Winter tips for wheelchair users | Staying safe, warm and mobile this season

Winter brings a range of challenges for wheelchair users. Cold temperatures affect equipment performance, surfaces become unpredictable, and planning simple journeys often requires more time and care. For many people, mobility is not only about getting from one place to another. It is also about maintaining independence, staying connected with others and continuing everyday routines with confidence.

This guide brings together practical advice from manual and powered wheelchair users, along with clinical considerations that support safer mobility during the winter months. It focuses on preparation, equipment care and strategies that help individuals remain safe, warm and active during colder conditions.

Understanding winter surfaces

Cold, wet and icy surfaces can affect traction and stability for both manual and powered wheelchairs. Recognising how winter weather changes the way equipment behaves can help reduce risks and support safer mobility.

Manual wheelchairs

Insights from experienced manual wheelchair users highlight several considerations:

• Tyre pressure often drops in cold weather, reducing grip and increasing rolling resistance. Keeping tyres at a higher pressure (typically 100–110 psi) may support better performance in winter.

• Wet or icy conditions reduce friction on pushrims and tyres, which can make propulsion less efficient.

• Full fenders can limit hand placement when pushing on slippery surfaces. Some users prefer to remove full guards during winter to allow more direct control of the tyre.

• Small front casters can sink into soft ground or lose stability on ice. A front wheel attachment, such as a FreeWheel or Track Wheel, can improve stability on uneven or snowy ground.

These adjustments can help maintain steadiness and reduce the effort required on challenging terrain.

Powered wheelchairs

For powered wheelchair users, surface conditions can affect braking distance and stability. Key considerations include:

• Wet or icy pavements can increase stopping distances.

• Avoiding untreated surfaces, such as ungritted paths, can reduce the risk of skidding.

• Checking route accessibility in advance can help identify safer alternatives.

Managing cold temperatures effectively

Cold weather affects both comfort and mobility. For some individuals, low temperatures can increase muscle stiffness or spasms, particularly for those with spinal cord injuries. Clothing, equipment and preparation can all help maintain warmth and reduce discomfort.

Layering and thermal support

Practical techniques include:

• Wearing layers that retain heat but allow movement, such as fleece blankets or insulated outerwear.

• Using fingerless gloves with fold-over mitts to maintain dexterity while managing joystick controls.

• Applying heat packs safely to areas that cool quickly.

• Using shoe warmers or thermal socks to support circulation.

• Wearing headbands or adapted coverings that fit comfortably around headrests.

These small adjustments can support comfort throughout longer journeys or when travelling between indoor and outdoor environments.

Preparing equipment for winter

Both manual and powered wheelchairs benefit from seasonal checks to ensure they remain safe and reliable.

Routine servicing

A pre-winter service can identify issues before colder weather makes them more difficult to manage. Powered wheelchairs may require additional checks due to battery behaviour and electrical components being affected by temperature changes.

Breakdown cover and contingency planning

For powered wheelchair users, having breakdown cover in place is essential. It provides reassurance that help is available if mobility equipment stops working in difficult weather conditions.

Keeping essential contact numbers accessible, including providers of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAV taxis), can reduce delays if plans need to change unexpectedly.

Manual wheelchair maintenance

Manual users may wish to:

• Check tyre pressure and adjust for colder weather.

• Inspect pushrims and tyres for grip.

• Review bearings and brakes, especially if travelling over wet ground.

These checks support stability and reduce the chance of wheel slip.

Planning ahead for safer journeys

Winter often requires more advance planning, particularly when travelling to unfamiliar places or relying on public spaces.

Route planning

Powered and manual wheelchair users benefit from:

• Checking weather forecasts and surface conditions before leaving home.

• Using accessibility platforms such as AccessAble or Euan’s Guide to understand terrain and facility information.

• Sticking to well-lit, well-gritted and familiar routes when possible.

Carrying essentials

Many powered wheelchair users keep a small “go-bag” with items such as:

• Medication

• Emergency blankets

• Wipes

• Snacks and fluids

• Spare clothing

• Towels (for wet weather)

• Basic tools or tyre repair kits

These items can be useful during longer trips or unexpected delays.

Maintaining independence while staying safe

Winter often limits spontaneity, but preparation supports continued independence. Small adjustments to equipment, clothing and planning can help people continue activities that matter to them.

For manual users, winter can be a time to consider whether a power add-on would support safer and more efficient mobility.

For powered users, planning routes and preparing thermal adaptations can improve comfort and reduce fatigue.

With the right strategies in place, individuals can continue participating in work, social activities and community life throughout the winter season.

Winter conditions affect how mobility equipment performs, how surfaces behave and how individuals manage comfort and safety outdoors. By preparing equipment, planning routes and using practical thermal strategies, wheelchair users can navigate the season with confidence.

The goal is not simply to manage winter conditions, but to maintain independence, participation and wellbeing throughout the colder months. With thoughtful preparation, mobility remains predictable, safe and personal, whatever the weather.

If you have any questions please talk to our friendly team of specialists by clicking here or calling 0330 128 1260.