Driving Practice; Transferring To And From Your Powerchair; Routine Maintenance And General Care; Tyres - Invacare Phoenix Plus User Manual

Driving Practice

Release the manual brakes. With the joystick you now control speed (within the selected Drive Mode) and
direction of the Powerchair. The more you move it forward, the faster you travel. To reverse, pull the
joystick backward. By moving the joystick left or right (while the Powerchair is moving forward or
backward) you steer the Powerchair. Push the joystick full left or right, and the Powerchair will turn around
within its smallest turning circle. To slow down, guide the joystick towards its centre (neutral) position. If
you have to stop in an emergency, simply release the joystick. It will automatically snap back to neutral and
the Powerchair will come to a smooth halt. As a LAST RESORT ONLY press the On/Off switch which will
serve as an emergency off switch. Once at a standstill, the Powerchair is instantly locked by the
electromagnetic parking brakes, so that it is perfectly safe while it is stationary, even on an incline.

Transferring to and from your Powerchair

Circumstances and individual needs will vary from person to person, we advise you consult your Therapeutic
Adviser who will help to advise and develop your skills for the appropriate transfer methods to suit your
individual requirements. DO NOT attempt transferring unaided until you are confident and proficient in the
skills to do so, remember during transfer make sure the brakes are in the locked position and that the
Powerchair is manouvered as close as possible to the transfer seat..

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL CARE

Your Powerchair is perhaps the one piece of equipment which gives you freedom and mobility, therefore
it is important to look after it. Your Powerchair comprises of sophisticated electronic control systems and
electrically operated parts, which must be checked and adjusted at regular intervals. Some of these checks
you can, and should, carry out yourself, such as proper working order of all lights, effective functioning of
wheel locks or parking brake, correctly inflated tyres etc. There are procedures which demand more
expertise, we therefore strongly advise you to have your Powerchair inspected and serviced by your
local INVACARE Supplier/Dealer at least once a year.
Looking after your Powerchair also means safe-keeping . When you park it and leave it outdoors, choose
a place as safe and protected from the weather as you possibly can.

Tyres

Pneumatic tyres must be checked once a week for correct tyre pressure. NEVER use a forecourt
compressed air line. At the same time check the tyres for excessive wear and possible damage (cracks,
etc.). Check that solid tyres are firmly seated on the wheel rim (not loose) and free of damage.
Excessively worn or damaged tyres should be replaced without delay.
Joystick Box
The Joystick is in a splashproof enclosure, it should not be subjected to direct spillage of liquids (tipped
over glasses, etc.). If spillage does occur, switch off power and dry the affected surfaces with an absorbent
cloth. Do not expose the joystick box to excessive heat at close range (electric fire, hot air blower, etc.).
To clean the joystick box wipe the surfaces with a lint free cloth dampened with warm water. DO NOT
USE SOLVENTS.
Check the joystick rubber gaiter and keypad are in good condition and show no signs of cracks, pin holes, etc.
Once a month check the various connections to verify that they are in place and tight. Damaged or corroded
connectors or terminals, as well as damaged cables should be replaced immediately.
15