Using The Joystick To Drive The Wheelchair - Invacare Pronto M41 Owner's Manual

Using the Joystick to Drive the Wheelchair

NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 5.2.
The joystick is located at the front of the joystick housing and provides smooth control of
speed and direction. It is equipped with 360 degrees of mobility for ease of operation. The
joystick is spring‐loaded, and automatically returns to the upright (neutral) position
when released. Pushing the joystick in a given direction causes the wheelchair to move in
that direction.
The joystick has proportional drive control, meaning that the further it is pushed from the
upright (neutral) position, the faster the wheelchair moves. The maximum speed,
however, is limited by the setting of the speed‐control knob.
To slow the wheelchair to a stop, simply release the joystick. The wheelchair has
automatic speed and direction compensation to minimize corrections.
When first learning to drive, select a slow speed and try to drive the wheelchair as slowly
as possible by pushing the joystick slightly forward. This exercise will help you learn to
utilize the full potential of the proportional control and allow you to start and stop
smoothly.
To drive the wheelchair, perform the following:
1. Adjust speed control knob to the appropriate setting.
2. Turn the power on. Refer to Turning the Power On/Off on page 28.
3. Maneuver the joystick in the following manner:
MOVEMENT
FORWARD Push joystick forward, towards
the front of the wheelchair.
REVERSE Pull joystick back, towards the
rear of the wheelchair.
Turn RIGHT Move joystick toward the right
side of the wheelchair.
Turn LEFT Move joystick toward the left side
of the wheelchair.
STOP Release the joystick and the
wheelchair will quickly slow down.
NOTE: For specific information about the joystick installed on the wheelchair, refer to one of these
procedures:
• SPJ™+ Joystick Switches and Indicators on page 30.
Part No. 1143206
ACTION
29
SECTION 5—WHEELCHAIR OPERATION
To Move
Left
To Move
Backward
Rear of Wheelchair
FIGURE 5.2 Using the Joystick to Drive the
Wheelchair
Pronto® M41 with SureStep®
To Move
Forward
Front of
Wheelchair
To Move
Right
Joystick