Stairs can pose one of the major difficulties for many power wheelchair users. You can be in the situation of having to visit a relative, enter an old building, travel to a hotel or just get into a place which does not have a ramp to accommodate your wheelchair. Unlike regular manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs are very heavy because of their motorized system, including engines, batteries and reinforced frames. Different power wheelchairs may vary greatly in weight, ranging from 40 to over 100 pounds depending on the type of the wheelchair.
Due to its weight, the power wheelchair cannot be taken up the stairs the way that the regular one is moved along a curb. It is possible that improper maneuvering of the power wheelchair along the stairs can lead to the damage to the wheelchair itself and even create a risk of a dangerous situation. Prior to doing anything else, it is necessary to determine which actions are right and which are not.
Can a Power Wheelchair Go Up Stairs by Itself?
This will probably be answered as “no” for most users. Normal power wheelchairs are not built to go up stairs. Though there are some specially made stair-climbing wheelchairs, they are rare and expensive and do not constitute normal wheelchairs used by people everyday.
Driving the standard power wheelchair straight up stairs poses risks of falling back, losing grip or becoming unsteady for the wheelchair user as well as his assistants. If the wheelchair was not built specifically for stairs, never try to go up or down on your own.
The Safest Methods to Transport a Power Chair Up the Stairs
The correct method depends on how often you encounter obstacles and whether the situation is temporary or permanent.
Wheelchair Ramps Should Be Used Whenever Feasible
In cases where there are just a couple of steps to be navigated, the use of the wheelchair ramp would definitely be the safest option. In addition, the ramp is the easiest way since it ensures that the wheelchair will stay balanced while allowing one to have independent access without the need for carrying the chair. There are many structures such as houses, garages, or entrance ways where the ramp may be installed.
Portable Folding Ramps for Travel and Temporary Access
It is not always possible to use a permanent ramp. For example, if someone needs to visit their family members, go on a business trip, or visit places that do not have proper accessibility, it could be convenient to use folding ramps. It is easy to transport folding ramps as they are folded for storage purposes. People using wheelchairs feel comfortable while traveling as they have portable ramps to assist them in case of any emergency situations.
Lift Platforms and Stair Lifts
Where stairs constitute a barrier to accessibility at home that cannot be overcome, then it might be worth thinking about the use of some form of lift platform. These enable the wheelchair user to stay in the chair while getting lifted from one floor level to another. There is also the stair lift, which is more often used by someone who transfers out of the wheelchair.
Manual Lifting Should Only Be a Last Resort
In some cases, there will be neither ramp nor lift to help. Then two strong people could lift a power chair over several steps. However, this option is quite temporary. The fact is that power chairs are heavier than they look, and lifting them improperly could cause harm not only to yourself but also to your chair. Moreover, it could become frustrating after several days of encountering stairs and being forced to lift manually.
Why Power Wheelchair Weight Matters More Than Most People Realize
When looking for a wheelchair, people tend to be concerned about how far its battery will last, how powerful its motor is, or how comfortable its seat is. These are all great considerations, but weight is one characteristic that can greatly affect your life.
A heavier wheelchair is also more difficult to:
- Load into a vehicle
- Store at home
- Transport while traveling
- Move when the battery is depleted
- Lift over curbs or obstacles
It is for reasons such as these that folding power wheelchairs have gained popularity recently. Although they do not solve the problem of stairs, they definitely make transportation and mobility a lot easier.
Are Lightweight Folding Power Wheelchairs Easier Around Stairs?
However, while it may not be advisable for a typical power wheelchair to go up the stairs on a regular basis, lightweight wheelchairs are normally easier to handle. For instance, a typical power wheelchair will normally weigh between 80 and 120 pounds or more. By comparison, lightweight folding models are designed specifically to reduce transportation challenges.
Aotedor 220
With only 39 pounds to weigh it down, the Aotedor 220 has the ability to provide driving distances of up to 22 miles. The lightweight and folding capabilities of the device make it easier to load into cars, pack while traveling, and store at home. Those users who might run into steps while visiting loved ones will find the lightness of the wheelchair beneficial.
Aotedor 213
For those individuals looking to travel greater distances and yet not sacrifice any portability, the Aotedor 213 is made out of carbon fiber and provides a travel distance of up to 30 miles. Weighing in at just 37 pounds, it is both portable and provides greater freedom.
Aotedor N5513A
The Aotedor N5513A is built for users who prioritize portability above all else. Its full carbon fiber construction keeps the weight to just 35 pounds while maintaining the durability needed for everyday use. For frequent travelers or users who regularly load their wheelchair into a vehicle, the lighter weight can make transportation significantly easier.
How to Reduce Stair Problems Before They Happen
Many wheelchair users spend a lot of time looking for ways to get a power wheelchair up stairs. A better approach is often planning ahead whenever possible. Before visiting a new location, consider checking:
- Whether a ramp is available
- Whether there is an accessible entrance
- Elevator availability
- Parking accessibility
- Wheelchair-friendly routes
A few minutes of planning can often eliminate the need to deal with stairs altogether.
Final Thoughts
Transporting a power wheelchair to the top of the stairs normally requires something more than lifting the chair or attempting to drive it across the stairs. In most cases, a ramp, portable ramp or a lift system will be the most appropriate method. Lifting the wheelchair must be considered only for emergency circumstances when there is help from others. Those who face transportation difficulties on a regular basis might benefit from selecting a lightweight folding power wheelchair. There are many types of such wheelchairs, for example, Aotedor 220, Aotedor 213 and Aotedor N5513A, which are easy-to-transport but efficient enough.
