What are the defining characteristics of impaired wheelchair mobility?

Impaired wheelchair mobility is characterized by limitations in independently operating a wheelchair within the environment. These include difficulty bending or leaning to reach objects, folding or unfolding the wheelchair, locking brakes on a manual wheelchair, navigating through doors or elevators, and operating a power wheelchair's charger, motors, drive mode, and speed. Additional characteristics include difficulty moving the wheelchair on inclines, declines, curbs, stairs, and uneven or even surfaces, as well as difficulty with transfers, sitting balance, weight shifts, and performing pressure relief.

The defining characteristics of impaired wheelchair mobility are specific reported or observed difficulties with wheelchair operation and maneuvering. They cover three broad areas: operating manual and power wheelchairs, performing transfers and positioning, and managing the environment. Manual wheelchair difficulties include locking brakes, folding or unfolding the wheelchair, maneuvering sideways, moving through hinged doors, and removing the wheelchair from an elevator. Power wheelchair difficulties include operating the battery charger, selecting drive mode or speed, and driving on even or uneven surfaces, inclines, declines, curbs, or stairs. Both types include difficulty moving forward or backward, in corners, while carrying an object, and stopping before bumping into something. Other characteristics are difficulty transferring to or from the wheelchair, sitting without losing balance, leaning forward to pick up a floor object or reach overhead, putting feet on the footplates, rolling across a side-slope, shifting weight, performing pressure relief, and performing turning or stationary wheelie positions.