I don’t ride a wheelchair but i love tour channel. After discovering it, I’ve learnt so much. I never knew all the struggles. From now on, I know how hard it is and when im in public I will definitely notice the disabled more and help as much as possible.
Another awesome video man! Thought I'd share some of my tips. For better visibility at night you can place small reflective stickers on the front bars, rims and the backrest. They come in black and different colors so they blend in with the chair. There's also those reflective runners wrist/ankle bands that can wrap around the front and rear bars. For tires, Schwalbe makes these tires that have a reflective ring that goes around the whole tire. During nighttime riding you look you just stepped outta Tron! Lastly, bike gloves. They help with grip, breaking and keep your hands from developing calluses. You're an inspiration, keep up the great work!
@@Wheels2Walking There are also tire lights available on Amazon for not too much - they're normally meant for bikes, but I know of people that use them for their wheelchairs, too.
It’s because I’ve only technically been uploading for maybe 7 weeks consistently. If I keep up what I’m doing my subs will grow for sure! Thank you so much! I love making them just as much as you enjoy watching them.
"The juice is worth a squeeze so far..." I swear that phrase just upgraded my optimism. Another fantastic video covering the nitty gritty that no one else seems to think to cover. Super helpful, super original, and I love your outlook. I feel better every time I watch a video of yours.
You're making me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Thanks for the comment! Really. I put a lot of time and attention into making these videos and reading comments like this motivate me to make more and more. You're a gem Kacey!
That's a nice little trick leaning to the higher side of an angled curb, had never thought to do that and would always drop off the top where it's flat if there was an obstacle on the cut out! Definitely going to try this next time! Thanks for sharing 😀
Some places can be trickier than others too. Here in Sweden we have a couple of cities with trams, and especially Gothenburg is very dangerous to maneuver any time of the day in a wheelchair, but especially at night because of how often you do indeed have to go across the tracks when just crossing a road. A FreeWheel attachment is a good help in situations like that (or anytime where you have poor visibility and unknown terrain) if having one, and if being able to tolerate using it. Doing wheelies can only help you oh so much... i had my FreeWheel on the backrest when going a short distance between a concert venue and my hotel in Gothenburg in November because it was literally just around the corner from each other, with one road to cross... Said road had tram tracks in it too... A caster wheel got stuck in a track due to poor visibility and an uneven road (worn down from traffic) and if I had been unable to use my legs at all, I would have crashed to the ground in the middle of a street! Luckily I’m not paralyzed, I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and suspect occult tethered cord (so at the most I may be considered incomplete paraplegic from the possible tethered cord) so yeah, I can walk some and use my legs, even though walking is too painful to be worth it. But that day, having use of my legs saved me from completely crashing onto the street as I could react and put my feet down as my wheelchair started to fall forward and hence stop the fall. Needless to say, I hate trams in general, and I hate Gothenburg because of the trams and their love for cobblestones 🤬
Great Video!! For safety at night, I have spoke reflectors on my wheels so I can be seen from the sides and a giant reflective wolf on the back of my chair. As for popping on and off of curbs I went to Physical Therapy a few years back learn how to do that. Just like if you need to go down stairs you can go backwards, just make sure you hold on to the handrail and control your speed with your other hand on the opposite wheel from the handrail. PS. I always wear gloves so I do not have to deal with that road burn issue, plus they help when going up hill's.
The tips on easier ways to navigate hills are so helpful! I’m trying to transition from an electric chair to a manual one and I always struggle with hills
Cycling gloves do wonders for keeping the skin on your hands in hilly areas. Also good for keeping your hands clean. I got some for myself after my first downhill ramp accident. My hands were wrapped for over a week. Only happened once, though. 😜
their good to have in general great to wear to not get callus' and also great if you have a smartdrive because them things can go quite fast so having gloves to help grip easier and your hands won't hurt from the tight grip
Love it! Yes!! Being in a lightweight, foldable powerchair makes doing a wheelie difficult (haven't figured it out just yet, but I'm only a year in). I'm still working to figure out what works for my chair. Lots of inaccessibility here where I live (there's no legislation on it at all) so I have to get very creative. Google Street View is my friend. I always work it out, though! 👍 Your videos are invaluable, man! I love them!!
Hi Rosie! yeah half the battle is finding out what works FOR YOU since each injury and mobility limitations are different. Street view is actually a genius idea.
I grew up in Boston. I was in a wheelchair from 7th-12th grade. I always understood how old Boston was, but darn! I never understood how much cobblestones sucked until I was in a wheelchair! I could not go to public school as not a single school had an elevator. I lived across the street from the beach, and swimming was the ideal way to be physically active and as a teen, I became a WSI (swim instructor) & what a great summer job was that!) At this point in my life I walk with forearm crutches and then when at a grocery store, I will use their electric cart. My teen and older boys help with most everything I need help with. Walking causes a lot of physical pain, but I am thankful to be alive and thankful that I can walk.
With a standard manual chair, I haven't been able to learn how to go down curbs forwards, so until I get my custom later this summer, it's backwards for me, too.
I try to keep my chair as light as possible. so you keep the lights on your wheelchair all the time? me too. at least they attempt to improve the access! sometimes succeeding 😁
I got one of those neon reflective tee shirts over the back of my chair. I also have bicycle lights and reflective stickers everywhere. I'm a rolling disco!
OMG the end bits of your video really show the reality of what it is like using a wheel chair/mobility scooter, just watching you go through that I don't feel so alone having experienced all of that myself in the past. I only manage to get out occasionally near where I live but I know where all the sloped curbs are so I can get across roads etc easier. The biggest pain is if a car has parked half way up on the pavement and I can't get past and I have to go all the way back down the road to find a slope off the curb so I can get around the car, and then I am left wheeling along in the road, having to look out to make sure that other road users see me. Can be scary sometimes. Re the zig zag method, i must remember that for when my friend pushes me down steep slopes and tries to kill me!!!!! :)
like i had said in the video we have to make the world accessible for us by going out anyway. it can be a pain but it's better than not doing anything in my opinion.
