Instructions for use and assembly
2013
4
Manufacturer: VIPAMAT FRANCE Instructions for use and assembly
2013 - V003-02
Get to know your Hippocampe
Congratulations! You
have just acquired a Hippocampe…
The Hippocampe wheelchair, created and manufactured by Vipamat Technologie, allows you to go to the beach and seaside, go into the
water and go swimming, follow forest trails and coastal paths, go around gardens and move about on the snow or on paths of packed
snow.
It has been designed for people of restricted mobility of all ages regardless of their size or degree of mobility. The Hippocampe can be
used alone or with an attendant and several accessories can be added: a Neoprene harness, headrest, adjustable armrests, adjustable
backrest, parking brake, backrest bag, ski kit and transport bag.
A wider axle can be fitted to the wheelchair in order to increase the space between the seat and the wheels.
The Hippocampe is approved for a maximum user weight of 130kg
There are 4 sizes of wheelchair (S, M, L, XL). Only the frame length changes, the width of the seat is always 42cm.
FIRST USE
As is the case with classic wheelchairs, there is a a period of adaptation for using the Hippocampe.
The exterior wheel serves as a hand rim. The grip inside the rim provides better handling.
You can turn the Hippocampe:
- By forcing the front wheel to skid (to the right or left)
- By turning on 2 wheels alone or with help (with the attendant pushing down on the handle bar)
When entering water, the buoyancy of the front wheel means you will need to lean forward in order to remain stable on the Hippocampe.
Do not immerse the Hippocampe wheelchair must not go above the height of the rear axle.
An attendant will help you to ensure stability by holding the handlebar.
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
Before any use of the wheelchair, verify that the wheels are correctly locked (by the clips), that the straps are suitably tightened and that the
buckles are fastened.
The Hippocampe is designed for a maximum weight of 130kg.
The Hippocampe is not a boat. It allows entry into water up to the height of the seat and is not designed to float with the user in it.
Wearing a lifejacket is obligatory, as is use within a guarded swimming area.
Precaution on entering water: it is recommended that you lean forward. (The buoyancy of the front wheel can throw you off balance
backwards.)
An attendant is required for entering water and swimming. Users must be pushed exclusively by capable adults. Watch out for the
incoming tide, currents and shore breaks.
For wheelchairs not equipped with brakes we recommend the utmost caution on beaches and steep slipways. Do not use the
Hippocampe when a wheel is punctured or flat. Using the Hippocampe with more than one person in it is prohibited. Standing up on the
seat or the footrest guard is prohibited.
Modifying the structure of the wheelchair is prohibited. Avoid going under obstacles with the wheelchair. Avoid hand-braking on steep
surfaces due to the risk of heating and injury. Do not move about on inclinations greater than 15%.
Do not attempt to clear obstacles larger than 10cm.The seat is designed not to catch fire (within 15 seconds) on contact with cigarettes or
matches, allowing the user time to react. You must always be accompanied, especially for entering water, when you use a harness.
Strictly adhering to the recommendations and advice in this document is mandatory.
GUARANTEE
This product is guaranteed 2 years for parts and labour starting from the date of purchase (as proved by the sales receipt). The guarantee
consists in replacing defective parts. This guarantee does not apply when the product is used for unauthorized purposes and does not
take into consideration wear of parts due to use of the wheelchair.
CAUTION!
The Hippocampe wheelchair is water-resistant; its aluminium, plastic and stainless steel components come from the nautical and bicycle
industries. But, like all materials that come into contact with seawater (wetsuits, kayaks, boat engines, etc.), the Hippocampe must be
rinsed after any use.
Without this regular maintenance, salt deposits can damage its structure.
The Vipamat company denies any responsibility concerning damage due to such neglect.
Rinsing the wheelchair: it is essential to rinse the wheelchair each time it is used saltwater as salt deposits can damage the mechanisms, mainly
the push bar and the wheel axles which must be removed after each use.
