Mastering Mobility: How to Use Wheelchairs with Confidence

People use wheelchairs for a variety of reasons but mostly to help them gain independence despite their limited mobility. Aside from that, a wheelchair allows a person to enjoy life to the fullest and with comfort despite their age, disability, illness, or injury. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to use wheelchairs for the first time. 

That’s why in this article, we’ll guide you through on how to properly and safely use different types of wheelchairs: manual and electric wheelchairs. This way, whether it’s your first time or you’ve been using wheelchairs for some time, you can operate it without hurting yourself.  

 

How to Use a Manual Wheelchair Safely

If you plan to use or you’re using a manual wheelchair, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use wheelchairs the right way: 

1. Familiarize Yourself With the Wheelchair

Before anything else, you have to make sure you know your wheelchair first. The best way to do this is by reading up its instruction manual and checking its parts. This is important to know which are which and where to reach once you’re seated. 

Parts of a Manual Wheelchair

• Brakes: These are used to stop and lock the wheelchair in place. Most of the time, brake levers are located on both sides of the wheels. 
• Frame: This is the tubular structure of the chair that supports the other parts.
• Pushrims: These are attached to the chair’s rear wheels and are used to propel the chair.
• Seat:  Make sure it is comfortable enough for you to use. It usually has a cushion for more support and comfort.
• Backrest: This is the back of the seat and provides support for the spine to maintain posture in a comfortable position. 
• Armrests & Footrests: These support your arms and feet respectively. Moreover, you can use armrests to get in and out of the chair. 
• Wheels: There are four wheels in total: two rear wheels and two castor wheels.
• Push Handles: These are found at the back of the wheelchair and are used by another person to help you move the wheelchair. 

2. Sit On Your Wheelchair

Check if the brakes are on to ensure it will stay in position as you get in it. If your wheelchair is the foldable type, unfold it first as well before sitting down. Once you make sure that the brakes are on, proceed with the following steps: 

Positioning

Back up to the wheelchair until you feel the seat against the back of your legs, and place any cushions or back support in position before sitting.

Sitting Down

Hold onto the armrests as you gently lower yourself onto the seat. Remember to keep your feet positioned so they don't get caught under the wheels or footrests.

Make Adjustments

Once seated, make sure your hips are against the backrest and your back is straight. Make sure to adjust the leg rests or footrests accordingly so your feet are comfortable and supported.

3. Move Forward and Backward

When you’re ready to move, you just need to release the brakes. There are pushrims on each wheel of your chair that you’ll use to move. Here’s what you need to do to move: 

Go Forward

If you want to move forward, grip these rims near the back of the chair and push them forward at the same time. As you push them forward, push them down as well, and then let go. Simply move your hands back to position and repeat this. 

Go Backward

If you want to move backward, grip the rims again but this time, near the front of the chair. Push it backward and down this time and let go to propel it in that direction. Again, after letting go, return your hands back to the starting position and repeat. 

4. Turn Your Wheelchair

Aside from moving back and forth, you’d also have to turn right and left. The key to this is to hold down or stop one of the wheels while pushing the other forward. Specifically, this is how to do each turn: 

• Turning Right: While gripping both pushrims, push forward the left wheel to propel it forward while you’re holding or slowing down the right wheel. 

• Turning Left: While gripping both rims, push forward the right wheel while slowing down or stopping the left wheel. 

5. Stop Your Wheelchair

If you want to stop your wheelchair, simply grip the pushrims and use the friction to slow down your movement. Be careful while doing this because the friction creates heat that can burn your hands, especially if you stop suddenly or are on a slope. Once still, turn the brakes or the locks on. 

6. Getting Up From Your Wheelchair

If you need to get off and transfer from your wheelchair, you first have to make sure the brakes are locked on both sides. Then position your hands or arms on both armrests. This will act as your support as you lean forward as you slowly get up. 

However, depending on your injury or mobility issues, you may require assistance from someone else to help you get out safely. 

 

How to Use Electric Wheelchairs Properly

Electric wheelchairs work differently than manual wheelchairs. The main difference is that you don’t have to do all the manual work just to move around using the wheelchair. To use your electric wheelchair safely and properly, follow these steps: 

1. Familiarize Yourself With the Wheelchair

Since this type of wheelchair works and is manufactured differently, the first step again is to look at its user manual. Every electric wheelchair model comes with their own usage specifications that might be different from the others. Read through your manual. 

