Eclipse Shoprider 778S, Instruction Manual

Page: 13 / 23

13
If you must steer in a tight spot, such as entering a doorway or when turning around, stop and turn
the handle bars to where you want to go, then apply the power gently. This will make the scooter
turn sharply. It will still go gently and with complete stability. Practice in an open area until you are
proficient.
Reversing requires attention. Be sure your ‘speed control dial’ is turned to ‘slow’ before you
reverse. Push the left thumb reverse lever. Remember; when you reverse you have to steer in the
opposite direction of the way you want to go. Practice is required, again use open space.
REMEMBER : If it is a tight turn, turn your steering column before applying power. Steer wide of all
corners and obstacles; please move slowly and with care.
WARNING NOTE: Do not turn off your scooter while it is in motion. Failure to observe this
warning may irreparably damage the main electronic speed control unit or drive
transmission. Always slow your scooter down to a stationary position before you switch the
scooter off.
Control Through Tight Spots
When you start using your scooter you will meet some obstacles that will require some practice to
drive through smoothly.
Here are some common problems, with tips that will help you master them quickly. You will soon
be in control through doors, up and down ramps, up and over curbs, through grass and gravel, with
surprising ease by following these tips.
Control Through Doors
Approach an unfamiliar door slowly, sizing it up. Does it have a knob or a push bar? Does it open
towards you, or away? Think in terms of using the power of the scooter to do the work for you! You
need not strain.
Hold the doorknob or bar in one hand and apply power with the other hand (remember that you can
drive forward by using your left thumb to move the throttle lever towards you). If the door is self-
closing, you can go through, allowing the door to close behind you. If the door is not self-closing,
just stop when you are clear of the door and push it closed.
If the door opens towards you, hold the knob or bar with one hand and gently let the reverse power
do the work. When the door is open wide enough, go ahead quickly, leaving your hand on the door
to keep it free of the scooter and letting go as you pass the doorjamb. This is an easy technique.
Practice makes perfect. Remember; let your scooter do the work without wearing you out!
Control on Ramps
More and more buildings have ramps for wheelchair access. Some have a change of direction in
the middle, and good cornering is required. Make a wide manoeuvre with your front wheel(s)
around tight corners, so that your back wheels follow a wide arc to stay clear of the corner.