Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare | Mobility Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Find more information about our mobility products

Canes

How do I adjust the height of my cane?

Turn the cane’s anti-rattler counterclockwise to loosen it. Push in the height locking push pin/button and adjust the cane length up or down as needed. The push pin/button needs to fully engage into the hole for the height you desire. Now the anti-rattler can be turned clockwise to retighten. These instructions can be viewed here.

What replacement tips do I need for my cane?

Please click here to view a list of our canes, walkers and crutches, and their replacement tips. You may use your model number to find the item# for its corresponding tip.

Can I get a new grip for my cane?

No, grips are not replaceable.

How can I choose the right cane for me?

Offset: Improves weight distribution. Provides increased balance for those with wrist & grip issues.

Stright-Handle/T-handle: Provides better grip & balance. Reduces hand stress & fatigue.

Folding: Discreet Option that can be folded for storage or travel.

Quad: Provides the most balance support with a quad base.

What is the correct height adjustment for using my cane or crutch?

Stand straight with arms at your sides. The top of the handle should align with the bend in the wrist. Keep your shoulders level. If your cane side shoulder is higher, choose the next size down; if your cane-side shoulder is lower, size up.

Which side of my body should I use my cane?

Using a cane on the opposite side of an injury reduces limp, provides a natural gait & helps you stand upright. However, you can use your cane on the injury side if it’s more comfortable.

What are the different types of replacement tip options?

Standard Tip: Helps absorb shock. Features steel inner plate. Provides complete contact with the ground.

Quad Tip: Provides superior grip & absorbs shock. Stands independently. Lighter & more compact than base quad canes. Offers balance & stability over all terrain.

3-Point Flex Tip: 360 degree grip & stability. Stands independently. Pivoting design increases contact with the ground. Offers balance & stability over all terrain.

Crutches

How do I walk with crutches?

Place crutches about a foot in front of you, lean on them for support, and then advance your unaffected leg forward. Move the crutches and repeat.

How do I use crutches on stairs?

When ascending, lead with your good foot; when descending, start with the crutches and then bring down your affected leg.

Rollators

How do I choose the best rollator for me?

Drive DeVilbiss offers a wide variety of rollators. The patient should seek the advice of their physician, a qualified or trained medical professional, or therapist to determine the rollator best suited for their individual needs. Consider factors like height adjustment, wheel size, weight capacity, and additional features such as a padded seat, storage pouch, and hand brakes. You may click here to view a comparison of our current rollators.

How can I adjust the brakes on my rollator when they aren’t engaging?

Drive DeVilbiss offers a wide variety of rollators. The brake adjustment is very similar for many of our models. You may visit the following link to view general instructions on how to adjust loop style brakes here. Your local medical equipment provider is usually able to help with brake adjustments. You can also click to search if there’s a preferred service provider nearby that you can take the equipment to for repair.

Why won’t my front wheels turn left and right smoothly?

The fork bearings may need to be replaced or the fork stem bolt could be too tight. Loosening the fork stem bolt a bit may help the wheels swivel left and right easier.

How do I maintain my rollator?

Regular maintenance is important for safety. Keep the wheels clean, check the brakes regularly, and inspect for any loose screws or parts. Lubricate moving parts if necessary.

Can I use a rollator on inclines or uneven surfaces?

While rollators can handle slight inclines, they are not suitable for steep slopes or highly uneven surfaces. Exercise caution and consider using a more appropriate mobility aid for challenging terrains.

Powered Mobility Scooters

How far can a mobility scooter travel on a single charge?

The travel range of a mobility scooter depends on the model and battery capacity. Most scooters can travel between 9 to 30 miles on full charge.

Can I use my mobility scooter indoors as well as outdoors?

Many mobility scooters are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. However, consider the size and maneuverability of the scooter to ensure it suits your indoor space.

I need to replace my batteries. What type of batteries does my scooter take?

