Power Chairs and Steering

JonnycJonny

Rear wheel and mid wheel drive power chairs are notoriously difficult to steer - the front wheels - in the case of a rear wheel drive chair - do as they please.

You must learn how to steer into cambers which are everywhere outside. If you don't steer into the camber you will end up going off piste down the slope - a real danger on out on pavements.

Practice makes perfect. Go slowly and only ever use drop down kerbs.

Reversing with a gentle 'straight' pull back on the joystick and getting to know your turning circle limits so that you can quickly deal with tight spaces ( on buses for example ) are key to coping outside.

As for busy pedestrian streets and shopping centres you must learn to weave in and out of the shoppers. As with driving a car best to be defensive -you can never predict the movements of those able to walk but try your best to anticipate what they may do.

Looking ahead, focusing on the surfaces and watching out for those pesky cambers are key.

Best wishes

Wibbles

@mrsBB

Supposedly costs over £6550 but it cost me less than that - it cost me £0 - because I had an OT assessment from my local council who referred me to the NHS OT team - who supplied the chair for free ! 

Steve_in_The_City

Hello @JonnycJonny Thank you for your advice. When I take it out next time I am going to practice reversing. I think if I can get the hang of that I will be much more in control. I took it for a ride again today and was very slightly improved, but it is going to be a while before I can take it anywhere busy. When on my scooter I do know how to weave around pedestrians and have no fear of busy places. I have listened to everyone's advice very carefully and it makes me feel more hopeful of eventually getting properly out and about on it. But I have a tad more practicing to do on my quiet local park first!