Approximately Seven Years ago I mounted a Video Camera on My Electric Mobility Scooter so that I could Film Record the difficulties I encountered on a daily basis using My Electric Mobility Scooter. A Security Guard at a Venue reported Me to Police because he saw My Camera and said that I was filming Children. The next night I was detained by Police for Six Hours, during which I was questioned, Formally Interviewed, had My Footage on My Camera reviewed, was transported home and had Footage on My Home Computer reviewed. And despite all that, the Police still couldn't understand why I'd mount a Video Camera on My Electric Mobility Scooter.
Dude, I recently came across your videos and absolutely love your content! My brother is visually impaired through hypertension and he also finds the same, that the world is hard for disabled access etc. One thing, your positivity is absolutely inspiring and you tackle life head on, a true inspiration for everyone! Stay safe brother!
This is awesome! I just found your channel a few weeks ago while looking up tips for flying in a wheelchair. Gone are the days when I could walk the hills of San Francisco for 4 hours straight just fine, so this is helpful. Due to POTS, I've been a part time wheelie (mostly long distances/time periods) for almost a year, and I've definitely come a long way in that time. Last year for school I was forced to master a wheelie with the back of my wheelchair loaded down with backpack and groceries (not easy with the extra load on a standard non-custom manual wheelchair) because although my dorm was on the ground level, there was a little step up from the sidewalk to the floor of my room (the rooms are motel style, so they open directly into outside). Hope I can eventually get a custom - should make my life a bit easier.
There was a huge puddle on the corner of the ramp off the sidewalk in NYC. I plunged straight into it thinking it wouldn't be too deep. Mistake! My feet were completely drenched and I almost fell forward out of the chair. Where you lean is crucial, glad I can watch you and listen to your advice for that, because the physics of it doesn't really compute in my head. I'd rather just memorize the maneuver I have to do. I gotta practice those curb jumps tho...
Hi, I got your videos as suggested viewing. I am studying occupational therapy in the UK and our university building is quite new and when it was built it was meant to be super accessible but it isn't accessible for people unless they have a mate with them. We were given a couple of hours to try navigating the campus using different mobility devices and I tried using a wheelchair and it was hard getting around a lot of the building as we have heavy fire doors. The disabled loos were all too small for a wheelchair user to get in and close the door (even with a different person closing the door behind them) and the doors which can be held open with magnets didn't have the magnets switched - so they needed a person to open them. The space between the teaching building and the student union was weird to go across as when walking you don't notice all the drainage bits (the ground is sloped in squares) but they definitely make the pushing feel a bit weird when you are going across a slope sideways. I had previously worked with people who needed their chairs pushed and I have been up and down hills with them and I would have managed the doors as a pusher by going through backwards and most of the people who I worked with were 2 person hoist for personal care so I never really looked at the public toilets in the same way. I used to take the people I worked with on the bus quite often and we were very lucky that our local bus companies are very accessible, we also benefited from our cabs all being accessible (London Black Cab style can take most regular wheelchairs with one or two ambulant alongside). Watching this video make me realise how lucky the people I worked with were to have a city which had been made as accessible as possible, although not every place was (due to being old and listed). And some of our curbs were quite deep and I would need to bring them down backwards (so I was in the road first) then spin round to watch to see if the road was still clear to cross and sometimes there was nowhere to really go once off the curb due to the traffic. Keep up the good work, I have subscribed to your videos as it will make it easier to let others know about your experiences.
I've discovered you recently; subscribed; cool thing you doing man and breaking down stereotypes, misconceptions and informing people as I'm sure most people tell you this already as I've seen a fair amount of your vids all informative, thank you and many comments in that you're really helping th world in general man and you deserve more people to know about your channel; I really enjoyed you doing a speak/ask me anything - perhaps you could do livestreams? that can help boost up your channel too (without sounding like spam xD) as well as continuing doing the outside kind of thing perhaps doing merch when you can and do it like a stall too outside...just ideas don't know if they'll help inspire anything but yeah. In my view it could bring more and more people and thus more informed because of you Due to a neurological issue I use a wheelchair...rarely as I'm fairly new to it; for the most part a cane for balance and if I'm in quite fair amount of pain and by living for the past 6 years with chronic pain I know when I really need help of an aid) and etc (don't want this to be tediously long i.e. a testament edit: too late) as I'm fairly new to it and unproudly to admit yes because I do unfortunately care if people see me in a wheelchair 1 day and the next not and think is all a farce (in my language is farsa meaning not real, and I get anxious and if I can walk and stand where I live at the moment at least people stare a lot anyways and having social anxiety doesn't help and do not have much of some close people who are not necessarily or I feel uncomfortable because they're uncomfortable that I require a chair sometimes. For the most part I just carry on with the pain as I'm and along with you and millions do everyday. That and being a part time user...it never gets easier but I'm hoping as more people become informed with invisible and not only that but disabilities in general that they understand and teach their youngins too; Where was I oh yes I've noticed and this may be because I've not developed my upper body strength enough that (plus the fact that most pedestrian walking sidewalks things due to the rain drainage or whatever it is that they are inclined and you can really really feel it when you're pushing the wheelchair...don't even get me started on inclined ramps...) but I digress all to ask if the zigzags method would work - as I haven't used my wheelchair in a while could work for an essentially wheelie amateur as I may call myself. Keep on wheelin' (sorry that was really cringey I know and for the all over the place message, english is not my 1st language) Keep well dude *many hugs* - Mila
My boyfriend fitted a little USB powered led light kit under my powerchair which can be plugged into a tiny USB power bank battery like you use to charge a phone, or the USB port on my powerchair. It's controlled via Bluetooth by an app on my phone. Primarily it makes me more visible and safer a night and in the dark winter days, crossing the road etc, plus it's also fun! It can be a steady plain coloured light, or it can change between a few different colours, and be programmed to do different patterns if you like. I tend to leave it gently transitioning between a few colours rather than flashing as I don't want to affect people with visual disturbance issues. It can also be programmed to change colour according to background music which can be fun if you're at a party. One thing is for sure, if I am crossing the road at night in the dark, seeing a multicoloured light moving certainly catches drivers attention. I also have a high visibility bag on the back of my power chair.
