Carer controlled wheelchair brakes

The carer had difficulty in controlling the wheelchair down hills for this client, who has multi-system atrophy. A clip-on power pack drive unit had been installed and one handgrip shortened to accommodate the control lever so reducing the carer’s grasp. She also tended to kick the power unit located between the rear wheels.

The straight parts of the wheelchair push handles were increased by 100mm to restore the full-length grip on the handles, distance the carer from the drive unit and make room for cycle-type brake levers that controlled a cycle brake fitted on a bracket by each wheel. The power pack drive lever had to be moved to one side and clear of the brake levers.

 

He was considerably safer because his carer had full control of the wheelchair especially when going downhill.