Sunrise Medical LOMAX Uni 8 User manual

Wheelchair User Manual
Uni 8
Uni 9
Lomax Uni
Lomax Uni 8
Lomax Uni 9
IMPORTANT: -
DO NOT USE YOUR WHEELCHAIR UNTIL THIS MANUAL HAS BEEN READ
AND UNDERSTOOD.
A C T I V E D A I L Y L I V I N G

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Contents
AMENDMENT RECORD .............................................................................................................. 2
1.0 Important information .......................................................................................................... 3
2.0 Intended User and Intended Use ......................................................................................... 6
3.0 Wheelchair features .............................................................................................................. 8
4.0 Wheelchair set-up for use .................................................................................................. 11
5.0 Wheelchair operation ......................................................................................................... 16
6.0 Transporting your wheelchair. ........................................................................................... 22
7.0 Wheelchair cleaning and maintenance ............................................................................. 26
8.0 Optional features and accessories .................................................................................... 28
9.0 Disposal / recycling of materials ....................................................................................... 42
10.0 Warranty ............................................................................................................................ 42
11.0 Wheelchair dimensions .................................................................................................... 43
12.0 Wheelchair specification .................................................................................................. 43
12.2 Identification of UNI wheelchairs. .................................................................................... 44
13.0 Additional Information. ..................................................................................................... 45
5d P5
P4,P45
P5,P45
Label updated
Company name and address
updated
Updated reference to MDR
2017/745
June 2020

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1.0 Important information
1.1 Important symbols in this manual
1.2 Wheelchair Identification
1.3 Labels Fitted to the wheelchair
1.4 Rules and regulations
1.5 Modifications and alterations
Please read this information carefully or have the complete contents of this user manual
explained to you in detail. If there are any points you are not absolutely clear about ask your
healthcare specialist * to clarify them, during any official handover, before attempting to use this
equipment for the first time.
This manual contains important hints and information on: -
Safety
Operation
Care and maintenance
The contents of this manual are intended to cover all the general points relating to your new
wheelchair. As part of our ongoing product improvement and development programme, changes
may take place at short notice. This wheelchair may have been prescribed specifically for you
and may have features not detailed in this literature.
In order to ensure you gain maximum benefit and full enjoyment from your wheelchair,
arrangements may have been made to carry out an official handover shortly after delivery. Your
healthcare specialist* will notify you of this in advance. If not please contact your Wheelchair
Service.
Prior to delivery, your wheelchair will have undergone a thorough pre-delivery inspection by our
factory-trained staff. Before using your wheelchair, you should have received appropriate
instruction from your healthcare advisor, therapist or rehabilitation engineer.
The visiting healthcare specialist * will carry out a series of final safety checks. Account will be
taken of your clinical requirements as well as your social and environmental needs, including all
necessary adjustments to ensure optimum comfort.
*Your Healthcare Specialist may be a Rehabilitation Engineer or Occupational Therapist or
Wheelchair Service Personnel.
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1.1 Important symbols in this manual
THIS SYMBOL WARNS YOU OF A RISK!
This symbol is used to give a warning or caution that is related to the safe use of the
wheelchair, follow the instructions to avoid personal injury or damage to the product.
This symbol indicates hints and suggestions, which should help make operating the
wheelchair easier and point out any special functions.
This symbol indicates hints and suggestions that should not be carried out while
operating the wheelchair.
This symbol indicates the use of different tools and other adjustments or
service/maintenance may be required. It should only be carried out by suitably trained
or competent persons.
1.2 Wheelchair Identification
Each wheelchair carries a unique identification/serial number that is printed on the serial number
label. This label is fitted on the left hand side of the wheelchair on the rear vertical or horizontal
frame tube. Figures 1, 2 and 3 show the positioning of the serial number label on the rear of the
wheelchair.
This label also carries the model code designation, which includes the wheelchair size and
colour. In the event of any queries please have this information to hand if contacting
Sunrise Medical.
Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Sunrise Medical
Thorns Road
Brierley Hill
West Midlands
DY5 2LD
England
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.SunriseMedical.co.uk

