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5. Negotiating Obstacles
5.1 Approach the obstacle (kerb etc.) front on
The wheelchair should be tilted by the helper until the front castors have passed over the
kerbs. The helper must apply downward pressure with their foot to the tip bar (see fig. 5
& 6). The chair should never be tilted by the handles only as this will put adverse strain on
the handles. Move the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels touch the kerb and gently
lower the front castors over the pavement. Push the lift until the rear wheels have mounted
the kerb. The wheelchair should not be lifted by the handles alone.
5.2 Upward and Downward slopes (fig. 4)
Always go straight up and down slopes to avoid the possibility of the wheelchair
overturning. Avoid steep slopes, which may cause instability.
Stable on slope
Fig. 5
Fig. 4
Beginning of instability
(slope too steep)
Stable on slope
Unstable (slope too steep)
Fig. 6
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