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Ranger Wheelchairs Owner’s Manual
Here are some common problems, with tips that will help you master them
quickly. You will soon be in control through heavy doors, into and out of
elevators, up and down ramps, up and over curbs, through grass, gravel, and
upgrades with surprising ease by following these tips.
In Control In Elevators
To begin with, be aware that elevator doors have a safety mechanism. The
door has a rubber protrusion. When you press the rubber, it moves into the
door, and the door stops and then reopens. It will remain open for a few
seconds, or for as long as you keep pressing.
So, if the door does hit the wheelchair, it is soft rubber that makes the
contact, and then the door reopens. Unfortunately, some elevators are
rather jerky and unpredictable. The strategy is the same for all of them.
Keep the door from closing by keeping pressure on the rubber for as long as
you need. This is easier than it sounds.
Approach the elevator button and press it. You can use a special button
pushing wand to do this without getting up. Then line yourself up so that
you can go through the door quickly and easily when it opens. If there is a
choice of doors, and no indication which will open, position yourself so that
you can go through either one. Going straight in, without turning, works
best. If, however, it is a very short elevator, you may need to turn just a
little as you go in. Be sure the back wheel is clear of the door’s path. If it is
not, the doors will not close.
When the door opens, gently back out. Back out slowly, avoiding the feet
of those who may want to go into the elevator. Practice makes perfect. In a
short time, elevators won’t present a problem.
In Control On Ramps
More and more buildings have ramps or wheelchair access. Some have a
switchback in the middle, and good cornering is required.
Always approach hills so that gravity is pulling you either forward or
backward. Never let gravity pull you sideways, as this can be a stability
problem. In other words, go straight up, or straight down, but do not turn
on the hill, and do not steer toward one side or the other.
Going down the ramp, keep the dial set to “slow”. This will keep you in
a safely controlled descent. If you wish to stop completely, release the
joystick. With a little practice, you’ll always be in control.
