Moving over different terrain in your wheelchair

All wheelchair users need to know how to manage different terrains, from smooth surfaces to grass, gravel, and poorly paved paths. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to travel over different terrain in both manual and powered wheelchairs and when it’s safest to ask for help.

This guide is part of a series of advanced wheelchair guides to help you build the skills you need to increase confidence, control and independence.

What you’ll learn

• How to identify and prepare for moving over different surfaces
• Adjusting your technique for grass, gravel, and uneven ground
• Staying balanced and in control on challenging terrain
• When to ask for assistance or choose an alternative route

What you need to know about travelling over different terrain in your wheelchair

Each type of terrain poses challenges when you’re in a wheelchair. Different surfaces – from grass to gravel – will respond differently to your movements. You’ll need to learn how to manage these surfaces and how your wheelchair responds, and that comes through practice and experience.

The aim for any advanced wheelchair user is to be able to move across all types of surfaces safely. It’s also about knowing when to find an alternative route.

It’s vital that you move over different terrain, feeling the differences. Take things slowly and never put yourself at risk. 

Handling different surfaces in a manual wheelchair

Here are some practical tips to help you move over grass, gravel and uneven surfaces.

Grass and soft ground

The key to moving over grass and soft ground is to plan a safe route and keep up your speed to ensure you don’t slip or get bogged down.

1. Approach slowly and check that the ground is firm and dry enough
2. Keep your front castors facing forward and keep your speed up
3. Use smooth and even pushes on the push-rims to avoid getting stuck
4. Try to lean slightly forward to keep the front wheels down and stable
5. If the chair feels heavy to push, stop and check for firmer ground

You’ll find that narrow tyres can sink into soft grass, while wider tyres will help with grip and control. 

Gravel and loose surfaces

Traction can be a challenge on gravel, so plan your route and look for the smoothest and most stable ground.

1. Check the area for dips or deep patches
2. Approach in a straight line and use small and controlled pushes
3. Avoid sudden turns and this can cause the wheels to dig in and push you off balance
4. Keep moving slowly and steadily until you reach firm ground again

Uneven or rough surfaces

Uneven surfaces can put you off balance, so you’ll need to slow down and take things steadily to stay upright. 

1. Check out the area before you start to move
2. Use your push-rims gently to maintain control over bumps or ridges
3. Lean slightly backwards to reduce the impact of uneven surfaces on your front wheels
4. Take things slowly and move one small section at a time if the surface feels unstable

While being independent is important, it’s important to always avoid steep, rocky, or broken paths unless you’re accompanied by someone who can assist you.

Handling different surfaces in a powered wheelchair

Powerchairs take the strain out of pushing and often have features that can help you manage obstacles. On the other hand, their heavier weight can mean they’re more likely to get stuck in some situations. 

Here are some practical tips to help you move over grass, gravel and uneven surfaces in a powerchair:

Grass and soft ground

Try to move at a reasonable speed to avoid becoming stuck, but not so fast that you’re unsafe.

1. Select a slow or moderate speed
2. Approach straight on and keep the joystick steady
3. Maintain a gentle and consistent movement
4. Avoid stopping suddenly, as this can cause you to get stuck

In some cases, the wheels can lose traction and begin to spin. If this happens, stop, reverse slightly, and try again at a slower pace. You can also look for a safer route that’s slightly firmer.

Gravel and uneven ground

Traction is key here, so move at a pace that stops the wheels from slipping or spinning.

1. Move at a slow, steady speed to prevent wheels from slipping
2. Keep both hands on the joystick and avoid sharp turns
3. Check the terrain ahead and steer towards smoother sections
4. Once clear of any obstacles, return to your normal speed

If your powerchair has adjustable speed or suspension settings, use them to increase stability on rough ground. They can make managing different surfaces much easier.

How to move across mixed surfaces

Sometimes you might have to move over several types of surfaces in a single journey. Moving from a car park may mean you have to deal with gravel and uneven pathways before you get to a smooth surface like a pavement.

1. When you know you’re going to move from one surface to another, slow down and check the transition point
2. Approach these transitional points square on, not at an angle
3. Adjust your speed according to the guidance above (moving briskly on grass but more slowly on gravel, for example)
4. If you feel unstable, stop and reassess before moving again

Top tips for staying safe on different terrain

Here are some things you should always do when moving your wheelchair over different terrain:

• Always check the ground before moving onto it
• Make a mental plan of action and identify any obstacles or dangers
• Keep your speed low and movements steady
• Avoid steep slopes, holes, or broken surfaces
• Ask for help if you feel unsteady or if your wheels lose traction