7 Ways to Safely Navigate Snowy Roads in a Wheelchair: Wheel Blades, Cold Weather Gear, and Assistance Tips

Snow can be a barrier in our lives, significantly affecting walking, driving, and public transportation. It also makes life challenging for wheelchair users when it snows.

This time, we introduce items that help with snow measures!

Refer to this article to live safely and comfortably even in snowy conditions.

1. Three Snow Measures for Wheelchairs

1-1. Switch to Winter Tires

Just like cars, wheelchairs also have tires for use in snowy conditions. There are two types: "block tires" and "studded tires."

Block tires are used on bulldozers at construction sites and provide a solid grip on snowy roads.

Studded tires also have strong grip due to their deep grooves, preventing the tires from spinning out.

1-2. Attach "Anti-Slip Rings" to Wheelchair Tires

A special fabric "anti-slip ring" that absorbs the water film on ice is another item that can be used during snowfall.

They are easy to attach by simply wrapping them around the tires, making them convenient to carry. They can also be used on wet surfaces without slipping.

1-3. Attach Special Ski Blades to the Wheelchair's Caster

Surprisingly, there are ski blades specifically for wheelchairs, known as "Wheelblades."

One reason wheelchairs become immobile on snowy roads is that the front wheels get buried in the snow. Wheelblades help prevent this.

Simply lift the caster slightly, place it on the Wheelblade, and lock the clamp to complete the attachment.

Since the main body is small, it's easy to carry and recommended for active wheelchair users who want to glide smoothly over the snow.

2-1. Points to Note and Recommended Items for Winter Clothing for Wheelchair Users

2-1. Avoid Long Coats

It's important to pay attention to clothing during snowy conditions. Long coats can get caught or cause slipping when transferring, posing a danger.

2-2. "Light Clothing + Thick Coat" for Temperature Differences

This isn't limited to wheelchair users, but dressing to accommodate temperature differences is key.

When it snows, it's extremely cold outside, but indoors, it's warm due to heating. If you can't adjust your clothing to regulate your body temperature, you might catch a cold.

Wear a thick coat and light clothing underneath to manage temperature differences.

2-3. Keep Feet Warm with Waterproof Leg Covers

Cold air tends to flow downward, making your feet more susceptible to the cold. Especially on snowy days, the temperature is lower, making it even colder.

In such cases, warm up with waterproof leg covers.

Many leg covers for wheelchair users are available, some featuring front pockets for both hands and stretchy materials that cover the footplate.

Choose one that suits your preferences.

Reference: 【A Must-Read for Wheelchair Users】How to Combat Cold Feet? Tips from People with Disabilities｜Barrier-Free Information Site Flat.

2-4. Easy-to-Wear Warm Boots

Some may find orthotic shoes too cold or unsatisfactory in terms of style.

Warm boots solve these issues. The inner material is fluffy, and the shoe opens wide for easy wearing.

With stylish designs, you're sure to find something you like.

2-5. Riding Gloves Recommended for Winter Self-Propelled Wheelchairs

For those who self-propel their wheelchairs, riding gloves are a recommended winter item.

In winter, low humidity can make hand rims slippery. Riding gloves provide a firm grip, making it easier to go up and down slopes with less effort.

Synthetic leather lacks durability and tears easily, so genuine leather riding gloves are recommended.

3. Barrier-Free Measures Unique to Snowy Regions

Snow accumulation can narrow pathways and increase the risk of slipping due to ice. Therefore, in snowy regions, various snow measures are implemented as barrier-free initiatives in central urban areas, stations, and school routes.

3-1. Installation of Heat Pipe Snow Melting Method

This method involves embedding heat pipes underground to transfer heat using the temperature difference between the ground and the pavement.

It uses the temperature difference between the ground and the road to dissipate heat, making it a 100% eco-friendly snow melting method using natural energy without gas or electricity.

3-2. Introduction of Anti-Icing Pavement

Anti-icing pavement comes in three types: chemical, physical, and physical-chemical.

Chemical anti-icing pavement involves mixing anti-icing agents like sodium chloride or calcium chloride into asphalt to provide anti-icing functionality.

Physical anti-icing pavement uses elastic materials that flex under the load of passing vehicles, causing snow and ice on the pavement surface to crack or peel off, exposing the road. The flexing is due to materials like rubber or urethane mixed into the pavement surface or within the pavement.

Physical-chemical anti-icing pavement combines these methods.

3-3. Snow Drainage Channels

Utilizing river water or treated sewage water to move snow is the purpose of snow drainage channels. By dropping shoveled snow into these channels, efficient snow removal is achieved.

3-4. Ensuring Sidewalk Width

Designing roads with sufficient width to accommodate space for piled snow is also promoted. Additionally, introducing appropriate snow removal and melting equipment ensures sidewalk width.

4. The Ultimate Barrier-Free Measure is "Barrier-Free Mindset"

We've introduced various barrier-free measures in snowy regions, but the ultimate barrier-free measure is a "barrier-free mindset."

When wheelchair traveler Miyocchi visited Hokkaido, she fell on a snow-covered sidewalk. Passersby rushed over to help her back into her wheelchair.

Miyocchi has traveled abroad and has often been helped by people in different countries when facing obstacles like steps or slopes.

In this way, many issues can be resolved not only through barrier-free facilities but also by everyone having a barrier-free mindset.

Check out the article where Ayumi interviewed Miyocchi!

Reference: Your Courageous Step Can Change Your Environment - Wheelchair Traveler Tatsuya Miyoshi｜Barrier-Free Information Site Flat.

Reference: Falling from a Wheelchair on a Snowy Road: Slippery Footing... At That Moment, People Rushed Over "I Fell in Love with Hokkaido"｜Kobe Newspaper NEXT

5. In Conclusion

This time, we introduced items useful for snow measures and barrier-free measures in snowy regions.

We also shared an episode highlighting that a barrier-free mindset is the ultimate barrier-free measure.

We hope wheelchair users find this helpful for purchasing items, and we encourage able-bodied individuals to take the initiative to help those in need!