Advice for pushing wheelchairs

Negotiating Kerbs

Whenever possible, it is best to avoid kerbs. Always try to use dropped kerbs or ramps. If you wish to negotiate kerbs unaided, do not do so until you have had proper instruction. Ask a nurse, handmaid or branc for help.

Pushing an Occupied Wheelchair Down a Kerb

It is safer to go down a kerb backwards. It requires less strength and gives a gentler ride. Care needs to be taken though, because you will be stepping backwards into the road.

1. Practise with an empty wheelchair first.
2. Always tell the person in the wheelchair what you are about to do.
3. Make sure the road is clear, then back the wheelchair to the edge of the kerb.
4. Pull the rear wheels carefully down onto the road surface, making sure that both wheels touch down at the same time.
5. When the front casters are at the edge of the kerb, pull back on the handles and at the same time push down and forward on the tipping lever with your foot. This will balance the wheelchair and its occupant on the rear wheels. Do not tip the wheelchair back more than necessary.
6. Carefully pull the wheelchair further back into the road and, when the occupant’s feet are clear of the kerb, gently lower the front to the road. Check that the road is clear before turning around and crossing.

Pushing an Occupied Wheelchair up a Kerb

It is safer to go up a kerb forwards; it requires less strength and gives a gentler ride.

1. Practise with an empty wheelchair first.
2. Always tell the person in the wheelchair what you are about to do.
3. When the occupant’s feet are nearly touching the kerb, pull back on the handles and at the same time push down and forwards on the tipping lever with your foot. This will balance the wheelchair and its occupant on the rear wheels.
4. When the front casters are just clear of the kerb, push the wheelchair forwards until the casters rest on the pavement. Do not tip the wheelchair back more than necessary.
5. Push the wheelchair forwards until the back wheels just touch the kerb and then lift up on the handles as you continue pushing forwards to place the rear wheels on the pavement. The occupant can help with this stage by pushing forwards on the handrims.

Carrying Bags on a Wheelchair

Never hang bags on the back of the wheelchair because this can make it unbalanced and more liable to tip over backwards.