How to Do a Wheelchair Wheelie

For people confined to a wheelchair, learning to do a wheelie is an important skill that can be used for a variety of reasons. Sometimes you need to get up and down curbs, to turn in tight spaces or to show off your skills. You should practice doing a wheelie with a spotter before trying it by yourself. Learn how to do a wheelchair wheelie safely.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Wear a helmet when you are first learning to do a wheelie. It will give you that added protection so you don't have to fear falling backwards as much. Often times, it's the fear that will hold you back.
2. Use your anti-tipping tubes on the back of your chair to practice getting your front wheels up off the ground.
3. Get some momentum up going forward, and then with your hands lightly lying on the sides of your wheels, lean your weight backwards until you feel your front wheels coming up off the ground. Grab onto your big wheels when you feel poised and balanced. With your tipping tubes down, you will come to a stop if they rest on the ground.
4. Move the wheels back and forth to remain in the wheelie position. Pop the wheelie just before you come to a curb and lower yourself down on the back wheels only.
5. Gently put down the front wheels and pop another wheelie to get up the curb on the other side of the street. It will take a lot more strength to get up than it did to drop, so be prepared.
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• Work on your upper body strength so you can execute your wheelchair wheelie properly.
• Practice your wheelchair wheelie and perfect it before you try it in a crowded public area.