How to Fold Up a Wheelchair: Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need

A standard folding wheelchair (manual type with a cross-brace frame)
Clear floor space around the chair
Optional: a strap or bungee cord to keep it folded during transport

Step-by-Step

Park and lock the brakes. Make sure the wheelchair is on a flat, stable surface. Engage both wheel locks (the levers near the push rims) so the chair cannot roll while you work on it.
Remove or flip up the footrests. Most footrests swing to the side or lift straight up and off. If they swing, push them outward. If they detach, press the release lever underneath and lift them out. Set them aside.
Remove the seat cushion (if there is one). A loose cushion will fall out when you fold the chair. Lift it off and set it aside.
Grab the seat fabric at the front and back. Stand in front of the chair, facing it. Place one hand on the front edge of the seat sling and the other hand on the back edge.
Lift the seat upward. Pull the front and back edges of the seat sling up at the same time. The seat is a flexible fabric sling; lifting it in the middle creates slack that allows the side frames to move inward.
Push the side frames together. With the seat lifted, use your legs or hands to push the two large side wheels toward each other. The chair will collapse sideways. Keep pushing until the sides meet and the frame is fully closed.
Secure it if needed. If you are loading the chair into a car or storing it upright, wrap a strap or bungee cord around the frame to keep it from opening accidentally. If you removed the footrests, store them in the trunk or clip them to the frame if your model has a retaining clip.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to lock the brakes. If the wheels move while you are lifting the seat, the chair can tip or roll away.
Not lifting the seat enough. If you only pull the seat up an inch, the frame will not have enough slack to fold. Lift it fully until the fabric is taut and vertical.
Leaving the footrests on. Footrests stick out and prevent the side frames from closing completely. Always remove or swing them out of the way.
Pushing the wheels instead of the frame. Pushing on the wheels can bend the spokes or damage the axle. Push on the rigid frame rails, not the wheels themselves.
Forcing it. If the chair resists folding, there is usually a trapped item or a latch you missed. Forcing it can break the cross-brace.

Tips

Fold the chair on a soft surface like a rug or grass to avoid scratching the frame.
If you fold the chair daily, check the seat sling for wear. A torn sling makes folding difficult and is unsafe.
Some chairs have a locking bar that snaps into place when closed. If yours does, listen for a click to confirm it is secure.
When lifting the folded chair into a car, grip the frame near the cross-brace, not the armrests, which are not designed to bear the full weight.
Keep the footrests together as a pair so you do not lose one.

Troubleshooting

The seat will not lift. Check that the brakes are not catching on the fabric. Also, make sure the chair is not a rigid-frame model (those do not fold). Look for a cross-brace under the seat; if there is none, you have a rigid chair and this method will not work.
The sides only fold partway. Something is blocking the frame, usually a footrest that was not fully removed or a seat cushion still in place. Remove both and try again.
The chair unfolds while you are lifting it. The seat sling may be too loose or worn. If the chair has a locking strap, use it. Otherwise, hold the sides together with one hand while you lift with the other.
One wheel is stuck. Check that the wheel lock on that side is fully released. A partially engaged brake can grip the tire and prevent the frame from closing.
You cannot get the footrests back on after unfolding. Align the peg on the footrest with the slot on the frame, then press down firmly. If it will not click, the release lever may still be engaged; push it in fully before inserting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all wheelchairs fold the same way?

No. Manual wheelchairs with a cross-brace frame fold as described above. Rigid-frame wheelchairs (often used by active users) do not fold; they have quick-release wheels and a removable backrest instead. Check for a cross-brace under the seat to know which type you have.

Can I fold a wheelchair with the armrests on?

Yes, on most models. The armrests are attached to the side frames and fold inward with the chair. However, removable armrests can be taken off first if they get in the way, especially on chairs with full-length armrests.

Is it safe to lift a folded wheelchair by the push handles?

No. The push handles are for pushing the chair while someone is seated. The frame near the cross-brace or the lower side rails are the correct lifting points. Lifting by the handles can bend them.

Why does my wheelchair not stay folded?

Most folding chairs stay closed because the seat sling is tight when folded. If yours springs open, the sling may be stretched or the cross-brace worn. Use a strap to hold it closed temporarily and have the chair inspected by a dealer or technician.

Can I fold the wheelchair while someone is sitting in it?

Never. Folding the chair while occupied will trap the person and can cause serious injury. The user must transfer to a stable seat before folding.

How do I unfold the wheelchair?

Place it upright, push the side frames apart until the seat sling is taut, then press down firmly on the center of the seat with the palm of your hand until it clicks flat. Ensure both sides are fully open before transferring anyone into it.

Sources: MedlinePlus. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.