Transfer into and from a vehicle to a wheelchair

Getting out of a car into a wheelchair 

For this transfer, have a wheelchair ready. The procedure requires one carer and one slide sheet. 

1. Slide the car seat back as far as it will go to allow maximum space to lift the legs out 

2. Check that the seat back is fully upright 

3. Ensure the client’s wheelchair is close by but out of the carer’s way 

4. Ask the client to lift their legs out of the car. It is generally easier to move in small movements and move one leg at a time. If they have difficulty doing this, you can place a scrunched‑up slide sheet under the buttocks to reduce friction 

5. Get them to move forward until their feet are flat on the ground 

6. Move wheelchair into position parallel to side of the vehicle (with brakes applied) 

7. Client reaches across and places one hand on outer arm of wheelchair. They can push up with their hands on the car seat and the wheelchair arm 8. Client steps around to sit in the wheelchair. 

Getting into a car from a wheelchair 

1. Slide the car seat as far back as it will go – if it is an electric seat you can make it higher, or place a cushion on the seat if the seat is low 

2. Remove wheelchair footplates before getting too close to the car – apply the brakes when in position, which should be parallel to the car and close in 

3. Ask the client to stand and step around so in a position to be able to sit in the car – you can use the car seat or door as support while the client sits as described above 

4. Alternatively, the client can reach across to the car seat for support, then stand and pivot ready to sit in the car. The inside leg should be forward and pointing towards the car – the client does not need to stand up fully for this transfer 

5. If the client cannot stand and step around, another technique with assistance from one carer and specialised equipment (e.g. a slide board/banana board) can be used. The client would be assessed and trained in this manoeuvre by a therapist.