5.3 Outdoor Use
Tilt-In-Space wheelchairs may be slightly more difficult to use than a standard transport chair especially
when climbing obstacles due to their extended wheelbase.
It is important to follow the correct procedure to ensure the greatest ease of
operation and reduce the possibility of damage to the wheelchair. To climb a kerb
or obstacle it is advantageous to have the chair slightly tilted then place both
hands on the wheelchair push handle(s).
Place one foot on one of the rear foot stops and as the front castor wheels
approach the kerb push down firmly on the footstop and at the same time pull
gently back on the push handle(s). This will cause the front castors to lift easily
over the obstacle.
WARNING! Do not lean heavily on push handles or backrest as it may result in personal
injury
STOP! Do not lean heavily on push handles or backrest as it may result in damage to your
wheelchair
6 Power Assist Unit
The Power Assist Unit will take the effort out of pushing a wheelchair. It can be used either continuously or
occasionally. The power assist unit is capable of powering up gentle slopes; steeper gradients can be
climbed with assistance from the pusher. The exact gradient your power assist unit will achieve depends on
the weight of the wheelchair occupant and the effort the pusher is able to contribute.
The power assist unit has built in protection circuits to help prevent serious damage to the motor and the
electronics should an overload occur. Once the motor has shut down, the key switch must be turned off
and then back on again before the unit will drive.
STOP! If the power assist unit shuts down more than once, it is recommended that an
alternate route be found. DO NOT allow the motor to labour excessively or stall as damage
may be caused.
As a guide, the power assist unit should not be used to take the wheelchair anywhere that you would not
normally be able to push the chair without using any power assistance.
WARNING! The power assist unit is not designed to climb steep gradients. Even if the chair
can be powered uphill, the descent may be even more difficult. We strongly recommend the
fitting of attendant controlled brakes to your wheelchair if moderately steep or long slopes
are likely to be negotiated.