How to use your wheelchair

Find out about the wheelchairs available to hire from the British Red Cross and how to use them.

Our wheelchair video guides and written instructions will teach you how to use standard self-propelled wheelchairs, transit wheelchairs and bariatric wheelchairs.

We can also provide specialist equipment in some locations (subject to availability), that can be used with your wheelchair.

A self-propelled wheelchair is a wheelchair you can push yourself. British Red Cross self-propelled wheelchairs vary in weight and size, and feature:

• Large sturdy rear wheels
• Fitted hand rims
• Smaller front wheels
• Easy folding

> Download instructions (PDF)

Hire a self-propelled wheelchair

A transit wheelchair is designed to be pushed by someone else. Transit wheelchairs vary in weight and size, and feature:

• Smaller wheels
• Lighter frames

> Download instructions (PDF)

Hire a transit wheelchair

Bariatric wheelchairs are larger, wider and stronger than traditional wheelchairs and can support a weight of up to 25 stone (159 kg). British Red Cross Bariatric wheelchairs feature:

• Reinforced frames
• An anti-tip device for added safety
• Easy folding

> Download instructions (PDF)

Hire a bariatric self-propelled wheelchair

Bariatric (wide) transit wheelchair

Bariatric transit wheelchairs are larger, wider and stronger than traditional wheelchairs and can support a weight of 25 stone (159 kg). British Red Cross Bariatric wheelchairs feature:

• Reinforced frames
• An anti-tip device for added safety
• Easy folding

> Download instructions (PDF)

Hire a bariatric transit wheelchair

How to set up a wheelchair

1. Stand next to the wheelchair and place your hands on either side of the seat.
2. Push down on the seat canvas until the chair is fully open.
3. Be careful not to put your fingers between the frame and the seat.
4. If applicable, swing the safety bar and attach it to the second handle bar.
5. Fix the velcro strap to the handlebar.
6. Adjust the height of your footplates.
7. Ensure that the lap belt is adjusted to suit the user.

How to use a wheelchair safely

It’s important to know how to get into a wheelchair:

1. Push the brake levers forward on both sides of the chair.
2. Once sat comfortably in the chair, move the footplates into position.
3. Release the footrest catch and swing the footrests round to the front of the chair.
4. Drop both footplates down, one at a time.
5. Place your feet on the footplates.
6. If applicable, make sure your foot straps are at the back of your chair.

How to adjust a wheelchair

1. Adjust the height of your footplate to ensure that your legs are properly supported.
2. There is an adjusting nut on the footplates that you can loosen (you’ll need a number 10 or 11 spanner).
3. Some of our wheelchairs have R-clips to keep the footplates in place during transit.
4. If applicable, remove the R-clips before adjusting the length of the footplates.
5. The R-clips do not need to be reattached to the wheelchair when using it.

How to load a wheelchair into your car

Here are some tips on how to load a wheelchair into your car:

1. Your wheelchair is a heavy piece of equipment, take care when lifting it.
2. Remove the footplate and place them into your car directly.
3. Make the wheelchair smaller, lower the handles by pressing on the latches at the base of the handles.
4. Lift the wheelchair into either the boot or the back seat of the car.
5. If the wheelchair is on the back seat, hold it in place with a seat belt.

How to take care of your wheelchair

All British Red Cross wheelchairs are cleaned and safety checked before each loan, but it’s still important to regularly check your equipment for any signs of damage. Here are a few tips on how to clean and take care of your wheelchair:

1. Clean the wheelchair seat and back with a cloth or sponge using warm soapy water.
2. Wheelchair wheels and rims can be cleaned with a soft brush and warm soap water.
3. If your equipment is damaged, it’s no longer safe to use.

To report wheelchair damage, get a replacement wheelchair or if you have any queries, contact our team on 0300 456 1914.