Supporting wheelchair users in winter conditions as a carer

Winter conditions can add real complexity to everyday mobility. For people who use wheelchairs, and for the carers supporting them, colder temperatures, wet surfaces and reduced daylight can increase fatigue and raise safety risks. The goal is not to avoid winter participation. It is to plan, assess risk sensibly, and make small adjustments that reduce strain and support confidence.

This guidance is designed to complement general seasonal tips by focusing specifically on the carer perspective: managing safety, energy and equipment performance while keeping the person’s goals and routines central.

Start with a simple risk assessment

Before heading out, take 30 seconds to check four factors. This helps carers make calm, practical decisions rather than reacting under pressure.

Consider:

• Surface conditions: rain, leaves, grit, ice, camber and steep gradients
• Distance and rest points: where you can stop safely if fatigue builds
• Timing and visibility: daylight, lighting, weather changes, traffic
• Support available: whether you are alone, and how quickly help could reach you if needed
   

If any element looks uncertain, adjust one variable. Shorten the route, change the time of day, or choose a location with smoother access.

Braking and control in wet and icy conditions

In winter, reduced traction is one of the biggest risks, particularly on slopes, dropped kerbs and uneven paving. Even when a wheelchair is functioning correctly, stopping distances can increase on wet surfaces, and pushing effort can rise on rough ground.

Practical steps for carers:

• Slow down earlier than you think you need to, particularly before slopes and kerbs
• Avoid sudden turns or quick direction changes on wet leaves or frosty ground
• Use controlled positioning on slopes: keep the chair aligned and reduce side angle where possible
• Check brakes regularly: if brakes feel less responsive, squeal, or do not hold on a gradient, do not ignore it

For powered wheelchairs, be cautious with speed settings outdoors and consider using a lower profile setting on unfamiliar surfaces.

Fatigue and physical strain for both person and carer

Winter routes can require more effort due to drag from wet ground, thicker clothing, and frequent stops to manage safety. That can increase upper limb strain for manual users, and physical exertion for carers.

To manage fatigue:

• Plan shorter segments with clear rest points
• Share the work where possible, including switching who pushes, or using approved add ons when appropriate
• Keep transfers realistic: if a transfer feels rushed or unsafe due to cold or wet conditions, pause and reset rather than forcing it
• Build in recovery time after longer outdoor trips, especially for people who experience pain, spasticity or reduced stamina

Fatigue also affects decision making. If either of you is becoming tired, the safest option is often to end the trip earlier.

Temperature management and comfort

Cold exposure can reduce comfort and function. It can also increase risk for people who have reduced sensation or limited ability to regulate temperature.

Supportive, practical steps include:

• Layering for warmth without restricting posture or movement
• Keeping hands protected to maintain grip and safe transfers
• Checking pressure points and skin more frequently if clothing or seating contact changes
• Using weather protection appropriately, ensuring it does not compromise vision, breathing or access to controls

If someone appears unusually drowsy, confused, or has slurred speech in cold conditions, treat that as a concern and seek medical advice. Hypothermia can present in these ways.

Equipment checks that matter more in winter

A short pre journey check can prevent avoidable problems.

Focus on:

• Tyres and tread: ensure traction is reasonable and tyres are correctly inflated
• Brakes: check hold and responsiveness before leaving home
• Footplates and leg supports: confirm they are secure and not affected by bulky clothing
• Powered chairs: ensure batteries are sufficiently charged and consider that colder temperatures can affect performance and range in some circumstances 

If you are unsure, keep journeys closer to home until you have confidence in how the chair performs in the conditions.

When to seek clinical review

Winter can reveal issues that were not obvious in summer. If you notice repeated sliding, increased discomfort, new fatigue patterns, or changes in transfer safety, that can be a sign that seating, posture support, or mobility setup needs review. 

A clinically led reassessment can help ensure the equipment continues to match the person’s function, environment and goals. In many cases, small adjustments can reduce strain and improve confidence through the season.

Carers often carry a significant share of the practical and emotional load in winter mobility. The most supportive approach is not perfection. It is preparation, calm decision making, and ensuring equipment and plans reflect real life. When mobility remains aligned to comfort, posture and participation, winter becomes more manageable, and routines stay more consistent.