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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is essential to know how to maneuver your chair and consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to guide you in this area. Wheelies are a common method for moving in a wheelchair. The user must have big hands to be able extend the rims of the wheelchair, and also have the strength to push the wheelchair forward. Seating Position As the name implies self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move around and not rely on others. This is the primary factor that helps many people to regain their independence or retaining it. It also reduces the chance of injury for both the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those surrounding them. It is important that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To accomplish this, there are a few things you can do. First, the footplates should be in the correct position. Lift the latch for the footrests and move the footrests to place them in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates. It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest especially if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are too high they can put pressure on the seat bones and cause discomfort and pain. A forehead strap can help keep the wheelchair user upright, particularly if they have weak neck muscles. They can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a professional in mobility. It is important that if the wheelchair comes with armrests, they are in the correct position to ensure that the wheelchair user isn't able to hit them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use an armrest that is swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable height. A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is crucial, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against wheelchair surfaces. In some instances, the skin can become irritated and raw from sitting in the same position for a long period of time and can also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move independently, without the need for someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. This lets them travel over a wide variety of surfaces without having to worry about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs. Be careful not to grip your 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. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material in the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you apply. Keep the front casters free of debris, like sticks or rocks. This material can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you think. It can also lead to an increase in control or injuries. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it could be beneficial to purchase extra padding for the front casters. If you are climbing a curb or small step it is recommended you have a person with you to push the wheelchair assistance. If you wish to attempt this independently, more training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or with small steps and place the front tires close to the edge. It is important to leave enough space in front of you when pushing up the hill. This will stop you from crashing into other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will accelerate quickly and might hit other people. You can avoid this by staying aware of people around you while on the slope. Also, have a friend or caregiver ready to catch you if you fall off your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is secure, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a specific manner. This is particularly important when on a slope as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not performed in a controlled manner. When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that the hand is in the correct position, with the ideal being at ten o'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 over the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint. To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right hand rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair right so that you can remain in a seated position. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards. Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the highest level of safety your chair can traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair may need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to overcome steep slopes. If this is the case, it is recommended to seek assistance from a friend or relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide. It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating the kerbstones. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs can assist with this process by increasing the climbing capability of the chair by around 10cm (4”). To stop a wheelchair simply release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests or make walking aids prior to exiting the chair. Steering If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for controlling and steering. There are numerous ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair structure and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for instance, can decide the type of terrain that a wheelchair will handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters permit wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick. On smooth surface that is level, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the hand rims since this can cause injury and cause over-corrections when the chair makes a turn. It is advised that the wheelchair user try leaning back and forward to different levels to find the optimal balance between leaning and control. The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and prepare for more difficult terrain. My Mobility Scooters is important that the user of the wheelchair look over both shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people, and in the event that they are traveling with an adult, they should make sure that they are ready to assist if needed. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on the slope, it should be pushed or assisted by an adult until the user is familiar with this. To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to push one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair could slide over if not properly mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can help ease the burden on the user and help with turning. It is crucial to be aware that untrained strangers are often able to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them down.