If a child or adult you love has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), getting a wheelchair can help them regain a sense of independence. For many people, a wheelchair isn’t just a tool — it can represent freedom, confidence, and the ability to leave home. Using one may make it easier to join in daily routines or enjoy adapted sports and other favorite activities.

A wheelchair can open up new opportunities for people living with SMA. Gaining mobility can make it easier to travel, though it’s important to take good care of the chair. Ideally, you’ll find one that’s both comfortable and covered by insurance. It’s also important to use wheelchairs carefully and keep safety in mind.

Given the many types of wheelchairs, some of the following tips may not apply to you and your situation. In general, however, these steps may help ensure safety while using a wheelchair for SMA.

1. Assess Wheels, Brakes, and More

Schedule a regular time to look over the different parts of your wheelchair. Test the wheels, brakes, spokes, back of the wheelchair, backrest, seat cushion, seat belt (if you have one), and other parts of the chair. This should be done on both manual and motorized chairs.

The wheelchair brakes should not just work, they should work well. You need to be able to stop the chair efficiently and effectively every time, and the “parking brake” must keep the chair in place no matter what. If the chair moves while the brakes are on, it’s time for maintenance. Timely repairs are important for keeping everyone safe.

Test the wheels, brakes, spokes, back of the wheelchair, backrest, seat cushion, seat belt (if you have one), and other parts of the chair regularly.

Wheels can get damaged over time, becoming loose, losing tread, or rolling unevenly. If you notice any of these problems, oil the wheels or get them fixed. This can help you avoid any difficulty or injury while using the chair. With regular maintenance, a chair can stay in great shape for years.

Other parts of the chair can rip, bend, break, or simply become flat and uncomfortable. Regularly assessing the wheelchair’s condition helps the person you’re caring for stay healthy, avoid pain and pressure sores, and have a good sense of well-being.

2. Prioritize Comfort and Safety During Transfers

Transferring someone from a wheelchair to another location can be one of the most difficult physical aspects of caregiving, particularly if you’re moving someone larger than you are. However, transfers are essential to the person’s physical and mental health.

For example, being there with them might make healthcare appointments a little easier. One mySMAteam member said, “I put in a month ago for approval of extra hours for my attendant to go with me to the appointment in case I needed to be transferred out of my wheelchair.”

Before transferring someone, make sure you understand how the wheelchair works and have been trained in safe lifting — especially if you’re unsure about how to do it.

In general, move any foot and leg rests so they won’t get in the way, and then make sure the chair’s brakes are on. Support the person you’re moving, including their head, throughout the transfer.

Some wheelchairs may help you lift someone. One person on mySMAteam recommended, “Make sure you get a wheelchair that lifts you up almost to standing. That’s the only way I can do it.” If this is the case, learn how to get the most out of these features.

3. Use the Footrests

Footrests or leg supports should always be used to prevent injury and make the chair easier to push. Otherwise, you could accidentally drag the person’s leg or foot, causing injury. Using more energy to push means you could end up exhausted or even hurt yourself.

4. Test the Battery Regularly

If you’re using a motorized wheelchair, test the battery regularly. You can set up a schedule with reminders so that you don’t forget. Some chairs come with a built-in system or accessories to help test the battery, while others require specialized equipment.

Confirming that the battery works well ensures you won’t get stuck somewhere. Regular testing also makes it more likely that you can get a repair or replacement before the chair stops working.

Getting new batteries can be difficult, especially when you’re relying on the manufacturer or insurance to cover the cost. A member of mySMAteam shared their experience: “My wheelchair’s batteries are just about completely dead. I put in for new batteries like a month ago. They are sitting in storage somewhere.” Requesting parts like batteries ahead of time makes it more likely that the chair will be working and ready whenever you need it.

5. Set the Brake When Still

The brake should be engaged whenever someone is staying in place in the wheelchair. Many motorized chairs do this automatically, but others require setting the brake manually, as with a manual wheelchair. Some models may have wheel locks instead of traditional brakes. Always engaging the brake means that the chair won’t get away from you or move on its own, which can be a safety hazard.

Always engaging the brake means the wheelchair won’t get away from you or move on its own, which can be a safety hazard.

6. Understand the Repair Kit

Many wheelchairs come with repair kits to help you change a wheel or a tire, replace brake pads, and more, depending on the type of chair. Knowing what’s in the repair kit — and how to use it — can make it easier to handle problems on the go.

“What I had not planned on was carrying a repair tool kit with me for an unexpected wheelchair repair,” one mySMAteam member said. Keeping the repair kit with you and knowing how to use it could save you a lot of hassle.

7. Practice Moving the Chair

A wheelchair can move in all sorts of ways, depending on the situation and terrain. Practice moving the chair when it’s empty to get the hang of it. Then, try using the chair with your loved one so they can give you feedback on your handling. This will help keep them comfortable and safe, no matter where the chair is used.

For a motorized wheelchair, allow the person to practice before taking them into a challenging situation. The more comfortable they are with their chair, the more they’ll be able to do, and the safer they’ll be.

8. Assess the Environment for a Wheelchair

Some situations, such as uneven surfaces, are more difficult when using a wheelchair than when simply walking or running. Be on the lookout for these and other challenges, including:

• Crowds
• Steep inclines or declines
• Narrow walkways
• Stairs
• Curbs

In addition, look for ramps, elevators, and other ways to move the chair more easily. Always be aware of your surroundings so that you can see these situations before they surprise you.

9. Listen to the Wheelchair User

It’s important to have good communication with the person you care for. The wheelchair user should be able to share if they’re feeling uncomfortable or notice that the chair is acting differently than usual. The better you communicate together, the safer you both will be.

If speech is difficult for your loved one, come up with a cue or an indicator so that they can alert you when something is wrong. That way, you can stop and assess even if they can’t describe the problem.

Check With a Healthcare Provider

Ask your healthcare provider about the risks of pressure sores (mainly on the buttocks) and entrapment neuropathy. This condition develops when a nerve, such as the elbow’s ulnar nerve at the chair’s armrest, gets compressed.

If your loved one is regularly uncomfortable, tell a healthcare professional as soon as possible. The doctor can provide more advice on how to safely and properly use a wheelchair, as well as offer other tips to make sure your loved one has the best possible quality of life while living with SMA.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On mySMAteam, the social network for people with spinal muscular atrophy and their loved ones, more than 2,700 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with spinal muscular atrophy.

Do you or someone you care for use a wheelchair for spinal muscular atrophy? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.