Stopping your wheelchair

Knowing how to stop your wheelchair safely is just as important as knowing how to move. Having confidence that you can slow down gradually (or rapidly in an emergency!) is all part of building independence.

In this guide, we’ll offer some tips on safe stopping for both manual and powered wheelchairs.

This is part of a series of guides we’ve created to help you build basic and advanced wheelchair skills.

In this guide we’ll cover:

• Understand what we mean by stopping distance
• Recognise how different surfaces impact stopping distances
• Know when and where it’s safe to stop
• How to stop your wheelchair safely and in control
• Identify when to switch off your power in different or busy environments

What you need to know about stopping a wheelchair safely

Learning how to stop is an essential skill, as you need to protect yourself and other people.

You can stop your wheelchair by gradually slowing down or by doing an emergency stop (when there’s no other choice). Trust us, you’ll need to be able to do both!

How long it takes to stop differs, depending on speed and surface conditions. When moving on wet or slippery surfaces, for example, it’ll take longer to stop.

Being present, aware and cautious is important as you learn the limits of your chair.

How to stop your wheelchair

We’ve split this into two sections for people using manual wheelchairs and those using powered wheelchairs.

How to stop a manual wheelchair

1. Lean back slightly and place your hands on the push-rims at the 2 or 3 o’clock position
2. Control your stop by gripping the push-rims. The harder you grip, the quicker you will stop
3. Apply the brakes (if you need to)
4. Before moving again, check your surroundings and release the brakes

How to stop a powerchair (with joystick control)

1. Begin slowing down by easing off the joystick in the direction you’re moving
2. Control your stop by slowly removing pressure from the joystick 
3. Come to a complete stop

Powerchairs are heavy and generate momentum as they move. By reducing your speed slowly, you’ll reduce the risk of tipping.

How to stop in an emergency

If the unexpected happens, you might need to do an emergency stop. Here’s how:

Emergency stops for manual wheelchairs

1. Grab both brake levers and push them forward hard to lock the wheels
2. If the chair is tipping backward, lean forward, tuck your chin, and pull the wheels towards you
3. If you’re on a downward slope, let the push rims slide slowly through your hands while leaning back slightly.

Emergency stops for powerchairs

Turn off the power, use the brakes, or brace the chair against a sturdy object to come to a complete stop.

It’s important that you only use these techniques in the event of an emergency. Always protect your safety and that of anyone else around you.

Always:

• Make sure your front wheels are pointed forward for maximum stability
• Avoid leaning too far forward or backward to prevent tipping
• Ensure your anti-tips are installed to prevent you falling backward
  
  

Stopping on different surfaces

Different surfaces can affect your wheelchair’s stopping distance. For example, on surfaces that are soft, uneven or wet, you might find that you stop suddenly. On smooth and hard surfaces it may take longer for you to stop.

Here are some things to know about stopping on different surfaces:

• Technique: If you stop too abruptly on any surface it can cause you to lose balance, fall forward to experience sudden, jerky movements. 
• Positioning: Ensuring you’re well positioned and balanced on the seat. If you’re unbalanced you could tip over when you come to a stop.
• Choose the best surface to stop: Stopping on a smooth, firm and level surface like concrete or asphalt is best. If you’re able to choose your route, always go for a hard and stable surface if you can!