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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those who have limitations in their walking. It is important that you master the use of your wheelchair and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this. Many people move their wheelchair using a technique called “wheelies”. The user must have big hands in order to reach the rims and grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward. Seating Position Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to move independently and not be dependent on others. For many, this is the key to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the user of the wheelchair and those who are around them. The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To achieve this, there are many options you can take. First, make sure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them around until they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and there is even pressure under their feet. It may be necessary to lower the footrest height especially if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the spine and cause pain and discomfort. A forehead strap can help keep the wheelchair user upright particularly for those with weak neck muscles. These can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and can be used with wheelchairs that do not include headrests. It is essential that if the wheelchair has armrests, they are in the correct position so that the user of the wheelchair 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. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and put on the armrest's back in order to raise them to a more comfortable position. It is also essential that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if the wheelchair user has a high risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can be irritated and rough because of sitting in a single position for a long period of time and may also cause blisters. Repositioning the chair regularly can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for a person to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have bigger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted on them. They can travel on various surfaces without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck. Be cautious not to hold your 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 force you can apply. You might also find it useful to use a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves with grip materials built into the palms. This will improve your hand positioning and increase the amount of force you can apply. It is essential to keep the front casters free of any debris like rocks and sticks. This can make it hard to move your wheelchair as you think. It can also lead to a loss in control and/or injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is extremely high, you may think about adding extra padding to the front casters. It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or a small step. If you'd like to do this independently, you will require additional training and experience under the supervision of medical professionals. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or with small steps and set the front tires just before the edge. It is essential to leave enough space in the space in front of you when moving up a hill. This will stop you from crashing into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll accelerate quickly and may collide with other people. To help you avoid this take care to be aware of those who are around you when you're on a slope. Also, have a friend or carer ready to catch you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair. Braking A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a specific way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when the chair is placed on an inclined slope, since the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not applied in a controlled way. When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is placed in the proper position, usually at ten clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. My Mobility Scooters helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint. To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right hand rim, then pull back on the left rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allows you to remain in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the chair from tipping backwards. Always consult the user guide included with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair can traverse. In some instances the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this is the case it is recommended that you seek help from a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide. When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you mount and dismount via ramps as often as you can. This will reduce the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres and allow you to move over the kerb at a faster speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with an option to climb the kerb that can assist in this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4”) To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick inward towards you to de-clutch the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a stop which allows you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids, and then safely get out of the chair. Steering The user is responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be done in various ways, depending on the structure of the chair and any additional features such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters let a chair move faster but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but they will not be as swift. The user of a wheelchair should place 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 shouldn't be wrapped around the hand rims in order to avoid injuries and cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with different levels of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean. The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and prepare for terrain that is more challenging. It is important that the user of the wheelchair looks over his or her shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, if they are travelling with a caregiver, they should make sure that they are ready to assist if required. If the wheelchair is to be used on an inclined slope, it must be assisted or driven by a caregiver until the user is familiar in this. To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair may tip over if it is not properly mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can ease the pressure on the user, and also make turning easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained people will often force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them back.