Imagine this: you run an organization that relies on a smooth-running wheelchair lift. Every day, it helps people in wheelchairs feel more independent with reliable transportation. Then, one day, disaster strikes! You press the wheelchair lift fold button, and… nothing happens. The lift stubbornly remains deployed, throwing a wrench into your entire operation.
We understand the frustration that comes with a malfunctioning wheelchair lift. At MoveMobility, with over 20 years of manufacturing experience, we’ve seen it all. We know how important reliable wheelchair lifts are for your business and for ensuring everyone has equal access to transportation. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you understand your lift and keep it functioning smoothly.
Of course, we’re not the only manufacturer out there, and this article isn’t about pushing our brand. We simply want to empower you with knowledge so you can troubleshoot common issues and get your lift back up and running quickly. So, buckle up, and let’s explore the reasons why your fold button might be on the fritz!
What is the wheelchair lift fold button?
The button to fold the wheelchair lift is an important part of any wheelchair lift system. This button, along with the unfold button, controls the movement of the lift. These buttons are located on a hand-held pendant, which is a small device you can hold in your hand, much like a remote control.
Think of it like this: Imagine you’re using a TV remote. The remote has buttons to:
- Turn the TV on and off
- Change channels
- Adjust the volume
The hand-held pendant for a wheelchair lift works in a similar way. The fold button folds the lift up, and the unfold button opens it back up again. This allows the lift to be stowed compactly when not in use and then deployed when needed.
For example, if you’re transporting a patient in a wheelchair to a hospital and need to use the lift, the driver of your organization’s wheelchair van would:
1. Press the unfold button to lower the lift to the ground.
2. The patient would then safely enter the lift.
3. You would press the fold button to raise and secure the lift back into the vehicle.
This system ensures the lift is only in use when needed, keeping it out of the way and protected from damage when not in use.
The fold button’s simplicity makes the wheelchair lift easy to operate, even for those who aren’t very tech-savvy. However, like any piece of technology, the lift can sometimes run into issues, and it’s easy to blame the fold button.
When that happens, it can disrupt your day and cause frustration. But don’t worry; understanding what might go wrong and how to fix it is the first step to getting back on track.
Signs your wheelchair lift fold button might be failing
Over time, you might notice that your wheelchair lift is folding more slowly. Or maybe you find yourself needing to give the lift a little push to start folding, even while pressing the button. These issues can be frustrating, especially when you rely on the lift for smooth and quick operation.
As we mentioned earlier, it’s easy to blame the button when the lift doesn’t work as expected. After all, the button is the part you interact with directly. However, the problem might not be with the button itself.
Here are some signs to watch for:
- The lift folds more slowly than it used to.
- You need to press the button multiple times to get the lift to fold.
- The lift requires manual assistance to start folding.
These symptoms suggest there might be another issue at play. Before jumping to conclusions about the button being faulty, keep reading. The next section will help you diagnose the more probable cause of the actual problem and provide a solution to get your lift working smoothly again.
What’s the solution to your wheelchair lift not folding?
If your wheelchair lift is folding slowly or needs a push to start, don’t worry. There are simple solutions you can try before calling in the experts.
1. Check for obstructions
Sometimes, the problem is as simple as something blocking the lift. Check to make sure nothing is pressing on the inboard and outboard barriers, such as:
- Wheelchairs
- Limbs
- Luggage
These barriers are safety features that prevent the lift from operating if something is in the way. Ensuring these areas are clear can often solve the problem quickly.
2. Adjust the safety valve
If clearing obstructions doesn’t help, you might need to adjust your lift’s safety valve. This component ensures the lift operates smoothly and safely. Adjusting it can often fix issues with slow folding or needing a push to start.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure how to adjust the safety valve or if the problem persists, contact our Customer Care Team. They can guide you through the process or arrange for a professional to help.
Remember, keeping your wheelchair lift in good working condition is essential for providing reliable service. These simple checks can often resolve issues and keep your lift running smoothly.
Ready for a change?
You came to this article because you were frustrated with your wheelchair lift fold button not working properly. After reading, you now understand the potential issues and common solutions to get your lift functioning smoothly again.
If your organization is growing tired of wheelchair lift problems and other van issues, it might be time to consider a new wheelchair accessible van.
Think of it like this: if your old computer keeps crashing and slowing you down, eventually, you decide it’s time for a new one. A new computer runs smoothly, boosts productivity, and eliminates those constant frustrations. The same goes for your wheelchair accessible van.
A new van can solve many, if not all, of your problems:
- Reliable equipment: No more worrying about slow or malfunctioning lifts.
- Enhanced safety: Newer models come with the latest safety features.
- Increased efficiency: Spend less time on repairs and more time helping your patients.
Why not click the button below contact us to get the process started? At MoveMobility, we specialize in providing reliable, high-quality wheelchair accessible vans that reduce barriers to transportation. Our expert team is ready to help you find the perfect solution for your organization’s needs.
If you’re not ready to talk to someone yet but are still interested in learning more, check out our wheelchair van buyer’s guide. You’ll learn everything you need to know about wheelchair accessible vans.
At this stage, you might also be interested in wheelchair van pricing. Check out the video below to learn more about that.
