Tips for safe driving in a wheelchair

Status: 19.08.2025, Reading time: 5 - 7 minutes

For wheelchair users, mobility means independence and self-determination - but everyday life presents many challenges. Kerbs, stairs, changing surfaces or long distances can quickly become dangerous if driving technique, sitting posture or aids are not used optimally. In this blog, you will find practical tips and useful aids that make it easier to drive safely in a wheelchair, reduce the risk of accidents and increase independence in everyday life.

For many wheelchair users, mobility is the basis for a self-determined life. However, there are numerous challenges lurking in everyday life: uneven paths, kerbs, stairs or long distances can be dangerous.

Accompanying persons are also often faced with the challenge of safely maneuvering the wheelchair without overexerting themselves. The good news is that with a little knowledge, practical routines and the right aids, the risk of accidents can be significantly reduced. In this article, you will learn how to use your wheelchair safely - from sitting posture and obstacles to accessories and maintenance.

The basis for safe driving starts with the correct posture: sit upright with your feet securely on the footrests and your back firmly against the backrest. This allows you to maintain control of the wheelchair, especially when braking or cornering.

The handling of the wheelchair is also crucial: as a self-propelled wheelchair user, grip the wheels or, as an accompanying person, the push handles in a controlled manner and adapt your speed and driving style to your surroundings. On narrow paths or in crowds, it is advisable to drive particularly carefully and recognize obstacles early on.

Practical tip: If you regularly travel longer distances, you will benefit from electric wheelchair drives. They take over part of the driving force, relieve the strain on the arms and at the same time increase control, as you do not have to constantly regulate the speed.

Sitting position:

• Seat height: The feet should be flat on the footrests, the knees should form a right angle (90°) and there should be a small gap between the back of the knees and the front edge of the seat.
• Seat depth: Adjust so that the user can place two fingers between the seat and the back of the knee when sitting upright.
• Backrest: Supports the lower back without putting strain on the shoulders. A low backrest trains the back muscles, a higher backrest offers more stability.
• Seat: Neither too soft nor too hard to avoid pressure points and ensure good pressure distribution.
• Armrests: The upper and lower arms should form a right angle to relieve pressure on the neck and shoulders. Whether your wheelchair has armrests depends on the type and intended use. Armrests increase comfort, but can restrict freedom of movement. For users who actively propel themselves or do sports, removable or missing armrests are often advantageous.
• Seat angle: Adjust so that the user sits upright without tilting forwards or backwards.

Sitting position:

• Seat height: The feet should be flat on the footrests, the knees should form a right angle (90°) and there should be a small gap between the back of the knees and the front edge of the seat.
• Seat depth: Adjust so that the user can place two fingers between the seat and the back of the knee when sitting upright.
• Backrest: Supports the lower back without putting strain on the shoulders. A low backrest trains the back muscles, a higher backrest offers more stability.
• Seat: Neither too soft nor too hard to avoid pressure points and ensure good pressure distribution. - Armrests: The upper and lower arms should form a right angle to relieve pressure on the neck and shoulders. Whether your wheelchair has armrests depends on the type and intended use. Armrests increase comfort, but can restrict freedom of movement. For users who actively propel themselves or do sports, removable or missing armrests are often advantageous.
• Seat angle: Adjust so that the user sits upright without tilting forwards or backwards.

In everyday life, wheelchair users often encounter kerbs, ramps or stairs that can make progress difficult. Kerbs in particular require some practice, as they affect the stability of the wheelchair and the right technique is crucial.

• Approach at a 90° angle: To ensure stability, the kerb should be approached head-on and at a right angle.

• Raise the front wheels: The front tires are raised with a targeted push to drive over the kerb.

• Shift your weight: Then lean your upper body forward so that the rear wheels are pulled slightly over the kerb.

• On high kerbs, it can be safer to bring the rear wheels over the edge first. This reduces forward tipping and distributes the effort more evenly. Reversing is often easier if an accompanying person stabilizes or pushes the wheelchair, as the driver's view is restricted.

• Tilt the wheelchair: The front wheels are lifted slightly over the kerb.
• Controlled lowering: The rear wheels touch down first, followed by the front wheels. The speed should be regulated by braking gently.
• Avoid abrupt braking: Braking too hard can destabilize the wheelchair and cause it to tip forwards.

• Practice makes perfect: Beginners should first practice overcoming kerbs on lowered edges or in protected areas.

• Accompanying person: Especially at the beginning, a second person can provide safety and support if necessary.

• Avoid dangerous situations: Watch out for other road users or pedestrians and plan sufficient distance.

• Technical aids: Special kerb ramps or traction devices make it easier to overcome obstacles and reduce physical strain.

Practical tip: Anyone who regularly has to overcome kerbs or other obstacles will benefit from electric wheelchair drives, as these reduce the effort required and offer additional stability. Mobile stair climbers are a safe alternative for stairs.

In addition to correct posture and the right driving technique, the right accessories play a major role in wheelchair safety. With the right aids, everyday challenges such as kerbs, uneven paths or changing weather conditions can be better mastered.

Seat cushion: Ergonomic wheelchair seat cushions improve comfort and support a healthy sitting posture. They distribute pressure evenly, prevent pressure points and relieve pressure on the back. Different materials such as gel or foam cushions offer different levels of padding and stability depending on requirements.

Auxiliary drives: Wheelchair drives make it easier to move over longer distances or uneven surfaces. They reduce the effort required by the user or accompanying person and at the same time increase safety when driving.

Wheelchair clothing and weather protection: Rain or cold protection, ponchos or special footmuffs keep you dry and warm. They ensure that mobility remains unrestricted even in bad weather and that safety is not compromised.

Mobile aids for overcoming obstacles: Mobile ramps make it easier to get over kerbs, steps or thresholds. They are particularly useful for public buildings, house entrances or for transportation with vehicles. In combination with mobile stair climbers, wheelchair transportation becomes even safer and more efficient.

Safety accessories:

• Straps, anti-tippers, lights, cushions and padding increase stability and visibility.
• Additional holders such as stick or bag holders ensure that items can be stowed away safely.
• Headrests or special backrests offer additional stability for longer journeys.

A wheelchair is used every day - whether for shopping, during leisure time or on the way to work. Regular maintenance and checks are essential to ensure that it functions safely at all times.

Important points to check:

• Tires and wheels: check air pressure and tire wear. Worn tires or sluggish wheels increase the risk of falling.
• Brakes: Brakes should grip firmly and be easy to operate. - Seat and upholstery: Check seat cushions, backrests and belts for damage.
• Electronic aids: For mobility solutions such as add-on drives, pushing and braking aids or traction devices, the battery power should be checked regularly and secure attachment checked. Please also refer to the operating instructions of the respective manufacturer.
• Cleanliness: Dirt or deposits can block moving parts. Regular cleaning ensures smooth riding.

Practical tip: Keep a checklist for weekly and monthly checks. This will help you keep an eye on safety and comfort - and identify potential problems at an early stage.

Safety in a wheelchair is not an end in itself, but a decisive factor for independence and quality of life. Those who pay attention to the correct sitting posture, driving technique and suitable aids reduce the risk of accidents and can participate in everyday life with confidence and mobility.

Practical aids such as wheelchair drives, braking and pushing aids, mobile stair climbers or mobile ramps make driving indoors and outdoors easier.

At the same time, ergonomic seat cushions, back supports or belts ensure that posture and comfort are not neglected. In addition, driving safety training for wheelchair users can significantly increase their independence. In such training courses, self-drivers and accompanying persons learn how to deal safely with obstacles, kerbs, ramps or changing surfaces.