A Community-Driven Solution for Wheelchair Maintenance

For many Oregonians who use wheelchairs, a small repair can lead to major disruptions. A flat tire or a loose part can mean waiting weeks—or even months—for a fix, leaving people stuck at home and unable to go about their daily lives. It’s frustrating and unfair, which is why we’re so passionate about our Wheelchair Maintenance Workshops.

These workshops aren’t just about fixing equipment. They’re about giving people the skills and confidence to stay mobile and self-reliant. At Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection (OSCI), we work alongside community partners like Bike Farm in Portland, Talent Maker City in Talent, and SHIFT Community Cycles in Eugene to empower wheelchair users to maintain and repair their own equipment.

Practical Skills and Confidence

At their core, our workshops are about equipping people with the knowledge and tools they need to take care of their mobility devices. They’re led by individuals with firsthand experience of spinal cord injuries and other mobility challenges, ensuring that everything we teach is practical and relevant.

Participants learn how to handle routine maintenance tasks like adjusting brakes and maintaining tire pressure. But beyond the technical skills, they also gain the confidence to advocate for themselves in more complex repair situations. It’s about enabling people to take charge of their own mobility.

Building Community Connections

One of the most powerful aspects of our workshops is how they bring people together. By partnering with groups like Bike Farm, an all-volunteer bicycle education collective, wheelchair users gain access to valuable mechanical knowledge. In Talent, Talent Maker City provides an accessible space with ramps and charging stations, making it comfortable for everyone to participate. Meanwhile, Shift Community Cycles in Eugene shares a community-focused approach to teaching essential repair skills.

These partnerships help foster connections, mechanical know-how, and a supportive network for anyone who relies on a wheelchair. It’s about creating a community where people share resources, learn from each other, and work together to stay mobile and engaged.

Why It Matters

When a wheelchair isn’t working, it’s not just inconvenient—it can be life-disrupting. People can end up feeling isolated or even face health issues if they’re stuck waiting for repairs. Our workshops fill this gap by teaching preventative maintenance that Medicaid and insurance often don’t cover. Simple fixes that cost as little as $25 can be done in minutes, preventing bigger issues that could leave someone stranded for weeks.

Get Involved

Our Wheelchair Maintenance Workshops are about more than just repairs. They’re about mobility, community support, and making sure no one is left waiting for a basic fix. Whether you use a wheelchair, have repair skills to share, or simply care about health equity, there’s a place for you in this movement.

Want to learn more or get involved? Check out our Wheelchair Maintenance Workshop page. By supporting our workshops, you’re helping build a community where everyone has the tools, knowledge, and support they need to keep moving forward.