Thank you man, awesome videos and nice intro. Subscribed. Wish I could do this full wheelie thing, I guess I'll just need to practise a lot more. At night I put on a reflective vest that makes me light up brighter than a full moon in the headlights of a car. Also, what liquid79 said. Schwalbe tires all the way. These are truly puncture-proof. I use fingerless bike gloves in the summer and very sturdy skater gloves during winter time. "The Surge"-pushrims have that rubber inlay on top for better pushing and a big flat side for braking, I like these a lot.
In Finland it is a law for pedestrians to have something reflextive. (Well, they actually invented the reflextive material we found now on bicycles.) So, they have designed all sort of stuff with reflextive paint or fabric that don't look like a bicycle or a security vest but are instead integreated in the design/fashion. Some hats, bags, scarfs, coats, with nice patterns using reflective fabric, outdoor reflective jewelry, such as over the coat bracelets, broaches, pendants such as heijastin. Some stuff are more sport looking, some more casual.
The street I live on (as well as most of the other streets in my town - basically all but the 2 main drags) has a max of 1 curb cut on almost all its intersections (absolute max of 2, and only on a few of them), so I'm really excited to get my custom wheelchair later this summer so that I can learn how to jump up curbs (not something I can do in a 36-40 lb. standard manual chair).
First l thought was: Hey: please clip lights on your chair! I never go out without, they allways are on mine! Please, be carefully, cars are fast and dangerous, 'cause we are so tiny for them to see! Vied. is awsome! Thanks!
Yeah dude puddles are sketchhhhhh plus i don't like getting my hands all wet if i don't have to. I appreciate the love man! the intro gets me so hyped every time.
I once went through a puddle. I didn't see the pothole beneath it. I ended up having to do a pushup until my friends could get me in my chair. I could have drowned.
I live in a tiny old city in the UK, and many of the flags on the pavements have been lifted by the roots of trees. I can’t drive so I have no option but to smash my way along, hoping I don’t face plant (...and on my 4th set of front forks!). So I wrote to the city council explaining my problem and their reply... “the trees and pavements are a feature of our city” ...I wasn’t asking them to get rid of either, I just want to be able to ‘walk’ down the street like anyone else! Also, I love going downhill pretty fast, your hands get fairly calloused if you don’t drive and flat rims are amazing for braking! Billie.
Wheels2Walking I have had a freewheel for over 6 years and it’s great for off road, but a bit energy-sapping for everyday use. I bought a smart drive in September but it broke almost straight away (3 times!) and I’m still waiting for it being repaired. Do you know of anyone else who’s had problems with one? Billie.
iv only been using a wheelchair for a couple weeks and thats only a basic hire wheelchair. i cant wait to get my lightweight permanent one in a couple of weeks with anti tippers. im nervous to go into the city, lol im hoping i learn some good skills. i want to go clubbing and do stuff that i use to do before i got mobility problems, its going to take alot to get use too.
Light weight chairs are a game changer for sure! Nervous is ok, but be sure to go anyway even if you’re scared. There is always a way. Clubbing is awesome in a chair. If you’re single it’s even better because you get SO MUCH ATTENTION cuz you’re the only one like you in there 🔥 I go to EDM shows in clubs all the time and people are great.
Hi Megan, I've had my wheels a whole 3 weeks and 3 days, so a real expert here ;) I always refer to my wheels as wheels not a chair, wheels move but a chair is static; just a different way of looking at things. Years ago I bought a book and it's kind of turned into my mantra for life, it's called 'Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway', I've never actually read the book, the title is enough. Having my wheels has completely opened up my life again, I've been out more in the last 3 weeks than I was able to do for something like 3 years. Advice - get out there, take it steady, there are lots of' how to' videos which have helped me enormously and keep on telling yourself that you can do this.. Good luck and enjoy your lightweight wheels when you get them.
@@ChrisPage68 hmmmm. i don't know what to say about that. perhaps your approach could be different? i've never had a bad experience other than people trying to pick me up when i didn't want them too.
I was at Heathrow Airport with a suitcase traveling alone. At the bottom of a ramp was a puddle 5 inches wide and 3 feet long. I couldn't see it was deep. I was on my palms in a second. Lots of people to get me upright.
8:55 What he needs is more experience. Assuming he survived that fall. I think I watched enough to know that the accessibility there is absolutely disastrous.
Ive gotten a looot better at hopping curbs since my accident 9 months ago i sometimes if i see a curb that i think u can hop over i go ahead and do it instead of going to the cut out thats like 10 feet away 😂 its good practice
I use a power wheelchair. Adding battery powered bicycle lights to your chair is a great idea. I have 2 lights. Most of the time at night I have one on constant and one flashing because people still dont notice you unless the light is flashing but i need one on a constant to see obstacles on the sidewalk and road.
I bike a lot and the most visible thing I know is to have two flashing lights. They are always a bit out of sync which makes them extra noticeable. But even one flashing light is pretty noticeable.
Ive been in a chair my whole life (Actually ive been in a chair since 3 but that because i needed to master one first before i could have my own and I have Spina Bifida) I've mastered the wheelie but rolling while in a wheelie not so much it might be because im so disproportionate and hoping curbs scares me unless i have someone with me because I'm that clumsy and the curbs in my town are not one flat piece of cement or concrete whatever sidewalks are made of
Los Angeles and Long Beach have free or cheap local buses. I did scooter there. I’d park and ride. Of u checked out the buses you might have had an easier time. In Kissimmee the light changed and I started to cross a street. Before I got to the curb a pick up truck blew the light. I whipped my right leg up and kicked the truck. I dented the truck lol. As I hit the truck I reared back on two wheels and spun away. Only my basket got damaged. In 7 years I have left half a dozen dents. A car passed me in a motel parking lot and left tire marks on my foot. As for pulling out - an old man pulled out of a driveway in front of Millie, my van. She was totaled. My right foot, lower legs, and knees are damage as is a wrist. In the hospital I had a weird spell like a stroke. I lost some hearing, not noticible and a wonky eye. My brain is worse off now and I have issues when stressed or tired. I stare and try to say what I want to say. Thank you and please make everyone aware of safety. People don’t see or care about joggers, motorcycles, kids let alone the disabled. Especially tourist areas. Hugs. Oh, back long ago Model A cars couldn’t do hills. People would go up and turn 90° until the car stabilized then off they would go up the hill. It is better to turn 90° to the side and stop than fly down a hill. Scooters and chairs are dangerous at high spread. Pushing Mom I would turn sideways while waiting on ramps. I love the speed! I don’t like road rash lol. Or worse picking bits of shrubbery out of my body lol. Someday I would love to meet you.
