Power Chair Safety

Keep your powerchair in good condition - don't abuse it outdoors.
Read and understand your powerchair's owner manual.
Don't use reckless high-speeds.
Always shut the power off while not driving your powerchair, or when transferring it by lift. This will preserve battery power and prevent disaster if your joystick gets bumped.
Announce yourself at closed doors. The suddenly opening of a door could knock you out of your chair.
To avoid tipping, don't place heavy loads on the back of your power wheelchair.
Don't let children play with your wheelchair, its controls or ride on the back.
Attach a brightly colored flag to your wheelchair. At night use headlights, reflector tape or flashing taillights.

Don't brave steep hills or curbs. You could lose control and tip over.
Never remove the anti-tip wheels from your powerchair.
If your wheelchair casters tremble, get them fixed. Castor flutter occurs at high, downhill speeds, and can throw you out of your chair.
Avoid operating powerchairs in the rain. The electronics aren't waterproof and your wheels can also lose traction if wet.
Turn your motorized chair off before using a cell phone. If any electric device affects your chair in a strange manner, shut it off immediately.
Plan ahead for emergencies, check your wheel chair's brakes, belts and gears regularly, bring an extra wheelchair battery or wheelchair charger along for lengthy trips.