Driving Practice
Release the manual wheel locks. 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.
Shutdown - Parking
For security shutdown, parking indicator lighting and the adjustments of electrical options, refer to the
Operating Manual supplied with the joystick.
Transfering 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 always during transfer make sure the brakes are in the locked position and 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 should 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. It will save you money in the long
term, because certain minor irregularities or faults that are detected at an early stage before they develop
into some major and more costly repairs.
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. Don’t forget to remove the “ignition”
key and to activate any built-in special security devices (for instance the magnetic key operated
immobilisation lock).
Tyres
Pneumatic tyres should be checked once a week for correct tyre pressure. To inflate the tyre, only use
the pump provided. 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 and Power Module
Joystick Box and Power Module are in a splashproof enclosure, they 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 or the power module to excessive heat
at close range (electric fire, hot air blower, etc.). To clean the joystick box and power module wipe the
surfaces with a lint free cloth dampened with warm water or alcohol. DO NOT USE SOLVENTS.
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