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1.3 Labels Fitted to the wheelchair
1.4 Rules and regulations
The wheelchair is manufactured to meet the
requirements of Medical Device Regulation
(EU) 2017/745, BS EN 12183 and ISO
7176-19 – Wheeled mobility devices for
use in motor vehicles.
•The wheelchair and occupant is capable of
being transported in a vehicle using an
approved Wheelchair Tie Down Restraint
System (WTORS)
•The Upholstery meets the requirements of
ISO 7176-16 and the fire and furnishing
regulations SI1324. Other materials wherever
possible are ignition retardant.
•As the manufacturer, SUNRISE MEDICAL,
declares that this product conforms to the
Medical Device Regulation (2017/745).
1.5 Modifications and alterations
Making any unauthorised modifications or using non-approved parts, may change the wheelchair
structure and create an unsafe condition.
Neither Sunrise Medical nor your wheelchair provider will accept responsibility for damage
caused by misuse or non-compliance with instructions or advice set out in this manual.
Users attempting to use the wheelchair beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations
may put themselves at risk of serious injury or even death.
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Sunrise Medical GmbH
Kahlbachring 2-4
D-69254 Malsch / Germany
2021-04-29
WHEELCHAIR
TYPE:
21021162000785
ISO 7176-19:2008
UNI
133 kg 9° 508 mm 457 mm
kg
max

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2.0 Intended User and Intended Use
2.1 Intended user
Indications
The varieties of fitting variants, as well as the modular design, mean that it can be used by those
who cannot walk or have limited mobility because of:
•Paralysis
• Loss of extremity (leg amputation)
•Extremity defect deformity
•Joint contractures/joint injuries
•Illnesses such as heart and circulation deficiencies, disturbance of equilibrium or cachexia,
Neurological disease patterns, Muscle dystrophy, Hemiplegia as well as for elderly people who
still have strength in the upper body.
Contraindications
The wheelchair shall not be used in case of:
•Perception disorder
•Imbalance
• Loss of both arms, if not supported by a caregiver
• Joint contracture or joint damage on both arms
•Seating disability
NOTE:
Please note that driving a wheelchair requires sufficient cognitive, physical and visual skills. The
user must be able to assess the effects of actions during the operation of the wheelchair and, if
necessary, to correct them. These capabilities and the safe use of the additionally attached
components cannot be assessed by Sunrise Medical as a manufacturer. We cannot accept any
liability for any damage resulting from this.
Please refer to the operating instructions of the wheelchair and the additionally mounted
components. Instruct the user in the safe use of the wheelchair and the additionally mounted
components. Inform users of specific warnings that need to be read, understood, and respected.
The intended lifetime of this product is 5 years.

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Should the physical capabilities required to push the wheelchair be beyond the user,
carer or attendant consult with your wheelchair provider. It is possible a powered
wheelchair may be more appropriate for your needs.
Should there be any changes in your condition or ability (including factors such as
body weight) then seek advice from your wheelchair provider or healthcare professional
for further advice and information.
2.2 Intended use
Your wheelchair is intended for use in the home, the office, public places and buildings and
similar locations on pavements, pedestrian paths and firm surfaces. It is intended to assist with
the mobility of the user on the seat and should not be used as a ladder or as a means of pulling
or transporting items, or similar.
Do not use the wheelchair on soft surfaces such as sand, deep snow, slush or mud
as this may affect the stability.
Care should be exercised when using the wheelchair on wet or slippy surfaces such
as wet cobbles or icy pavements, as these may cause the wheels to slip or may cause
carers/attendants controlling the wheelchair to slip.
Using your wheelchair during darkness or poorly lit areas
When using your wheelchair during darkness or in poorly lit areas then consideration should be
given to the use of high visibility markers or reflectors that can be fitted to the wheelchair or the
use of high visibility/reflective clothing such as fluorescent waistcoats, belts or armbands,
particularly in poorly lit areas or when crossing the road.
Maximum safe slope
The maximum safe slope for this wheelchair is 9 degrees. (This represents a slope of approx 1 in
6)
See further notes and guidance in section 5.5 on wheelchair stability
Users, carers and attendants attempting to use the wheelchair beyond
the manufacturer’s recommendations may put themselves at risk of serious injury or
even death.
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3.0 Wheelchair features
3.1 Description of the wheelchair
The Uni 8 Series self-propelling folding wheelchairs can be fitted with either 61cm (24”) or 56cm
(22”) diameter wheels or the Uni 9 Series are fitted with 31cm (12.5”) diameter wheels. The
standard configuration is shown in the figures below, which identifies key components.
61cm (24”)
diameter
wheels
Backrest
Footplate
Uni 8 Series
Armrest
Push handle
Footrest
Brake
Front castor
Uni 9 Series
Backrest
31cm (12.5”)
diameter wheels
Push handle
Brake
Front castor
Footplate
Footrest
Armrest

