. But you should also ensure that you are dry and comfortable. Installing waterproof covers on wheelchairs is a simple way to protect oneself and exposed electronic components. It is also possible to install an umbrella frame on the top of the electric wheelchair, which can be opened when it rains. This installation method is also simple and convenient. Some of KANGNI SMART’s electric wheelchairs also come with umbrella holder accessories to ensure that users are not completely exposed on rainy days.

How to maintain a wheelchair after it gets wet?

Wipe dry with a microfiber towel or a thin cotton cloth to avoid scratches and dry quickly. Do not use hoses or high-pressure water guns to clean the wheelchair, otherwise it will void KANGNI SMART’s warranty and may damage the wheelchair, shortening the service life of the electric wheelchair.

Do electric wheelchairs need regular maintenance?

The advantage of KANGNI SMART folding electric wheelchair is that it does not require maintenance and only requires regular monthly maintenance. Including cleaning and checking if the bolts are tightened.  Another need to check if the wiring connecting the control panel under the wheelchair is fully plugged in and securely fixed. As the vibration of the wheelchair over time may cause the wiring to gradually loosen.

Although it is not recommended to expose electric wheelchairs to heavy rain for a long time. Proper maintenance and timely drying after each use can prolong the service life of the wheelchair and ensure safe use.