Stranded!

[TinyLady]

My powerchair has been playing up for a few days so hubby phoned to get the engineer out. Apparently the batteries have failed.

The thing I am surprised about is that he said he needs to order replacements. I asked how long it takes.... hopefully next week he said.

In the meantime I'm stranded because I use it round the house and outside. I cannot walk from one room to the next, or out the front door if there was a fire. I can't believe they don't keep spares!

Has anyone had this problem? Are the batteries usually quite quick to replace? I'm often on my own at home for many many hours so I feel a bit unsafe!

[Christopher]

Consumer sharing time.

What brand?

How long have you had it?

Single or multiple batteries?

I have reps coming around next week I think it is, so would be good to know what to steer clear of.

Hope it gets sorted really quickly!

Any charging advice?

[TinyLady]

My wheelchair is from local NHS wheelchair services. A Quickie salsa 2. Looks cobbled together from many preloved ancient parts but been with me since February. It was definitely nowhere near new for me! So think the wheelchair is just very old including batteries.

I didn't get a choice of chair. Just measured and presented with one.

[Arcadian]

I get power chair batteries for my Dad's scooter next day delivered or a trip out along the North Wales coast and collect.

A week is somewhat unreasonable.

Also, some of the 3rd party suppliers of 'reconditioned' power chairs are a little questionable in their standard of refurbishment and prices (but that's something for another topic).

[TinyLady]

Arcadian my wheelchair is an NHS one. I didn't pay for it. So I have to wait for the replacements on NHS timescales. But it does seem a long time!

[Maria C]

Whew. Your title gave me a fright. I was envisioning you out somewhere when your wheelchair decided to quit. That’s my biggest fear. I can’t transfer without a hoist. Getting me home would be a nightmare.

Not that being without your chair for a week or more is not terrible. I waited nearly four weeks for a replacement foot rest for my manual wheelchair. 🤯

[shelly21]

TinyLady is it millercare/rosscare ?
Thats stupid they can order next day delivery as its high priority.

[Madge]

TinyLady I got my electric wheelchair from nhs wheelchair services but we was told to keep it on trickle charge. I am surprised you are having to wait so long considering you are very reliant on your wheelchair to get about. Hope you get sorted soon. Good luck x

[Deb]

Oh TinyLady, you are having a rough time. It's horrible when our wheels fail us. I have to use a manual wheelchair at my son's house so they can lift me in and I hate the lack of control.

It doesn't seem safe for you to be on your own without your power chair. My Salsa mini is serviced by Ross care and a repair is usually in a couple of days.
They even came out one afternoon when we discovered the battery wasn't airline friendly. They changed the battery the day before a flight.

I really appreciate how frustrating and exhausting your lack of support is... it's shocking! Is there any professional who can contact wheelchair services as a duty of care?

Hugs to you xxx😘🤗

[Ellie]

What rotten luck about the chair, Tiny, and what poor service 😖

Are the batteries usually quite quick to replace?

Yes, I got a new battery the day after my battery started losing charge, they're standard products.

[TinyLady]

Thanks everyone. It seems the vague "hopefully next week" is being a bit unhelpful. Wheelchair services are usually pretty good here, so I was surprised. He said I could just keep it plugged in most of the time (ie when not moving)... but firstly the cost and secondly I don't trust it not to just pack up somewhere like behind my front door, leaving me trapped.

Blatchfords look after our Wheelchair services here. I will see if hubby can phone them next week, but it's hard for him with his job to keep chasing things.

Maria C - that nearly happened. I was coming back from the shop when I noticed the battery was going down really fast. It was so scary. I got home with one red flashing light. That's when I first suspected something was wrong!

[Johnny5]

A couple of kicks and a good smack with a sledge 'otta maybe get a new chair?

Just sayin...

[TinyLady]

Johnny5 🤣

Update ....
Hubby chased and apparently they had no record my batteries were dead or there was a problem with my wheelchair. No batteries were on order and they also didn't realise I was totally dependent on it round the house as well as outside....

I think hubby for once got a little firm and so an engineer came out and replaced both batteries which were totally dead and dated 2017 (engineer was surprised as apparently 18 months is usual life expectancy) and were actually in stock and didn't need ordering.

I'm glad to have my powerchair back in action... but pretty disgusted by how another NHS service has let me down.

[Ellie]

TinyLady Was it Mr Bean who looked at the chair last week? 🙄

[TinyLady]

Ellie - I'm beginning to think it was. But a relief to have it back today. Haven't seen my kitchen for a week!