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10.8. Picking up objects from the wheelchair
Always remember that when your child wants to lift up objects from the floor, the relative centre of
gravity will change and affects stability. This can cause the wheelchair to tip over, either backwards
(see diagram 31), sideways or forwards. In the last situation the stability can be enlarged by
pointing the castors as if the wheelchair would move backwards (see diagram 32). Drive as close as
possible to the object that you want to pick up.
3
To descend over an obstacle (e.g. driving down from the kerb
into the street), first tilt the wheelchair up onto the rear wheels,
push it forward and let the wheelchair down over the edge of the
obstacle on two wheels (see diagram 28).
When you have to carry the wheelchair over steps always take
another person to help. Therefore the accompanying person
should only take hold of and/or carry solid parts of the frame.
They should under no circumstances take hold of any moving
parts, such as the wheels or armrests (see diagram 29). Always
ensure that the stroller handle is securely fastened with the
clamping levers.
If the child wants to overcome an obstacle alone you should be
aware of the tendency of the wheelchair to tip over backwards
if, as the rear wheels contact the edge of the obstacle, the child
attempts to surmount it by pushing down harder on the handring
(see diagram 30).
Never drive onto escalators!
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