Instructions For Use; Balance; Getting In And Out; Bending And/Or Reaching Forward - Excel E-Smart User Manual

4.

Instructions for use

It is very important that you teach yourself the correct user instructions. Therefore, you need to know all the
components of the wheelchair as described in this user manual. Always check with an expert about developing safe
methods regarding your physical abilities to use your wheelchair.
4.1

Balance

Daily operations such as getting in and out of the wheelchair, reaching and bending in the wheelchair will cause
change to the weight distribution and the centre of gravity of you and your wheelchair. You will need to perform
these movements and techniques as shown below.
4.1.1

Getting in and out

Getting in and out of the wheelchair is a common operation. The difficulties of getting in and out depend on your
physical capabilities. In this user manual, we describe the actions that must be followed when you want to get in or
out of the wheelchair without help. When you can't do it independently any longer, we recommend that you make
an appointment with an occupational therapist to discuss your options and to determine how you can best get in
and out of the wheelchair.
Before you get in or out of your electric wheelchair, you must make sure the wheelchair is on a flat surface. The
wheelchair needs to be in drive mode (not freewheel) when getting in or out. That way, the motorbrake keeps
the wheelchair from moving. Always make sure the wheelchair is turned off when getting in or out. The electric
wheelchair is turned off when all of the LEDs on the controller are off. This prevents the chance of accidentily
moving the joystick and thus moving the wheelchair when getting in our out. When getting in or out of the
wheelchair, be sure to flip the armrests and footplate up. When seated, fasten the seatbelt, flip down the armrests
and footplate and you are ready to go. To get out, turn off the wheelchair, unfasten the seatbelt, flip up the
footplate and one or two of the armrests.
4.2 Bending and/or reaching
It may occur when you are in your wheelchair that you need to reach for something. To avoid tipping over, you must
follow the steps below.
• Make sure that you are as close as possible to the object;
• Make sure the front wheels are in forward driving position. If not, go forwards and then backwards to turn the
wheels in the correct position;
• Turn off the electric wheelchair;
• You can now bend and reach for the target more safely.
4.3

Going up or down inclines or kerbs

It may occur that you have to go up or down a kerb or with your wheelchair. In this user manual we will describe
how to do this independently and safely.
Warning
If the wheelchair is going faster than you are comfortable with when descending, the speed can be adjusted without
stopping fully.
Koperslagerij 3 | 4651 SK Steenbergen | The Netherlands | T: +31 (0)167-573020 | E: info@vanosmedical.nl | W: www.vanosmedical.nl
User Manual | Excel E-Smart / E-Smart +
© 2018 Excel, part of Van Os Medical B.V.
10