How to Push a Wheelchair Safely Up a Ramp By Yourself

Part of the accessibility challenges a wheelchair user encounters is pushing a wheelchair on ramps. Wheelchair or handicap ramps are installed in buildings and sidewalks to provide ease of access for people with mobility concerns, without having to use the stairs. A regular wheelchair user, using either a manual or electric-powered chair, can usually climb the ramp safely. The following guide teaches how to push your wheelchair safely on a ramp.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wheelchair

1. Before climbing up the ramp, put your anti-tippers down in a functional position. An anti-tipper is a device attached to a wheelchair, meant to prevent it from accidentally tipping over backwards. If you need to disconnect this device before moving on, keep in mind to maneuver your wheelchair carefully.

2. Push your wheelchair onto the ramp. Lean forward as you go up to prevent the chair from tipping backwards.

3. The other way you can go up is to use momentum. Speed up before you reach the base of the ramp, and then quickly propel the chair in an upward motion. If you get tired halfway, stop and turn your wheelchair sideways to the ramp slope. Rest until you are ready to proceed.

4. If a handrail is present on the side of the ramp, pull yourself up by pushing on one pushrim, and pulling on a handrail. If two handrails exist, you can use both to pull yourself up the ramp.

5. Some people prefer to go up the ramp backwards. To do this, turn your wheelchair around. Make sure the rear wheels are next to the base of the ramp. Lean backward into the incline as you pull on the pushrims backward. When you reach the top, check behind you for oncoming traffic before turning around and proceeding forward.

Tips & Warnings

• To maintain your balance, always remember to lean “uphill” in the direction of the ramp’s incline.
• When a ramp is too steep for you, do not attempt to climb by yourself. Ask for assistance to prevent accidents.

Resources

• WheelchairNet

[mizzshady]

on 11/11/2009 Push a Wheelchair Safely Up a Ramp By Yourself is very important. very nice article.

[mralarcon]

on 11/7/2009 How to Push a Wheelchair Safely Up a Ramp By Yourself
Good info thanks

[mralarcon]

on 11/7/2009 How to Push a Wheelchair Safely Up a Ramp By Yourself
Good info thanks