How to use a power wheelchair

The basic methods and precautions for using an electric wheelchair are as follows:

Operating Procedures for Electric Wheelchairs

1. Turn on the electric wheelchair:

• Ensure the electric wheelchair is fully charged, then locate the power button on the controller and press it to turn on the power.

2. Switching between manual and electric mode:

• Most electric wheelchairs are equipped with a manual/electric switch lever. Push the lever towards the wheels to switch to manual mode, and push it towards the back of the wheelchair for electric mode.

3. Controlling movement:

• In electric mode, use the acceleration and deceleration buttons on the controller to adjust speed. Lightly push the joystick on the controller to move the wheelchair forward or backward, and left or right.

4. Charging method:

• Plug the charger into a wall outlet, then connect it to the wheelchair's charging port. While charging, an indicator light will show the charging status (usually red or green), turning green when fully charged.

Operation Indicators on the Electric Wheelchair Controller

Safety Tips for Use

• Seatbelt Use: Always fasten the seatbelt during use to prevent the user from sliding out or falling.
• Maintain Stable Speed: When operating the wheelchair, maintain a stable speed. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration to reduce the risk of accidents.
• Be Aware of Surroundings: Users should always be aware of their surroundings, especially when moving in crowded areas.
• Avoid Overloading: Do not carry passengers or hang too many items on the wheelchair, as this can affect stability and safety.

KeyOperating Techniques

• Forward, Backward, Left, Right
• Control Gestures
• Speed Variation
• Stopping
• Navigating Narrow Spaces

When using an electric wheelchair, controlling on flat ground and slopes:

When using an electric wheelchair, correct center of gravity placement is crucial for safety and stability. Depending on the situation, the center of gravity should be placed in the following positions:

1. During normal travel

• You should sit upright, with your body weight evenly distributed on the seat
• Keep your upper body straight but relaxed.
• 

2. Going uphill:

When the electric wheelchair goes uphill, you will feel the wheelchair tilt backward. You should lean your center of gravity slightly forward. Specifically:

• Keep your upper body straight
• Lean your body slightly forward
• Try to avoid backpacks or other loads behind the wheelchair, as this makes you more prone to tilting backward
• Drive the wheelchair slowly to maintain control
• This increases the stability of the wheelchair and prevents the risk of tipping backward

3. Going downhill:

• Keep your upper body straight
• Drive slowly to maintain control
• Slopes can be very steep. Lean gently against the backrest to reduce the acceleration from gravity
• You can evenwrap one arm around the handle and lean back against the wheelchair's backrest to help you maintain balance when going downhill
• This prevents the wheelchair from tilting forward and maintains balance and control

4. Try to avoid the following paths:

V-shaped uphill position:

• The bottom of the ramp has a V-shaped edge. The slope and groove will create a rapidly changing incline, causing the anti-tip wheels to get stuck and making it difficult to go uphill.

V-shaped downhill exit:

• The bottom of the ramp has a V-shaped edge. If the footrest is adjusted too low, it will hit. It also tends to concentrate the downhill force on one side of the wheel, causing the user to feel vibrations. When nearing the end of the descent, slow down and ensure both front wheels leave the ramp simultaneously.

For entering and exiting transportation, you can use an Omni Wheel electric wheelchair or a wheelchair with a reinforced heavy-duty frame, or enter rear wheels first.

• MTR
• Light Rail
• Boarding a plane
• High-speed rail

Understand all Hong Kong electric wheelchair laws and regulations for use on buses, MTR, high-speed rail, and planes at once:

• Please refer to our latest compilation: "2026 Hong Kong Electric Wheelchair Laws and Safe Use Guide".

Other Operating Techniques

• Getting on and off the wheelchair:

  • When assisting someone to get on or off the wheelchair, first remove the footrests to prevent tripping, and ensure the wheelchair is locked to prevent sliding.

• Transporting the wheelchair:

  • If you need to transport the entire wheelchair, you can disassemble some components to reduce its weight.

• Using a long-handled grabber:

  • When picking up items from the ground, it is recommended to use a long-handled grabber to avoid losing balance and falling out of the wheelchair.

Emergency Response (Malfunction/Breakdown/Dead Battery)

• Switch to manual mode

  • Locate the switch lever/clutch switch on the motors on both sides of the wheelchair (usually near the left and right rear wheels). (Some push/pull front/back, some rotate left/right). Switch it from the "Driving / Electric / Lock" position to the "Manual / Hand / Unlock" position. Both sides must be switched to the same manual state to allow manual pushing.

• Safe pushing

  • Move to a safe location: Once successfully switched, an accompanying person or another individual can push the wheelchair from behind to a safe location.

• Simple reset attempt during malfunction (not for completely drained battery)

  • If the wheelchair suddenly stops working in the middle of the road, first try turning off the power, waiting a few seconds, then turning it back on. Or temporarily unplug the battery cable (if safely accessible), wait a moment, then plug it back in to try resetting the system, which can sometimes restore normal operation. For details, see: Causes and Solutions for Electric Wheelchair Breakdowns

• Restart controller

  • If restarting doesn't work, check if the controller displays any codes (codes appear/lights flash). Common errors or malfunctions are loose wires, aging batteries, or controller errors. In this case, please contact the supplier's engineering department.

Charging Operation Techniques

The above basic operations and safety tips will help ensure the correct use of electric wheelchairs and enhance user safety. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our expert team. We have experts available to assist you +852 35680755 / WhatsApp +852 57170820 . Inquiries and appointments are welcome.

Last updated: March 14, 2026

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