Learning to drive a power wheelchair is not much different from learning to drive a car, but an electric wheelchair is a powerful vehicle that can cause injury to you and those in your way if you do not know how to drive well. Instruction can help you to feel confident and can mean the difference between your success or failure as a power wheelchair driver.
Power Up
A trial of a power wheelchair is essential to see how the chair fits into your life. The first step is learning to power up, which is done by turning a switch or hitting an on/off button. If you drive with your head, you hit the button designated as the on/off switch with the back or side of your head. Hand controls allow you to push a button to turn on the power. The motors have built-in brakes, so you do not need to release a brake to enable the chair to move. Once you push on the joystick, the brakes are released and you can begin to drive.
Driving
The joystick knob controls movement, and speeds can be programmed by your supplier or therapist, and should be done on a flat surface free of obstacles. During training, speeds should be set low. Drive the chair forward, backward, left and right. Inform the supplier of problems you encounter to have adjustments made. To stop, let go of the joystick and the brakes will engage. Push the joystick forward slowly. You should move in a straight line. If you veer from side to side, ask the supplier to adjust the turning speeds. The trainer could set up obstacles to help with use of the joystick, such as setting cardboard boxes at various distances that you must drive between. As you improve, take the power wheelchair to faster settings. For children, the trainer should walk alongside and keep his hand close to the joystick to assist. An attendant control can be configured to allow the trainer to stop the wheelchair.
Maintenance
The owner's manual will identify the charger port location. Practice plugging in the charger and using it. Be certain to unplug the wheelchair before you drive. Locate the circuit breaker button. Under some driving conditions, the circuit breaker will pop and the wheelchair will immediately stop running. If the wheelchair joystick display starts flashing, it means there is a problem and the flashes will help to diagnose it. To push the wheelchair, put it in freewheel. There are two levers on the back of most models that disconnect each motor.
Transport
Driving onto a ramp or vehicle lift might be the most challenging aspect of using a wheelchair. To do this safely, you need a good sense of dimension, not only of your wheelchair but also of the ramp or lift. Practice with a trainer in a simulated setting, driving forward onto the lift base or backing onto it. You should be trained in backing up off of the lift base or driving forward onto the sidewalk. You also should familiarize yourself with your wheelchair tie down system, which will be attached to the frame at the time of purchase. It allows the transporter to secure your wheelchair base within the vehicle.
Considerations
There are many models of wheelchairs and joysticks. If after a trial you are uncomfortable with driving one, ask to try a different model with a different joystick.
Some power wheelchairs come with more than one joystick program. Investigate if these are appropriate for you.
Even powerful wheelchairs with 8 mph programs are not meant to be used as ATVs. Avoid rocky and rough, hilly terrain.
Member Comments