How to ride your wheelchair smoothly – with less effort

An efficient ride starts with a stable posture

An efficient driving style begins with a stable sitting position. If you sit too far forward or backward, or if your pelvis tilts, you constantly have to compensate with your arms and shoulders. That costs energy and increases the risk of overuse injuries.

If you sink too deeply into your seat or your backrest is too low, you’ll likely find yourself constantly correcting your position with small arm movements. One day, you’ll feel that in your shoulders.

That’s why it’s important to regularly check whether your sitting position is still right – especially if you notice that propelling your wheelchair is becoming harder. Every person is different and therefore sits differently in a wheelchair. A few centimeters’ difference in seat height or back angle can make a world of difference.

Move efficiently, not forcefully

Smooth wheelchair driving isn’t about strength — it’s about fluid movement and good technique.
Watch experienced wheelchair users: their hands glide naturally along the rim, they make long pushing motions, and they almost seem to float.

A few key principles help with that:

• Use a smooth, long push. Don’t pull your hands away immediately after each stroke — let them follow the wheel for a moment. This saves energy and reduces shock to your wrists.
• Use your body weight to steer. Lean slightly in the direction you’re turning and push a bit harder on that side.
• Stay flexible on rough surfaces. Keep your arms relaxed when riding over cobblestones or gravel. Stiff pushing makes the ride heavier and less stable.
• Keep your grip. Clean hands make a big difference. If you often ride outdoors, consider special gloves with an anti-slip coating — especially useful in wet weather or on long rides.

And obstacles? They’re part of the game. A doorstep, an uneven pavement… all situations you can handle smoothly with the right technique. Use your body weight to slightly lift the front wheels and push through in one fluid motion. The more confidence you gain, the more natural it becomes.

Rolling resistance: small pressure, big impact

Anyone who’s ever rolled with soft tires knows how heavy that feels. Rolling resistance increases, your arms work harder, and you lose momentum with every push.

Properly inflated tires roll noticeably lighter and help prevent shoulder injuries. Most wheelchair tires perform best at 6 to 8 bar. Check the pressure at least once a week – a bicycle pump with a pressure gauge works perfectly.

On wet or slippery surfaces, you can go a bit lower: 4 to 5 bar gives you more contact with the ground and therefore better grip.

Keep your wheelchair clean

Dirt, hair or sand caught in your axles or bearings? It may seem harmless, but it silently slows your chair down. Make it a habit to give your wheelchair a quick tune-up on a regular basis.

Once a month:

• Clean the tires and check for wear.
• Make sure all bolts are tight and tighten where needed.
• Check the brakes and axles.

A wheelchair that rolls smoothly takes less effort – and you’ll notice the difference right away.

Extra tip: use a dry cloth or soft brush for daily cleaning; avoid harsh cleaning products.

Note: never grease your wheelchair’s quick-release axles. Grease attracts dust and dirt, which builds up quickly. Instead, clean them with a cloth or paper towel – they’ll keep rolling longer.

Listen to your body

Do your shoulders or wrists feel tired after a day of wheeling? That’s not a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of imbalance. These small signals are often the first warning that something isn’t quite right. The sooner you act, the better.

Pain or tension in your shoulders or wrists usually isn’t something to “push through” – it’s a sign you’re using too much force or moving inefficiently. Maybe your push points are too far forward, your posture too passive, or your tires simply need more air.

Even end-of-day fatigue tells you something: a well-adjusted chair helps you save energy. If you find yourself getting tired faster for the same effort, it’s worth checking whether your seating position or setup has subtly changed.

Tip: your wheelchair should move with you, not against you. Small adjustments can make a big difference. Have your seating and setup checked by an expert at least once a year.

Do you have your own wheelchair-friendly tip?

What works for you? Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #Vigotip or email us at connect@vigogroup.eu. Your insights might inspire others!