I need to get myself some bike gloves for the hills and the callouses. They’re no fun! Also, ever consider taking a sports chair to a skatepark? From what I saw here you could be good at it 😂🤷🏻♀️
I am a 16 year old with Cerebral palsy (in my chair 95% of the time) I want to do a degree in international tourism these videos are so interesting to me. I was also wondering how old you are and were you in education while being in your chair? I want to go to RGU which is a uni which seems quite accessible and new anyway I hope I haven’t offended you . X
Any extra tips for me to see me I am 4’8 if I can stand with a lot of assistance which makes me even shorter and I have very poor vision so to make eye contact is impossible for me unless 3 foot away from me and very bright room
Hey Richard it's Kevin again remember I asked you about videos on how to select wheelchairs anyhow now I've watched a couple videos and you are great but I was wondering have you ever been in a situation where you felt fear....either because someone or ones , a group being wise ass to you or a situation in public where you fears for your safety. I'll admit being new to a chair and now only 4 feet tall if that and slow to roll I am a see but fearful in public. Never was too now and just curious if u would do a personal story of two and safety tips!sincerely, kevin
Another way of getting down a curb would be to approach it backward, lean as far forward as you can, and just bump down that way (back wheels first). I do it all the time and it's less likely to make you flip if your balance sucks like mine. Just don't forget about a heavy bag or something attached to the back. Then, you will flip. Ask me how I know. 😜
Near the beginning you talk about being harder to notice crossing the street because you're lower, and you say something like 'and you're not lit up, no reflective clothing or lights'. Have you ever considered putting a few strips of reflective tape on your chair? Or even a small flashing bike light when you're in a place with bad drivers at night? Of course unlike a bike you're mostly on the sidewalk and only occasionally on the road, but it seems like it wouldn't be too hard to improve your visibility a little.
I like your videos. I wonder why you don't wear white or reflective clothes at night. I have had a near miss with pedestrians all dressed in black crossing at an intersection. P.S - your music was too loud.
why don't just get some bike lights mount on your wheel chair or clip on flashy lights joggers use because on a wet glare night drivers not going to be able to see you that well
You know what would be funny as hell? If your arguing with someone and you wanna fight them. Just take your shirt off and start chasing them while yelling at them
Sorry don't want to be picky, but your music is way louder than the talking in all of the clips i have watched so far and it means I am forever turning the volume up and down. Don't know if that is something you care to look at?
I like your videos but I have a minor bitch. Sometimes when the music kicks in it blows my eardrums out because I have to use headphones. That's it and keep up the good work.
I don’t ride a wheelchair but i love tour channel. After discovering it, I’ve learnt so much. I never knew all the struggles. From now on, I know how hard it is and when im in public I will definitely notice the disabled more and help as much as possible.
You should get some clip on lights just for dangerous road times
Another awesome video man! Thought I'd share some of my tips. For better visibility at night you can place small reflective stickers on the front bars, rims and the backrest. They come in black and different colors so they blend in with the chair. There's also those reflective runners wrist/ankle bands that can wrap around the front and rear bars.
For tires, Schwalbe makes these tires that have a reflective ring that goes around the whole tire. During nighttime riding you look you just stepped outta Tron!
Lastly, bike gloves. They help with grip, breaking and keep your hands from developing calluses.
You're an inspiration, keep up the great work!
Thanks for all the tips!
@@Wheels2Walking There are also tire lights available on Amazon for not too much - they're normally meant for bikes, but I know of people that use them for their wheelchairs, too.
Man why don´t you have more subscribers?! your vids are gold! you have helped people soo much it´s rediculous!
It’s because I’ve only technically been uploading for maybe 7 weeks consistently. If I keep up what I’m doing my subs will grow for sure! Thank you so much! I love making them just as much as you enjoy watching them.
Literally inpatient, in a hospital, very recently injured... it was like you were speaking directly to me.
I am dude. Seriously that’s who I have pictured in my when I am speaking. So stoked you’re enjoying everything :)
"The juice is worth a squeeze so far..." I swear that phrase just upgraded my optimism. Another fantastic video covering the nitty gritty that no one else seems to think to cover. Super helpful, super original, and I love your outlook. I feel better every time I watch a video of yours.
You're making me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Thanks for the comment! Really. I put a lot of time and attention into making these videos and reading comments like this motivate me to make more and more. You're a gem Kacey!
That's a nice little trick leaning to the higher side of an angled curb, had never thought to do that and would always drop off the top where it's flat if there was an obstacle on the cut out! Definitely going to try this next time! Thanks for sharing 😀
yeah give it a shot! as long as your body is vertical and upright you wheels and hips can do all the wobbly stuff.
I was not expecting the "he needs some milk" clip. Took me out 😂😂😂😂😂😂
memes are life 😂
Some places can be trickier than others too. Here in Sweden we have a couple of cities with trams, and especially Gothenburg is very dangerous to maneuver any time of the day in a wheelchair, but especially at night because of how often you do indeed have to go across the tracks when just crossing a road. A FreeWheel attachment is a good help in situations like that (or anytime where you have poor visibility and unknown terrain) if having one, and if being able to tolerate using it. Doing wheelies can only help you oh so much... i had my FreeWheel on the backrest when going a short distance between a concert venue and my hotel in Gothenburg in November because it was literally just around the corner from each other, with one road to cross... Said road had tram tracks in it too... A caster wheel got stuck in a track due to poor visibility and an uneven road (worn down from traffic) and if I had been unable to use my legs at all, I would have crashed to the ground in the middle of a street! Luckily I’m not paralyzed, I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and suspect occult tethered cord (so at the most I may be considered incomplete paraplegic from the possible tethered cord) so yeah, I can walk some and use my legs, even though walking is too painful to be worth it. But that day, having use of my legs saved me from completely crashing onto the street as I could react and put my feet down as my wheelchair started to fall forward and hence stop the fall. Needless to say, I hate trams in general, and I hate Gothenburg because of the trams and their love for cobblestones 🤬
The freewheel is a great tip for difficult terrain!
