Get answers to common questions about beginner wheelchair skills, including how to get started and how to stay safe.
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 confidence, control and independence with your wheelchair. These FAQs bring together clear, practical advice for young people and parents, from everyday safety checks to the core skills you’ll use all the time.There’s information and guidance here for users of both manual and powered wheelchairs, with simple steps you can use right away.
A wheelchair that isn’t set up or used correctly can cause discomfort, poor posture, or even accidents such as tipping. A damaged chair can also be dangerous to you and the people around you. Learning the basics helps you feel confident, independent and in control. Most wheelchair-related accidents can be avoided by thinking “safety first”.
Yes. The principles of safety are universal, and we highlight key differences like power controls, speed settings and stopping.
Start by getting your seat position right, using footplates and positioning belts correctly, basic daily safety checks, and being aware of your surroundings. From there, build your core movement skills: moving forward, reversing, stopping, turning, speed control and parking.
Aim for a position that’s comfortable and stable. Sit with your hips well back in the seat so the backrest can provide the support you need. Avoid slouching forward or leaning to one side, as this can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of tipping. Use a mirror or ask an adult to help you check your position.
Your feet should be secure on the footplates and not be dangling or positioned to the side. Adjust the footplate so your feet rest flat. Your thighs should make good contact with the full seat cushion, with a small gap between the cushion edge and the back of your knees while your hips are right at the back. If your chair has a positioning belt, always clip it in before moving, especially outdoors.
Brakes are to secure the chair when you’re stationary, they’re not for slowing down while moving. Always apply the brakes before getting in or out, and make sure you (and anyone helping you) know how they work.
Check your surroundings and plan your route to avoid obstructions. Aim to cover the furthest distance with the fewest, smoothest pushes. This will help to protect your shoulders and ensure you stay in control.
Always practise with an adult nearby. Never tackle kerbs or steps without help unless you’re confident. Going down slopes requires extra care even if you’re not pushing; going up ramps or hills, use short pushes and keep your hands on the wheels to prevent rolling back.
As with manual chairs, aim for an upright, supported position. Adjust the seat, backrest, headrest and lateral supports so you feel stable. Place your feet securely on the footplates and clip in your positioning belt before switching on.
Start by turning your chair on and off, then starting and stopping slowly. Powered chairs can be large, and it may be hard to see behind you at first. Take your time and trust us, you’ll get the hang of it with time.
Begin with the lowest speed, especially indoors or around other people. As your skills and confidence grow, increase speed gradually. On pavements, powered wheelchairs should not exceed 4 mph. Class 2 chairs are limited to 4 mph and for pavements; Class 3 chairs can go up to 8 mph on the road but must stay under 4 mph on pavements.
Powered chairs are heavier and faster, so use extra care. Always scan for people, pets and obstacles, and adjust your speed to the space you’re in.
Give your chair a quick once-over before you use it each day. Try and build these checks into your daily routine:
You should be able to do these yourself. If you spot a problem, deal with it as soon as possible.
Think safety first. Look where you’re going, check around you, and keep your movements smooth and gradual. Slow down near people and hazards. If you use a powered chair, switch it off when you stop.
Start with hands at about the 11 o’clock position on the push-rims, thumbs resting on top. Lean slightly forward to keep the castors down. Push smoothly, increasing power through the movement, finishing around 2 o’clock. Release, return to 11 o’clock, and repeat. You’ll find that long, smooth pushes take you further and protect your shoulders.
Switch on, select a slow speed, sit upright with your back against the cushion, check it’s clear, then gently push the joystick forward. Adjust your speed to the environment and always go slowly around people and obstacles.
Take your time. Always look behind you first and check the space around you. Be mindful of handles, backpacks and wheels that can catch. If you can’t see clearly, ask someone to guide you. Lean slightly forward to prevent tipping if the chair stops suddenly, and move steadily rather than jerking backwards.
Hands at around 2 o’clock on the push-rims, lean slightly forward, check behind, then push smoothly until your hands reach just behind your hips (around 11 o’clock). Return to 2 o’clock and repeat. Small, steady pushes help you stay straight and in control.
