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Many activities require the wheelchair owner to reach,
bend and transfer in and out of the wheelchair. These
movements will cause a change to the normal bal-
ance, the center of gravity, and the weight distribution
of the wheelchair. To determine and establish your
particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and
transferring activities in several combinations in the
presence of a qualified healthcare professional BE-
FORE attempting active use of the wheelchair.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When
reaching, leaning, bending or bending forward, it is im-
portant to use the front casters as a tool to maintain
stability and balance.
LENGTHENING THE WHEELBASE will increase the
stability and maintain standard maneuverability of the
wheelchair.
SHORTENING THE WHEELBASE will increase the
maneuverability and distribute additional weight onto
the rear wheels.
SAFETY/HANDLING
S
A
F
E
T
Y
/
H
A
N
D
L
I
N
G
Example 46% 54% 103 lbs. 130 lbs.
UNOCCUPIED OCCUPIED
SHORTENING
Front of
Wheelchair
LENGTHENING
Position the wheelchair as close as possible along side
the seat to which you are transferring, with the front
casters pointing toward it. Engage wheel locks. Shift
body weight into seat with transfer.
During independent transfer, little or no seat platform
will be beneath you. Use a transfer board if at all pos-
sible.
PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHT
DISTRIBUTION
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you
have to move forward in the seat or
pick them up from the floor by reach-
ing down between your knees.
TRANSFERRING TO AND FROM
OTHER SEATS
WARNING
BEFORE attempting to transfer in or out of the
wheelchair, every precaution should be taken
to reduce the gap distance. Turn both casters
toward the object you are transferring onto. Also
be certain the wheel locks are engaged to help
prevent the wheels from moving.
CAUTION
When transferring, position yourself as far
back as possible in the seat. This will prevent
damaged upholstery and the possibility of the
wheelchair tipping forward.
NOTE: This activity may be performed independently
provided you have adequate mobility and upper body
strength.