Great Video!! For safety at night, I have spoke reflectors on my wheels so I can be seen from the sides and a giant reflective wolf on the back of my chair. As for popping on and off of curbs I went to Physical Therapy a few years back learn how to do that. Just like if you need to go down stairs you can go backwards, just make sure you hold on to the handrail and control your speed with your other hand on the opposite wheel from the handrail. PS. I always wear gloves so I do not have to deal with that road burn issue, plus they help when going up hill's.
I've done that stair trick before! super important skill to have!
The tips on easier ways to navigate hills are so helpful! I’m trying to transition from an electric chair to a manual one and I always struggle with hills
Hills are the worst! So happy to hear you’re able to apply the tips and tricks!
Wow wheelchair bound as of 6 months ago and watching this made me feel like life is possible again, thank you
Cycling gloves do wonders for keeping the skin on your hands in hilly areas. Also good for keeping your hands clean. I got some for myself after my first downhill ramp accident. My hands were wrapped for over a week. Only happened once, though. 😜
their good to have in general great to wear to not get callus' and also great if you have a smartdrive because them things can go quite fast so having gloves to help grip easier and your hands won't hurt from the tight grip
That's a painful lesson to learn!
@@Wheels2Walking I have leather gloves that are fingerless, but have a full thumb, plus padded palms. Globaleather.com
Thank you for the tips. As someone learning to adapt to a wheelchair it’s nice to know I can still live a fulllife.
Love it! Yes!! Being in a lightweight, foldable powerchair makes doing a wheelie difficult (haven't figured it out just yet, but I'm only a year in). I'm still working to figure out what works for my chair. Lots of inaccessibility here where I live (there's no legislation on it at all) so I have to get very creative. Google Street View is my friend. I always work it out, though! 👍 Your videos are invaluable, man! I love them!!
Hi Rosie! yeah half the battle is finding out what works FOR YOU since each injury and mobility limitations are different. Street view is actually a genius idea.
I grew up in Boston. I was in a wheelchair from 7th-12th grade. I always understood how old Boston was, but darn! I never understood how much cobblestones sucked until I was in a wheelchair! I could not go to public school as not a single school had an elevator. I lived across the street from the beach, and swimming was the ideal way to be physically active and as a teen, I became a WSI (swim instructor) & what a great summer job was that!)
At this point in my life I walk with forearm crutches and then when at a grocery store, I will use their electric cart. My teen and older boys help with most everything I need help with. Walking causes a lot of physical pain, but I am thankful to be alive and thankful that I can walk.
I always wear suede gloves. They are great for going slow or stopping on hills. If a curb is too high, I lean forward and go down backwards.
With a standard manual chair, I haven't been able to learn how to go down curbs forwards, so until I get my custom later this summer, it's backwards for me, too.
I put my lights on when crossing a road lol
I appreciate when old buildings work around the issues and provide lifts etc anyway so many cba.
I try to keep my chair as light as possible. so you keep the lights on your wheelchair all the time?
me too. at least they attempt to improve the access! sometimes succeeding 😁
That zig zag tip is awesome
I got one of those neon reflective tee shirts over the back of my chair. I also have bicycle lights and reflective stickers everywhere. I'm a rolling disco!
OMG the end bits of your video really show the reality of what it is like using a wheel chair/mobility scooter, just watching you go through that I don't feel so alone having experienced all of that myself in the past. I only manage to get out occasionally near where I live but I know where all the sloped curbs are so I can get across roads etc easier. The biggest pain is if a car has parked half way up on the pavement and I can't get past and I have to go all the way back down the road to find a slope off the curb so I can get around the car, and then I am left wheeling along in the road, having to look out to make sure that other road users see me. Can be scary sometimes. Re the zig zag method, i must remember that for when my friend pushes me down steep slopes and tries to kill me!!!!! :)
like i had said in the video we have to make the world accessible for us by going out anyway. it can be a pain but it's better than not doing anything in my opinion.
Approximately Seven Years ago I mounted a Video Camera on My Electric Mobility Scooter so that I could Film Record the difficulties I encountered on a daily basis using My Electric Mobility Scooter.
A Security Guard at a Venue reported Me to Police because he saw My Camera and said that I was filming Children.
The next night I was detained by Police for Six Hours, during which I was questioned, Formally Interviewed, had My Footage on My Camera reviewed, was transported home and had Footage on My Home Computer reviewed.
And despite all that, the Police still couldn't understand why I'd mount a Video Camera on My Electric Mobility Scooter.
Super helpful tips! Thank you!!
I like your video. I am also in a wheelchair
Dude, I recently came across your videos and absolutely love your content! My brother is visually impaired through hypertension and he also finds the same, that the world is hard for disabled access etc. One thing, your positivity is absolutely inspiring and you tackle life head on, a true inspiration for everyone! Stay safe brother!
Great channel man! Good info and realistic heads up. Cheers!
Dude you’re coming up on 1k that’s awesome!!
Dude i know! i'm so excited 😁
18k
Can u hug my channel
40K 🤗
😂 I died because I thought when you said this 11:52 you meant the graffiti
This is awesome! I just found your channel a few weeks ago while looking up tips for flying in a wheelchair. Gone are the days when I could walk the hills of San Francisco for 4 hours straight just fine, so this is helpful. Due to POTS, I've been a part time wheelie (mostly long distances/time periods) for almost a year, and I've definitely come a long way in that time. Last year for school I was forced to master a wheelie with the back of my wheelchair loaded down with backpack and groceries (not easy with the extra load on a standard non-custom manual wheelchair) because although my dorm was on the ground level, there was a little step up from the sidewalk to the floor of my room (the rooms are motel style, so they open directly into outside). Hope I can eventually get a custom - should make my life a bit easier.
