SmartDrive
User’s Manual
11
Braking
In addition to recognizing pushes, the SmartDrive is also able to sense when one is braking. When the user slows the wheel-
chair down with pinching of the handrims, the drive unit senses the braking and deactivates the power assist. If a push is
performed after, then the power assist will turn back on and drive the user.
In addition to braking, a user who chooses to stop the power assist at any time is able to do so by pressing either of the but-
tons. The device will continue to be in its current mode if the power assist is stopped by pressing a button.
If any malfunctions or push detection/braking/push-button issues are experienced with the SmartDrive, cease use of the
device and contact Max Mobility for assistance.
Regular braking technique should be practiced when using the SmartDrive. In certain situations, especially at
higher speeds, harder braking will be required to turn off the power assist.
In addition to braking, the push activated power assist can ALWAYS be stopped by pressing either of the buttons.
Always be aware of which mode you are in by looking at the green LED’s on the top of the button.
Outdoor Mode
Outdoor Mode is the second mode. Switched to this mode by pressing and quickly releasing either button when the Smart-
Drive is in Indoor mode and the motor is not driving [the drive unit do one (1) loud beep]. Also the green LED on the but-
tons will continually
blink
while you are in Outdoor Mode. Regular check which mode you are in by looking at these LED’s.
In this mode, there is Easy Start that allows the user to easily activate the motor and reach one of the four speed steps that
are pre-programmed. The four speed steps that can be driven at are 1.5 mph, 2.5 mph, 3.5 mph and maximum speed which is
shown on the
Specification Sheet
[see page I]. The SmartDrive will sense which step your push was closest to reaching and
activate the motor to drive at that step’s speed. A faster speed step can be reached while the motor is powering at the lower
speed by performing another harder push.
This Easy Start activation in Outdoor Mode is especially useful when on a steep hill, incline, ramp, etc. where it might be dif-
ficult to reach a sufficient speed for Indoor Mode power activation.
In Outdoor Mode, the power assist is
ONLY
able to be deactivated by pressing one of the buttons. Once a push is performed
and the motor is activated, position your hands over your handrims and buttons to be prepared to turn off the motor when
braking/deactivated power is needed.
Anytime that the power assist is stopped by a button press in Outdoor Mode, automatic rollback resistance lasting (3) sec-
onds will be provided to prevent the wheelchair and the user from rolling backwards, which is especially helpful on hills and
inclines. Whenever the rollback resistance is not activated, the SmartDrive will roll backwards freely.
The SmartDrive will continue to be in Outdoor Mode after the power assist is stopped by a button press. Another performed
push will reactivate the motor, again
ONLY
to be deactivated by a button press. To get back into Indoor Mode, with the
motor not activated, press and quickly release one of the buttons; the drive unit will produce one (1) loud beep and the green
LED’s on the button will turn to
solid
illumination. Switch to power assist OFF state by pressing and holding one of the but-
tons for more than one-half (0.5) seconds while the motor is not activated. This switch will be indicated by two (2) loud beeps
and the LED’s on the buttons will turn off.
If the button is pressed and held for more than three (3) seconds, the button LED’s will indicate the battery level [see
Battery
s
ection].
Outdoor Mode operation of the SmartDrive is not intended to be used indoors. Use caution when using this mode
of operation, especially indoors.
The buttons should be positioned in close proximity to the handrims to allow for easy pressing access.
The acceleration of the SmartDrive could cause the wheelchair to tip-over backwards, causing injury. It is recommended
that the user lean slightly forward to prevent this tipping.
Serious care should be taken on all hills, inclines, ramps, etc.
(Continued on next page)
