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Driving Tips
Getting Started
Select an area with plenty of space. If possible, ensure you have an enabled bodied person accompany you whilst you
get used to operating the chair. Ensure that when seated in the in the powerchair you are in a comfortable position
and can easily and freely operate the controls.
Fitting of lap belt
Ensure that you are sitting back fully into the seat with the pelvis as upright as possible and not leaning to one side.
Close the buckle and position the belt so that the hip bones can be felt above the lap belt.
Adjust the strap length by pulling on the open end of the belt. As a guide, the belt should be adjusted so that there is
sufficient room for two fingers to slide between your body and the belt.
Warning: Should any damage occur to the lap belt, please replace immediately. The user should transfer to a
bespoke vehicle seat whilst being transported. DO NOT sit in the powerchair whilst in any moving vehicle.
Moving off and steering
Turn the power on and check that your battery is fully charged. Set your speed to a low setting.
Gently push the joystick in the direction you wish to travel. The harder you push the joystick the faster you will travel.
Release the joystick, this will automatically return to the centre position and the electromagnetic brakes will be
activated.
Reversing
Before reversing please ensure that the area behind is free from any hazard or obstruction. DO NOT reverse down an
incline without supervision.
Drop Kerb Climbing
We recommend that a suitable access point such as a drop kerb or ramp be used at all times.
When driving up the drop kerb, always address the edge as shown in the illustration below. This will ensure maximum
stability.
Warning
: Do not hit the drop kerb at speed and do not attempt to climb a drop kerb if the anti tipping castors have
been removed. Please take time to get accustomed to your new powerchair before driving in heavily pedestrianized
areas.
Drop Kerb Descent
Do not reverse down drop kerbs, please use a ramp/drop-kerb in forward motion to descend.
Warning
: NEVER reverse down a drop kerb or ramp onto a main thoroughfare.
Reaching and Stretching
Care must be taken when reaching and stretching for objects as this may affect the stability of the powerchair. When
attempting to reach for objects it is very important that the power is OFF.
Do not attempt to reach for objects on the floor by leaning forward or reaching between your knees.
Do not attempt to reach for high objects by moving to the front of the seat.
NEVER stand on the footplate to reach for objects.
Do not attempt to reach for objects behind you by leaning over the back of the seat.
Summary of Contents for TEW007
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