Using The Powerpack - TGA POWERPACK Operating Instructions And Owner's Handbook

Using the Powerpack

1. Set the Preset Speed Control to
approximately half speed for your initial
tests. Turn the key to on and then by using
gentle pressure on the speed control lever,
the wheelchair will move in a forward
direction (on Powerpacks fitted with reverse,
the Powerpack will travel in the direction
selected by the direction switch). The
more pressure on the lever, the quicker the
wheelchair will move. Never operate the
Powerpack without the wheelchair being
occupied.
2. Now release the lever and the wheelchair
will roll gently to a stop (on a level surface).
Try this process a few times to practise
stopping and starting. Now practise at
slightly higher speeds and for longer periods
until you feel confident with the controls.
3. Remember that both the Speed Control
Lever and the Preset Speed Control are also
power controls and as the terrain becomes
more difficult or uneven, they may need
adjusting to suit the conditions. Turning the
Preset Control to maximum and increasing
pressure on the lever will give more power
to climb gradients. Reduce pressure to
slow the wheelchair if the speed increases
beyond a comfortable level. Release the
lever when descending a slope and the
wheelchair is tending to pull the attendant.
Always remember to release the lever if you
are experiencing any difficulties maintaining
control.
4. Under no circumstances should the
person in the wheelchair operate the hand
control.
5. The Powerpack has adequate power to
propel a wheelchair and passenger over
terrain that is normally accessible to a
wheelchair. However, in situations such as
hill climbing, use on gravel or wet grass,
a certain amount of assistance may be
required by the attendant. When used in
conditions such as the above, do not allow
the motor to labour excessively or stall as
damage may be caused.
6. Care must always be taken when
negotiating kerbs and, if in doubt, refer to
the wheelchair manufacturer's instructions.
We recommend that dropped kerbs are
used whenever possible. If kerbs have to
be negotiated, when reversing up or down
kerbs, the Powerpack must be lifted clear of
the ground with the strap. When climbing
kerbs in a forwards direction, either lift the
Powerpack clear of the kerb on the strap, or
by using a small amount of power and great
care the Powerpack can be an assistance
to climbing the kerb. However, when going
down the kerb forwards, it is advisable to
use the strap and have the Powerpack clear
of the ground. Never let the Powerpack
crash down the kerb as this may cause
damage.
7. Hands should be kept clear of the wheels
at all times.
8. Always ensure your battery is adequately
charged before undertaking any journey.
This is indicated by the light at the top
of the hand control. In the event that the
battery condition indicator is showing
amber and you have some distance to go
before you reach your destination, you may
wish to conserve the battery power for the
more difficult part of the remaining journey.
Simply raise the Powerpack drive wheel
clear of the ground and switch they key to
off. When you come to more difficult terrain,
lower the drive wheel and turn the key to
on.
9. NOTE: Most manufacturers provide
guidance on the stability of their wheelchair
and you should refer to their manual
for information. However, if parked on
a hill, with the wheelchair occupied, the
rear stability must be considered. TGA
recommend that the normal practice
should be to park with the wheelchair
facing down the hill, unless the wheelchair
manufacturer's information states otherwise.
If the Powerpack has been positioned, other
than as recommended in paragraph 3 of the
Fitting Instructions and the manufacturer
of the wheelchair recommends a different
parking method, please contact TGA for
advice.
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