Propelling Up A Slope; Propelling Down A Slope; Climbing A Kerb - Invacare Rea Dahlia 30 User Manual

Rea® Dahlia® 30 / 45

6.8 Propelling up a slope

Many experienced users can propel themselves up a slope. In order
not to lose control of the steering and to avoid tipping backwards,
you should always lean forwards whilst propelling up a slope. Propel
the wheelchair forwards using short, quick strokes applied to the
hand rims, in order to maintain speed and steering control.
The wheelchair can manage a slope of 15°, but steep slopes should be
avoided for safety reasons. Generally, help is needed on steep slopes.
WARNING!
Risk of tipping
The wheelchair may tip if the slope is 8° or more.
– Use anti tip devices!
WARNING!
Risk of tipping backwards
When the wheelchair is already leaning backwards, a
sudden movement may cause the wheelchair to tip
backwards.
– If you have to stop on a slope, it is particularly
important to ensure that you do not make any sudden
or unexpected backward movements when you start
moving the wheelchair forwards again.

6.9 Propelling down a slope

The wheelchair can manage a slope of 15°.
Risk of falling
– Steep slopes should be avoided for safety reasons.
– We recommend that you obtain the help of one or
more assistants when going down steep and wet
slopes.
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WARNING!
Risk of falling/injury
The wheelchair may move forward uncontrollably.
– Check the slope to see if there are any particular
hazards, potholes, slippery sections.
– Never use the user-operated brake to slow down.
When you apply the brake on a downward slope, the
wheels lock and the wheelchair can suddenly pull to
one side, tip sideways or stop immediately. This may
cause you to be thrown out of the chair.
– Always control the speed with the hand rims.
– Try to propel down the slope in a straight line as much
as possible.
CAUTION!
Risk of minor injury
– Remember that the hand rims may become hot due to
friction, and this may cause injury to your hands.

6.10 Climbing a kerb

This method is for when the assistant is always behind the wheelchair
and it creates the greatest safety for the user. The following advice
is for the assistant:
1. Adjust the anti-tip devices upwards. Ensure that the user's feet
rest securely on the footrests and cannot slide off. Then tilt the
wheelchair backwards and push it forwards against the kerb.
2. Lower the frontal part of the wheelchair onto the pavement and
place yourself as close to the chair as possible, before you lift
up the whole wheelchair.
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