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The wheelchair can be used for transporting the occupant as a seat in a motor vehicle. It must be
used with the appropriate wheelchair tie down restraints and occupant restraints. See chapter
6.0 on Transportation for further details. Instruction is also given for transporting the wheelchair
when not occupied.
For details on the specification see section12.
Instructions on how to fold and un-fold the wheelchair are given in the section 4.3.
3.2 Wheelchair weights
Typical overall weights of the wheelchair, including armrests and footrests, in standard
configuration, are as follows: -
Self-Propelling Uni 8 Series: - 19 Kg
Attendant Push Uni 9 Series: - 16 Kg
Self Propelling Unilite series: - 17Kg
Attendant Push Unilite series: - 14Kg
(The larger the wheelchair the more mass it will have, the exact weight will depend upon the
configuration.)
The following parts of the wheelchair are removable: -
Armrests
Footrests
Some types of backrest extensions
Domed headrests
Quick release wheels if fitted
The weights of these parts are as follows: -
Armrest 0.9Kg each
Footrest & footplate 1 Kg each
Domed Headrest Extension (if fitted) 0.7Kg
Backrest Extension (if fitted) 0.5Kg
Quick Release wheels (if fitted) 2Kg each
Other additional accessories will add further to the weight of the wheelchair.
Unilite Series
Backrest
56cm (22”)
diameter
wheels
Push handle
Brake
Front castor
Footrest
Footplate
Armrest

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The removal of detachable parts that are supplied either as standard or optional
requirements as proscribed or recommended by the user’s prescriber, healthcare
professional or wheelchair dealer, other than for the purpose of storing or transporting the
wheelchair is not recommended and may compromise the correct use of the wheelchair
by the user and the provision of any beneficial effects from the complete equipment.
Take precautions when using your wheelchair to avoid fire risks, such as avoiding
smoking or parking against open fires or heat source.
Remember also that direct heat such as sunlight will increase the temperature of parts on the
wheelchair such as the frame and they may be hot to touch.
Low temperatures such as frost will have the opposite effect and may make parts of the frame
very cold to touch.
Your wheelchair may be supplied with pneumatic tyres on the rear wheels. If these are punctured
you should inform your wheelchair dealer or repair contractor or wheelchair service in order that
they can be repaired correctly and that the wheel function can be checked after repair. Solid
tyres are available as options.
Additional equipment options are available for more details on these options see section 8.0 on
optional features.

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4.0 Wheelchair set-up for use
4.1 Footplate Angle and Height adjustment
4.2 Heel Loops
4.3 Folding and unfolding the wheelchair for use
4.4 Cushion
4.5 Armrests
4.6 Brakes
Your wheelchair should be delivered already assembled. You should remove any packaging
before use. If you have not used a wheelchair or are uncertain about any of the features of your
wheelchair then please contact your healthcare professional or wheelchair dealer or your
wheelchair service and ask for assistance. If you have been informed that you must receive
specific instructions about your wheelchair before using it then it is important that you await this
instruction for your own safety.
This advice also applies to carers or attendants who are not familiar with the use of the
wheelchair in order to ensure the safety of the occupant.
Before using the wheelchair ensure that the following adjustments/set up have been carried out.
It is recommended that any adjustments to your wheelchair, be carried out by suitably trained, or
qualified personnel. The information on adjustments below is intended for Healthcare Specialists.
4.1 Footplate adjustment
Both the height and the angle of the footplate are adjustable. It is recommended that the
footplates should not be set lower than 63mm or 2 inches.
Height adjustment
With the user sitting in the wheelchair,
lower the footplate and ensure that it is in a
comfortable position for their feet. The safest
position is usually with thighs horizontal, and
hips and knees at right angles. If the position
is not comfortable the footplate can be
adjusted as follows:
Loosen the Bolt A with a spanner; slide the
footplate stem up or down to the desired
position to position the footplate at the correct
height, and then re-tighten Bolt A securely
after adjustment.
Angle adjustment
The angle of the footplate can be adjusted by loosening
nut B, adjusting the screw to move the footplate up or down
and re-tighten nut B after adjustment.
It is easier and safer to get into your wheelchair if you turn
the footplates up and out of the way or take them off the
wheelchair.
To detach the footrest assembly: -
Pull the latch C towards the back of the wheelchair and the
footrest will then swing outwards and lift off the pivot pins.
Bolt A
B
C