There was a huge puddle on the corner of the ramp off the sidewalk in NYC. I plunged straight into it thinking it wouldn't be too deep. Mistake! My feet were completely drenched and I almost fell forward out of the chair. Where you lean is crucial, glad I can watch you and listen to your advice for that, because the physics of it doesn't really compute in my head. I'd rather just memorize the maneuver I have to do. I gotta practice those curb jumps tho...
Hi, I got your videos as suggested viewing. I am studying occupational therapy in the UK and our university building is quite new and when it was built it was meant to be super accessible but it isn't accessible for people unless they have a mate with them.
We were given a couple of hours to try navigating the campus using different mobility devices and I tried using a wheelchair and it was hard getting around a lot of the building as we have heavy fire doors. The disabled loos were all too small for a wheelchair user to get in and close the door (even with a different person closing the door behind them) and the doors which can be held open with magnets didn't have the magnets switched - so they needed a person to open them. The space between the teaching building and the student union was weird to go across as when walking you don't notice all the drainage bits (the ground is sloped in squares) but they definitely make the pushing feel a bit weird when you are going across a slope sideways.
I had previously worked with people who needed their chairs pushed and I have been up and down hills with them and I would have managed the doors as a pusher by going through backwards and most of the people who I worked with were 2 person hoist for personal care so I never really looked at the public toilets in the same way. I used to take the people I worked with on the bus quite often and we were very lucky that our local bus companies are very accessible, we also benefited from our cabs all being accessible (London Black Cab style can take most regular wheelchairs with one or two ambulant alongside).
Watching this video make me realise how lucky the people I worked with were to have a city which had been made as accessible as possible, although not every place was (due to being old and listed). And some of our curbs were quite deep and I would need to bring them down backwards (so I was in the road first) then spin round to watch to see if the road was still clear to cross and sometimes there was nowhere to really go once off the curb due to the traffic.
Keep up the good work, I have subscribed to your videos as it will make it easier to let others know about your experiences.
I've discovered you recently; subscribed; cool thing you doing man and breaking down stereotypes, misconceptions and informing people as I'm sure most people tell you this already as I've seen a fair amount of your vids all informative, thank you and many comments in that you're really helping th world in general man and you deserve more people to know about your channel; I really enjoyed you doing a speak/ask me anything - perhaps you could do livestreams? that can help boost up your channel too (without sounding like spam xD) as well as continuing doing the outside kind of thing perhaps doing merch when you can and do it like a stall too outside...just ideas don't know if they'll help inspire anything but yeah. In my view it could bring more and more people and thus more informed because of you
Due to a neurological issue I use a wheelchair...rarely as I'm fairly new to it; for the most part a cane for balance and if I'm in quite fair amount of pain and by living for the past 6 years with chronic pain I know when I really need help of an aid) and etc (don't want this to be tediously long i.e. a testament edit: too late) as I'm fairly new to it and unproudly to admit yes because I do unfortunately care if people see me in a wheelchair 1 day and the next not and think is all a farce (in my language is farsa meaning not real, and I get anxious and if I can walk and stand where I live at the moment at least people stare a lot anyways and having social anxiety doesn't help and do not have much of some close people who are not necessarily or I feel uncomfortable because they're uncomfortable that I require a chair sometimes. For the most part I just carry on with the pain as I'm and along with you and millions do everyday. That and being a part time user...it never gets easier but I'm hoping as more people become informed with invisible and not only that but disabilities in general that they understand and teach their youngins too; Where was I oh yes I've noticed and this may be because I've not developed my upper body strength enough that (plus the fact that most pedestrian walking sidewalks things due to the rain drainage or whatever it is that they are inclined and you can really really feel it when you're pushing the wheelchair...don't even get me started on inclined ramps...) but I digress all to ask if the zigzags method would work - as I haven't used my wheelchair in a while could work for an essentially wheelie amateur as I may call myself. Keep on wheelin'
(sorry that was really cringey I know and for the all over the place message, english is not my 1st language) Keep well dude *many hugs*
- Mila
OMG. my heart was going fast. That was intense.
8:52 KILLS ME EVERY TIME 🤣🤣🤣
HE NEEDS SOME MILK
ruclips.net/video/bJSRJf3YKdE/видео.html
My boyfriend fitted a little USB powered led light kit under my powerchair which can be plugged into a tiny USB power bank battery like you use to charge a phone, or the USB port on my powerchair. It's controlled via Bluetooth by an app on my phone. Primarily it makes me more visible and safer a night and in the dark winter days, crossing the road etc, plus it's also fun! It can be a steady plain coloured light, or it can change between a few different colours, and be programmed to do different patterns if you like. I tend to leave it gently transitioning between a few colours rather than flashing as I don't want to affect people with visual disturbance issues. It can also be programmed to change colour according to background music which can be fun if you're at a party. One thing is for sure, if I am crossing the road at night in the dark, seeing a multicoloured light moving certainly catches drivers attention. I also have a high visibility bag on the back of my power chair.
Thank you man, awesome videos and nice intro. Subscribed.
Wish I could do this full wheelie thing, I guess I'll just need to practise a lot more.
At night I put on a reflective vest that makes me light up brighter than a full moon in the headlights of a car.
Also, what liquid79 said. Schwalbe tires all the way. These are truly puncture-proof. I use fingerless bike gloves in the summer and very sturdy skater gloves during winter time.
"The Surge"-pushrims have that rubber inlay on top for better pushing and a big flat side for braking, I like these a lot.
This is amazing!!! Thanks
I’m so happy to hear you’re enjoying the videos so much! Thanks for leaving all these commends and I look forward to more 😁
In Finland it is a law for pedestrians to have something reflextive. (Well, they actually invented the reflextive material we found now on bicycles.) So, they have designed all sort of stuff with reflextive paint or fabric that don't look like a bicycle or a security vest but are instead integreated in the design/fashion. Some hats, bags, scarfs, coats, with nice patterns using reflective fabric, outdoor reflective jewelry, such as over the coat bracelets, broaches, pendants such as heijastin. Some stuff are more sport looking, some more casual.
