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Curbs, Steps And Stairs
Do not attempt to negotiate curbs or single steps without assistance. Ask your healthcare worker to provide instructions regarding safe
wheelchair use for curbs, steps and stairs. Proper body mechanics and awareness of the center of gravity is crucial for these maneuvers. The
step tubes (Fig. 4) at the back of the chair are utilized to tilt the wheelchair backwards until the balance point is achieved
and the front casters clear the curb/step. Gently lower the front wheels to the ground and slowly roll the wheelchair forward until the rear
wheels roll up over the curb/step.
Extreme caution is required if it is absolutely necessary to maneuver an occupied chair up or down
stairs. Two assistants with adequate body strength and endurance must be present. DO NOT lift
the chair by any removable parts (i.e. swing-away footrests). Make sure the hand grips are not
loose. Techniques for going up or down steps should be received from a health care professional
familiar with wheelchair use and practiced before attempting to transport on stairs. If at all
possible, an alternate means of transport up or down stairs is recommended.
Ramps / Inclines
The assistant must know their capabilities and limitations in terms of strength and endurance
before attempting to go up or down a ramp. Slopes will change the center of gravity. DO NOT
attempt to negotiate steep inclines greater than 10% (6 degrees, or one foot of rise or fall for every
ten feet of ramp length) without an experienced assistant. Use of anti-tip devices are encouraged,
however, they may not prevent a tip-over. Sometimes anti-tip devices may catch at the beginning
of a ramp. If this occurs, they will need to be disengaged and extra care should be taken. Backpacks
or other gear on the back of the wheelchair will cause it to tip backward more easily. Training and
practice negotiating ramps with a healthcare professional is recommended.
• Go as straight up or down the incline as possible.
• Check the ramp for any obstacles, bumps, depressions, or wetness before beginning.
Ask for additional assistance if necessary.
• Stay in the center of the ramp if possible.
• Avoid changing direction while on the ramp as this may cause loss of control of the wheelchair.
• Avoid stopping on a ramp. Stopping may cause loss of control of the wheelchair. If stopping is
necessary, avoid sudden, abrupt forward movement when you resume propelling the chair as
that could cause instability.
• When going up an incline, the occupant should lean forward. This will adjust the center of
gravity to counteract the tendency of the wheelchair to tip backward.
• When going down a ramp, the occupant should face forward and lean backward into the seat.
Descent should always be done slowly.
DO NOT use wheel locks as brakes to slow down or stop the chair. Attempting to use the wheel
locks could result in accidental locking, veering or tipping to one side, or suddenly stopping.
• When going down a steep incline, the assistant should turn the chair and go down backwards to
avoid tipping the occupant out of the chair.
Basic Information For Wheelchair Assistants / Trans-
porters
Work with the wheelchair user's healthcare professional or your institution to learn safe ways to assist that are within your capability and
comfort level. To prevent injury to yourself or the chair occupant use good body mechanics:
• Always tell the rider what you intend to do so he/she is ready for your actions and can assist with maintaining a balanced center of gravity
for stability.
• Bend at the knees, not at the waist. Keep knees bent, not locked straight.
• Use legs for strength, not the back or arms. This will help prevent back strain.
• DO NOT twist at the waist. Keep the torso facing the same direction as the hips and move the feet to turn. This will help prevent back strain.
• Maintain a straight back. Hunching or rounding the shoulders can cause back strain.
• DO NOT hesitate to call for additional assistance if needed.
• If you do not feel comfortable with an activity you are requested to assist with (such as negotiating a step or a steep incline), you may
decline to assist and should help find appropriate assistance.
• RECLINER models: Be prepared to support the weight of the rider when reclining or returning the wheelchair back to the full
upright position.
• RECLINER models: Always stay in attendance when the wheelchair is in the reclined position.
Fig. 5
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Fig. 4
Fig. 6