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To attach the footrest assembly: -
Locate the holes on the footrest assembly onto the pivot pins on the wheelchair. Swing the
footrest inwards until the locking latch C engages
A small spring “R” clip may be fitted to prevent the footrest from detaching when the wheelchair is
lifted into a car boot.
4.2 Heel loops
Heel loops may be fitted to the footplates. These should be turned to rear of the wheelchair when
the footplates are in the down position
4.3 folding and unfolding the wheelchair for use
Unfolding the backrest
To put the backrest in the upright position, push the handles upwards and forwards and then
slide the levers (A) downwards fully.
Folding the backrest
The backrest can be folded to make storage of the wheelchair easier.
To fold the backrest, stand behind the wheelchair, grip the two small levers (A) positioned on
each side of the backrest (just above the armrests) and slide them upwards. Fold the backrest
down.

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Unfolding the complete wheelchair
1. Take hold of one or both of the push handles and pull the
backrest into the upright position. Make sure that it is locked
in this position by sliding the levers down fully. Ensure both
push handles are locked in position.
2. Turn the fingers towards the MIDDLE of the seat and push
down on the side of the seat with the flat of the hand until the
chair is completely open.
Never put your fingers round the sides of the seat because
they can get trapped between the seat and the frame.
The wheelchair is fully open when the seat is taut and flat.
Folding the wheelchair for storage
1. Turn the heel loops, if fitted, to the front of the footplate and
then flip up the footplates.
2. Grasp the middle of the seat fabric at both front and rear and
give a sharp pull upwards. This will partially close the chair.
3. Push both sides together to fold the chair completely. Ensure
that the seat is not trapped in the frame when fully folded.
4. If required, fold the backrest down by pulling up the levers and
lowering the push handles as shown on the previous page.
4.4 Cushion
If your wheelchair is supplied with a cushion this may be held in
position by Velcro strips underneath the cushion, which attaches to corresponding Velcro strips
on the topside of the seat. The cushion should be replaced after unfolding the wheelchair and
removed before folding the wheelchair.
 Ensure the cushion is located in the centre of the seat.
Using a cushion raises the seated position and may reduce the stability of your
wheelchair.
Some wheelchairs may be fitted with options or accessories. These are described in the Section
headed Options & Accessories.
Some options and accessories may also affect stability. Your healthcare professional
can provide guidance on the stability of your wheelchairs and should be consulted when
cushions and accessories are being used.

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4.5 Armrests
The armrests are detachable to enable sideways transfer or storage
to reduce the weight of the wheelchair. If the armrests have been
removed for storage or lifting the wheelchair, they should be replaced
as follows: -
Replacing the armrest
Put the armrest tubes into the armrest sockets. Press down on the
armrest until it clicks into position.
Removing the armrests
Turn the armrest lock lever A upwards and at the same time
hold the armrest at the centre and lift it out of the sockets at the
front and the rear.
4.6 Brakes
The wheelchair brakes can be applied as follows: -
 Push the brake handle forward firmly.
 Ensure both the brakes on both sides are applied.
The wheelchair brakes can be released as follows: -
 Pull the brake lever fully backwards to ensure that the brake bar is clear of the wheel.
Ensure the brakes on both sides are released.
 When releasing the brakes ensure the chair is stationary on a flat/level surface.
 Always apply the brakes when getting into and out of the wheelchair.
 Wheel brakes are not designed to slow the wheelchair down when it is moving. Wheel
brakes hold the chair in place when it is at a complete stop.
It is recommended that any adjustments to your wheelchair brakes be made by
suitably trained or qualified personnel.
Push
brake
on to
operate
Brake
Push
brake
on to
operate
Brake

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Earlier attendant push wheelchairs may be fitted with the brake as shown below
Attendant operated hub brakes
If fitted hub or drum brakes operate on certain type of self-propelling and transit type wheels.
These allow the attendant to operate the brakes and control the brakes whilst moving e.g. uphill
or downhill as well as being used as a parking brake when the wheelchair is stationary.
To operate these brakes: -
Grip the lever handles at the rear of the backrest on the push handle and squeeze gently to
operate the brakes. The handles have a locking mechanism which operates to lock the brake
when it is squeezed to keep the brakes applied or have a thumb pin which when pushed inwards
lock the brakes on.
To release the brakes: -
Gently squeeze the handles and the flip the lock trigger off. Take
care when releasing the brakes to ensure that the wheelchair is not
going to go out of control by holding the push handles securely e.g.
when on a slope.
Squeeze the lever to
operate the hub brakes
Brake
Pull brake up to
operate

