GRIT Freedom Chair, User Manual, Page: 40 / 50

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3.8.1
Climbing hills
We recommend using short, alternating strokes when climbing hills. This makes slow constant progress up even steep hills and
helps keep the front wheel securely on the ground. Some other tips:
•
Momentum is your friend. Keep a slow and steady pace up the hill.
•
Do not ride directly up a steep hill. Instead, zig-zag up the hill.
• If possible, lean forward to move your center of gravity farther forward and prevent tipping.
•
Do not push the levers too far away from yourself. You’ll have an easier time pushing if the levers are closer to your body.
Resist the urge to make long strokes. Remember: Use short, alternating strokes.
The Freedom Chair’s hill-hold feature will engage if the chair rolls backward more than a couple of feet (depending on the lever
position). Use this to rest your arms between push strokes, but do not allow the chair to build up backward momentum.
WARNING:
THE FREEDOM CHAIR CAN TIP BACKWARD, ESPECIALLY ON STEEP HILLS AND WITH HARD PUSH STROKES.
Be careful to monitor the front wheel when climbing hills. Alternate your lever strokes when climbing hills. If the front wheel
lifts off of the ground, the Freedom Chair is beginning to tip. Become comfortable with the tip angle of the Freedom Chair
by practicing a wheelie (without the levers) before riding hills. If you tip backward, lean forward to regain balance and to
protect yourself in case of a fall. Always ride with a helmet.
3.8.2
Descending slopes
Pull backward on the brake levers to descend slopes at a safe speed. Here are some tips for descending slopes:
•
Pull back on the tops of the levers to get maximum braking force. Also try the “hugging” method of positioning your levers in
the crook of your elbow and pulling the levers toward your chest.
• Avoid descending straight down steep hills.
• Lean backward in the chair to shift your weight over the bigger rear wheels.
•
Avoid extended periods of descent, as this could overheat the brakes.
•
Do not descend hills when the wheels and brakes are very wet or covered in wet mud. Braking performance decreases
when wet.
•
Use a chest strap to support your torso if you have difficulty holding yourself in the braking position.
WARNING:
WET CONDITIONS DECREASE BRAKING PERFORMANCE. Use caution when riding in wet conditions. Wet
tires require more braking force for stopping. Riding in wet conditions without the ability to apply the braking force
required for stopping could result in a loss of control, which could result in a collision or a fall.