The street I live on (as well as most of the other streets in my town - basically all but the 2 main drags) has a max of 1 curb cut on almost all its intersections (absolute max of 2, and only on a few of them), so I'm really excited to get my custom wheelchair later this summer so that I can learn how to jump up curbs (not something I can do in a 36-40 lb. standard manual chair).
First l thought was: Hey: please clip lights on your chair! I never go out without, they allways are on mine! Please, be carefully, cars are fast and dangerous, 'cause we are so tiny for them to see! Vied. is awsome! Thanks!
Potholes are dangerous 😅 never trust a water puddle 🙌🏼 awesome video! Still the best intro around! ♿️💪🏽
Yeah dude puddles are sketchhhhhh plus i don't like getting my hands all wet if i don't have to. I appreciate the love man! the intro gets me so hyped every time.
I once went through a puddle. I didn't see the pothole beneath it. I ended up having to do a pushup until my friends could get me in my chair. I could have drowned.
I live in a tiny old city in the UK, and many of the flags on the pavements have been lifted by the roots of trees.
I can’t drive so I have no option but to smash my way along, hoping I don’t face plant (...and on my 4th set of front forks!). So I wrote to the city council explaining my problem and their reply... “the trees and pavements are a feature of our city” ...I wasn’t asking them to get rid of either, I just want to be able to ‘walk’ down the street like anyone else!
Also, I love going downhill pretty fast, your hands get fairly calloused if you don’t drive and flat rims are amazing for braking!
Billie.
I have recently been introduced to a freewheel. give it a look an see if that will help
Wheels2Walking I have had a freewheel for over 6 years and it’s great for off road, but a bit energy-sapping for everyday use.
I bought a smart drive in September but it broke almost straight away (3 times!) and I’m still waiting for it being repaired. Do you know of anyone else who’s had problems with one?
Billie.
@@billiebluesheepie2907 I haven't personally used one and no one i know does. sorry :/
LOVE that shot of you tucked just flyin 😎 fuckin badass. Miss my trunk! When I get my speed up like that I really gotta watch the trunk spasms.
ZOOOOOOMMMMMM
What if ur in a power wheelchair? How would u do it?
HEY MAN. BATTERY OPERATED STRIP LIGHTS ARE AWESOME FOR LIGHTING IN THE FRONT OF YOUR CHAIR.
iv only been using a wheelchair for a couple weeks and thats only a basic hire wheelchair. i cant wait to get my lightweight permanent one in a couple of weeks with anti tippers. im nervous to go into the city, lol im hoping i learn some good skills. i want to go clubbing and do stuff that i use to do before i got mobility problems, its going to take alot to get use too.
Light weight chairs are a game changer for sure! Nervous is ok, but be sure to go anyway even if you’re scared. There is always a way. Clubbing is awesome in a chair. If you’re single it’s even better because you get SO MUCH ATTENTION cuz you’re the only one like you in there 🔥 I go to EDM shows in clubs all the time and people are great.
@@Wheels2Walking I have never got that kind of attention - only patronising.
Hi Megan, I've had my wheels a whole 3 weeks and 3 days, so a real expert here ;) I always refer to my wheels as wheels not a chair, wheels move but a chair is static; just a different way of looking at things. Years ago I bought a book and it's kind of turned into my mantra for life, it's called 'Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway', I've never actually read the book, the title is enough. Having my wheels has completely opened up my life again, I've been out more in the last 3 weeks than I was able to do for something like 3 years.
Advice - get out there, take it steady, there are lots of' how to' videos which have helped me enormously and keep on telling yourself that you can do this.. Good luck and enjoy your lightweight wheels when you get them.
@@ChrisPage68 hmmmm. i don't know what to say about that. perhaps your approach could be different? i've never had a bad experience other than people trying to pick me up when i didn't want them too.
@@annewatson6390 this is a great comment. thanks for sharing your experience!
I was at Heathrow Airport with a suitcase traveling alone. At the bottom of a ramp was a puddle 5 inches wide and 3 feet long. I couldn't see it was deep. I was on my palms in a second. Lots of people to get me upright.
You could get lights for your wheels on amazon so that people can see you at night
8:55 What he needs is more experience. Assuming he survived that fall.
I think I watched enough to know that the accessibility there is absolutely disastrous.
I think you can get partway up the Brode hill by taking the red line subway too. Pretty sure thats Hill Street.
Ive gotten a looot better at hopping curbs since my accident 9 months ago i sometimes if i see a curb that i think u can hop over i go ahead and do it instead of going to the cut out thats like 10 feet away 😂 its good practice
Now that's a wheelchair flex 💪🏻 hahahah. definitely good practice.
So nice video in my touwn acsesible public toalet dont exist im tryin for years to get municipality to bild one
Hope they do soon!
I use a power wheelchair. Adding battery powered bicycle lights to your chair is a great idea. I have 2 lights. Most of the time at night I have one on constant and one flashing because people still dont notice you unless the light is flashing but i need one on a constant to see obstacles on the sidewalk and road.
I bike a lot and the most visible thing I know is to have two flashing lights. They are always a bit out of sync which makes them extra noticeable. But even one flashing light is pretty noticeable.
Ive been in a chair my whole life (Actually ive been in a chair since 3 but that because i needed to master one first before i could have my own and I have Spina Bifida) I've mastered the wheelie but rolling while in a wheelie not so much it might be because im so disproportionate and hoping curbs scares me unless i have someone with me because I'm that clumsy and the curbs in my town are not one flat piece of cement or concrete whatever sidewalks are made of
Do you have a way to add disk brakes to your wheel chair to help with going down hills?
Los Angeles and Long Beach have free or cheap local buses. I did scooter there. I’d park and ride. Of u checked out the buses you might have had an easier time.
