How to Use a Wheelchair Safely Every Day: The Complete UK Guide

Using a wheelchair safely isn't just about knowing how to move forwards and backwards. Whether you've just started using a manual chair, you're an experienced powered wheelchair user, or you're caring for someone who relies on a wheelchair, understanding the basics of safe daily use makes all the difference.

Here at Mobility Shop, we've put together this comprehensive guide based on real-world experience and the challenges our customers face every day across the UK. From dealing with wet pavements to understanding your rights on the bus, we'll cover everything you need to know to use your wheelchair safely and confidently.

Pushing a manual wheelchair the right way

The clock face technique that saves your shoulders

If you use a manual wheelchair, your shoulders do all the hard work. The problem is, shoulders aren't really designed for heavy pushing day in and day out, so you need to use the right technique to avoid injury.

Think of the push rim like a clock face. You want to grip it at 10 o'clock and let go at 2 o'clock. This gives you a nice long stroke that uses your chest and back muscles instead of just your shoulders. When your hands come back to start the next push, let them swing below the rim rather than over the top. This gives your shoulder muscles a tiny rest between pushes and also stops your hands getting caught in the spokes or brakes.

Always keep your thumbs on top of the rim or on the outside. Never wrap them round underneath. If your wheel hits something unexpected, you could seriously injure your thumb.

How to brake safely on slopes

The parking brakes on your wheelchair are exactly that - parking brakes. They're meant to hold the chair still when you're not moving, not to stop you when you are moving. When you're going down a hill, you control your speed by pressing your hands against the push rims. But here's the thing - when it's wet, the rims become slippery and you can't grip as well. You can also burn your hands from the friction. This is why wheelchair gloves aren't just a nice-to-have accessory. They're essential for keeping control in wet weather and protecting your skin.

Dealing with sloped pavements

Most UK pavements are slightly curved or sloped to help water drain away. This is called camber and it means your wheelchair naturally wants to veer towards the gutter. You'll need to push harder on the downhill wheel to keep going straight. If you're on a steep ramp, lean forward when going up to shift your weight over the front wheels. Lean back when going down to stop yourself tipping forward.

Mastering kerbs and steps

When someone's pushing you down a kerb, the safest way is always backwards. The person pushing steps down first, then carefully lowers the back wheels, then finally the front wheels. Going forwards might seem quicker but it's dangerous because all your weight tips forward suddenly. If you're an independent wheelchair user, learning to lift your front wheels - doing a wheelie - isn't showing off. It's actually a really useful skill that lets you get over small obstacles and thresholds.

Transferring safely in and out of your wheelchair

Most wheelchair accidents don't happen when you're moving. They happen when you're getting in or out. Before every transfer, lock both brakes. A wheelchair that rolls away mid-transfer can cause a nasty fall. Remove or swing away the footplates completely before you stand up or sit down. If you're doing a side transfer, remove the armrest on the side you're moving towards to give yourself a clear path.

Using a transfer board

Transfer boards make transfers easier if you don't have much strength in your legs. You slide one end under your thigh and rest the other end firmly on where you're moving to. Then you shuffle across in small movements rather than trying to drag yourself all the way in one go. Important: keep your hands flat on top of the board. Don't curl your fingers underneath because your body weight could crush them as you move across. Also, never use a transfer board on bare skin as the friction can damage your skin.

Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters

Class 2 and Class 3 - what's the difference?

The government divides powered mobility equipment into two types. Class 2 devices have a maximum speed of 4mph and can only be used on pavements. Class 3 devices can go up to 8mph and are allowed on the road, but they must be registered with the DVLA and must have lights, reflectors, indicators, a horn, and a rear-view mirror.

Looking after your battery

Modern mobility batteries work best when you charge them every single night, even if you've only used the chair for five minutes. Modern chargers are clever - they'll charge the battery fully then switch to a trickle charge mode to keep it topped up without overcharging it. One thing to be aware of is that batteries don't work as well in cold weather. A battery that gives you 10 miles in summer might only manage 6 or 7 miles in winter, so plan your journeys accordingly.

Using buses and trains

The wheelchair space on buses is meant to be priority for wheelchair users. There was an important court case that confirmed drivers have to put proper pressure on people to move if they're blocking the wheelchair space with buggies or shopping. UK buses and trains are designed around the "Reference Wheelchair" with maximum dimensions of 700mm wide, 1200mm long, and 1350mm high. If your wheelchair is bigger than this, transport operators can legally refuse to let you on because you genuinely won't fit safely.

Keeping your wheelchair in good condition

Before you leave the house each day, quickly check your tyres are properly inflated and test your brakes work properly. Once a week, check your front castors for hair and debris that can wind round the axle, and inspect your seat fabric for sagging or tears. Just like a car needs an MOT, your wheelchair benefits from an annual service by a professional, particularly important for powered wheelchairs.

Staying safe, staying independent

Using a wheelchair safely is about understanding how your chair works, keeping it properly maintained, and knowing your rights when you're out and about. The techniques we've covered will help prevent injuries and give you confidence in your daily activities. Your wheelchair gives you independence and freedom. Looking after it properly and using it safely means it'll continue to do that job reliably for years to come.