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We recommend that you have the chair tested by the qualified person who has prescribed the wheelchair, after
he or she has made the adjustments that you request, taking your build and needs into account. We hope that
you have also received help in learning how best to use the wheelchair. Start by practising carefully until you are
familiar with the wheelchair's possibilities and limitations.
6.1 MOVE TO/FROM THE WHEELCHAIR
Propel the wheelchair as near as possible to the seat
that you want to move to. Apply the brake. Remove
the armrests and detach the legrests or swing them
outwards. Do not support yourself on the footplates
as this may cause the chair to tip forwards.
6.2 STRETCHING AND LEANING
Propel the wheelchair as near as possible. When
stretching and bending, do always have full contact
between the backrest and the back otherwise the
wheelchair may tip over. Stretching behind the back
is not recommended.
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6. Using the wheelchair
6.3 PROPELLING UP A SLOPE
Many experienced users can propel themselves up
a slope. In order not to lose control of the steering
and to avoid tipping backwards, you should always
lean forwards whilst propelling up a slope. Propel
the wheelchair forwards using short, quick strokes
applied to the hand rims, in order to maintain speed
and steering control.
Generally, help is needed on steep slopes.
If you have to stop on a slope, it is particularly
important to ensure that you do not make any sudden
or unexpected backward movements when you start
moving the wheelchair forwards again. As the wheel-
chair is already leaning backwards, such a movement
may cause the wheelchair to tip backwards. The
maximum gradient of slopes that can be attempted is
varied between 3° and 13,5° depending on the user
weight, physical ability and the adjustments of the
wheelchairs. Always use anti-tippers.
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