How to Load a Wheelchair into a Vehicle

Loading a standard wheelchair into a vehicle for the first time may be intimidating. Follow a few easy steps to break down the process and ensure that the loading goes smoothly. After the first few initial attempts, you will easily become a pro at loading a wheelchair.

Instructions

1. Bring the wheelchair close to the trunk of the car. According to the Fact Sheet on Manual Wheelchairs, most manual chairs can be folded or compacted by pulling upwards on the seat.

2. Lean forward and reach across the side of chair facing away from your body. Use your right hand to grab both sides of the frame of the chair behind the front wheels at the bottom of the chair.

3. Grab the steering handle closest to your body with your left hand

4. Lift with your knees, bringing the chair waist-high, wheels toward trunk. You can rest the chair on the edge of the trunk if needed.

5. Slowly guide the chair into the trunk, pushing the wheels toward the back of the trunk.

Tips & Warnings

• It works best to end with the chair in the shape of a triangle with the wheels at the back and handles and footrests toward the front.

References

• Fact Sheet on Manual Wheelchairs