How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to know how to use your wheelchair and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you in this.

Wheelies are a common method to move the wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to reach across the rims and good grip strength to propel forward.

Seating Position

Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to travel on their own and not depend on others. This is the key for many people to regain their independence or retaining it. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the user of the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.

The wheelchair user must be comfortable in the chair. To accomplish this, there are many ways to go about it. First, make sure that the footplates are in the right position. Lift the latch for the footrests and then move the footrests to place them facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.

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

A forehead strap can be used to help keep the wheelchair user upright especially if they suffer from weak neck muscles. They can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and are compatible with wheelchairs that do not have headrests.

If the wheelchair has armrests, it is important to ensure that they are in the proper position so that the wheelchair user is able to propel without hitting them with their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to use wheelchairs with removable or swing away armrests. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and put on the back of the armrest to raise them up to a more comfortable height.

It is also important that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, especially if the wheelchair user is at a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. These are because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some instances skin irritation and blisters can occur when sitting in one position for a long period of time. Repositioning the chair regularly can reduce the chance of developing pressure ulcers.

Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves independently and without the need for a person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. This lets them travel over a wide range of surfaces without having to worry about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small.

Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly as you move forward. A lot of pressure can cause your hands get cramped and limit the amount of force you are able to apply. You might also find it useful to use a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve the hand's position and increase the force you can apply.

Keep the front casters free of any debris, like rocks or sticks. This material can make it hard to move your wheelchair as you think. It can cause a loss in control and/or injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is high, you may think about adding additional padding to the front casters.

It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a curb or just a tiny step. If you'd like to accomplish this yourself, you'll require additional training and experience under the supervision of medical professionals. When you do this, it is crucial that you place the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and place the front wheels just before the curb's edge.

It is essential to have enough space in the space in front of you when moving up a hill. This will keep you from running into other people. You'll gain speed quickly if you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You may also collide with another person. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of the people who are around you on a slope. Also, you should have a friend or caregiver ready to assist you in case you begin to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking

To ensure that the wheelchair is secure users must perform the braking and steering actions in a certain manner. This is particularly crucial when on a slope, as it is possible for the centre of gravity to shift forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not applied in a controlled way.

Always ensure that your hand is in the correct position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.

To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allows you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping in the reverse direction.

Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair for the highest level of safety your chair can travel. In some situations, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. In this situation it is recommended you ask a friend or family member for assistance and follow the instructions in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This will decrease the amount of pressure needed on the rear and front tyres, which will allow you to move over the kerb with greater speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can also assist with this process by enhancing the ability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").

To stop a wheelchair you need to release the brakes gently and then push the joystick toward you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will then come to a halt which allows you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and safely leave the chair.

Steering

If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for controlling and steering. There are numerous ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair's structure and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for example, can decide the type of terrain that a wheelchair will be able to handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces but it will not be as swift.

The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing evenly with each hand. The hands should not be encased around the rims of the hand in order to avoid injuries and could result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different levels of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.

The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user should keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid running into objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when required. If the wheelchair is going to be used on the slope, it should be driven or assisted by an adult until the user is familiar in this.


To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to push one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may tip over if it is not properly mastered. lightweight self folding mobility scooters on the wheelchair can help ease the pressure on the user and help with turning. It is important to be aware that untrained strangers will often push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them inwards.