Moving your wheelchair in back wheel balance

Now you’ve mastered back wheel balance, it’s time to learn how to move in back wheel balance.

Moving with the back wheel raised can help you handle uneven surfaces, tackle small drops, and tackle changes in terrain.

This guide provides practical tips and safe techniques for moving short distances while balanced on the back wheels. You’ll need to find a safe space to practice and it’s always best to have a spotter to stop you from getting into danger.

What you’ll learn:

• How to maintain balance while moving
• Controlling forward and backward movement on two wheels
• Correcting your position safely
• Building confidence before progressing to tackling obstacles and kerbs

What you need to know about moving your wheelchair in back wheel balance

Moving in back wheel balance gives you greater independence and control over your wheelchair. It’s an important advanced skill that will enable you to:

• Move over uneven ground smoothly
• Reduce strain on your body when travelling over small steps or bumps
• Improve upper body strength, timing, and coordination

Controlling your wheelchair and maintaining balance is tough, so take it slowly. With enough time, you’ll learn to make small and precise adjustments that will keep you balanced.

Manual wheelchair: moving while balanced

Moving your wheelchair forward and backward in the balance position can take some time to master. The important thing is to build strength and control while staying safe.

Step 1: Getting into the balance position

1. Begin in the static back wheel balance position
2. Keep your upper body upright and centred over the chair
3. Use small, controlled pushes on the push-rims to steady yourself

Step 2: Moving forward in balance

Once you’ve got the chair balanced on its back wheels, it’s time to start moving:

1. Give a gentle, even push on both push-rims at the same time
2. Keep your movements short and controlled
3. Use light braking pressure (by gently touching the push-rims) to slow or stop
4. Small, consistent pushes are the best way to stay in control

Try to be relaxed and precise with your movements. When you’re moving forward, keep your arms relaxed and look forward to where you’re going. This will keep you going in the right direction.

Step 3: Moving backward in balance

The principles for moving backward are the same as moving forward. You’ll need to do some extra checks to make sure it’s safe behind you to move.

It’s normal for backward balance to feel harder at first, but you’ll get there in time.

1. Check that the area behind the chair is clear and it’s safe for you to move
2. From the balanced position, pull gently backwards on the push-rims
3. Keep your elbows close to your body to maximise control
4. Move slowly and gradually
5. Use small forward pushes to steady yourself if you tip too far back

It is much harder to maintain your balance when moving backward. Have a spotter ready to help you until you’re confident you can move independently.

Step 4: Making small corrections

Controlling the chair on the back wheels requires fine control. To keep you balanced you’ll need a light touch and the ability to calmly make small corrections. 

• If the chair tips back: slightly, push the rims forward gently to recover balance
• If the chair tips forward: lean back slightly and pull back gently on the rims

Use small, smooth adjustments rather than strong, jerky movements. The key to stability is to keep everything slow, steady, and deliberate. Practice really does make perfect.

Building confidence with back wheel movements

Advanced skills take time and we know that it can be frustrating in the beginning. The key is to persevere and have belief that you’ll master it (because you will).

As you pick up the skills, try these exercises to build up confidence:

• Practise longer rolls forward and back while maintaining balance
• Add small turns or changes in direction
• Once you’re confident on smooth, flat ground, try to move up gentle ramps or uneven surfaces
• Keep practising short sessions to build control and strength gradually