Read expert FAQs with answers to common questions about advanced wheelchair techniques and skills, including ramps, opening doors, safety and more
Content warning
The information and guidance on the Whizz Kidz Hub are for information and educational purposes only. We make no guarantees that the information is complete, safe, or suitable for every individual. Children and young people should be supervised when accessing or attempting any activities shown. We accept no liability for any injury, loss or damage arising from its use.
We’re here to help you build even greater confidence, control and independence with your wheelchair. This FAQs document collates information from our advanced skills guides. You’ll learn how to tackle everything from ramps and doors to kerbs, obstacles and different terrains. You’ll find clear, step-by-step advice for both manual and powered wheelchair users.
Check that the slope is clear, stable and not too steep. Line up straight to the incline and choose a slow, steady speed if you’re using a powered chair. Build confidence gradually by starting on gentle slopes before building up to tackle steeper ones.
Make sure both castors face forward, grip the push-rims firmly and lean slightly forward. Use smooth and even pushes to move up the incline. Don’t worry if you stop midway, you can hold the rims tightly and apply brakes if needed. Once at the top, apply the brakes before adjusting your position and moving off.
Check the surface and lean slightly back to keep your weight behind the axle. Control your speed by letting the push-rims slide slowly through your hands, keeping the chair straight as you descend. Never free-roll downhill as it’s unsafe and you could easily lose control.
When going up, switch on, select a low speed and move forward steadily while keeping slightly forward in your seat. Slow down gently as you approach the top and stop before turning. When going down, select a slow speed and use any anti-tip or downhill controls. Always avoid sudden stops or sharp turns as this could cause you to tip.
For doors that pull towards you, approach beside the handle, apply brakes, and pull with one hand while keeping control of your chair. Hold the door open with your hand or footrest, release the brake, move through and close the door behind you.
For doors that push away, approach straight and close to the handle, move slowly forward and push with your hand or forearm until the door opens wide enough to pass through.
Firstly, always use automatic openers when available.
If you need to open a door yourself, use a low speed to stay in control. For pull doors, approach beside the handle, reach forward to open while holding steady with the joystick, reverse a little, then move through. For push doors, approach straight on, push gently with your hand or arm, move forward smoothly and stop once clear.
Check what’s on the other side before opening, as doors can swing back quickly. Watch your hands, arms and footplates as you move through. If the door is heavy or space is tight, ask for help. There’s no need to struggle on your own to open a door.
Plan what you’ll carry and how you’ll do it. Consider its size, weight and how it affects your balance. Make sure bags or trays are secure and within easy reach, and avoid overloading yourself. We think it’s better to make two trips than risk an accident.
Always use attached bags, pouches or cup holders. Keep small items like keys or phones secure, and never carry loose items in your hands while moving.
Distribute weight evenly, keeping heavier items low and close to your body or frame. Avoid carrying anything that blocks your view or affects steering. Secure bags properly so they don’t catch in the wheels. If you’re unsure, ask someone for help.
Powered chairs make carrying easier, but you’ll need to plan ahead. Always use trays, baskets or side bags, and avoid placing heavy objects on your lap. Before moving, check that items don’t stick out or block movement. Select a slow speed and avoid sudden movements to stop items slipping or falling from your wheelchair.
Always keep control of your chair as safety is the top priority. Try and plan out routes that avoid slopes or uneven ground. Respect your chair’s weight limits, and stop if you feel off balance.
Approach straight on at a slow speed. Check the road below is clear, roll to the edge and lean slightly back, then release and roll gently over. Allow the rear wheels to follow smoothly over the kerb.
Check the surface is stable and approach the kerb straight on. Lean slightly forward and push firmly to lift the castors up. Once the front wheels are on the kerb, push again to roll the rear wheels up. Keep your movements steady and even.
Approach the kerb straight on and slow. When going down, move gently forward on the joystick until the front wheels roll over, keeping upright and steady until the rear wheels follow.
When going up a kerb, approach it square on. Then, move forward gently, allowing the front wheels to climb first, and continue until the rears are up too.
Slow down, assess the surface, and face the obstacle straight on. Make sure the chair’s castors are forward and keep your body centred and ready.
Lean slightly back as you reach the edge, then give a short, firm push to lift the castors gently over. Let the rear wheels follow naturally. Try and keep smooth and even pressure on the rims as you move.
Use a low speed and approach straight on. Move forward gently so the front wheels rise over the object, keeping the joystick steady. Avoid sharp turns and let the rear wheels roll over before continuing at normal speed.
Try to spot obstacles early. Always plan your approach and aim to keep your balance centred. Avoid rushing or angled approaches, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if something looks tricky.
Plan a firm, dry route, keep your castors forward and maintain a steady pace so you don’t sink or lose grip. Lean slightly forward to keep your front wheels stable, and stop to rest if pushing becomes hard.
Check for dips or deep patches and move in a straight line with small, controlled pushes. Avoid sharp turns, which can cause the wheels to dig in or push you off balance.
Slow down and look ahead. Use gentle pushes over bumps, lean slightly back to reduce impact, and move one section at a time if the ground feels unstable.
Use a slow or moderate speed and always aim to move straight on, whatever the surface. Try to keep joystick movements gentle to avoid tipping or getting stuck.
On soft ground, avoid sudden stops to prevent getting stuck. On gravel or rough areas, maintain steady traction and avoid sharp turns. You can always adjust your speed for the conditions. Some chairs have more advanced suspension controls, too, that can give you more traction, so always use them if you can.
Get answers to common questions about beginner wheelchair skills, including how to get started and how to stay safe.
Understand more about back wheel balance with answers to common questions and tips on technique and safety.
