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3.6
Ensuring stability
You will encounter situations which will require you to lean out of the wheelchair.
These apparently simple movements could, if not performed with care, result in a loss of stability and possible overbalancing of the wheelchair.
To achieve maximum occupant control of the wheelchair, we illustrate some situations which may emerge during normal daily use of the wheelchair. Please pay particular attention to the following to
maintain balance and stability at all times.
Leaning forwards
Ensure that the front castors are pointing forwards. To do this, move the chair forwards and then backwards.
Apply the parking brakes to prevent the chair from moving suddenly during the movement. Lean forward in such a way that your upper body does not move beyond the
front castors at any time. Moving the weight of the body excessively forward may cause the wheelchair to tip up onto the front wheels and overbalance possibly causing
damage to the chair and harming the occupant.
To ensure greater stability, the occupant should hold on to the wheelchair with his or her free hand.
Do not lean too far forward; you may fall out of the wheelchair.
Do not move forward by sliding your pelvis across the seat cushion to reach objects that are too far away. The wheelchair could overbalance.
Leaning backwards
Ensure that the front castors are pointing forwards. To do this, move the wheelchair forwards and then backwards.
Do not apply the parking brakes. Lean backwards without changing your sitting position.
Do not lean too far back over the backrest, the wheelchair could overbalance.
Leaning out to the side
Do not move your upper body beyond the rear wheel as the wheelchair could overbalance.
For greater safety and stability, hold on to the wheelchair with your free hand.
Do not lean too far out to the side, the wheelchair could overbalance.
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