Staying steady matters. Whether you're new to using a wheelchair or just want to make sure you're using it as safely as possible, understanding wheelchair stability can help prevent tipping, sliding, and accidents—especially on slopes or uneven ground.
This guide from the BHTA Get Wise series is full of practical advice for users and carers to keep your wheelchair safe and stable in real-world settings.
What Does “Stability” Mean?
In simple terms, a wheelchair is stable when it stays upright and balanced on its wheels. For this to happen, the combined centre of gravity (that’s you plus your wheelchair) needs to stay within the area of the wheelchair’s wheelbase.
Stability can change depending on how the wheelchair is set up, the surfaces you travel over, and how you move while seated. That's why it’s so important to know what to look out for.
⚠️ Always follow the manufacturer's manual for specific safety instructions and use.
What Can Affect Wheelchair Stability?
🛗 Ramps and Slopes
Using your wheelchair on slopes that are too steep can cause it to tip backwards or slide. Always check the maximum safe slope limit in your manual and avoid surfaces that exceed those limits.
If you regularly use a ramp or incline, test it first with your supplier to make sure it’s safe with your specific chair.
🧱 Kerbs, Steps & Soft Ground
Even small bumps, soft patches of grass, or uneven pavements can cause instability—especially when going across or down slopes.
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Use dropped kerbs and smooth ramps wherever possible.
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Avoid soft ground with small front casters, which can sink and cause tipping.
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Take extra care if you're going up or down curbs—follow manufacturer instructions closely.
Do Seat Cushions Affect Stability?
They can, yes. Adding seat or back cushions can shift your centre of gravity:
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Seat cushions raise your body and reduce stability in every direction.
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Backrest cushions move your weight forward, which helps with backwards stability but may make you more likely to tip forward.
The same goes for tilting seats or reclining backrests—they can change how your weight is distributed and affect how the wheelchair responds to movement.
Be Careful with Added Weight
Attaching things like:
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Shopping bags
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Oxygen tanks
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Ventilators
to the back of the chair can shift the balance, increasing the risk of tipping—especially when climbing inclines.
Top Tip: Keep heavy items low and centred when possible and never carry passengers in or on a wheelchair not designed for them.
How Your Body Movement Affects Stability
Leaning or reaching can cause your chair to become unstable:
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Reaching forward or to the side may cause the wheelchair to tip.
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Leaning backwards may shift your weight outside the chair’s base.
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On inclines, leaning forward can actually improve rearward stability.
Try to minimise large or sudden movements—or speak to your occupational therapist about safety tips if you need to be more active while seated.
Not Sure What’s Safe?
Your local BHTA-accredited mobility retailer (like us!) can help. We can offer advice based on your wheelchair make and model, show you safe ways to navigate tricky terrain, and recommend equipment that works for your lifestyle.
👉 Read the full BHTA Guide to Wheelchair Stability
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Source BHTA
