If you or anyone you know is confined to a wheelchair, then you have experienced the lack of mobility that a traditional chair offers to its users. Enter the power wheelchair. This unit has literally revolutionized the lives of millions of people. These machines offer chair-bound people the chance at freedom, the freedom to move from one location to another without needing to wait for someone to help you and without the sore muscles and hands that often accompany the manual wheelchairs. However, there are some basic safety rules that need to be followed when using a power wheelchair. Caution needs to be taken when using on of these machines outside on uneven terrain. The following information will help you learn to use your power wheelchair safely.

1- Always use the seat belt that the wheelchair is equipped with! This is so important, the use of the belt is simple, it works the same way as an automobile seat belt does. It also protects from falls and any injuries that could occur from one. Read the manufactures directions regarding power wheelchair operations. For your own safety and for the safety of others, be sure to follow these directions.

2- It is very important to remember, at all times, that a power wheelchair can be heavy and cumbersome, making it prone to fall over. Be sure to keep your hands and arms, feet and legs within the framework of the chair at all times. This will help to keep the chair steady and less likely to tip over.

3- Avoid the temptation to venture onto any busy street or cross walk. While a power wheelchair does offer greater mobility, it is not very quick and could leave you stuck in the middle of a street during a light change.

4- If you are using the power wheelchair off of a sidewalk and want to get back on, be sure to look for curb cuts or a driveway to do so. Never try to maneuver over a curb in a power wheelchair, this could lead to the chair falling backward and causing you injury.

5- If you are using the power wheelchair around young children or toddlers, be extremely careful. Children this young are likely to reach for the control unit, possibly causing the chair to move quickly toward them. Always teach small children to never touch the control unit, this is the best way to avoid this type of situation.

6- If you are using your wheelchair outside, be sure to choose the trail vary carefully. Make sure that the Earth is firm and relatively smooth, failure to do so could lead to sinking tires or overturned chairs. Great care should also be taken if snow or ice is present, it is best to have someone with you if you plan to venture out in snowy weather.

7- The best defense against an accident that you have is the use of common sense. If it does not sound like a good idea, then it probably is not.