How to Fold a Wheelchair (Manual & Electric)

Mastering the art of properly folding manual and electric wheelchairs is a crucial skill for users and their caregivers. It grants the convenience of easier storage, portability during travels, and hassle-free accommodation in vehicles. By possessing this knowledge, wheelchair users can achieve greater independence, eliminating the need for assistance in folding or relocating their chairs. This article presents comprehensive step-by-step instructions on folding both manual and electric wheelchair models, ensuring seamless handling of the medical device.

What Are the Advantages of Foldable Wheelchairs?

Wheelchairs that can collapse offer many perks for both users and caregivers. Folding down the chair into a smaller form has become a key feature for modern manual and electric models.

One big plus is how compact the wheelchair gets when folded up. This shrinks its footprint for storing in tight home spaces, workplaces, vehicles, etc. With the chair folded, less floor space is occupied and walkways stay more open.

Increased portability is another win. Manual chairs fold into a lighter package that's easier to lift and move around. Folding power wheelchairs may not get as small, but folding cuts down on their bulk and weight for transport. This portability makes it simpler to take the wheelchair along on trips and outings.

Loading into cars, vans, buses, and other transportation is easier too. The folded chair takes up less space to fit better in trunks, backseats, and accessible vehicle lifts. Wheelchair users can load themselves more independently when chairs are foldable.

For caretakers in facilities or homes, storing and moving folded chairs needs less room and muscle. Healthcare workers can stock folded spare chairs using less storage. Patients or residents become simpler to transport between rooms or buildings.

The Common Foldable Parts of Manual and Electric Wheelchairs

On both manual and electric wheelchairs, certain components are designed to fold or detach to make the chairs more portable. For manual chairs, the most common foldable sections are the lightweight metal frame, footplates, and backrest. These allow the chair to collapse inward or downward into a smaller shape. Manual wheelchairs are constructed using cross-folding frames that are hinged in the middle to collapse the width. The foldable backrest also reduces the length when the chair is folded. Removable or swing-away footplates further minimize the dimensions.

For electric chairs, the heavy base frame folds in half or towards one side. The motorized drive wheels may also detach or swing in to reduce the bulkiness. Armrests, leg rests, and seat cushions can be removed on some electric models. Other foldable parts include tilt-in-space mechanisms and adjustable height legs. Identifying these key structural sections built for folding or detaching will make the process easier for compacting either manual or electric wheelchairs.

How to Fold a Manual Wheelchair (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these steps to properly fold a manual wheelchair:

1. Park the wheelchair on level, flat ground, and engage the wheel locks.
2. Remove the seat cushion if possible.
3. Flip up the footrests to a vertical position to get them out of the way.
4. Grasp both sides of the wheelchair and tilt it back to fold the chair in half. 
5. For cross-brace wheelchairs, push down on the middle sides of the seat upholstery to get the chair to fold. 
6. If it's a folding wheelchair, look for a release lever or latches. Activate the release and fold the chair together.
7. The wheelchair should now be folded into a compact shape. Store the vehicle safely or load it into a vehicle.
8. Reverse these steps to unfold the wheelchair when needed again. Make sure the locks are engaged before sitting down.

How to Fold an Electric Wheelchair (Step-by-Step Guide)

Folding an electric wheelchair is similar but often involves removing parts for transport. Always consult the owner's manual for model-specific instructions. Here are the basic steps:

1. Turn the power to the wheelchair completely off.
2. Flip up or detach the footrests if possible.
3. Look for levers or latches securing the wheelchair frame open. Release them so the chair can fold.
4. Lift up on the seat toward the backrest to begin folding the chair together.
5. Some electric wheelchairs fold down the middle, others to one side. Fold according to the model.
6. Detach the heavy battery from the wheelchair if possible. Otherwise, fold the battery toward the middle before lifting it.
7. The wheelchair should now be folded into a more compact shape for transporting. 
8. Use caution and a proper lifting approach when moving a folded electric chair. Do not lift alone if it is too heavy.
9. Reverse these steps when unfolding the electric wheelchair. Reattach all parts securely before use.

How to Unfold a Wheelchair - General Tips to Follow

To unfold either a manual or electric wheelchair:

1. Set the folded wheelchair onto the ground in the open position. 
2. Release any latches, levers or locks into the open usable setting.
3. Open the wheelchair frame completely and lock it into place. 
4. Reattach any detachable parts like footrests or batteries.
5. Engage the wheel locks and test the wheels before sitting down.

Conclusion

Using a foldable wheelchair enhances independence and convenience for daily activities and travel. And understanding the proper technique for folding and transporting such mobility aids offers numerous advantages for both users and their caregivers. By carefully following the provided instructions, manual and electric chairs can be conveniently folded into a compact size, facilitating storage and travel. Get the hang of any model-specific steps outlined in the owner's manual. With practice, mastering the folding techniques becomes easier.