Power Chair Safety

When Henry Knouse decided to cross the eastbound freeway ramp on Yakima Avenue in his power chair he had right of way. However, that didn’t stop a driver from taking off, hitting him and putting him in a recuperation home for the next few months.

Unpleasant though it may be, having a power chair and using it on the road increases the likelihood of an accident for the user. What the dangers are and how great they are depends on both the user and the power chair.

Although power chairs are often designed with safety in mind, they can be dangerous when they are not used for the purpose they are designed for.

Proper use of chairs

Light weight indoor or portable power chairs are popular, and many are car transportable.. The older type which fold up are more robust, and some can climb small curbs. These are mainly intended for indoor use and for in shopping centres and on very good surfaces, good flat pavements etc.While their small wheels and design enhances manoeuvrability inside, their wheels do not cope well with sudden obstacles, and can be turned sharply by a stone or crack.

Specialist bespoke electric wheelchairs can have a standing function. While these heavier chairs are usually designed for outdoor use, this standing function should normally be used only indoors, and on smooth surfaces. When using them outside, the changed centre of balance may cause them to tip over. This does not, however, apply to the Ibot.

The User

Safety both inside and outside also depends on the users.

Star function, an American expression, is one aspect that usually requires some upper arm strength, as well as the ability to assess stairs prior to ascent. Ascending stairs may therefore not be safe for quadriplegics, those with very poor eyesight or for those who have not received training. Other stair climbing options include the portable Stairmatic, however outside assistance is required for this. It obviates the need for a stairlift and two wheelchairs, one upstairs and one down, and can travel with the user to other situations.

The National Institute for Rehabilitation Engineering states that the safest user is the healthy, fit and active paraplegic. Those most at risk are those with little or no upper body movement and paralysed children and “small people”. The institute recommends the inclusion of a Dead Man’s safety stop to automatically stop and brake the wheelchair should the wheelchair user suddenly slump in his seat. This can prevent accidents due to fainting or seizure.

On the Road

The maximum speed for a power chair has been rising, and now many models have a maximum speed of eight miles per hour. The temptation to use the road increases, especially where there are no pavements...

Power Chair Safety Measures

Manual Brakes

Power Chairs can include manual power chair brakes that can be set or released by the power chair user. However these are now usually only found on older models

Wheels and Castors

The latest generation of modern power chairs have centre drive wheels, and large spring loaded castors front and back, giving extra stability. Some are designed for rougher and less even terrain. Power chairs for regular use outdoors should have larger, front power wheels. Indoor power chairs with free swinging castors can be used outdoors on smooth surfaces, but users should avoid rough terrain and uneven pavements.

Safety shut off measures

Quadriplegics and those controlling power chairs via the mouth should have safety shut-off and braking controls included in the power chair.

Maintenance

Power chairs should be properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines. This may involve regular services by the supplier or manufacturer. However, the user may also be able to perform minor maintenance on a weekly basis. Contact your supplier for more information if necessary.

Batteries

Power chair users should try to make sure that batteries are fully charged before leaving home, and to stay within the limit of their batteries usage. Failure to do so may lead to the user being stranded. Batteries are sealed and non spillable, and should be maintained as per the instruction manual.

Users should also be careful to maintain and charge their batteries correctly. Failure to do so may invalidate the guarantee as well as affecting the capacity of the battery, while charging the battery with the wrong charger may, if you are very unlucky, lead to an explosion. See our section on batteries for more information.

Users with powered ventilators or other essential battery powered functions should always keep a spare rechargeable battery with them.

Improving Safety During Use

Mobile phone

Users should keep a charged mobile phone on them in case of emergency or brake down.

Hills

When travelling up hills and inclines, users should aim their powerchairs directly up or down the hill, and should avoid travelling sideways. Traversing the hill shifts the centre of balance to the side of the chair and increases the risk of the chair tipping over.

Obstacles

Power chairs users should try to avoid large obstacles hitting the wheels of their power chair.

Weather

Although difficult in our unpredictable climate, users should avoid rain, snow and extremely cold weather. Very low or freezing temperatures can reduce battery capacity by as much as half (although this does recover later), slippery conditions caused by rain and snow can lead to accidents while the wet can cause damage to expensive equipment.

Children

Exercise particular caution when amongst young children, who may suddenly reach for the control unit or joystick.

On the road

Usual road rules should be obeyed - that includes buckling up, using lights when visibility is poor and using indicators before turning. However, you should also bear in mind drivers may not be accustomed to seeing power chairs - or see them - and may confused as to how to react.

Wheelchair users can at least improve the problem of visibility by wearing brightly coloured safety jackets - and by flying a safety flag. When using your chair you head may well be below many drivers line of sight - a flag can help change this. You can also increase your chances in an accident by wearing a helmet - remember, unlike drivers there is nothing between your head and the road.

Users should also use sidewalks where possible. When using the road, don’t assume that just because it is your right of way the car will stop! Always err on the side of caution, and though you will never eliminate risk completely you should be able to minimise the danger of an accident.

You can also think of making adjustments to your wheelchair. An outdoor chair should already have lights and indicators - you can also add mirrors (if not already present) and additional lights.

During transport

When being transported while using a chair, the user should use a seat belt and the chair should be securely strapped to the floor of the vehicle. When in transit the chair must be a crash tested model, which should be strapped down via the manufacturer’s fitted strap down points, as shown in the manual. In the past failure to follow these transport guidelines has lead to the death of the power chair user.

Resources

Road to Danger Mark E. Smith

http://www.abledata.com/abledata_docs/PowerChair-Safety.htm

http://www.usatechguide.org/blog/power-wheelchair-on-roading/