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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to those who have limitations in walking. It is essential to master the use of your wheelchair and have occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this. Wheelies are a very popular method for moving the wheelchair. The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able reach the rims and also have the strength to push the wheelchair forward. Seating Position Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to move independently and not depend on others. For many, this is the key to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury for the wheelchair user as well as the people around them. The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To ensure this, there are a few things you can do. First, ensure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest latch and swing the footrests around so they are facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates. It could be necessary to lower the height of the footrest, especially if the user is hemiplegic. The footrests may increase the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high. A strap for the forehead can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair especially if they suffer from weakness of the neck muscles. They can be fitted by a mobility specialist and can be used with wheelchairs that don't have headrests. It is crucial that if the chair has armrests, they are in a good position to ensure that the wheelchair user doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. It is best to use the wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to an appropriate height. It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user has a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. This is because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of a wheelchair. In some instances the skin may be irritated and rough because of sitting in a single position for a prolonged period of time. This can cause blisters. Repositioning the chair regularly will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move independently, without the need of someone to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles that are fitted to their sides. This enables them to travel over a wide variety of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs. Be cautious not to hold your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Overly pressure can cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you use. Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like rocks or sticks. This material can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you would expect. It could also lead to a loss in control and/or injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to put some additional padding for the front casters. It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or an easy step. If you are planning to do this on your own, further training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you do this, it is crucial that you position the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and then place the front wheels just before the curb's edge. It is important to leave enough space in the space in front of you when moving up the hill. This will stop you from colliding with other people. You'll gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space ahead of you. electric self propelled wheelchair may also collide with someone else. You can avoid this by staying aware of people who are around you on the slope. Also, make sure you have someone with you to catch you if you begin to fall from your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is safe, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a certain way. This is particularly crucial when the chair is situated on an inclined slope, since the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled manner. When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that the hand is placed in the proper position, usually at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel and released at two o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body's weight is over the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps keep the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints. 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 allow you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards. Always refer to the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to confirm the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. In this case it is recommended that you ask a friend 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 whenever you are able to. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber feature that can help with this process. It improves the ability of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4”) To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will come to a halt which allows you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids, and then safely leave the chair. Steering If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. There are a variety of ways to accomplish 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 of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move more quickly, but it can be difficult with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters can let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but it isn't as fast. The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the hand rims and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the rims of the hand because this could cause injuries and cause over-corrections as the chair turns around. It is recommended that the user of a wheelchair test leaning forward and backward to different extents to find the optimum balance between lean and control. The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more difficult terrain. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or other people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they should be ready to assist if needed. If the wheelchair will be placed on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this. To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable and the wheelchair could tip over if it is not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help ease the burden on the user and also make turning easier. It is important to be aware that strangers who are not trained will often push a wheelchair user against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them inwards.