Power Wheelchair and Rain

[SueM in MN]

My friend @cobright is a great source of inspiration (and information) about how powered mobility devices work - but sometimes, what I need just some quick n' dirty waterproofing: Keep a roll of blue painter's tape handy to cover connections under the chair, if you arrive and it looks like it's going to be a VERY rainy week; if you need to travel light, you can even "flat pack" painter's tape easily. For any joysticks, a clear plastic shower cap (you can sometimes beg a disposable one from housekeeping at hotels, or just buy a pack on Amazon) will also help keep things safe and dry without a lot of work, and take up very little space when packing. I keep a few stashed in the underseat storage on my personal chair.

I have not had luck with blue painter‘s tape sticking to any wheelchair parts. It’s a very low tack tape and is not meant to stay stuck. I used it recently just to mark something and her wheelchair left a trail of blue tape pieces.
I’d recommend electrical tape, which I’ve used on my daughter’s wheelchairs quite often. It’s plastic, so can be used to prevent water getting in. It sticks very well, but comes off cleanly. The only hint I would give is to fold over the last part so you have an easy grabbing part when you want to pull it off (the end tends to blend in otherwise).
I have seen video of NeverWet, but would personally not apply it or anything permanent without checking with the wheelchair manufacture - would not want to void the warranty.

 

[FrankDIS72]

The good thing about Florida storms is they usually last 20-30 minutes. So if you see gray clouds darken the skies and a cold wind, find an indoor show or ride to hide in until the rain goes away. I would be more concerned with thunderstorms. I wouldn't want to be outside sitting on a metal wheelchair while there is lightning in the aream.

 

[herdtoDisney]

OP-I for one am very impressed that your 3yo drives his chair! My 76 yo Dad is getting a power chair this summer and is worried about driving it, I will have to tell him that 3yo's can do it!

This thread is full of great info-we live in FL so my Dad's chair will be in use here and now I have some ideas on how to protect it that I will pass on to him!

BTW his chair will also recline and lift and he is so excited about that-the Parkinsons has sort of tilted his head and neck in a way that makes it impossible to sort of look up, plus caused him to lose several inches of height. The lift will let him be around the level of his actual height, and be at a good height for tables, ect. It's amazing really, he can't wait for it to arrive.