Power Wheelchair Safety Tips

More people are turning to Electric Power Wheelchairs now more than ever. The Power Wheelchair gives more freedom and is much easier to use than the traditional wheelchair. These power chairs give a wheelchair-bound person more independence and require less help from someone else. The manual wheelchair, unlike the electric power wheel chair often causes sore muscles and hands in the user.


Here are some basic safety guidelines that should be followed by Power Wheelchair users.

1. Always buckle up; the seat belt is there for safety and protection.
2. Read & Follow all manufacturers’ directions for specific Power Wheelchair operation.
3. Always maintain and keep your Mobility Chair in good working condition.
4. When planning a long trip make sure to check your wheelchair's brakes, belts and gears, also bring an extra wheelchair battery or wheelchair charger along for the trips.
5. A power wheelchair can be prone to tip under certain conditions. Keep hands, feet, arms and legs within the confines of the chair at all times.
6. Avoid venturing onto a busy street or cross walk. While a power wheel chair offers greater mobility, it is not very quick and could leave you stuck in the middle of a street during a light change.
7. When getting on to a sidewalk, look for a curb cutout or a driveway. Never try to maneuver over a curb unless your chair is specifically designed to climb curbs and or steps.
8. Use caution when around children who may reach for the controls, causing the mobility power chair to suddenly move.
9. If you are preparing to navigate a path or trail, make sure that the ground is solid, dry and relatively smooth.
10. Avoid using high speeds.
11. Always shut your Power Wheelchair off when not in use or during transport.
12. Announce yourself at closed doors or blind corners to prevent a collision.
13. Don’t place heavy loads on the back of your Power Wheelchair to prevent tipping.
14. Don’t let children play or ride on your power wheelchair.
15. Attach a bright color flag to your power wheelchair; also use headlights, reflector tape and or flashing taillights at night.
16. Try to avoid operating power wheelchair in the rain being that electronics are not waterproof. You also could lose traction in wet conditions.