15
User, driving up forwards:
This technique is recommended only
for experienced wheelchair users.
-
Ensure that the anti-tips are
turned upwards.
-
Drive forward to the edge of
the kerb/threshold.
-
Balance the wheelchair on its
rear wheels so that the castors
lift high enough to come up
on the pavement. Grasp the
handrims firmly, while at the
same time leaning forwards
with your upper body.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position.
Care giver, driving up forwards:
-
Ensure that the anti-tips are
turned upwards.
-
Tilt the wheelchair, if necessary
with help from the tilter, so
that the castors come up on the
pavement.
-
Lift by the push handles to
help the rear wheels up.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position.
11 Driving technique, manoeuvring
11:1 Driving technique
Parking: Increase the overall support base
of the wheelchair by reversing for about
10 cm, thereby ensuring the castor wheels
swing forwards.
If the user is left alone in the wheelchair,
ensure that the brakes are applied and that
the anti-tip is
swung down.
11:2 Driving technique, kerbs and raised thresholds: up
User, driving up backwards:
This technique only works if there is
a low kerb/threshold, relative to the
installed height of the footrests.
-
Ensure that the anti-tips are
turned upwards.
-
Reverse to the edge of the
kerb/threshold.
-
Take a firm hold of the
handrims while at the same
time leaning forwards.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position.
