Companion
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Companion Owner's Manual: GC240, GC340, GC440
VI. RIDING YOUR COMPANION
CONTROL THROUGH TIGHT SPOTS
As you use your Golden Companion to greatly increase your mobility, you will undoubtedly
encounter some obstacles that will require practice to negotiate smoothly and safely. Below
are some common obstacles that you may meet during the daily use of your scooter. Listed
with those obstacles are some driving tips that should help you conquer those obstacles.
Learn and follow those tips, and with surprising ease you will soon be in control of your
Companion as you maneuver it through doors, up and down ramps, up and over curbs,
through grass and gravel, and up and down inclines.
Ramps
When proceeding up any ramp, curb, or incline:
•
Lean forward in your seat to move your center of gravity forward for maximum stability
and safety.
If the ramp has a switchback, good cornering ability is required.
•
Maneuver your Companion so that the front wheels take wide swings around the corners
of the ramp.
•
Doing this will allow your scooter’s back wheels to follow a wide arc around the corner,
staying clear of obstacles.
If you must stop your Companion while driving up a ramp:
•
Starting up again simply requires that you apply gentle and steady forward power
pressure to the throttle control lever.
•
Accelerate gently after stopping on any incline.
Driving down a ramp:
•
Keep your Companion’s speed control dial set fully counterclockwise at the slowest
speed setting.
•
If you must come to a stop, release the throttle control lever slowly and smoothly.
Curbs
•
See specifications for maximum curb height.
•
Always use caution when negotiating any curb.
•
Go up or down a curb head on at a direct 90° angle.
•
Approach and negotiate the curb so that both back wheels of your scooter go over the
curb at the same time.
•
Never negotiate inclines or curbs by traversing them. Doing so may cause the
scooter to tip over.
•
Go down a curb slowly to avoid a jarring bump. Use as little power as possible.
Grass and Gravel
Your Golden Companion performs admirably on grass, gravel, and hills, but you must follow
the operational parameters presented in this manual. Refer to the “Safety” section. If you are
unsure about any situation, avoid it. Common sense is your best protection.
•
Feel free to use your Golden Companion on lawns or in park areas.
•
Avoid long or high grass, which may wrap around your scooter’s axles.
•
Avoid loose gravel.
