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Safety & Load
Load ratings, stability, braking, surfaces.
What to confirm
- Safe Working Load (SWL) exceeds the real user load with margin (include bags, accessories, and dynamic loading).
- Stability factors: wheelbase/anti-tip features, and whether stability changes when tilted/reclined.
- Brake effectiveness: parking brakes hold on slight slopes; user can operate brakes reliably.
- Surface compatibility: wet-area flooring, thresholds, outdoor paving (if relevant).
- Fasteners/locks: folding locks, height pins, tilt locks fully engage and are easy to verify.
- Fatigue points: high-stress joints/frames (ask supplier about fatigue testing / duty rating).
Common mistakes
- Treating SWL as a “nice to have”.
- Ignoring braking performance (especially on ramps/thresholds).
- Buying for indoor use then using outdoors (or vice versa).
- Assuming “it feels stable” without testing the exact environment.
Information only. For complex needs, consult an appropriate clinician.