Understand more about back wheel balance with answers to common questions and tips on technique and safety.
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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 master back wheel balance skills. This FAQs document covers all of the learning from our back wheel balance guides. You’ll find clear, step-by-step advice for both manual wheelchair users.
Static back wheel balance is when you hold your wheelchair steady on two back wheels. It’s called control for a reason, because you’re in charge of how you move and do so safely and in control.
Status back wheel balance can help you build confidence and control. It’s also an advanced skill that’s essential for moving over obstacles and kerbs.
Back wheel balance in your wheelchair improves control, builds upper body strength, and prepares you for advanced skills like kerb climbing.
To prepare for back wheel balance, you need to sit upright and hold both push-rims. You need to keep your eyes forward or you could upset your balance. As you’re learning the skills you should have a spotter ready to hold the handles so that you don’t tip over.
Lifting the castors is the first stage in back wheel balance. To lift the castors, push firmly on the rims while leaning slightly back. Lift the castors a few centimetres off the ground, hold, then let them return smoothly to the ground.
The balance point is where the chair is balanced only on the back wheels. To find it, use small and controlled rim movements, keep your arms relaxed, and look forward (never down). It’s also important to have a spotter on standby, at least until you’re confident.
Let the rims roll forward slowly and touch down gently. Try to avoid any sudden drops!
Moving in back wheel balance increases independence and helps you manage uneven surfaces, drops, and changes in terrain. It’s another advanced skill that you can use to tackle objects which can increase your confidence and independence.
Begin in static balance. Keep your body upright and use small, steady pushes to stay centred. To move forward, push evenly on both rims in short and controlled motions.
Check behind you first. Pull gently on the rims, keeping your elbows close and your movements slow. Moving backwards is a little more challenging and you’ll need to be confident that you know what’s behind you. Again, like all skills here, have a spotter nearby until you’re confident.
It’s easy to lose control when learning back wheel balance. If you find the chair beginning to tip back, push the rims forward gently. If you tip forward, lean back slightly and pull on the rims.Small movements can have a big impact.
Moving while in back wheel balance is a tough skill to learn. You’ll want to take things slowly and begin by practising longer rolls, small turns, and gentle ramps on flat ground. Try to keep sessions short and regular while you build up your skills and experience.
It is, but only when you’re experienced, confident, and have mastered other advanced skills. In most cases, you’ll need to have someone to help you move down the stairs. Our advice is to always practise going down stairs with a supporter and never rush.
Most of the time, you’ll work with a supporter to travel down stairs. Face backwards at the top while your supporter holds the handles on the chair. They’ll need to tilt the chair back slightly and lower it one step at a time. You will need to lean back slightly and try to stay as stable as possible.
Communication is key to keeping you safe and protected. You should agree on signals or counts before starting. Stay in contact throughout the movements and speak up if anything feels wrong or you feel uncomfortable.
Going down steps independently is a really advanced move. You should only try it if you have strong balance and there’s a handrail. To get down stairs yourself, approach them straight on, tilt back slightly, and use one hand on the rail and the other on the push-rim to control descent.
You should never attempt to travel down stairs without a handrail alone. Always have a supporter to help you and who knows what they’re doing.
