2.11 Negotiating steps or curbs
2.11.1
Getting down steps or curbs
Riding down low curbs can be done moving forwards. Make sure that the footplates do not
touch the ground.
Higher curbs can be taken forward with an attendant:
1.
Ask the attendant to tip the wheelchair slightly backwards.
2.
Get past the curbs while moving on the rear wheels.
3.
Put the wheelchair back on the four wheels.
2.11.2
Moving up steps or curbs
Moving up steps or curbs with attendant as follows:
Higher curbs are negotiated backwards:
1.
Turn the wheelchair to have the rear wheels facing the curb.
2.
Lean backwards and move your centre of gravity above the rear wheels.
3.
Ask the attendant to pull the wheelchair on the curb.
4.
Take back the normal position in the wheelchair.
1.
If available on the wheelchair, wear the safety belt.
2.
Do not attempt moving on too high slopes. The maximum
slope angles (upwards and downwards) are mentioned in
table 1.
3.
Ask an attendant to help you moving on the slope.
4.
Lean forward to move your centre of gravity forward.
A practiced user can negotiate small steps or curbs by himself:
L L L L
WARNING:
Risk of tipping over – If you do not have
enough experience with your wheelchair, ask
assistance of an attendant.
1.
Bring balance on the rear wheels to reduce the pressure on
the front wheels.
2.
Negotiate the curbs.
An experienced user can negotiate higher curbs by himself. This is
best done backwards.
1.
Turn the wheelchair to have the rear wheels facing the
curb.
2.
Lean forward to move your centre of gravity forward.
3.
Move the wheelchair close to the curbs.
4.
Use the hand rim to roll-off wheelchair from the curb in a
controlled manner.
1.
Prevent the footplates from touching the curb.
2.
Ask the attendant to tip the wheelchair backwards, just
enough to move the front wheels over the curb.
3.
Lean backwards to move your centre of gravity above the rear
wheel.
4.
Place the front wheels on the curb.
5.
Roll rear wheels of the wheelchair over the curb.
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D400
2013-06