Power Wheelchairs 7 Safety Tips that You Should Know

Power wheelchairs have revolutionized the way that millions of people from around the globe get around. While manual wheelchairs offer users the chance to move from place to place in the absence of legs, a power unit allows them to do so without the sore shoulders and blistered hands that are so common with manual wheelchairs. Some safety measures do need to be taken to ensure the safety of not only the user, but also for any people who are in the vicinity of the power wheelchair at the time of operation.

Avoid the temptation to venture onto any busy street or cross walk. While a power wheelchair does offer greater mobility, it is not very quick and could leave you stuck in the middle of a street during a light change.

If you are using the power wheelchair around young children or toddlers, be extremely careful. Children this young are likely to reach for the control unit, possibly causing the chair to move quickly toward them. Always teach small children to never touch the control unit, this is the best way to avoid this type of situation.

It is very important to remember, at all times, that a power wheelchair can be heavy and cumbersome, making it prone to fall over. Be sure to keep your hands and arms, feet and legs within the framework of the chair at all times. This will help to keep the chair steady and less likely to tip over.

If you are using your wheelchair outside, be sure to choose the trail vary carefully. Make sure that the Earth is firm and relatively smooth, failure to do so could lead to sinking tires or overturned chairs. Great care should also be taken if snow or ice is present, it is best to have someone with you if you plan to venture out in snowy weather.

Always use the seat belt that the wheelchair is equipped with! This is so important, the use of the belt is simple, it works the same way as an automobile seat belt does. It also protects from falls and any injuries that could occur from one. Read the manufactures directions regarding power wheelchair operations. For your own safety and for the safety of others, be sure to follow these directions.

The best defense against an accident that you have is the use of common sense. If it does not sound like a good idea, then it probably is not.
About the Author

Visit http://wheelchairs-central.net or http://wheelchairs-resources.info to learn more about electric wheelchairs and power wheelchair.