How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to learn how to move your chair and get a therapist or occupational therapist to guide you in this area.

Many people move their wheelchair by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the user to have hands large enough to extend these rims, and have strong grip strength to propel them forward.

Seating Position

As the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move around and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to the wheelchair user and others who are around them.

It is crucial that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To ensure this, there are many ways to go about it. First, ensure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest catch and swing them round so that they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is pressure under their feet.

power assisted self propelled wheelchair may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest particularly if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests can put pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain 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 mobility expert.

It is essential that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are in a good position to ensure that the wheelchair user doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to use wheelchairs with swing away or removable armrests. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.

It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against the wheelchair surfaces. In some instances, the skin can be irritated and rough from sitting in the same position for long periods of time. It may also cause blisters. To minimize the risk of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned frequently.

Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. This allows them to move across a range of surfaces without worrying about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs.

Be cautious not to hold the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers that have grip material in the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you can apply.

Keep the front casters free of any debris, like sticks or rocks. If the casters are covered with this type of material, it may make it difficult to move in the manner you would expect from your wheelchair and could result in the loss of control and/or potential injury. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to put some extra padding on the front casters.

It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to help you climb a curb or just a tiny step. If you want to try this on your own, additional training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When doing this, it is important that you position the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place the front wheels just before the edge of the curb.

When pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure you don't run into other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you'll accelerate quickly and could hit other people. You can avoid this 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 begin to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking

To ensure that the wheelchair is secure, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is especially important when on a slope, as it is possible for the centre of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not performed in a controlled way.


Always make sure your hand is in the right position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 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 maintain the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.

To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right hand rim and pull back on the left hand rim. This will turn the wheelchair to the right, allowing you to stay sitting. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping backwards.

Check the user's guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In some cases the wheelchair might need to be dismounted temporarily and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this is the case it is advised to seek help from someone you know or a family member and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This will lessen the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs will aid in this process by enhancing the ability of the chair by around 10cm (4").

To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick to the side to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will then stop which allows you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids and exit the chair.

Steering

The user is accountable for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be done in various ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any additional features such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for example will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair is able to be able to handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move faster, but they struggle with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters will allow wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but they isn't as fast.

On smooth and level surfaces the wheelchair user should 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 in order to avoid injuries and cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is advised that the wheelchair user experiment with leaning forward and backwards to different levels in order to find an optimum balance between lean and control.

The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and prepare for more difficult terrain. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair looks over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they should make sure that they are able to assist if needed. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on a slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user has gained experience with this.

To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other rim forwards. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair may tip over if it is not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can ease the pressure on the user, and help with turning. It is important to be aware that untrained people are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them down.