First of all, you should be aware of your Center-of-Gravity. Many activities require the wheelchair user to reach, bend and transfer in and out of the wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to normal balance, center-of-gravity, and weight distribution of the wheelchair.

To determine and establish your particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring activities in several combinations in the presence of another individual BEFORE attempting active use of the wheelchair. roper positioning is essential for your safety.

When reaching, leaning, bending sideways or forward, it is important to use the casters as a tool to maintain stability and balance. When you are reaching, leaning and bending forward, position the casters so that they are extended away from the drive wheels and engage wheel locks.

Never attempt to reach an object if you have to move forward in the seat or pick them up from the floor by reaching between your knees. When you're reaching or bending backward, position wheelchair as close as possible to the desired object.

Position the casters so the are extended away from the drive wheels to create the longest possible wheelbase.

Reach back only as far as your arm will extend without changing your sitting position. When another person is tipping the wheelchair, he should grasp the back of the wheelchair on a non-removable part.

Inform the wheelchair occupant before tipping the wheelchair and remind them to lean back.

Be sure the occupant's feet and hands are clear of all wheels and/or any other pinch points.