Trystan Casey
Electric wheelchairs, also known as power or motorized wheelchairs, are a great investment for independence and mobility. They differ from manual wheelchairs as they can propel themselves, and they come with a range of features such as adjustable seat heights, tilt functions, and leg elevation. They are usually steered using a joystick or keypad, but can also be fitted with chin, foot, or voice controls. Electric wheelchairs have a freewheel mode that allows them to be pushed manually, and they can be locked and immobilized to prevent misuse. To get in and out of an electric wheelchair, it is important to first turn off the power, lock the wheels, and rotate the footrests up and out.
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the power and lock the wheels
To release the seat on an electric wheelchair, you must first turn off the power and lock the wheels. This is also the procedure to follow when getting out of the wheelchair.
Before disengaging the drive motors, turn the power off. Otherwise, you may get an error message on your controller. If this happens, turn off the controller, place the wheelchair in drive mode, and turn the controller on again. If the error code remains, contact your provider for service.
Once the power is off, locate the manual freewheel lever mounted on each motor. These levers have a bright yellow tip and allow you to disengage the drive motors so that you can push the chair manually. To use the freewheel levers, you will need to bend down and push or pull. You may need assistance with this step.
For safety, when disengaging or re-engaging the freewheel levers, stand to the side of the wheelchair, not directly in front or behind it. Be gentle with the levers, as applying excessive force could damage the levers, motors, and brakes.
Some wheelchairs also allow you to lock the joystick controller. To do this, hold down the on/off button for four seconds. The display will turn off, and the LEDs will flash briefly along with a short beep, indicating that the system is locked.
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Adjust the footrests
Adjusting the footrests on an electric wheelchair is an important step to ensure user comfort and prevent injuries. Here is a detailed guide on how to adjust the footrests:
Identify the Components:
Start by locating the footrests and their corresponding attachment points on the wheelchair frame. Typically, leg rests consist of a footplate, a leg rest pad, and locking mechanisms.
Adjust the Height:
The height of the footrests should be adjusted to match the user's leg length. The ideal height will depend on the terrain the wheelchair will be used on. For flat surfaces, the footrest should be around 1" off the ground, while for rougher terrain, it should be closer to 2". Adjusting the height ensures comfort and prevents pressure sores.
Adjust for Leg Length Discrepancies:
If the user has legs of different lengths, each footrest may need to be set at different lengths for optimal comfort. This is especially important for users with long legs or low seat heights, as the footplates may be too close to the ground, making it difficult to clear small obstacles.
Angle Adjustment:
The angle of the footrest should be considered as well. Footrests typically have angles between 60 and 90 degrees. A 90-degree footrest hangs straight down, while a 60-degree footrest extends down and forward. A 70-degree footrest is also an option, providing a balance between the other two angles. The angle should be chosen based on the user's comfort and maneuverability needs.
Secure the Footrest:
Once the desired height and angle have been achieved, ensure that the footrest is securely locked into place. Follow the specific instructions provided by the wheelchair manufacturer for locking mechanisms.
It is important to verify that all components are tightly secured and check for any loose or worn parts before making adjustments. Additionally, always ensure the wheelchair is stable and apply the brakes before adjusting the footrests.
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Face away from the wheelchair and grip the handles
When exiting an electric wheelchair, it is important to first lock the wheels and turn off the power. This is done by facing away from the wheelchair and gripping the handles. This position allows for a safe and controlled exit from the chair.
Stand with your back to the wheelchair, lean forward slightly with your pelvis back, and ensure you have a good grip on the handles. This step is crucial for maintaining stability and balance during the transition from a seated to a standing position. The handles provide support and help to distribute your weight effectively.
Before standing up, make any necessary adjustments to your position. Ensure that the footrests are rotated up or out of the way to provide a clear path for your feet. It is important to move slowly and deliberately during this process, avoiding any rushed movements. Take your time and use slow, steady motions to maintain stability and balance.
Once you have a firm grip on the handles and have adjusted your position, you can begin to slowly lower yourself out of the seat. Maintain your hold on the handles as you exit the chair to provide ongoing support and stability. Remember to keep your movements controlled and gradual.
After you have safely exited the chair, you can release your grip on the handles. It is important to follow these steps in a careful and deliberate manner to ensure a safe and controlled release from the seat of an electric wheelchair.
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Slowly lower yourself into the seat
To slowly lower yourself into the seat of an electric wheelchair, first, turn off the power drive and lock the wheels. Then, rotate the footrests up and out to allow access. Stand with your back to the wheelchair, lean forward slightly with your pelvis back, and grip the handles firmly. Slowly and carefully lower yourself into the seat, adjusting your position as needed. Do not rush this process. Once you are safely and comfortably seated, you can turn the power on and unlock the wheels.
It is important to take your time and use slow, steady movements when sitting down in an electric wheelchair. This will ensure that you are safely and securely seated before you start moving. Additionally, make sure that the footrests are rotated out of the way and that you have a good grip on the handles before lowering yourself into the seat.
If you are assisting someone else in sitting down in an electric wheelchair, be sure to follow the same steps and move slowly and steadily. Help the person to stand with their back to the wheelchair, lean forward slightly, and grip the handles. Then, help them to slowly lower themselves into the seat, providing support and guidance as needed.
Once the person is seated, they can turn on the power and unlock the wheels. If they need assistance with this, you can help them by reaching for the controls while they continue to hold onto the handles for stability. Remember to always prioritize safety and stability when helping someone use an electric wheelchair.
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Secure the seatbelt
Most electric wheelchairs come with a seat belt to prevent users from falling out in the case of an accident or unexpected bump. It is important to secure your seatbelt to ensure your safety.
There are several types of seat belts for wheelchairs. Some have a "clip" style buckle with female and male locking pins, resembling a backpack lock strap. Others resemble car seat belts, with a familiar red button that clicks in and out of place to allow the user to strap in and out. Power wheelchair seat belts are longer to allow the belt to strap into both sides of the chair.
To secure your seatbelt, simply click the red button into place or clip the male and female locking pins together. You should hear a click when the seatbelt is secure. If you are using a wheelchair restraint system, also known as wheelchair tie-downs, you will need to fasten the restraint to the floor of the wheelchair-accessible vehicle and secure it to designated points on the wheelchair. These restraints are made from sturdy straps with J hooks on the end to attach to the wheelchair. The other end will hook to the floor anchor.
Remember, it is important to always wear your seatbelt when using an electric wheelchair, just as you would in a car. This will ensure your safety and security in the event of an accident or unexpected movement.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric wheelchairs do not typically have a release mechanism for the seat. If your chair has been customised, consult your dealer or assessor.
Before standing up, lock the wheels, turn the power off, and push the footrests up or to the side. Get a good grip on the handles, push into your legs, and slowly rise.
Stand with your back to the wheelchair and lean forward slightly with your pelvis back. Grip the handles and slowly lower yourself into the seat. Adjust your position if needed. Once you are safely seated, turn the power on and unlock the wheels.
While the wheelchair is powered on, hold the On/Off key until it beeps, then release. Push the joystick forward until you hear a beep, then pull it backward until you hear another beep. The unit will now be locked.
Use the On/Off button to switch the controller on. Push the joystick forward until the control system beeps, then pull it backward until it beeps again. Release the joystick, and the controller will unlock with a long beep.
