10
Slopes
Make sure to follow the instructions below, when going up or down a slope, to avoid the risk of tipping over.
Do not change direction while driving up/down a slope. Push the wheelchair in a straight line when going both
uphill or downhill. If you are in doubt when approaching a gradient, ask someone to help you rather than
running unnecessary risks.
Going uphill
: lean your body forward to balance the centre of gravity.
Going downhill
: lean your body backwards to balance the centre of gravity.
Use the handrims to adjust the speed,
do not
use the brakes.
Stairs – Going Up:
Always ask someone to help you.
Never use escalators, neither on your own nor with an attendant.
Going up the stairs facing backwards with an attendant's help
- Pull the wheelchair back to the first step.
- Tilt the wheelchair backwards on the rear wheels, also using the tilt-lever.
- Slowly pull the wheelchair up each step, one step at a time, balancing it on the rear wheels.
- After the last step, pull the wheelchair back and make sure the castors have cleared the obstacle before
“lowering” all four wheels on the ground. If the wheelchair user is assisted by two people, one person can be of
help by lifting the wheelchair from the fixed legrests or by removing the legrests and lifting the wheelchair up
from the frame. The attendants are recommended to carry out these operations by using their leg strength and
avoiding bending or putting pressure on their backs.
Stairs – Going Down:
Always ask someone to help you.
Never use escalators, neither on your own nor with an attendant.
Going down the stairs facing forward with an attendant's help
- Push the wheelchair up to the first step.
- Tilt the wheelchair backwards on the rear wheels, also using the tilt-lever.
- Go down each step very slowly, keeping the wheelchair balanced on the rear wheels.
- After the last step, “lower” all four wheels on the ground. If the wheelchair user is assisted by two people, one
person can be of help by lifting the wheelchair from the lockable legrests or, should these not be available, by
removing the legrests and lifting the wheelchair up from the frame. The attendants are recommended to carry
out these operations by using their leg strength and avoiding bending or putting pressure on their backs.
Transfers
The transfer techniques should be practised by the wheelchair user under the guidance of qualified
professionals. Following are some important recommendations.
Transferring from the wheelchair to the bed:
With or without attendant, end user facing forward.
Before the transfer:
- Bring the wheelchair close to the bed and push the wheelchair 5-10 cm back to make sure both castors are
facing forward.
- Lock the brakes, lift the armrest/side guard up and swing away or remove the legrest which are on the side
close to the bed.
Transferring from the bed to the wheelchair:
With or without attendant, end user facing forward.
Before the transfer:
- Bring the wheelchair close to the bed and push the wheelchair
5-10 cm back to make sure both castors are facing forward.
