33
must compensate for this drift by a coun-
ter-steering
Crossing obstacles
After overcoming obstacles, the previous-
ly removed support castors need to be
reattached.
Each crossing of obstacles involves a risk!
Even flat obstacles (e.g. sills, carpet edges,
small steps or similar) represent a danger of
tipping.
The crossing of obstacles is a special dan-
ger situation in which a combination of the
safety advice in the sections headed uphill
driving, downhill driving and driving trans-
verse to a slope must be observed in addi-
tion to other safety advice.
For your own safety all obstacles should
only be driven over with an accompanying
person.
The unassisted, safe, crossing of small ob-
stacles (< 4 cm) is only possible with a suffi-
ciently safe control of the wheelchair.
Always approach small obstacles, e.g. steps
or curbs, slowly and at a right angle (90°) un-
til the steering wheels almost touch the ob-
stacle. Briefly stop the wheelchair and then
drive over the obstacle.
Always drive over an obstacle forwards (not
backwards) and simultaneously with both
front/rear wheels in order to prevent a side-
ways tipping of the wheelchair.
Always maintain a safety distance between
the wheelchair and drops, stairs and similar
obstacles sufficient for reaction, braking and
turning.
If possible, let one or more helpers lift you
out of the wheelchair and carry you to the
destination point.
The crossing of stairs is only possible with
the assistance of two helpers who are fa-
miliar with the danger situation and firmly
guide the wheelchair.
☞
The helpers may only hold (without lift-
ing) the wheelchair with the push han-
dles and the side frame.
Existing support castors are to be removed,
since they might pose a danger to the aid
under certain circumstances.
Transport in vehicles
The following procedures may be necessary
due to lack of space for the transport in ve-
hicles:
–
Remove the leg supports.
–
Remove the arm supports.
–
Remove or fold over the back support.
–
Detach drive wheels
The parts detached for the transport must
be carefully stowed and carefully attached
again before the next journey!
Transport safety of the empty
wheelchair
Changes on the wheelchair and especially
the anchor points may not be made.
All regulations and directions of the respec-
tive transport company are to be observed.
☞
Ask for these before the transport.
Only attach the fastening straps to desig-
nated parts of the car and wheelchair.
☞
View chapter
Meaning of the labels on
the wheelchair
on page 45
.