In Kissimmee the light changed and I started to cross a street. Before I got to the curb a pick up truck blew the light. I whipped my right leg up and kicked the truck. I dented the truck lol. As I hit the truck I reared back on two wheels and spun away. Only my basket got damaged. In 7 years I have left half a dozen dents. A car passed me in a motel parking lot and left tire marks on my foot. As for pulling out - an old man pulled out of a driveway in front of Millie, my van. She was totaled. My right foot, lower legs, and knees are damage as is a wrist. In the hospital I had a weird spell like a stroke. I lost some hearing, not noticible and a wonky eye. My brain is worse off now and I have issues when stressed or tired. I stare and try to say what I want to say. Thank you and please make everyone aware of safety. People don’t see or care about joggers, motorcycles, kids let alone the disabled. Especially tourist areas. Hugs.
Oh, back long ago Model A cars couldn’t do hills. People would go up and turn 90° until the car stabilized then off they would go up the hill. It is better to turn 90° to the side and stop than fly down a hill. Scooters and chairs are dangerous at high spread. Pushing Mom I would turn sideways while waiting on ramps. I love the speed! I don’t like road rash lol. Or worse picking bits of shrubbery out of my body lol. Someday I would love to meet you.
I need to get myself some bike gloves for the hills and the callouses. They’re no fun! Also, ever consider taking a sports chair to a skatepark? From what I saw here you could be good at it 😂🤷🏻♀️
Haven’t done WCMX but I am in a few days and I’m super excited about it!
I want to know how to pop the curbs if you're in a motorized wheelchair...never have figured that little issue out.
I am a 16 year old with Cerebral palsy (in my chair 95% of the time) I want to do a degree in international tourism these videos are so interesting to me. I was also wondering how old you are and were you in education while being in your chair? I want to go to RGU which is a uni which seems quite accessible and new anyway I hope I haven’t offended you . X
You’re ok Anna! I was injured at 20 years old. Back to uni at 21!
Any extra tips for me to see me I am 4’8 if I can stand with a lot of assistance which makes me even shorter and I have very poor vision so to make eye contact is impossible for me unless 3 foot away from me and very bright room
They put the toilets so far away - don't they realise we're more likely to have weak bladders? 🤦
hahah true. at least they have SOME way to get down there
seriously. peed on myself once
@@Wheels2Walking llàa
9:20 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
💪🏻😎🤜🏻
CAN YA TAKE IT ALL AWAAAAAAYYYYYY
@@Andrewdeitsch hahahahaha
Did anybody else get an ad about sunglasses, while this video is a night thing?
Just me?
I got a question. Why don’t chairs have wider and deeper tread wheels?
Wouldn't that be more tiring to push all day?
junbh2 off road and rough terrain...sidewalks are universally shitty
I hope you sent this video to LA City Council. Those high kerbs are death traps. 💀
my mom sent it 🤣
Interesting
Great video, not in a wheelchair but do use a cane. Good info to use both ways. Thank you, and well be checking out other videos
Have you been to the Netherlands yet? you’ll love it
We must fight for #EqualAccess it's a civil right
Hey Richard it's Kevin again remember I asked you about videos on how to select wheelchairs anyhow now I've watched a couple videos and you are great but I was wondering have you ever been in a situation where you felt fear....either because someone or ones , a group being wise ass to you or a situation in public where you fears for your safety. I'll admit being new to a chair and now only 4 feet tall if that and slow to roll I am a see but fearful in public. Never was too now and just curious if u would do a personal story of two and safety tips!sincerely, kevin
I went down that hooe
Also u know that google maps now has accessibility for building, train stations, etc.
Where idd you learn tot pop a wheely? I just don’t seem to succeed to do iT.
Practice practice practice. There are a lot of good videos and tips here on RUclips and on Instagram if you’re on there :)
Another way of getting down a curb would be to approach it backward, lean as far forward as you can, and just bump down that way (back wheels first). I do it all the time and it's less likely to make you flip if your balance sucks like mine.
Just don't forget about a heavy bag or something attached to the back. Then, you will flip. Ask me how I know. 😜
Great tip!
I have been in a wheelchair longer then u but im still not game to do a wheelie I have tried but cant stay up long enough
Also 9:19 I die 🤣🤣🤣
THe question is, can you take it all away?!
Near the beginning you talk about being harder to notice crossing the street because you're lower, and you say something like 'and you're not lit up, no reflective clothing or lights'. Have you ever considered putting a few strips of reflective tape on your chair? Or even a small flashing bike light when you're in a place with bad drivers at night? Of course unlike a bike you're mostly on the sidewalk and only occasionally on the road, but it seems like it wouldn't be too hard to improve your visibility a little.
11:03 BUT!
OMG, I hate hate hate having to ride the road in my chair!
I am in a power chair and most of what you were doing would be Difficult for me to do.
I like your videos. I wonder why you don't wear white or reflective clothes at night. I have had a near miss with pedestrians all dressed in black crossing at an intersection. P.S - your music was too loud.
Zero dislikes that’s my boi
why don't just get some bike lights mount on your wheel chair or clip on flashy lights joggers use because on a wet glare night drivers not going to be able to see you that well
Hi
How come you don't have lights. Light weight bIcylce type best be seen
How did you get hurt
Have you ever tried VR or played Minecraft?
The dislike is the hill...
You know what would be funny as hell? If your arguing with someone and you wanna fight them. Just take your shirt off and start chasing them while yelling at them
I dont have a chair like your'z wish i did tho
what's stopping you?
Wheels2Walking probably cost prohibitive.
I don’t get why someone disliked this
Dude put on something reflective at night
Dude why don't you wear gloves? :) I always use biking gloves when I drive my chair so I don't get sores :D
Sorry don't want to be picky, but your music is way louder than the talking in all of the clips i have watched so far and it means I am forever turning the volume up and down. Don't know if that is something you care to look at?
Not picky at all. This is one of our earlier videos and we have since resolved the issue. Thanks for your feedback 👍🏻
Lol if you’re a wheely boy
I like your videos but I have a minor bitch. Sometimes when the music kicks in it blows my eardrums out because I have to use headphones. That's it and keep up the good work.
This was one of our earlier videos and this issues has since been resolved :) we listened to everyone’s feedback.
Thanks 😁
Are you allergic to mary jane? ;( lol
I don't think that I'd want to roll down a street at night dressed in dark clothing as you were.
Hi
Hi