Parts of an Electric Wheelchair

• Frame: Check if your wheelchair is foldable or not by checking the frame design. 

• Seat: Make sure the seat has enough padding for a comfortable ride. If not, you can add additional cushions. 

• Backrests: Check what type of backrest your wheelchair has: folding, non-folding, semi-reclining, or fully reclining. This is to know if you need to adjust it or add padding for a comfortable seat with enough lateral and postural support. 

• Wheels: Like a manual wheelchair, an electric wheelchair also has four wheels: two rears and two front wheels. 

• Joystick: This is your default control on the wheelchair and the one you’ll use to move it. They can be usually mounted in different parts of the chair, depending on your preferences.

• Brakes: Brakes are important to lock the wheelchair’s tires and provide extra security while using the chair. 

• Armrests & Footrests: These support your arms and feet respectively and can come in different types. Moreover, you can use armrests to get in and out of the chair. 

• Battery: This powers the electric wheelchair and is usually located at the back or bottom part of the chair. Most electric wheelchairs also come with spare batteries in case the first runs out suddenly.

Additionally, thoroughly check the battery and tires of your chair. Most of the time, your electric wheelchair needs to be fully charged before you can use it. This is also ideal since you’re never sure when’s the exact moment you’ll run out of battery while outside. The tires should also be pumped and ready to use. 

3. Sitting Down on the Wheelchair

Before you actually sit down, make sure that the chair’s power is off and the wheels are locked. To sit down on it, stand with your back to the wheelchair. Slightly lean forward with your pelvis back and get a good grip on the handles. Once you’ve got a grip, slowly lower yourself into the seat.  

Once comfortable, fasten your seat belt, turn the power on, and unlock the wheels. 

4. Driving Your Wheelchair

You’ll be moving or driving your electric wheelchair using a joystick. To move around the wheelchair, simply move the stick forward, backward, or left and right to go in those directions. If you want to gradually increase your speed, you simply have to push the joystick further in the direction you want to go faster. 

How to Drive in Different Situations

Although it might seem simple, it can be challenging to do it properly. You can practice driving in a safe area with a level surface until you’re used to the maneuverability of the wheelchair. However, there are also other driving situations you may encounter:

Driving Uphill

The wheelchair’s motor would need extra power when going uphill. To do so, don’t hold back in pushing the joystick forward. Push until you reach the top of the hill. Once there, slowly pull back the stick to slow down the chair as well. 

Driving Downhill

Do the opposite when going downhill. To avoid moving downhill too fast, don’t push the joystick too far forward. Gradually push it to gradually descend the hill without hurting yourself.

Driving on a Sidewalk

If you’re driving on the sidewalk, always drive on the designated curb ramp entrances and exits only. Never try to drive over a high curb since it could lead to a dangerous fall. 

4. Turning Your Wheelchair

Each electric wheelchair has its own turning radius. This is the radius or the distance that you can turn around using the wheelchair. Before turning, make sure you know your wheelchair’s radius first to ensure you know how much space you need to turn. 

To turn in a certain direction, you simply have to use the joystick again. Remember that driving an electric wheelchair is like driving a new car, only that it’s simpler to use. 

5. Stopping the Wheelchair

If you want to stop, simply release the joystick. If you plan to not use it anymore, once stopped, turn off the power by pressing the power button and turning and removing your key. Apply the brakes as well to make sure it stays still in its current position. 

Getting Off the Wheelchair

To get off the wheelchair, simply follow the same steps as with getting off a manual wheelchair: lift yourself up from the wheelchair using your arms. 

 

Conclusion

Wheelchairs, manual or electric, offer mobility independence and assistance for people with injuries, disabilities, and age. Before you actually use one, you have to know first how to use wheelchairs. This is the best way to stay safe while using it. Knowing might even help you decide whether to get a manual or electric wheelchair. 

If you want to look into some options, you can check out our wheelchair collection. We offer all kinds of wheelchairs and accessories for you and your loved ones!