Manual wheelchairs require you to propel by pushing the pushrims by hand. Standard wheelchairs often have features such as armrests (fixed, removable or swing-away), swing-away or removable footplates, and attendant handles on the back of the armrest. Some standard chairs can fold for transport, others are rigid and can’t collapse. Active wheelchairs are designed for longer-term and more fluid use. They typically do not have armrests, have lower backrests, and often lack attendant handles. Active chairs are often rigid but folding varieties exist. Electric wheelchairs include motors and remote controls that you use to direct and move the chair with less physical exertion, for those who cannot propel a manual chair. Manual chairs may be equipped with power assist, typically bought separately, to allow you to move forward without constant propelling. A fourth type of wheelchair is the transit chair, which you cannot move yourself and must be pushed by a friend, family member or carer. These are designed for people who cannot propel themselves. If you’re buying a chair online, be sure you are buying a self-propelled chair and not a transit chair. This can be an expensive mistake![1] X Research source
Some standard chairs will have attendant brakes on the attendant handles, which can be used by a friend, family member or carer to brake the chair from behind.
A good way to check is to see if two fingers fit beside the widest point of your hips/thighs and the edge of the seat. The depth of the seat is important too. Your knees should be able to be at a 90 degree angle. Some standard chairs have differently angled leg rests. If you’re using the chair for long periods of time, consider a wheelchair cushion to protect and support your hips, lower back and tailbone.
Standard chairs usually have high backrests, but many can be folded down for transport. Folding these down during use can give you the clear space needed for propelling your chair. Active chairs usually have low backrests shaped to support you best. They may or may not have handles. Some wheelchairs will have high backs and headrests for those that need extra support of the upper body and head. If you have trouble sitting completely upright, find more pillows to add to the seat or the backrest so you can sit in a position that will let you reach the controls you need.
Some handles have attendant brakes, so if you need to be pushed, the person helping you can have control over the chair without needing to reach forward. Handles can be a great place to hang a bag from. Be sure to distribute weight evenly between left and right, and don’t put too much on the back of your chair. If it’s too heavy, you might tip over backwards, which can cause serious injury. Unfortunately, well-meaning but uninformed strangers may try to push you against your will. If your attendant handles can be folded down, or if your standard chair has a folding back, this can hide the handles from view and help prevent this. If your handles cannot fold away and people try to push you, consider handle covers.
Your feet should sit comfortably on the footplate with your knees at a 90 degree angle. If your knees are pushed above your hips, the footplate is too high. If your feet can’t reach, it’s too low. To change the height of your footplate, use a wrench or hex key (one is usually provided with the chair) to loosen the front bolts. Then rotate the footplates to adjust the height to the desired level. Use the wrench to tighten the bolts when you’ve finished adjusting. [2] X Research source Standard chairs may have swing-away footplates that swing to the sides. These can assist you with transferring in and out of your wheelchair. If you need extra height, a thick wheelchair cushion can give you a boost. Make sure to check the height while wearing your usual choice of shoes. The thickness of the sole can make a difference.
The size of your caster decides what your chair is good at. Small casters let you move faster, but you’ll struggle more over rough terrain like grass, cobblestone, rocks and cracked roads. Large casters give you a smoother ride over rough terrain but you can’t move as fast. Armrests can be comfortable when you aren’t moving, but they can make it hard to propel. Active wheelchairs usually don’t have these. On a standard chair, swing-away or removable armrests are best. If you do have armrests, make sure you can propel without having to reach out too far, and that you aren’t hitting the armrest with your arm as you move. Anti-tippers are optional on many wheelchairs. They are tiny wheels on the back of the chair that help stop you falling backwards when on steep slopes, or if there’s weight on the back of your chair. Wheelchairs can be equipped with bags or holders for items like your phone and keys, or to hold a drink for you while you move. For some injuries, an extended leg rest may be used to keep your leg straight. This can make turning and fitting in elevators hard, so you’ll need to be aware of your body.
There are different techniques to make propelling easier. A good way to do this is to push forward and, when letting go, move your hands in an arc to return to the starting position. Moving in a smooth circular motion will help you move more easily than just moving your hands back and forth, and will be less tiring. Electric wheelchairs have different types of controls to move you forward. These controls can either be a mini joystick that you push forward; a touchpad upon which you place your fingers then drag them forward, away from you; or a switch, which you flip on to move forward. [4] X Research source Remember to tuck your elbows in when you move through doorways and narrow aisles. [5] X Research source
When you’re on a slope, be cautious. If possible, have a friend, family member or carer ready to catch you if you tip or lose control while you’re getting used to your wheelchair. It can be difficult to control the speed gained going downhill, and it is difficult to push on an uphill slope. Be aware of the people around you when on slopes. Most people won’t realise to get out of the way! If you’re on a downhill slope you will pick up speed very quickly, and may collide with others. Having clear space ahead as you approach an uphill slope will let you pick up speed, making it easier.
On an electric chair, turn your joystick to the right, drag your fingers to the right on your touchpad, or flip your right switch on.
On an electric chair, turn your joystick to the left, drag your fingers to the left on your touchpad, or flip your left switch on.
If you need assistance with transferring, a friend, family member or carer may be able to help you. If you are able to stand confidently, be sure to not trip over the footplates when exiting your chair.
Wheelchairs are best understood as a mobility replacement more than a mobility aid. If you’re needing it for long term use, you’ll need your doctor to help work on managing your disability or injury. [8] X Research source In some countries you can recieve funding assistance from insurance or the government to fund a wheelchair if you go to your doctor.
Know the brace position that best suits your body and chair. Typically this is putting your face to your knees and crossing your arms in front of you as you fall. Protecting your head, back and arms when you fall is most important as these are how you get around. Practise righting yourself and your chair at home. This is easier with the help of another person to catch you while you work out your movements and the weight and movement of your chair.
Be careful when you come across a new type of ground. Uneven concrete, cobblestones, grass, dirt, tactile paving, rail lines and other obstacles can snag your casters or tip you out. Be aware of footpaths that slant towards the road. You may need to propel with only one arm or propel very slowly to avoid sliding into the street. When crossing the street, be very careful. You’re now below the eye-line of most drivers and they may not see you if they’re not paying attention. If you go out a lot at night, consider bicycle reflectors on your wheels to help protect yourself.
