Here we are in mid winter with storms lashing the country and some cold wet and icey conditions. Each year we're asked various questions about using wheelchairs in the colder months so we decided that it was a good ideal to write a post on wheelchair sin the winter.
From slippery pavements to icy wheelchair ramps the winter certainly provides us wheelchair users with some seasonal challenges. So we have complied some tips that may help you out and make your wheelchair winter a little easier allowing you to get on with your day with ease and confidence.
Winter wheelchair tips
Be informed
Keep up to date on weather conditions in your area. This is altogether easier with the advent of smartphones and fairly accurate weather apps. Knowing what to expect weather-wise allows you to prepare accordingly like dressing accordingly and make informed decisions about your plans for the day.
Stock up
It pays to carry a few simple essentials with you when you venture out in your wheelchair. This may include useful items such as a torch for the dimpsy hours. Hand warmers to keep those mits warm and if you have pneumatic tyres on your wheelchair then carry a small pump to keep those tyres fully inflated. Look at our range of wheelchair clothing here
Wrap up warm in your wheelchair
Keeping warm is crucial during winter trips out. It pays to dress in multiple layers to maintain a healthy body temperature. Hands are often the most exposed to the cold weather so a good pair of gloves or ideally mits which keep your hands warm and dry and ideally a pair that offer some form of water resistance should they get wet. See our handmuff here.
Most wheelchairs have some form of under seat storage or a wheelchair bag in which these can be kept. If so then adding a cosy blanket id good practice to provide extra warmth when its most needed. Wheelchair ponchos are another way for the user to keep warm. These provide the benefit of covering the entire body and keeping the warmth in. See our superwarm water resistant wheelchair fleece here. Leg cosies also work well in less extreme temperatures.
Traction Counts
In the winter months when the roads and pavements are wet and covered in slippery leaves it pays to keep your wheelchair tyres in good order. Tyre tread depth is one of the most important factors. if the grooves in the tyres are not deep enough then they wont displace the water and detritus which means they wont grip as well as they should which in turn can lead to them spinning and not providing the traction required.
Take the right route
When you are out and about in your wheelchair or mobility scooter it pays to navigate the right route to avoid potential hazards that may delay your journey or cause other problems. So always try to opt for routes that are well maintained, salt and gritted and free of snow and ice.
Cover your wheelchair
If you have to leave your wheelchair or mobility scooter outside in the elements then it pays to cover it to protect it from the wet and cold. Firstly it will help to prolong the life of your wheelchair by avoiding rust and rot and secondly it makes it far more comfortable to return to when you need to use the chair. Using water-resistant wheelchair covers when outdoors will protect things from ice and water damage.
Coming inside
Finally when you return home from your outings and you need to bring the wheelchair inside be sure to clear up any puddles left by the wheelchair dripping on the floor.
Winter doesn't have to mean hibernation for wheelchair users and with the right preparation and a positive attitude us wheelchair users can confidently keep moving in the cold winter months. We hope that you stay warm, safe, and enjoy the beauty of winter mobility!