Driving; Cornering; Slopes And Ramps; Driving In Reverse - Sunrise Medical Magic Mobility Extreme X8 Owner's Manual

3.11 Driving

The speed and direction of the powerchair is generally
controlled by the joystick:
• Turn on your powerchair
• Use the joystick to control the speed and direction
of travel.
It's important that you develop your own safety
practices based on your level of function and
ability. Get to know the territories where you plan to use
your powerchair, then look for hazards and how to avoid
them. Avoid trying a new manoeuvre on your own and
remember that it's best to have someone with you.

3.12 Cornering

Excessively high cornering speeds can cause your
powerchair to tip over. If you feel that you may tip over
when cornering, immediately reduce your speed and
decrease the sharpness of the turn.
These tips may help reduce the risk of accidents:
• Reduce cornering speed
• Reduce turn sharpness
• Be aware of uneven, rough and slippery terrain
• Avoid turning on sloped surfaces
• Be aware of changing surfaces - such as passing
from a paved area to a gravel area at high speed
while turning
• Avoid abrupt directional changes.

3.13 Slopes and ramps

Your powerchair has been designed and tested to
allow its use on slopes. Please refer to Section 10.
When climbing a slope, always go straight up and try
to keep your powerchair moving. However, do not use
excessive speed. If you must stop, start up again slowly
and then accelerate cautiously. If at any time you feel
uncomfortable, reduce your acceleration rate.
When driving down a slope, always go straight
down in the direction of the slope. Set your
powerchair to the slowest speed setting and drive in
a forward direction only. If your powerchair starts to
move down the slope faster than you anticipated or
desired, reduce the speed with the joystick. Try to keep
the powerchair wheels moving slowly to ensure a safe
controlled descent.
5900A Powerchair Owner's Manual DCR1236
The following advice is recommended for your safety:
• Don't drive at an angle, up or down the face of the
slope or cut the corner of a ramp. Don't turn or
change direction. This greatly reduces the possibility
of tipping over
• Stay in the middle of the ramp to reduce the risk
of dropping a wheel off the side
• Avoid potentially hazardous slopes and areas with
reduced traction. E.g. areas covered with snow, ice,
mud, cut grass, or wet leaves
• As with all off-road driving, you should always
ensure the terrain ahead is clear of unexpected
hazards. We advise that you have someone with
you who can check ahead
• When exploring alone, proceed with extreme caution.
We advise that you always carry your mobile phone
or GPS alert so that you can reach help if needed
• Avoid sudden stops and starts
• When on any sort of a slope or decline, never place
the powerchair in freewheel mode while seated or
standing next to it
• If you attempt a slope that's too steep, don't attempt
to turn. If possible, wait for assistance and reverse
to low speed. Generally travelling backwards down
a slope is not recommended as the powerchair
is less stable
• Don't use the seat elevator/lift or drive the chair
while elevated on a slope or ramp
• Be aware that stopping distances will increase when
travelling down a slope.

3.14 Driving in reverse

Use extra care when driving in reverse. Go
slowly as hitting an object unexpectedly could
cause you to fall. Stop often and check to ensure that
your path is clear of obstacles.

3.15 Street use

Other than crossing streets in designated
locations, you should not operate your powerchair
on public streets and roadways. This is in accordance
with local traffic laws, which vary by country. Please
check your local traffic laws and obey all local
pedestrian rules.
15
magicmobility.com.au