abstract

This study found significant differences between manufacturers in the occurrence and number of repairs experienced by power wheelchair users. Increases in these areas were also found within manufacturers as compared to historical data. Decreased quality and durability of wheelchairs may be related to the amount of repairs experienced by their users. Enforcement of external standards testing is required to improve wheelchair quality, thereby reducing the number of adverse events experienced by wheelchair users. Until such enforcement occurs, clinicians should use available research to help prescribe the better quality wheelchairs.