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● When getting in and out of the wheelchair please use the hand brakes. The
hand brake is the lever at the side of the wheelchair.
● Please ensure that neither the tread on your tyres nor the brake block
becomes too worn.
● If pneumatic tyres are fitted, please maintain at the recommended tyre
pressure for the same reason.
● Please ensure that occupant's fingers do not get caught in the brake.
When transferring in and out of the wheelchair, make sure that the brakes are
applied to prevent the wheelchair from sliding away. Also see that the footplates
are flipped up for ease of entering or exiting. (See Figure 4.28)
4.3 General Use
4.3.1 Attendant Pushing and Self-propelled
4.3.1.1 Do ensure that the brakes are always locked when the wheelchair is not
being pushed. (See Figure 4.29)
4.3.1.2 Always make sure that both feet are safely on the footplates and that
clothing is safely tucked out of the way and so cannot get caught in the
wheels. (See Figure
4.30)
4.3.1.3 Always use both hands on the push handles to control the wheelchair. (See
Figure 4.31)
4.3.1.4 Always avoid steep or uneven surfaces because the wheelchair may tip over.
(See Figure 4.32)
4.3.1.5 Always avoid soft surfaces because the casters may get bogged down. (See
Figure 4.33)
4.3.1.6 Always be careful not to go too fast or turn too quickly and try to achieve a
smooth steady ride.
4.3.1.7 Before crossing railroad tracks, please stop completely and look both ways.
4.3.1.8 Cross the tracks perpendicular to avoid your wheels getting stuck.
4.3.1.9 Do not move at full speed over the railroad tracks.
4.3.1.10 Be careful when going through a doorway that your hands and arms do
not get injured.
PLEASE keep in contact with the person in the wheelchair. If you stop to look in shop
windows or talk to people, remember to turn the wheelchair so that the person in the
wheelchair does not have to turn.
