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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is important that you master the use of your wheelchair, and have occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this.

Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". This requires the user to have hands large enough to reach across the rims and have a strong grip to propel forward.

Seating Position

As the name implies, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to the wheelchair user as well as the people surrounding them.

The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To ensure this, there are many things you can do. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them to ensure they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and there is even pressure under their feet.

The footrest height may need lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can put the pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.

A forehead strap can assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a professional 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 when they move. It is best self-propelled wheelchair to use a wheelchair self propelled folding with swing-away or movable armrests to accomplish this. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and put on the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable height.

A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is essential, particularly if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against the surfaces of the wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may be irritated and rough from sitting in the same position for long periods of time and can also cause blisters. Repositioning the chair regularly can reduce the chance of developing pressure ulcers.

Pushing

Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own and eliminate the need for a third party to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs since they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted on the wheels. This lets them travel over a wide variety of surfaces without having to worry about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles like small steps or curbs.

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

It is crucial to keep the front casters free of any debris like rocks and sticks. This material can make it difficult to move your wheelchair self propelled in the way you expect. It can cause an impairment in control and/or injuries. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it might be useful to get some additional padding for the front casters.

When climbing a small step or curb it is recommended you have a person with you to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you wish to attempt this on your own, additional training and experience is required under the supervision of a health professional. When you do this, it is crucial to place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and position the front wheels close to the edge of the curb.

When you are pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear space ahead of you so that you don't cross paths with other people. You will gain speed quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space in front of you. You may also collide with someone else. To avoid this make sure you are aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. You should also have a caregiver or a friend prepared to help you in case you start to fall off your wheelchair.

Braking

A self propelled wheelchair with suspension-propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when on a slope, as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to shift forward if the braking action what is self propelled wheelchair not executed in a controlled way.

When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that the hand is placed in the right position, with the ideal being at ten o'clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two hours (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.

To turn right with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair to the right so that you can remain in a seated position. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping over forwards.

Consult the user guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In some cases, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this happens, it is recommended to seek the assistance of someone you know or a family member and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.

When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps as often as you can. This will minimize the amount of pressure required on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber feature that can help with this process. It boosts the wheelchair's climbing ability 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 then come to a halt, enabling you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids, and then safely leave the chair.

Steering

The user is responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs differ in their structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, for instance, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair is able to manage. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move faster but struggle with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters can 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 can be done by gripping the handrims while pushing them with both hands. The hands should not be encased around the hand rims, as this can cause injuries and could result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns. It is advised that the wheelchair user experiment with leaning forward and backwards to different extents in order to find an optimal balance between leaning and control.

The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and prepare for more difficult terrain. The wheelchair user must keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid running into objects or other people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they must be prepared to assist when needed. 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 with this.

To turn to turn, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable and the chair could slide over if not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help ease the pressure on the user, and make turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push someone in wheelchair against their will, so the wheelchair user should make sure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.