Moving a wheelchair in and out of a car can feel like wrestling with a stubborn folding chair at a family BBQ—except this one has wheels and weighs more than you think.
I’m Dr. Shawn, Your PT Guy, and my job is to help you move better, stay independent, and avoid unnecessary ER trips. Today, we’re breaking down the right way to load and unload a wheelchair from your car without hurting yourself (or the chair).
Here’s what not to do: don’t grab the whole wheelchair like you’re auditioning for World’s Strongest Man and toss it into the car. That’s how backs get injured, and we don’t want that. No hurt backs. No pain. No falls.
Step 1: Remove the Leg Rests
First things first, before you even think about folding the wheelchair, those leg rests have to come off. They’re like the wings on a chicken—you can’t cram the whole thing into a pan until you take them off.
Push the release lever, swing the leg rest out, and lift straight up. Do the same on the other side. Boom. It's already lighter and easier to handle.
Step 2: Fold the Wheelchair
Here’s where most people get stuck—literally. After removing the leg rests, don’t yank on the armrests or wrestle it like it’s WWE night. Instead, grab the seat sling in the middle and pull straight up.
That’s it. The wheelchair folds in half like a taco. (Pro tip: it’s easier if you remove the cushion first—otherwise you’ll have a lumpy taco.)
Step 3: Lift With Your Legs, Not Your Back
Please, for the love of your spine, bend at your knees. Wheelchairs aren’t the heaviest thing in the world, but they’re awkward. Awkward + bad lifting form = ice packs and Advil for the next week. Or a fall. No falls.
- Stand close to the chair.
- Squat a little.
- Grab the frame, not the spokes.
- Lift smoothly, no jerky moves.
Remember, you’re not trying to impress anyone with your deadlift skills in the Walmart parking lot. With a wheelchair.
Step 4: Load It Into the Car
Most folded chairs will fit in the trunk or back seat. In the back seat, just roll it in between the seats. So if you're putting it in the truck, lay it on its side so it’s stable and doesn’t roll around like an unwanted passenger. If you’re short on space, take off the cushion and armrests too.
Step 5: Reverse the Process When You Arrive
Taking it out is just loading in reverse. Roll it (or take it) out and unfold the chair by pressing down on the seat sling until it clicks into place. Reattach the leg rests, and you’re ready to roll—literally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Yanking from the armrests – they’re not handles.
Loading with the brakes off – it’ll roll away on you.
Not checking the weight – some chairs are light, others feel like they’re made of lead. Know before you lift.
Stay Safe, Stay Independent
In conclusion, getting your wheelchair in and out of the car doesn’t need to be a back-breaking circus act. That is to say, it doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be safe. If you want to stay independent (and keep your back in one piece), mastering these basics is key. With the right technique—and maybe a lighter chair (a transport chair!)—you’ll stay safe, independent, and pain-free.
Speaking of staying independent, if you haven’t watched my free webinar: “3 Secrets to a Fall-Proof Life”, now’s the time. It’s packed with strategies I teach my patients every day to stay mobile, safe, and confident. Click here to watch.