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5.0 USING THE DEVICE
4.
Decelerating (Fig. 5.6)
There are three ways to decelerate the device:
a.
Stop pressing the push button (G).
b.
Pressing the minus (-) (decrease speed) button (H) on the control
unit as shown. (Fig. 5.6)
c.
Changing speed control to neutral mode by pressing the minus (-)
(decrease speed) button until no peed control lights are lit.
5.6
5.6
G
5.
Stopping
The device does not have a brake. Stop pressing the push button or switch
to neutral; this will provide some slowing force, but it will not provide a
braking force. Full stopping force must be provided by the wheelchair user
and/or attendant in order to come to a full stop.
6.
Operating on an incline
The device will provide assistive propulsion up an incline. It is best to be
in motion prior to encountering the incline. Starting on an incline requires
the ability to accelerate the chair through the handrims and/or attendant
pushing.
Note: Refer to the manual wheelchair owner's manual for warnings regarding
maximum allowable incline.
7.
Operating on a decline
The device does not have a brake. All speed control/braking must be
provided by the wheelchair user through the handrims and/or by the
attendant.
8.
Operating rearward
The device does not provide any powered assistance in the rearward
direction. However, it will provide a small amount of resistance moving
rearward. To avoid this resistance, the device can be put into neutral mode.
9.
Neutral mode
Neutral mode is intended to be used when powered assistance is not
required on a temporary basis, such as when operating in tight or
confi ned spaces.
To position the device in neutral mode, do one of the following:
1.
Release (stop pressing) the push button.
2.
Reduce the speed level until no speed level lights are lit. In this mode
(no speed level lights are lit), pressing the push button will not
activate the device.
WARNING!
Do not operate the device at high speeds in tight or confi ned spaces.
Either reduce the speed, turn off the device, or position it into
neutral mode.
Adverse conditions
Please be aware that when operating the power assist device in adverse
conditions, e.g. on wet grass, mud, ice, snow, or other slippery surfaces, there may
be a reduction in the grip and traction of the device.
1.
It is recommended to take extra precautions in these conditions,
particularly on hills and slopes. The device could become unstable or skid
causing possible injury.
2.
When using the device take extra care with loose or long items of clothing.
Moving parts, such as wheels, can be potentially dangerous or even fatal if
clothing becomes entangled.
3.
If there is any doubt about the capabilities of the device on a slope, then do
not attempt to drive up or down the slope/curb. Try to fi nd an alternate
route.
H
Gradients: ascents
1.
When going uphill, keep the chair moving.
2.
Steer by rider carefully pushing on either the left or right handrim making
slight left and right adjustments while proceeding uphill, and/or by attendant
steering.
3.
If the wheelchair is stopped on a hill, start slowly.
4.
If necessary, the wheelchair user should lean forward.
Gradients: descents:
1.
On descents, it is important not to let the device accelerate beyond its
normal level of ground speed.
2.
For steep declines, it is recommended to power off the device.
1.
Proceed slowly down steep descents and stop if feeling anxious.
2.
If the chair picks up speed, switch to a lower speed or to neutral mode, or
power off the device.
3.
Restart slowly and do not allow the speed to increase above what the
attendant is comfortable with.
1.
In certain circumstances the device could become unstable.
2.
Before attempting to climb or descend a slope or a curb, caution should be
taken to properly shift the rider's weight to ensure the device is properly
balanced during the maneuver.
3.
To improve stability the rider should lean forward when driving uphill, with
the seat and back in an upright position.
4.
Alternatively the rider should sit in an upright position when travelling in a
forward, downhill direction and/or recline the seat backwards.
5.7 Securing the device (wheel off the ground) (Fig.5.7)
The device can be secured off the ground when not in use for short periods of
time. Power off the device or move to neutral mode (no speed lights are lit on
the control). Lift the wheel off the ground and hook the fender on the clip (I) that
hangs off the bottom of the backpack.
NOTE — Unhook clip prior to tilting or reclining the seating system. Reevaluate
ground clearance of the wheel if changing the tilt angle or back recline.
13
™
™
Empulse
™
R20
™
General Manual
Empulse
R20
General Manual
WARNING!
DANGER!
DANGER!
5.7
I
254717 Rev. A
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