When navigating curbs, always go up forward (tilting the chair back on its rear wheels) and go down backward to prevent the user from falling out. On steep ramps, the caregiver should push up forward, but walk down backward to maintain control of the chair's weight.
While ADA compliance has made public spaces much more accessible, caregivers will inevitably encounter environments that are less than ideal. Navigating curbs, steep ramps, and cracked sidewalks requires specific techniques to keep the wheelchair stable and the user feeling safe and secure.
Conquering Curbs
If you encounter a curb without a cut-out, you must know how to pop a "wheelie."
- Going UP: Push the chair to the edge of the curb. Step down on the tipping lever (the small bar extending from the back of the frame near the floor) while pulling back on the handles. This lifts the front wheels. Push the chair forward so the front wheels land on the curb, then lift the back wheels up and over.
- Going DOWN: Never push a wheelchair forward off a curb; the user will pitch forward out of the chair. Always turn the chair around and step down the curb backward. Lower the large rear wheels first, then tilt the chair back slightly to lower the front wheels gently to the street.
Mastering Ramps
Going up a ramp is straightforward: lean your weight into the push handles and keep a steady pace. However, going down a steep ramp can be dangerous if the chair gains too much momentum. For steep inclines, the caregiver should turn the chair around and walk down the ramp backward. This allows the caregiver's body weight to act as a natural brake, preventing the chair from running away from them.
Uneven Terrain
When rolling over grass, gravel, or cracked sidewalks, the small front casters can easily get stuck, causing the chair to jolt to a halt. To prevent this, the caregiver should tilt the chair back slightly, balancing it entirely on the large rear wheels, and push it like a wheelbarrow over the rough patch.
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