Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
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General product information only, not medical advice. Settings for a specific chair come from that chair’s manufacturer manual and the clinician or supplier responsible for the user.
Short answer
An anti-tipper is a small wheel or tube mounted at the rear of a wheelchair to stop it tipping over backward. Manufacturers’ own sheets say to keep it set at a model-specific height above the floor, and the figures differ between makers: 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.1 cm) in two sheets, about 2.5 cm indoors in a third.
Definition and scope
Aidacare, a medical equipment supplier, describes anti-tippers as “small wheels attached to the back of a power wheelchair to prevent it from tipping over backward.” Other makers use the names anti-tip tubes, anti-tip devices or anti-tip wheels for the same job. The part belongs to the rear of the frame described in what a wheelchair is, where it sits beside the other parts of the chair. For how frame weight is discussed, see lightweight wheelchair weight.
How anti-tippers are used in practice
Three manufacturer or supplier documents (checked 2026-10-30) show how differently the same part is handled.
- Motion Composites (installation sheet for its swing-away anti-tipper) states that it “highly recommends using anti-tippers”, and that the device should sit 1 1/2 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.1 cm) from the floor. For users of 265 lbs or less one anti-tipper is enough; for users over 265 lbs (maximum 350 lbs) they must be used as a pair. The sheet lists compatibility by model (Veloce, Helio C2, Helio A7, Helio A6).
- Aidacare (supplier guide for its folding power wheelchair) recommends keeping anti-tippers extended at all times while its power wheelchair is in use.
- NHS Scotland SMART (Rea Azalea operating instructions) describes a spring-button adjustable tube at the rear: about 2.5 cm between tube and ground indoors, a larger gap outdoors, and the tubes fully down when the chair is used fully reclined and tilted. Its hoisting sequence lists lowering the anti-tip devices after applying the brakes and before tilting the seat.
Forms and ground clearance in manufacturers’ sheets
| Source | Form described | Clearance stated |
|---|---|---|
| Motion Composites swing-away anti-tipper | Swing-away unit; one or a pair depending on user weight | 1 1/2 to 2 in (3.8 to 5.1 cm) from the floor |
| Sunrise Medical Quickie GT manual | Anti-tip tubes, both set to equal height | 1 1/2 to 2 in |
| NHS Scotland SMART, Rea Azalea sheet | Spring-button adjustable-length tube | About 2.5 cm indoors; larger gap outdoors |
| Aidacare guide | Small rear wheels on a power wheelchair | No figure given; keep extended in use |
Each row describes one product line. The figures are not a general rule, and a sheet written for one chair should not be applied to another.
Where it matters for labs, clinics and supply decisions
Checklist drawn from the sources above, for staff who handle or specify wheelchairs:
- Match the part to the chair model. Motion Composites names the models its unit fits, and the NHS Scotland sheet says it is to be read with the manufacturer’s user manual.
- Look for a weight rule. One maker changes from one anti-tipper to a pair above 265 lbs.
- Look for the clearance the maker states, and whether it changes between indoor and outdoor use.
- Check when the maker wants the device down or extended: always in use (Aidacare), fully down when reclined and tilted (Rea Azalea).
- Remember that the part is one factor. Aidacare lists uneven surfaces, steep slopes, heavy bags hung on the back, and sudden stops or turns, especially on slippery surfaces or at high speed, as common causes of tips and falls, and notes that every power wheelchair has a slope limit set out in its manual.
Related reading on this site: what a medical device is, what a patient lift is (the Rea Azalea sheet covers hoisting into the chair), and fall prevention programs in hospitals.
Common misunderstandings
- One setting fits all chairs. The clearance figures above differ between makers, so the manual for the chair in use governs.
- The part removes the slope limit. Aidacare states that its Aspire model has a maximum slope of 6 degrees (1:10 rise over run) and that its anti-tippers work effectively up to that gradient.
- One part fits every model. Motion Composites lists the models its anti-tipper is compatible with, and Aidacare directs users unsure how theirs adjust or operate to its showroom.
Frequently asked questions
What is an anti-tipper on a wheelchair?
A small wheel or tube at the rear of the chair that limits backward tipping. Aidacare describes anti-tippers as small wheels attached to the back of a power wheelchair to prevent it from tipping over backward.
How high above the floor are anti-tippers set?
It depends on the chair. Motion Composites and the Sunrise Medical Quickie GT manual both give 1 1/2 to 2 inches, the NHS Scotland Rea Azalea sheet gives about 2.5 cm indoors with a larger gap outdoors, and Aidacare gives no figure. Use the manual for the chair in question.
Does one anti-tipper fit every wheelchair?
No. Motion Composites lists the specific models its unit is compatible with, and the Rea Azalea sheet is written to be read with that chair’s user manual.
Do anti-tippers remove the slope limit?
No. Aidacare says every power wheelchair has a limit to how steep a slope it can handle and that its Aspire model is limited to 6 degrees, the gradient up to which its anti-tippers work effectively.
Sources
- Motion Composites, Installation Instructions: Swing Away Anti-Tipper, checked 2026-10-30.
- Aidacare, How anti-tippers promote safe use (guide for its folding power wheelchair), checked 2026-10-30.
- NHS Scotland SMART, Rea Azalea Operating Instructions, checked 2026-10-30.
- Sunrise Medical, Quickie GT user manual (as hosted on ManualsLib), checked 2026-10-30.
