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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 move your chair and consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to teach you how to use it. Wheelies are a popular technique for moving in a wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands large enough to span these rims and have a strong grip to propel them forward. Seating Position Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not be dependent on others. For many it is the only way to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury for the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those who are around them. It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To achieve this, there are several ways to go about it. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Lift the latch for the footrests and swing the footrests around to make sure they are facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates. The footrest height may need lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests aren't high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the bones of the seat and cause pain and discomfort. A forehead strap can be used to help keep the wheelchair user upright especially if they suffer from weak neck muscles. These can be fitted by a mobility expert and are compatible with wheelchairs that do not have headrests. If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is essential to ensure they are in the right position so that the wheelchair user can move without hitting them with their arms when they move. It is best to choose a wheelchair with removable or swing-away armrests to accomplish this. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable level. It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against wheelchair surfaces. In some cases, skin irritation and blisters may occur after being in one position for a long time. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be rotated regularly. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need of someone 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 tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small. Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to cramp and decrease the amount of force you can apply. It may also be useful to use a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you apply. It is essential to keep the front casters clear of debris such as rocks and sticks. If the casters have been covered with this type of material, it may make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and can cause a loss of control and/or potential injury. If the height of your seat to floor is very high, you may want to consider adding some extra 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 want to try this on your own, additional training and practice is needed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or small steps and place the front tires close to the edge. It is important to leave enough space in the space in front of you when moving up an uphill. This will keep you from colliding with other people. You'll speed up quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also crash with someone else. To avoid this take care to be aware of people who are around you when you're on a slope and have a carer or friend ready to catch you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is safe, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a certain manner. This is particularly important when the chair is situated on a slope as the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled manner. When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that your hand is in the proper position, with the ideal being at ten clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight is on the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right hand rim and pull back on the left rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and will allow you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping forwards. Always consult the user guide included with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In some cases, the wheelchair may have to be removed temporarily and operated manually to overcome steep slopes. In this instance it is recommended you ask a family member or family member for assistance and follow the steps in the User Guide. When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended to take off and remount your vehicle via ramps as often as you can. This will reduce the pressure on the back and front tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. self propelled wheelchairs for sale My Mobility Scooters on many manual wheelchairs can also aid in this process by increasing the capacity of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4”). To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick towards you to release the motor, and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests and prepare walking aids before exiting the chair. Steering When using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any add-ons like armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters, for example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair can be able to handle. Small casters let a chair move faster but they struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to move over rough surfaces however, the chair won't 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 with both hands. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and result in over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that the wheelchair user try leaning forward and backwards to different levels to find the optimal balance between lean and control. The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and prepare for more challenging terrain. It is crucial that the wheelchair user looks over his or her shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people, and when they travel with an adult, they should ensure that they are ready to assist when required. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this. To turn, the wheelchair user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other forwards. The wheelchair user must practice this on smooth flat ground before attempting it on other surfaces because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair might easily tip over if the action isn't mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can help ease the pressure on the user, and help with turning. It is also helpful to know that even well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push a person who is in wheelchair against their will, so the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the attendant handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.