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5.0 Wheelchair operation
5.1 Getting into and out of a wheelchair independently
5.2 Sideways transfer
5.3 Seat belt
5.4 How to use your wheelchair
5.5 Wheelchair stability
5.1 Getting into a wheelchair independently
 The wheelchair should be pushed up against a wall or
solid piece of furniture;
 The brakes should be on;
 The footplates should be hinged up;
 The user can then lower himself into the chair;
 The footplates should then be pushed down and the feet
rested on them in front of the heel loops.
Getting out of a wheelchair independently
 The brakes should be on;
 The hinged footplates should be hinged up;
 With one hand on each armrest, the person should bend slightly
forward to bring the body weight to the front of the seat, and with
both feet firmly on the ground, one foot well back, push up into the
upright position.
When standing, do not stand on the footplates or the wheelchair will tip up.
5.2 Sideways transfer
 The user should check that the brakes are on;
 The footplates should be hinged up or swung away and
the feet placed firmly on the ground;
 The armrest on the transfer side must be removed, swung
away or swung back;
 The user should bend slightly forward and, with one hand
placed on the bed/chair/WC and the other hand on the
opposite armrest, transfer across;
 A smooth, sliding board between wheelchair and bed
allows the user to slide across.
TRANSFERRING CAUTION: Always engage the wheel brakes before transferring in or
out of your wheelchair.

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5.3 Seat belt
Before using your wheelchair ensure the seat belt is worn and
correctly adjusted before use.
The seat belt is fitted to the wheelchair as shown in the illustrations. The
seat belt support loops are fitted to the backrest frame using the existing
lower backrest screw fitted through the eyelet of the belt loop.
It is important that the belt is routed around the back of
the wheelchair. The buckle end can be fed between the
armrest and backrest.
Adjust the belt position so buckles are in the centre of the seat.
Adjust seat belt to suit the user’s needs as follows: -
To increase the belt length: -
To reduce the belt length: -
Feed free belt through slide
adjusters and male buckle to
provide more belt length.
Feed free belt back through male
buckle and slide adjusters.
Ensure belt is not looped at
male buckle
When fastened check space between belt and user, when correctly
adjusted it should be possible to insert the flat of the hand between the
belt and user.
Generally the Lap Belt should be fixed so that the straps sit at an angle of
approximately 45°, and when correctly adjusted should not allow user to slip down
in the seat.
If in doubt about the use and operation of the seat belt then ask your healthcare
professional, wheelchair dealer, carer or attendant for assistance.
Do not rely on the seat belt only when the wheelchair and occupant are transported in
a vehicle, use the separate occupant lap and diagonal restraints provided in the vehicle.
To fasten buckle: -
Firmly push male buckle into female buckle.
To release belt: -
Press exposed sides of male buckle and push
towards centre whilst gently pulling apart.

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5.4 How to use your wheelchair
Whenever using your wheelchair you should carry out the following checks before setting out:
 Ensure that the rear tyres are inflated correctly if pneumatic tyres are fitted. The tyre
pressure is 370Kpa (60psi/4.0Bar). If the tyres are not inflated correctly this may affect the
brake function.
 Ensure that the brakes are secure and are functioning correctly by applying the brake and
ensuring that the brake bar makes contact with the tyre.
 Check that the front castors swivel freely and the wheels rotate freely and the tyres are
free from damage.
 Check that the rear wheels are free from damage including any damaged, loose or bent
spokes on self-propelling wheels.
 Check that the seat and backrest are not damaged by cuts or tears or that there is no sign
of excessive sagging.
 Ensure that any removable parts have been refitted to the wheelchair
 Check that any detachable parts such as armrest and footrests which when refitted are
secured and will not detach when using the wheelchair.
Occupant control
Occupant control (self-propelled) chairs only have hand rims fitted on the outside of the rear
wheels.
1. By gripping the hand rims and pushing or pulling round the hand rim, the wheelchair can
be propelled either forward or backwards.
2. By pulling one wheel backwards and one wheel forwards, using the hand rims the
wheelchair can be turned around in a tight space.
 Check that there are no obstacles or people on the turning space before starting this
procedure.
Many pavements and roads slope towards the kerb and this may cause the wheelchair to veer to
one side. To counteract this it may be necessary to steer the wheelchair in the opposite
direction. Avoiding uneven or soft ground and utilising drop kerbs whenever possible may make
the journey more comfortable. The tyre grip of the wheelchair is affected by the surface over
which the wheelchair is pushed. Therefore, extra care should be taken when weather conditions
cause wet or icy surfaces.
 Make sure that the brakes are always on when the chair is not being pushed.
 Make sure that both feet are safely on the footplates and that clothing is safely tucked in
and cannot catch in the wheels.
 Use both hands on the push handles to control the chair.
 Look well ahead to avoid hazards (e.g. furniture, doors, etc.)
 Avoid steep and uneven surfaces because the chair may tip over.
 Avoid soft surfaces because the castors may get stuck.
 Try to achieve a smooth steady ride.
DO NOT turn too quickly.
DO NOT propel the wheelchair at speed in excess of normal walking pace.
DO NOT hang items such as bags or rucksacks on the back of the push handles, as this
can overload the chair and affect the stability of the wheelchair - causing it to tip over.
Doing a “wheelie” i.e. tilting the wheelchair backward to its balance point can be
dangerous. Do not attempt this manoeuvre!!

