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4.21 Use on a slope
Your wheelchair has been designed and tested to allow its
use on slopes or gradients of up to 8° (14%). However, you
have the option of adjusting your seating position with a
tilt or recline back rest or a combination of these options,
(see warning below).
WARNING!
In certain circumstances your wheelchair could become
unstable. Before attempting to climb or descend a slope
or a kerb, caution should be taken when using weight shift
options (e.g. powered tilt or recline) of the seat and/or your
body for a counter balance weight. To improve stability
lean forward when driving uphill, with the seat and back in
an upright position. Alternatively sit in an upright position
when travelling in a forward, downhill direction or tilt and/
or recline the seat backwards.
WARNING!
We strongly recommend that you return the seat and back
to an upright lowered position before attempting to climb
or descend a slope. Failure to do this may cause the
wheelchair to become unstable.
WARNING!
If you are in any doubt about the capabilities of your
wheelchair on a slope then do not attempt to drive up or
down the slope/kerb; try to find an alternative route.
WARNING!
Stopping distances on slopes can be significantly longer
than on level ground.
14
Q300M
4.21.1 Gradients: ascents
WARNING!
• When going uphill, keep the wheelchair moving. Steer
by pushing the joystick forwards, but use very slight
side to side movements to even out the drive.
• If you have stopped on a hill, you should start slowly. If
necessary lean forward to prevent the tendency for the
front wheels to lift.
4.21.2 Gradients: descents
WARNING!
On descents, it is important not to let the wheelchair
accelerate beyond its normal level of ground speed. In
fact, it is safer to proceed slowly down steep descents
(below the speed of 5kph) and stop, if any anxiety arises
regarding directional control. If the wheelchair picks up
speed, centre the control to slow it or to stop all forward
movement, then restart slowly and do not allow the speed
to increase.
NOTE:
• The solid state controller has the benefit of a logic
system that will help compensate when driving along a
camber or up a hill. This is an added safety feature on
your wheelchair . In addition of course, you may control
the wheelchair speed by using the speed control.
• If an R-net control system is fitted, a GYRO Module
may be added to eliminate the need to compensate.
(Section 7.0.1).
4.22 Using a vehicle mounted passenger lift
Wheelchair lifts are used in vans, buses and buildings to
help you move from one level to another.
DANGER!
• Ensure that the user and all carers fully understand the
lift manufacturer's instructions for using the passenger
lift.
• Never exceed the lift manufacturer's recommended
safe working load and load distribution guidance.
• Always turn off all power when you are on the lift. If you
fail to do so, you may touch the joystick by accident
and cause your wheelchair to drive off the platform. Be
aware that a rollstop at the end of the platform may not
prevent this.
• Always position the user securely in the wheelchair to
help avoid falls while on the lift.
• Always ensure the wheelchair is in drive mode when
using passenger lift (wheels locked not in freewheel
mode).
Rev.1.0
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