OFT warning on problems with wheelchairs

Rea Assist wheelchairs manufactured by Invacare Rea AB.

Escape 338S/SN Lite manual wheelchair manufactured by Days Healthcare Ltd.

The Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading is advising consumers of problems with two wheelchairs which may be used on the Island.

The Rea Assist wheelchairs has been identified as having an ineffective locking mechanism which may result in the backrest suddenly detaching itself and causing the user to fall from the wheelchair, resulting in serious injury.

Invacare Rea AB has identified a problem with a batch of wheelchairs. Some of the batch has ineffective locking mechanisms where the push handle/backrest attaches to the frame. The backrest may suddenly detach from the wheelchair whilst manoeuvring, particularly up or down steps. To rectify the problem replacement parts are now available from Invacare UK.

The Escape 338S/SN Lite manual wheelchair could fail in a vehicle impact, leading to injury of the wheelchair occupant or others. Further information can be found from the Medicines and Healthcare Products website www.mhra.gov.uk/Publications/Safetywarnings/MedicalDeviceAlerts