Having mobility impairments should not pose an obstacle to leading a happy and fulfilling life. This is where personal mobility aids (PMA) short come in to help restore one’s independence and ensure that performing daily routines no longer becomes an uphill struggle. That said, mobility devices are still tools and machines, which means they will run into issues over time if they don’t receive regular maintenance or if they are used improperly. If your mobility aid is currently experiencing performance issues or stops working altogether, you may be wondering whether to go with repairs or total replacement.
Read on as we explore the main factors to consider so that you can make an informed decision.
Availability of Servicing and Replacement Parts
Given the constant innovations in mobility aid, getting replacement parts for your model can often prove difficult especially when it gets discontinued by the manufacturer. This becomes more of a headache if there are many parts that require attention. While you can always substitute these components with alternatives from other brands, they could come with compatibility issues or not work as well as the original parts. In this case, it is better to get a replacement. Otherwise, it makes more sense to have your device repaired if it is still being sold on the market and the store you bought it from still has the means to service it.
Your PMA Increasingly Needs More Repairs
Mobility devices that constantly break down are unreliable tools that you should not be using for your daily needs. A couple possibilities as to why this happens is that the PMA is nearing the end of its service life or it is being used incorrectly. If those do not seem to be the case, then it is most likely a quality issue, and you should ideally replace it with something that is more robust to ensure greater peace of mind. A few issues that make a good case as to why you need a replacement include:
- Chronic issues with the motor in mobility aids like motorised wheelchairs
- Constant need to change out batteries
- Difficulty in steering towards the desired direction
- Weird noises during operation
Age
With proper care and maintenance, well-made mobility devices can certainly last a long time. Other factors that influence how long they last include usage frequency and whether they are used properly. But similar to every other machine, mobility aids still have a finite service life. This means that if your device is on its last legs, repairing it may no longer be worth it. Should you still continue using it regardless, be prepared to run into more problems as well as the risk of having it break down on you at inopportune times. In the end, you may find yourself spending more money on frequent repairs that would have been better spent on a replacement instead.
Need for an Improved Experience
From mobility scooters to traditional wheelchairs, personal mobility aids continue to evolve and improve on various aspects of their predecessors, primarily in terms of comfort, ease of use, performance, and safety features. Thus, if it has been some time since you got your mobility aid and you want a drastically improved user experience, getting a replacement is the only way to go.
Beyond better service and replacement parts support, newer models also typically come with new features like foldability and more compact designs. Thus, if you’re currently using a dated mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair, it is almost always better to upgrade to a newer model instead.
Conclusion
All personal mobility aids will break down eventually, and wear and tear can impact their functionality and safety over time. When deciding whether to repair or replace a mobility device, it's crucial to consider factors such as the extent of damage, the age of the device, and the availability of parts. Regular maintenance can extend the life of these aids, but knowing when to invest in a new device ensures continued mobility, safety, and comfort. Making informed decisions about repairs or replacements is key to maintaining independence and quality of life.
If comprehensive warranties and after sales support are among your top priorities when choosing a mobility aid, look no further than Falcon Mobility (Rebranding to ELFIGO). With our quick service times, mobility aid loaning scheme, and steady supply of replacement parts, you can rest assured we’ll always have your back in case something goes wrong with your product.