We frequently receive questions from customers regarding wheelchair lift maintenance. Below, you’ll find common questions customers ask and tips to help you avoid wheelchair lift problems.
Troubleshooting Common Wheelchair Lift Problems
There are certain devices on your wheelchair lift that will prevent operation if they sense an unsafe situation. Before operating your wheelchair lift, make sure:
Passengers are positioned fully inside lift boundaries: If weight is detected on either lift boundary, the lift will not move.
Your vehicle is parked on a level surface: A wheelchair lift may not fully deploy on uneven surfaces
Your wheelchair lift is on: Your wheelchair lift has an on/off switch. This switch must be in the “on” position. When your lift switch is on, a green light should illuminate.
Vehicle doors are fully open: your handicap accessible lift will not deploy if your vehicle doors are not fully open
Consult your wheelchair lift owner’s manual before attempting to troubleshoot any lift problems.
How Often Should I Service My Lift
If the above-recommended troubleshooting is unsuccessful, you’ll want to contact a certified mobility dealer. Certified mobility dealers have vehicle technicians who are specifically versed in the operation and maintenance of wheelchair lifts and accessible vehicles.
Every BraunAbility lift built after 2005 has a cycle counter on it that will tell you the total number of times you've used your lift. All lifts should be maintained every 750 cycles. Your dealer should set up a maintenance program for you and your lift should be in their shop for a regular check-up at least twice a year.
How Do You Operate a Wheelchair Lift?
Part of a dealer's responsibility to you when they deliver your wheelchair lift is to explain basic electrical and backup operations. Make sure you spend as much time as you need to feel comfortable operating your lift. All our new lift systems have built-in safety features that you may not be used to if you've owned an older BraunAbility wheelchair lift in the past. Familiarize yourself with all back-up systems in case you ever have a dead battery or other problem with the van. Knowing how to properly operate your wheelchair lift is important to ensuring safety and maintaining your vehicle for years to come.
How Long Do Wheelchair Lifts Last?
Like all technology, your wheelchair lift will cease to operate at some point. By keeping up with routine maintenance, your dealer should be able to see a problem starting to occur and fix it before it gets worse. A properly operated and maintained wheelchair lift should last for 10-12 years Read your owner’s manual and work closely with your accessible vehicle dealer to make sure your lift is ready to go whenever you are.
If you have any questions or are having an issue with your wheelchair lift, call our Customer Experience Group at 1-800-488-0359.