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Attendant pushing
Keep in contact with the person in the chair. If you stop to look in shop windows or talk to people;
remember to turn the chair so that the person in the chair does not have to turn or lean.
DO NOT exceed the occupant weight limit for your chair and do not carry more than one
person. If you feel that your body weight may have changed then contact your healthcare
specialist.
 Ensure that all parts of the user’s body and clothing, including any rugs or blankets, are
clear of the moving parts such as the wheels.
Getting up and down kerbs
This should only be attempted when a carer or attendant are controlling the wheelchair.
Carers/attendants should bear in mind that they will be supporting more of the user’s weight
when the wheelchair is tipped rearwards and the heavier the user the more weight they will have
to support. If there is any doubt that this cannot be supported then seek dropped kerbs or ramps
and do not put the user or yourself at risk of injury.
The wheelchair should never be tipped forwards as the occupant may fall out.
Getting up a kerb
First method
 The wheelchair footplates (or, if longer, the user’s feet)
should be taken to the edge of the kerb;
 The pusher should hold the wheelchair push handles firmly
and tilt the chair back, use one foot on the tipping lever to
assist and carefully tilt the wheelchair backwards
 The wheelchair should be brought forward until the back of
the wheels touch the kerb;
 The front wheels should be lowered down on the path;
 With the push handles held firmly the attendant should lift
and push the wheelchair forward.
Second method
 The wheelchair should be turned around so that the back
wheels are against the kerb;
 The attendant should hold the wheelchair push handles firmly
and push down with one foot on the tipping lever, tipping the
wheelchair backwards balancing it on the large wheels;
 Using his body weight, he should then pull the wheelchair off
the kerb and up onto the pavement.
Getting down a kerb
 The wheelchair castors should be taken to the edge of the kerb.
 The attendant should hold the wheelchair push handles firmly
and push down with one foot on the tipping lever, tipping the
wheelchair backwards balancing it on the large wheels.
 The large wheels should be taken to the edge of the kerb.
 The wheelchair should be lowered slowly down the kerb on its
back wheels before the castors are lowered gently down onto
the ground.
The wheelchair should never be tipped forwards as the occupant may fall out.

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Going down a steep slope
The use of the wheelchair on slopes greater than the maximum recommended may put the user
at risk. If such slopes are unavoidable then
 It is safer for the attendant to take the wheelchair down
backwards.
 The occupant may be able to help by controlling the
wheels or the brakes. (Hub brakes if fitted are more
suited for this purpose)
 The user weight will have a significant effect on
controlling the wheelchair – the heavier the user the
more difficult it will be to control the wheelchair.
5.5 Wheelchair stability
Certain routines and movements may affect the stability of the wheelchair
The following factors can affect the wheelchair stability: -
User body movement
REACHING - BENDING FORWARD
DO NOT lean your body forward out of the wheelchair further than the length of the
armrests as this may affect your stability.
DO NOT attempt to pick up objects from the floor or to reach out at switches by
bending forward or reaching between your knees as this may affect your stability.
DO NOT attempt to reach objects by sliding forward to the edge of the wheelchair
seat as this may affect your stability.
Leaning forwards when going up slopes can improve the rearwards stability and leaning the
upper body uphill when moving across a slope can improve sideways stability.
REACHING - BENDING BACKWARDS
DO NOT reach back any further than your arm will extend without changing your
sitting position as this may affect your stability.
DO NOT lean over the top of the backrest as it will shift the centre of gravity, risking
tipping over.
DO NOT hang heavy loads or objects on the backrest. They may make the
wheelchair unstable, especially on an incline.
Assistive devices such as grab sticks can be used to reduce the upper body movement.
Contact your healthcare specialist for further details.