How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those who have limitations in their walking. It is important to learn how to maneuver your chair and to consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to guide you in this area.

Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able to extend the rims of the wheelchair, and grip strength to propel it forward.

Seating Position

Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not be dependent on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence or retaining it. It also reduces the chance of injury to the person using the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.

The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable when seated in the chair. There are several ways to ensure this. First, the footplates should be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them around until they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.

It is possible to lower the footrest height, especially if the user is hemiplegic. The footrests can put pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.

A forehead strap will assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a specialist in mobility.

If the wheelchair has armrests, it is crucial to ensure they are in a proper position so that the wheelchair user can propel without hitting them with their arms while they move. It is recommended to use a wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests to accomplish this. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to an appropriate height.


It is also important that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user has a high risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against surfaces of the wheelchair. In some instances skin irritation and blisters may occur after being in one position for a long time. Repositioning the chair regularly can reduce the chance of developing pressure ulcers.

Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own and free themselves from the need for another person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have bigger rear wheels and push handles fitted on their sides. This enables them to travel over a wide range of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or steps that are small.

Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Overly pressure can cause your hands get cramped and limit the amount of force you can use. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers with grip material in the palms. This will help improve your hand positioning and increase the force you can apply.

It is important to keep the front casters free of debris such as rocks and sticks. If the casters are covered with this type of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and can cause a loss of control or even injury. If your seat-to-floor height is extremely high, you might want to consider adding some extra padding to the front casters.

It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or just a tiny step. If you wish to attempt this on your own, additional training and practice is needed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or small steps and set the front tires close to the edge.

When pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear space ahead of you so that you don't cross paths with other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you'll increase speed quickly and might collide with other people. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. Also, make sure you have someone with you to assist you in case you fall off your wheelchair.

Braking

To ensure that the wheelchair is safe, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a certain manner. This is especially important when the chair is on an inclined slope, since the centre of gravity can move forward if braking is not done in a controlled way.

When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that your hand is in the proper position, ideally at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, making it easier to push. wheelchair self propelled mymobilityscooters Links to an external site. helps to keep the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.

To turn left with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair left and allow you to remain in a seated position. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping over in the reverse direction.

Always refer to the user guide that comes with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair can traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and hand operated to overcome steep slopes. If this happens, it is recommended that you seek help from a friend or relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating the kerbstones. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber feature that can help with this process. It boosts the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")

To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests or make walking aids before getting out of the chair.

Steering

When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for controlling and steering. There are many ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair structure and accessories like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to glide over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick.

On smooth, level surfaces on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels using both hands to maintain momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the rims of the hand and pushing evenly with each hand. The hands should not be encased around the hand rims as this could cause injuries and result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different levels of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.

For more difficult or challenging terrain, the wheelchair user should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user must keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user has gained experience with this.

To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the opposite rim back. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable, and the chair could fall over if not properly mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can help reduce the pressure on the user, and make turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that even well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push someone in a wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.