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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those who have difficulty walking. It is important to learn how to maneuver your chair and get a therapist or occupational therapist to train you in this area. Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique called “wheelies”. The person using the wheelchair must have large hands in order to span the rims, and grip strength to propel it forward. Seating Position Self-propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to both the user of the wheelchair and those around them. It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To ensure this, there are several options you can take. First, make sure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them to ensure they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates. The height of the footrest may require to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests may increase pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort when they are too high. A forehead strap can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair especially if they suffer from weak neck muscles. These can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and can be used with wheelchairs that do not have headrests. It is important that if the wheelchair comes with armrests that they are placed in the correct position so that the wheelchair user does not hit them with their arms when they move. For this purpose it is recommended to use wheelchairs with armrests that can be removed or swivel away. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to an appropriate height. It is also important that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, particularly if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In some cases the skin may become irritated and raw due to sitting in the same position for a long period of time. This can also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Pushing Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and eliminate the need for someone else to push them. They are easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. wheelchair self propelled can be used on various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck. Be cautious not to hold the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Too much pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can use. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material on the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you use. Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like sticks or rocks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you would expect. It could cause an increase in control or injuries. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it could be beneficial to purchase extra padding for the front casters. When climbing an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you wish to attempt this on your own, additional training and practice is needed under the supervision of a health professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or with small steps and position the front tires close to the edge. It is essential to have enough space in front of you when pushing up an uphill. This will keep you from running into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll gain speed very quickly and might hit other people. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of other people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. Also, have a friend or caregiver ready to assist you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is secure the user must use the braking and steering actions in a certain manner. This is particularly important when the chair is on a slope, as the center of gravity could be pushed forward if the braking is not done in a controlled manner. When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that the hand is placed in the correct position, with the ideal being at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps keep the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints. To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right rim and then pull back the left hand rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to stop the chair from tipping in the reverse direction. Always consult the user guide that comes with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair can traverse. In some cases, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated manually to climb steep slopes. In this situation it is recommended you ask a friend or family member for help and follow the steps in the User Guide. It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating the kerbstones. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the front and rear tyres, which will allow you to move over the kerb with greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs feature an option to climb the kerb which can aid in this process. It boosts the wheelchair's climbing ability by 10cm (4”) To stop a wheelchair, gently release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will stop and allow you to take off the footrests, set up walking aids and safely exit the chair. Steering If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling. This can be done in different ways depending on the wheelchair's structure and any accessories such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters can let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but they won't be nearly as fast. The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. You can do this by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections as the chair turns around. It is also recommended that the user of a wheelchair try leaning forward and backwards to different levels to determine an optimal balance between leaning and control. For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users should plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair look over his or her shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people, and if they are travelling with a caregiver, they should ensure that they are ready to help when required. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable. To turn to turn, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other rim forwards. The user of a wheelchair must practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on a different surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily fall over if the motion is not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this will reduce some of the pressure off the user and makes turning easier. It is important to be aware that strangers who are not trained will often force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them inwards.