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11:4 Driving technique, inclined surface
The following constitutes impor-
tant advice for driving up or down-
hill to avoid the risk of tipping.
(!) Avoid turning round in the
middle of a hill. Always
drive as straight up/down as
possible. It is better to ask
for help than to take a risk
on your own.
Uphill driving:
Lean forwards
to correct your centre of balance.
11:5 Driving technique, stairs: up
Always ask for help.
Never travel on an escalator, even
if there are care givers available.
We always recommend using two
carers for this transfer. One who walks
behind and holds on to the push handle
and one who walks in front and holds on
to the frame (or in the legrests if these
are lockable).
With care giver, backwards:
-
Turn the anti-tips upwards
and ensure that height
adjustable push handles are
securely tightened.
-
Reverse the wheelchair to
the first step.
-
Tilt the chair onto its rear
wheels, if necessary using
the tilter to help.
-
Pull the wheelchair slowly
upwards, one step at a time,
keeping it balanced on the
rear wheels at all times.
11 Driving technique, manoeuvring
Downhill driving: Lean against the
backrest to correct your centre of bal-
ance. Control your speed using the
handrims, not the brakes!
- When the last step has
been cleared, continue
backwards so that the
castor wheels are over
the ground before
setting down the
wheelchair on all four
wheels.
Be sure to turn the
anti-tips back to the
down position after
completed transfer.
(!) The care givers should re-
member to use the strength
in their legs and to keep
their backs as straight as
possible while lifting.