7. MANOEUVRING
7.1 General techniques
The weight and balance of the chair influences the manoevring qualities of the
wheelchair. The weight, size and sitting
position of the user are also influencing factors. The position of the wheels will in addition influence the manoevring qualities. The
more weight placed over the main wheels,
the easier it is to manoevre. If heavy weight
is placed over the front castors, the chair
will be heavy to manoeuvre.
Companion:
If the user is left alone in the wheelchair,
always lock the brakes and check that the
anti tips are turned down.
Parking:
Increase the underneath support of the
wheelchair by moving the chair about 10
cm rearwards making the front castors
turn forward.
7.2 Driving techniques
- Step up-
Companions, drive up a step forwards
• Check that the anti tip is de-activated.
Angle the wheelchair backwards.
• Balance the chair on the mainwheels and
push it forward until the front castors are
on the step.
• Lift the push handles while pushing thechair onto the step.
Remember to activate anti tip after
curb climbing.
Companions, drive up a step backwards:
• Check that the anti tip is de-activated.
• Pull the chair backwards next to the
step
• Angle the wheelchair backwards,
moving the front castors slightly up in
the air.
• Pull the wheelchair up the step and g
backwards long enough to put down
the front castors on the step.
Activate anti tip.
7.3 Driving techniques
- Step down-
Companions, drive down a step forwards:
• Check that the anti tip is de-activated.
• Place your hands with a firm grip on
the push handles, and angle the wheelchair backwards, moving the front castors slightly up in the air.
• Drive carefully down the step and angle the wheelchair forward putting the
front castors back on the ground.
Turn the anti tip downwards.
Companions, drive down a step
backwards:
• Check that the anti tip is de-activated.
• Move the wheelchair backwards to the
step.
• Drive carefully down the step and
move the wheelchair backwards on the
main wheel until the front castors have
come away from the step.
• Put the front castors down on the
ground.
Activate anti tip.