Power Chair Won't Move or Died While You're Out? What to Check and When to Call for Repair
Posted by Michael Russo, BS, RRT, CEAC, ATP - Home Medical Equipment Expert on
If your power chair won't move or dies while you're out, check three things first: that the motor release levers are in drive (not neutral), that the chair has been turned off and back on, and that the batteries are charged. If you need to get home, you can put the chair in neutral and push it, but only on level ground and with someone helping. If the chair still won't drive, or a joystick error keeps coming back, call Medical Equipment Specialists at (772) 277-7746 for repair.
๐ Call (772) 277-7746
Quick Checklist: Power Chair Won't Move
- Motor levers: Make sure both motor release (freewheel) levers are set to drive.
- Power cycle: Turn the chair off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
- Battery charge: Look at the battery gauge on the joystick. A low reading can stop the chair.
- Connections: Check that the joystick cable and battery connectors are seated and not damaged.
- Error codes: Note any flashing lights or messages on the joystick so you can tell the technician.
- Tires: Low tire pressure can make the chair pull, feel sluggish or drain the batteries faster.
Died While You're Out? How to Get Home Safely
This week's short video shows the move many power chair users don't know about: freewheel mode. Every power chair has motor release levers, usually near the rear or mid drive wheels. Flipping them puts the chair in neutral so it can be pushed by hand.
- Find level ground first. Only use neutral on flat, level ground. On a slope, a chair in freewheel can roll away because the motor brakes are released.
- Have someone help. A helper should push and control the chair. Do not try to push it alone or let it roll on its own.
- Flip both motor levers to neutral. Push the chair slowly and carefully to your car or home.
- Switch back to drive. When you arrive, flip both levers back to the drive position.
- Power it off and on. Turn the chair off, then back on so it reads the motors again. Many "dead" chairs are simply waiting for this reset after the levers move.
If the chair won't drive after you switch back and power cycle it, stop there and call us at (772) 277-7746.
Prevent Breakdowns With Simple Power Chair Maintenance
Our recent maintenance post walked through the habits that keep a power chair running when you need it most:
- Charge the batteries fully overnight. Plug in at the end of the day and let the charger finish. Short top-offs leave you with less range than you expect.
- Check tire pressure. If your chair has air-filled tires, check them regularly. Soft tires add drag, wear unevenly and shorten your range.
- Watch the joystick. A joystick error that keeps coming back is the chair telling you something is wrong. That means it is time to call a technician, not keep resetting it.
- Keep it clean and dry. Wipe the joystick and frame and avoid leaving the chair out in the rain.
When to Call for Power Chair Repair
Basic checks fix a lot of problems, but some issues need a trained technician. Call us if:
- The chair won't drive after you've checked the levers, power cycled it and charged the batteries.
- A joystick or controller error code keeps returning.
- The batteries won't hold a charge through a normal day.
- You hear grinding or clicking, smell burning, or see loose parts or damaged wiring.
- The chair pulls to one side, stops and starts, or moves unpredictably.
Our team includes certified ATPs and Certified Rehab Technicians, and we repair most brands, including Permobil, Sunrise Medical, Pride, Invacare, TiLite and more. You keep your manufacturer warranty. Choose a Mobility House Call, or drop off your chair at our Stuart office. Loaners are offered case by case, subject to availability, and short-term rentals are available while your equipment is being repaired.
Learn more about our mobility repairs, service and sales, or call (772) 277-7746 to schedule.
Power chair won't drive? Talk with our repair team in Stuart.
๐ Call (772) 277-7746Need a Power Chair or a Replacement?
If your chair is past repair, or you or a loved one may need a power chair for the first time, we can help you find the right fit. Power chairs can be rented or bought, and some are in stock, including quality used power chairs. Custom chairs are fitted and ordered for each person by our certified team.
Start with a free consultation. See our power wheelchair rentals and sales or call (772) 277-7746.
Why Medical Equipment Specialists
We've been in business since 2009. We are an AHCA-licensed Home Medical Equipment provider and HQAA accredited. We're located at 7695 SW Ellipse Way, Stuart, serving Martin, St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties.
In business since 2009 ยท AHCA-licensed Home Medical Equipment provider, HQAA accredited
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I push my power chair home if it won't drive?
Put the chair in neutral (freewheel) using the motor release levers near the drive wheels, then push it. Only do this on level ground and with someone helping, because the chair will roll freely and the brakes are released.
Why won't my power chair move after I pushed it in neutral?
The motor levers may still be in freewheel. Switch both levers back to drive, then turn the chair off and back on so the controller reads the motors again. If it still won't move, call us.
How should I charge my power chair batteries?
Charge the batteries fully overnight, ideally after every day of use, so you start each day with a full charge.
When should I call a technician instead of troubleshooting myself?
Call a technician if a joystick or controller error keeps coming back, the chair won't drive after the basic checks, or you notice grinding, burning smells, loose parts or damaged wiring.
Do you repair power chairs you didn't sell?
Yes. We repair most brands, including Permobil, Sunrise Medical, Pride, Invacare, TiLite and more, and you keep your manufacturer warranty.
Power chair stopped working? Call (772) 277-7746 to talk with our repair team.
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