Visit this link to view a list of our scooters and the batteries they use.

I just received my scooter, and the front wheels will not turn. Is something wrong?

Many of our scooters have a tiller lock to lock the steering column. The scooter is shipped with the tiller lock engaged. Ensure the lock is disengaged before operating the scooter. The lock mechanism may be a spring-loaded turn knob or lever located at the bottom of the tiller (steering column), depending on the model.

Where do I find my serial number?

The serial number for most of our scooters can be found at the bottom of the scooter’s seat post, the rear shroud, or steering column. The serial number will be located on a barcoded sticker that is silver or white. Our Flex & Flex-Auto models have the serial located on the scooter’s floorboard, underneath the battery pack.

All the battery lights are lit, but my scooter still won’t move.

Ensure the freewheel lever in the rear of your scooter is engaged in the “Drive” position before trying to drive the scooter.
Ensure your charger is not plugged into the scooter. Your scooter will not drive if the charger is connected, even if the other end is not plugged into a wall outlet.

What is the proper battery voltage on fully charged batteries?

A fully charged battery should range from 24v to 26v.

I’ve been charging my scooter for a while now. I have all the red, yellow, and green lights lit on my battery gauge, but they never turn all green to indicate it’s fully charged. What’s wrong?

The battery gauge lights do not change color. If all lights are illuminated (red, yellow, and green), the scooter is fully charged. The lights will turn off one at a time (from right to left) as the battery depletes.

Can I take my mobility scooter on public transportation?

Many public transportation services accommodate mobility scooters, but it's essential to check with the specific transportation provider. Some scooters are foldable or can be disassembled for easier transport.

Walkers

What can I do if my release levers are stuck?

You may try using WD-40 or a similar spray lubricant on the release mechanism.

Can I put wheels on the back legs of my front-wheeled walker?

No. Drive DeVilbiss does not encourage installing wheels on the back legs of our front-wheeled walkers. Doing so may potentially cause patient harm.

What replacement tips do I need for my walker?

Please click here to view a list of our walkers, crutches and canes, and their replacement tips. You may use your model number to find the item# for its corresponding tip.

My frame is bent. Is this covered under warranty?

Bends are not typically covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Please contact the medical equipment company you purchased your walker from to discuss any potential warranty claims.

Can a walker be used on carpeted surfaces?

Drive offers walker accessories such as glide caps and ski glides to help the walker glide more easily over certain surfaces.

Wheelchairs / Transport Chairs

Can the seat height be adjusted on my wheelchair?

If you have a Drive wheelchair with a dual axle, you can lower the seat height. Refer to the instructions provided at this link: How to Lower Seat Height on a Dual Axle Wheelchair

I bought a wheelchair/transport chair, and the seat width seems smaller than advertised. Did I get the wrong size?

Ensure you measure the seat width end-to-end, from the left side of the seat upholstery right side of the seat upholstery. For fixed-arm wheelchairs/transport chairs, avoid measuring at the front between the arm frames.

My footrest broke on my wheelchair. Is this covered by warranty?

Footrests are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty for a period of 60 days.

I need to purchase a wheelchair. Which model is suitable for me?

Drive DeVilbiss offers a diverse range of wheelchairs. It's advisable to consult a qualified professional like a trained therapist or physician to determine the best model based on individual needs. For a comparison of the models we offer, visit Wheelchair Compare Chart.

Can I travel with my wheelchair?

Many wheelchairs are designed for travel. Consider lightweight and foldable options for easy transportation. Check airline policies for traveling with wheelchairs.

What accessories are available for my wheelchair?

Accessories vary but may include cushions, bags, cup holders, and more. Check with the manufacturer or supplier for compatible accessories for your specific wheelchair model.

How can I order replacement parts for my wheelchair?

Contact your wheelchair supplier to order replacement parts. Provide details about your wheelchair model for accurate assistance including model number and serial number typically located on the cross frame below the seat.

Mobility

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