Guide is for users of the wheelchairs.It provides advice on safe use of your motorised wheelchair and other electric mobility devices for people with physical diasabilities As a wheelchair user you will find that more and more public transport is becoming accessible to you. New regulations mean that in future trains, buses and taxis will all have to be designed so that most wheelchair users can travel on them.
Wheelchairs legrests allow the wheelchair user to lift their legs and position them. Footrests are normally height adjustable to provide proper leg support.Leg rests can be bought as 'swing away' and detachable, either letting the user move them out of the way when getting in or out of the wheelchair or removing them completely.
wheelchairs owner's hands are exposed to constant friction and heat generated by pushing, stopping, turning and wheelchair transfers. They are numbed and desensitised in cold and wet weather. Active and athletic wheelchair owners are particularly vulnerable to overuse injuries caused by constant use and exposure. In fact, at least 18% of all wheelchair users experience blisters, abrasions, and lacerations. Many more develop thick, rough calluses.
Wheelchairs legrests allow the wheelchair user to lift their legs and position them. Footrests are normally height adjustable to provide proper leg support.Leg rests can be bought as 'swing away' and detachable, either letting the user move them out of the way when getting in or out of the wheelchair or removing them completely.
wheelchairs owner's hands are exposed to constant friction and heat generated by pushing, stopping, turning and wheelchair transfers. They are numbed and desensitised in cold and wet weather. Active and athletic wheelchair owners are particularly vulnerable to overuse injuries caused by constant use and exposure. In fact, at least 18% of all wheelchair users experience blisters, abrasions, and lacerations. Many more develop thick, rough calluses.
* The majority of wheelchair users will be able to travel on public transport. But, you may find that you can't if:
*your chair is very big (taking up a space - when you are in it - of more than 700 mm wide or 1200 mm long), or
#your chair is very heavy, or
#you need to travel with your legs fully extended or the backrest reclined, or
#you have a scooter (which will be difficult to manoeuvre and may be unstable in a vehicle).
* The transport operator has the right to refuse to let you travel if he believes that your wheelchair is not in a safe condition.
* There will continue to be a need for door to door transport services for those who cannot be public transport users.
