Mind These Safety Instructions to Ensure Safe Drive on Your Electric Wheelchair

Posted by John Wick on February 5th, 2018

Your occupational therapist (OT) may have recommended you a suitable wheelchair after carrying out in-depth analysis. As part of your care, the orthopedic center recommends electric wheelchair to the people having limited movement or severe mobility disorders. A folding electric wheelchair is great in providing assistant to people who have problems related to movement. But, are you aware of the thumb rules how these wheelchairs should be used indoors and outdoors ensuring a safe drive?  

People aiding themselves with the mobility wheelchair or those who are taking care of their elders with the mobility disorders must be aware of the safety instructions. Misusing or inappropriately using a wheelchair may lead to injuries and accidents. Here are some guidelines that can guide you to make the best of your new folding power wheelchair ensuring safety:

How to Get into Your Wheelchair?

1 - Turn off the power source and detach it before you put your load on the wheelchair cushion.
2 - Make sure that you have removed the footplates or swing them out of the way.
3 - Ensure that the footplates are well-positioned to take your feet without causing you a sudden fall.
And, don’t forget to fasten the lap belt before you make your movable chair for a stroll.

How to Get out of Your Power Wheelchair?

1 - Bring your wheelchair to a halt and turn off the power.
2 - Remove swing the footplates out as you did when getting into your wheelchair.
3 - Unfasten the lap belt and come out of it safely.

How to Drive Your Electric Wheelchair?

• The lap belt is the critical element of the folding electric wheelchair, and you must never forget to fasten up yourself with the strap before you spin it around to the neighborhood for some waffle.
  
  
• The joystick is something that drives your drive safe on your wheelchair. Grip the joystick firmly in your hand. And, make sure that the joystick controller is pointed in the direction you are willing to travel.

• Both of your feet must be well-placed on the footplate when you are driving your wheelchair. Feet may get trapped under the wheels if you have not placed your feet appropriately on the footplate.
  
  
• Your occupational therapist may have recommended you the speed limit that you need to maintain during wheelchair driving. All electric wheelchairs are equipped with the speed controlling buttons on any one of the wheelchair hands. Keep the wheelchairs’ speed moderate or keep it as recommended by your OT for a safe drive.