Folding and Unfolding the Wheelchair
To Unfold
1. Unfold the wheelchair by gripping the armrest closest to you; tip it towards you (lifting the rear
wheel and front wheel off the ground and press on the seat tubing until the wheelchair is
completely unfolded.
2. Apply parking brakes. Unfold the footrests/leg rests to check that there is sufficient room and
then get in the wheelchair.
To Fold
l. Fold the footrests/leg rests until they lock in front of the wheelchair.
2. Fold up the footplates to the vertical position.
3 Use both hands to grasp the front and back edges for the canvas seat and pull it upward, or
else flip the wheelchair on its side and fold it using the handles on the seat-back.
CAUTION – FINGER TRAPS
To prevent injury, keep hands and fingers away from moving parts
Transfer to Other Seats
This may be performed without assistance, but only if you have sufficient mobility. Approach the
wheelchair as close as possible to the seat you want to transfer to with the front wheels parallel to
the seat. Secure the rear wheels by applying the parking brakes. Move to the seat. During the
transfer, there will be little or no support beneath your body. Whenever possible, use a board to
help you change to another seat.
BEFORE attempting a transfer – whether to or from your wheelchair make sure that both seats
are as close as possible. Also make sure that the parking brakes are on to keep the rear wheels
from moving (turn front wheels forward).
If necessary, ensure you have somebody in attendance during this maneuver.
PUSHING TECHNIQUES
It is important that when a carer is pushing the wheelchair they have a good understanding of
how it works and of the chairs limitations. Reading this manual will help this process. When first
planning a trip, the pusher should be aware of the distance and terrain to be covered. A
combination of slope and camber is common in many areas and is to be avoided. If possible, try
the chair out on typical surface conditions nearby, and practice manoeuvres likely to be
encountered. The carer should be familiar with the operation of the wheelchair, remembering to
put the brakes on and steady the chair before the occupant gets in and out. It is sensible to
review the maintenance section of the manual before setting out. The occupant should not be
rushed during transferring in and out of the chair. Before setting off, the pusher should make sure
that the occupant is comfortable and that clothes, rugs, covers etc do not catch in the wheels or
interfere with the general workings of the wheelchair. The pusher should walk at a sensible
speed, and tell the occupant before changing position, tipping the chair or maneuvering, also
paying attention to the surface conditions and avoiding uneven or soft ground wherever possible.
The carer should maintain a firm grip on the push handles at all times and be confident that they
are able to cope with the obstacles expected during the trip, and have the physical strength to
cope with the unexpected. Placing bags of shopping or other weights on the back of the chair is
not recommended due to the instability this may cause.
