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10.6. Driving on a gradient
When turning on a gradient, bear in mind you will have to sit square on to the slope before finally
swiveling around to face straight downhill. In this side-on position there is a risk of slipping
sideways down the slope. Either the child himself or the accompanying person should take this risk
into account and steer accordingly to compensate. If possible, let your child sit leaning into the hill,
whichever the intended direction of travel (see diagram 26).
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As a safety precaution, always ask an able-bodied person to accompany your child when driving
down a hill. Always remember that when your child wants to slow down the wheelchair with the
hand rings it generates a great deal of heat between hands and handring and can lead to burns on the
hands. Therefore always brake carefully and never drive faster than walking pace. Leaning back
into the hill improves stability and increases rear wheel downforce, thus also improving braking
efficiency.
10.7. Negotiating obstacles
Any obstacle, such as a kerb or threshold should be viewed as a potential source of danger. To
negotiate an obstacle, your child should always ask an able-bodied person for assistance.
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As an additional safety measure you can fit anti-tip rollers (see
photo 25). We recommend to permantly fit such rollers.
Attention: If anti-tip rollers are required, check that they are
fitted in extended position!
If you as a helping person should negotiate such an obstacle,
never lift the chair totally from the steps away. The big wheels
should always be in contact with them.
To get over an obstacle (e.g. driving up over a kerb from the
street), tilt the wheelchair just enough to lift the front castors
onto the edge of the obstacle. Then push on until the large
wheels are resting against the lip of the obstacle. Lift them up
and onto it by taking hold of the backrest or the rear axle (see
diagram 27).
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