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CAUTION
When a wheelchair is tilted to about 25 degrees, it will balance on its rear wheels and
be easy to hold. If it is tilted further back it will be difficult to hold and the person in
the wheelchair will feel unsafe.
Lower the wheelchair with your back straight, keep your foot against the relevant
tipping lever at the back of the wheelchair, and lower the wheelchair slowly forwards
4.3.3 Tilting by the user
1. Make sure your feet are on the footplates and will not slip off.
2. Release both wheel locks.
3. Grasp both handrims and give a firm, sudden forward push immediately before
the obstacle, continue the momentum (be ready to keep pushing) until the
obstacle is mounted.
CAUTION
This method should only be attempted by people experienced in wheelchair use.
Strong arms are also necessary. It is always better to have the help of an attendant.
Leaning backwards causes the front caster to rise higher, BUT it is much safer to lean
forwards and stay balanced.
4.3.4 Going down kerbs (curbs)
NOTE
It is always better to avoid kerbs (curbs) where possible by using ramped kerbs (curbs)
or slopes and this operation is best attempted with the aid of an attendant.
4.3.4.1 Going down kerbs (curbs) forwards with an attendant
CAUTION
This is the more difficult method and can jar the user but allows a better view of
traffic.
Be careful that the anti-tipper does not get caught on the kerb (curb) causing the user
to fall.
NEVER ALLOW THE WHEELCHAIR TO TIP FORWARDS WHEN GOING DOWN A KERB
1. Position the wheelchair so that the front casters are near the edge of the kerb
(curb) and make sure that the road is clear.
2. Move the wheelchair slowly and carefully forwards while tilting it back slightly. Be
ready to take the weight when the rear wheels cross the kerb (curb) edge.
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