Powered wheelchair: Developing independent wheelchair skills

Wheelchair safety checks

• Check the wheelchair is in good working order with sufficient air and tread on tiers.
• Make sure power chair is fully charged.
• Check that controller is switched off when stationary.
• When powered chair is on make sure speed is appropriate.
• Ensure bottom is completely back in the seat and legs are angled at 90 degrees with knees bent.
• Take any bags off the wheelchair especially when taking part in activities.

Basic training tips (Powered wheelchair)

• Only one person should give instruction at any one time to prevent confusion.
• The first instruction that first time power chair user should understand is “stop”.
• Driving the wheelchair in circles in an acceptable first time movement only, this should not be encouraged longer term.
• Consider using rewards for following instructions.
• Powered wheelchairs are rear, front or mid-wheel drive. This can affect the drive path when moving forwards. Check with wheelchair provider.

Wheelchair maintenance

For minor repairs such as battery not charging, footplate adjustment or broken or a flat tire contact Rosscare on 01132 777 007

For any major adjustments you are unable to resolve to accommodate growth please contact Wheelchair Centre on 0113 206 3855