Wheelchair Brakes
Contrary to popular belief, wheelchair brakes are not intended to slow the moving wheelchair down but are only intended to keep the chair immobile once stopped. Some call the brakes wheel locks which is probably a more accurate name. The wheel locks are mounted to the frame of the chair in front of the rear wheels and apply pressure against the tire to prevent them from turning.
The brakes are operated by either pushing or pulling on a lever to engage the brake. Pushing or pulling must be determined at the time of ordering your wheelchair and can not be easily changed after delivery. For users who lack the strength to engage or reach the brake lever, optional brake extensions can be ordered which will improve accessibility and leverage when applying the brakes.
The pressure applied to the tire by the brake must be sufficient to prevent the wheel from turning. Clients who have trouble engaging the brake will often ask that the brake be loosened but this is a dangerous fix and should never be accommodated. If equipped with air tires, the brakes should be adjusted only when there is proper air pressure in the tires. Under inflated tires reduce the pressure applied by the brakes and can result in slippage of the brakes on hills and ramps.
One option when deciding on brakes for a new wheelchair is a product called a hill holder. When engaged, the hill holder will prevent the chair from rolling backward. When propelling up a hill or ramp the user must remove their hands from the push rims after each stroke to reposition for the next stroke. During this repositioning of the hands, the wheelchair will often stop moving forward and often begin moving backward. The hill holders will prevent this change of direction. Hill holders can only be used with air tires and if not disengaged after use will cause accelerated wear on both the tires and the hill holder itself.
Some tilt frame wheelchairs offer rear or foot lock brakes for instances where it's the caregiver who engages the brakes. Working by the same principle as regular brakes of pressure on the rear tires they are engaged from the rear of the chair with a single lever. Foot lock rear brakes are not available on folding frame wheelchairs or chairs where the rears wheels are greater than 16" in diameter.
