Driving Technique/Manoeuvring - Etac Act Manual

9 Driving technique, settings manoeuvring
9:1 Driving technique
Weight distribution is the decisive fac-
tor when it comes to operating condi-
tions. It is in part dependent upon the
user's weight, size and seating position
and in part upon the position of the
rear wheels longitudinally. The more
weight that is placed over the rear
wheels, the easier the wheelchair is to
manoeuvre. The more weight over the
castors wheels, the heavier the chair
becomes to operate. The Act standard
model is supplied with a 3° camber
angle. This means that the wheels are
a little closer to the seat/backrest on
top and are wider apart at floor level.
This gives several advantages. The
wheelchair:
-turns more easily
-holds a steady course
-has a broader support base
9:2 Driving technique, kerbs and raised thresholds: up
User, driving up forwards:
This technique is recommended only
for experienced wheelchair users.
- Ensure that the anti-tips are
turned upwards.
- Drive forward to the kerb/
threshold.
- Balance the wheelchair on its
rear wheels so that the castors
lift high enough to come up
on the pavement. Grasp the
handrims firmly, while at the
same time leaning forwards
with your upper body.
Allows the user to hold his/her arms
closer to the body when driving
forwards, giving more strength to each
push.
If you require a chair that is slightly
narrower, Act can be ordered with a
straight back axle (0° camber angle).
Act can also be supplied with double
back axles).
Care giver: If the user is left alone
in the wheelchair, ensure
that the brakes are ap-
plied and that the anti-
tip is swung down.
Parking: Increase the overall
support base of the
wheelchair by reversing
for about 10 cm, thereby
ensuring that the castors
wheels swing forwards.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position.
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