These are of two types namely the under-seat and the side mounted. The side mounted type provides easy operation, though one has to be careful when pushing as thumbs can easily be caught in the wheel lock. Whereas the under-seat type can pas up to this problem, it is much difficult to use since it calls for reaching under the seat.

6. Front and back balance

Check the balance well - as if the rear wheels are very much far forward to the frame, the user can tip backwards. Also, the chair will be hard to push if the wheels are put too far backwards.

Wheelchair safety measures:

- Always make sure that your wheelchair is in good condition all the time.

- When using a power wheelchair, be certain to turn the power off when leaving it at a slope or inclined place.

- When pushing a patient, inform her first before you move the wheelchair.

- When not moving, use brakes.

- Do not attempt to go up or to go down on steep slopes.

- When pushing a patient on a manual wheelchair, be sure that your speed should not exceed that of brisk walking.

- When transferring a patient to a wheelchair, be sure to raise the footplates before doing so. Then lower the footplates after and place the patient’s feet onto the footplates.

- Avoid passing through grassy or pebbled plains.

- When crossing the street, be sure to stop, look and listen.

Safety on power wheelchairs:

- Choose a type with mechanical brakes that can be released or set by the user.

- For outdoor use, a power wheelchair must have power large wheels at the front and never free swinging casters.

- For the user with an impaired hand or arm, install an orthotic elbow or arm support so as to aid the hand when operating the controls.

- Shut off breaking sensors can detect when a wheelchair is moving out of control and quickly shut off the power.

- Mechanical brakes can bet set by the user with normal hand functions.