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Warning:
When cornering sharply, reduce your speed. When
using your Companion at higher speeds, anticipate changes in
the road surface. This will greatly reduce the possibility of a tip
or fall. To avoid personal injury or property damage, always
exercise common sense when cornering.
BRAKING
Your Companion Scooter is equipped with two powerful brake
systems:
1. Regenerative: Uses the electricity generated in your
Companions drive motor to rapidly slow your Scooter
when the thumb direction lever (wig-wag lever) is returned
to the centre (zero drive) stop position; and
2. Electric/Mechanical Disc Park Brake: Located on the end of
your drive motor it activates mechanically after the
regenerative brake slows your Scooter to a near stop, or
when power is removed from the drive system for any
reason, as in the case of switching your machine off!
Brake engagement is far more abrupt at higher speeds. It is
important that you anticipate when the brakes will engage and
that you are braced for the resulting deceleration.
Warning:
Your Scooter can decelerate very quickly.
Do not
decelerate or turn abruptly when travelling at high speed
unless absolutely necessary. If it is necessary to decelerate or
turn abruptly when driving at high speed, brace yourself by
gripping the steering handlebar tightly and positioning your
feet firmly on the floorboard. Users who cannot grip the
handlebar tightly and/or place their feet firmly against the
footboard should avoid deceleration from or turning abruptly
at high speed, and therefore should avoid travelling at high
speed. Failure to observe this warning could result in serious
personal injury and property damage. Always brace yourself
firmly when decelerating your Companion Scooter.
Never drive down slopes at full speed, always adjust your
speed to the driving condition and allow for gradual descents
on inclines.
OUTDOOR DRIVING SURFACES
Your Companion Scooter is designed to provide optimum
stability under normal driving conditions i.e. dry, level surfaces
composed of concrete or asphalt. However Freerider
recognises that there will be times when you will encounter
other surfaces such as packed soil, grass and gravel. These
surfaces may not be sound and fail to give good traction,
caution should be considered before driving on this type of
surface to prevent stability problems resulting in injury or
damage to your Scooter.
Reduce your Scooters speed when driving on uneven
terrain or soft surfaces.
Avoid long and unsafe grass that can become tangles in the
running gear or may hide debris and holes.
Avoid snow, this can quickly build up around your wheels.
Avoid loosely packed sand and gravel.
If you feel unsure about a driving surface,
please anticipate
and avoid that surface
.
STREET AND ROADWAY DRIVING
Warning:
Your Companion Scooter has not been designed for
operation on public streets and roads. It is designed for
operation on pedestrian pavements and traffic free shopping
areas.
Your Companion Scooter must be driven with due care and
compliance with the Road Traffic Acts and conditions of the
Highway Code. Always obey all local pedestrian traffic rules.
Wait until your path is clear of traffic, and then proceed with
extreme caution.
Note:
Always wear light or illuminating
clothing when driving your Scooter.
Be aware
that it may be
difficult for traffic to see you when you are seated on your
Scooter. Only drive your Scooter on the road when a public
pavement is not available (i.e. in the countryside) or when
crossing the roadway from one pavement to another.
INSURANCE
Although it is not a legal requirement for accident insurance
cover (third party), it is a sensible precaution. Your Freerider
Authorised Agent will be able to give you details of specialist
insurance companies or you own insurance company will be
able to advise you.
WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
Warning:
Freerider recommends that you do not operate your
Companion Scooter in icy or slippery conditions or on salted
surfaces i.e. Roads and Pavements etc. Such use may result in
accident, personal injury or adversely affect the performance
and safety of your Scooter.
Warning:
Freerider recommends that you do not expose your
Scooter to any type of heavy moisture at any time i.e. rain,
snow or power washer. Such exposure can damage your
Scooter. Never drive through deep water or expose your
Scooter to sea water.
Do not
operate your Scooter if it has
been exposed to heavy moisture until it has been thoroughly
dried out.
FREEWHEEL YOUR COMPANION
Your Scooter is equipped with a manual freewheel device for
convenience when you need to push it. See the Freewheeling
your Companion section on page 9 of this manual.
Warning:
Do not
use your Scooter in the freewheel mode
without an attendant present. Personal injury may result.
Warning:
Do not
attempt to personally disengage your Scooter
in the freewheel mode while seated on it. Personal injury may
result. Ask an attendant for assistance if necessary.
Warning:
Do not
place your Scooter in freewheel mode while
on an incline. The Scooter could roll uncontrollably on its
own, causing personal injury.
TYRE INFLATION
If your Scooter is equipped with pneumatic tyres, you should
check their condition on a daily basis. Have the tyre pressure
checked and if necessary inflated to 30 p.s.i. (210 kpa) at
least once a week. Properly inflated tyres will help ensure a
smooth, stable ride with minimum rolling resistance for your
motor, it will also prolong the tyre’s life and resistance to
punctures.
