SECTION 5—WHEELCHAIR OPERATION
29
Using the Joystick to Drive the Wheelchair
WARNING
DO NOT operate wheelchair on an incline while in an elevated position. Otherwise,
the wheelchair may tip over and injury or damage may occur.
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 5.2.
The joystick 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 chair to move in that direction.
The joystick has proportional control, meaning that the further it is pushed from the
upright (neutral) position, the faster the wheelchair moves or the seat elevates/lowers.
The maximum speed, however, is limited by the speed setting.
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. Turn the power on. Refer to Turning the Power On/Off on page 28.
2. Adjust speed. Refer to Adjusting the Speed on page 30.
3. Maneuver the joystick in the following manner:
FIGURE 5.2
Using the Joystick to Drive the Wheelchair
MOVEMENT
ACTION
FORWARD
Push forward on the joystick.
REVERSE
Pull back on the joystick.
Turn RIGHT
Move the joystick RIGHT.
Turn LEFT
Move the joystick LEFT.
STOP
Release the joystick and the wheelchair will quickly slow down.
Joystick
To Move Left
To Move
Forward
To Move
Right
To Move
Backward