Power on, slow speed, hand on the joystick, look over both shoulders if you can, and ask for a guide if your view is blocked. Ease the joystick backwards gently and adjust speed if needed. Slow down gradually by easing off the joystick.
The stopping distance of your chair changes with speed and surface. Stopping on wet or slippery ground takes longer than dry surfaces. Practise on different surfaces so you learn how your chair responds, and plan ahead so you rarely need an emergency stop.
Lean back slightly, place your hands on the push-rims around 2–3 o’clock, and control your stop by gripping the rims — the harder you grip, the quicker you stop. Apply the brakes once stationary if needed. Check around you before moving off again.
Begin slowing by easing off the joystick in the direction of travel. Reduce pressure gradually until you come to a complete stop. Avoid sudden, jerky movements because powered chairs are heavy and carry momentum and it could cause you to tip or run into trouble.
Match your speed to your surroundings. Indoors or in busy areas, keep it slow and steady. Outside, you can go faster in safe, open spaces. Near roads, on pavements, downhill or on bumpy ground, stay at a speed that keeps you fully in control.
To go faster, push with more force. To slow down, stop pushing and lightly grip the push-rims. You’ll find that the firmer the grip, the quicker you slow down. Keep your hands ready to grip if you need to stop suddenly.
Increase or decrease speed one level at a time using your speed controls. Make small, gradual changes to stay in control. This is true even in emergency situations.
Hold one push-rim towards the front (around 3 o’clock) and the other towards the back (around 9 o’clock). Pull the forward hand backwards and push the backward hand forwards at the same time. Your hands should be level with your hips as the chair turns. Practise slowly until your turns are smooth.
Look in the direction you want to go and plan your path. Use lighter pushes on one wheel to steer. Make small adjustments to move around corners or weave between objects. Avoid sharp turns at speed.
Yes. For a drag turn, place your hand lightly behind the wheelchair and apply gentle pressure on the wall to turn towards it. For a push-off turn, push away from the wall with your palm to turn away. Only use fixed, stable surfaces and start slowly to protect your hands.
For a stationary turn: power on, select a slow speed, hand on the joystick, check around you, then gently move the joystick left or right to rotate on the spot. For moving turns, push the joystick slightly forward and a little to one side. If your chair feels too sensitive, reduce speed and make smaller joystick movements.
Pick a flat, stable surface and avoid slopes or uneven ground. Make sure the space is clear, you’ve got room to move into it, and you’ll be safe while parked.
You can move forward into a space, reverse into a space, or parallel park (reversing between two fixed objects). The goal is always to use a slow, controlled movement before coming to a complete stop.
Check the castors are pointing forward. Hands at around 2 o’clock, lean slightly back, look over your shoulder and move slowly. If your view is blocked, ask for help. Finish each push just behind your hips (around 11 o’clock) and watch your rear wheels to avoid touching obstacles.
Power on, choose a slow speed, look over your shoulders, and ask someone to spot you if needed. Gently push the joystick backwards (if that’s how your chair reverses), keep an eye on your large rear wheels, adjust position as needed, and ease off to slow to a stop. Switch off or set brakes once parked.
Any time you’re unsure how to do something safely, need a second pair of eyes while reversing or parking, or want to check a repair. Asking early helps you avoid making a problem worse. Asking for help is actually an important part of staying safe.
Recognise what you can do independently and where you want support. Explain what help you’d like, slowly and clearly, and demonstrate if that’s easier. Guide and correct people if needed, and stay in control and patient. You can stop someone if what they’re doing isn’t helpful or feels unsafe.
Yes. Being independent means being able to politely decline help when you don’t want or need it. Thank the person, let them know you’re confident doing it yourself, and say when you will ask if you need anything.
Help them get their seating right, check footplates and belts, build a simple daily check routine, and practise core skills (moving forward, reversing, stopping, turning, parking) in safe spaces. Encourage a safety-first mindset: scan for hazards, control speed, and plan routes. Most importantly, listen and be their calm, confident backup.
If the set-up has changed or no longer feels right, request a review. Comfort, posture and control are essential for safety and confidence.
We answer your questions on the information hub, including who’s written the information, how to use the site, and what to do if you spot a mistake.
Read expert FAQs with answers to common questions about advanced wheelchair techniques and skills, including ramps, opening doors, safety and more
