15
If you must steer in a tight spot, such as entering a doorway
or when turning around, stop, turn the handlebars to where
you want to go, then apply the power gently
This will make
the
Scooter
turn sharply
It will still go gently, and with
complete stability
Practice in an open area, until you are
proficient
Reversing
requires attention
Be sure your ‘Speed Control Dial’
is turned to minimum before you reverse (Fig 8, page8]
Push the
left thumb reverse control lever (Fig 9, page 9]
Remember, when
you reverse you have to steer in the opposite direction to the way
you want to go, a warning horn will be audible
Practice
is required here, again use that open space
Please note as a
safety requirement reverse speed is half of forward speed
Note: If your
Scooter
is set up for left forward driving the
afore mentioned description is reversed
REMEMBER:
If it is a tight turn, turn your steering column
before applying power
Steer wide of all corners and obstacles,
please move slowly and with care
Warning:
Do not turn your ‘on-off’ power key switch to
the ‘off’ position when your Scooter is in motion, failure to
observe this warning may irreparably damage the main
electronic speed control unit or drive transmission. Always
first slow your Richmond down to a stationery position
before you switch your Scooter off.
CONTROL THROUGH TIGHT SPOTS
When you start using your
Scooter
you will meet some
obstacles that will require some practice to drive through
smoothly
Here are some common problems, with tips that will help you
master them quickly
You will soon be in control through
doors and up and down ramps with surprising ease by
following these tips
Going through doors, with the back wheels:
If you’re not
moving, your rear wheel is probably caught
Reverse and try
again
Take your time - relax - enjoy yourself
CONTROL ON AN INCLINE
More and more buildings have ramps for wheelchair access
Some have a change of direction in the middle, and good
cornering is required
Make a wide manoeuvre with your front wheels around tight
corners, so that your back wheels follow a wide arc to stay clear
of the corner
If you stop while facing uphill, the automatic parking brake will
hold you safe
To start again, slowly push the forward direction
lever, the parking brake will release and you will start to move
When you approach an incline, it is best to lean forward,
(Fig 13]
This moves the centre of gravity of your Richmond
towards the front of the Scooter for improved stability
When going down an incline, keep your speed slow
This will
keep you in a safely controlled descent
It is best to lean
backwards, this moves the centre of gravity of your Richmond
towards the rear of the scooter for improved stability
If you
wish to stop completely, release the control lever, and you will
come to a gentle stop, avoid sudden stop starts
Warning:
Do not exceed the incline guidelines or any other
specifications presented in this manual
CONTROL THROUGH DOORS
Approach an unfamiliar door slowly, sizing it up
Does it have a
knob or push bar? Does it open toward you or away? Think in
terms of using the power of the
Scooter
to do the work for
you! You need not strain
Hold the doorknob or bar in one hand and apply power with
the other hand
(Remember that you can drive forwards by
using your left thumb to move the wig-wag lever towards you
]
If the door is self closing, you can go through, allowing the
door to close behind you, if you go quickly enough
If not, just
stop when you’re clear of the door and push it closed
If the door opens toward you, hold the knob or bar with one
hand and gently let the reverse power do the work
When the
door is open wide enough, go ahead quickly, leaving the hand
on the door to keep it free of the Scooter and letting go as you
pass the doorjamb
It is an easy technique
Practice makes
perfect
Remember - your
Scooter
can do the work without
FIG 12
FIG 12
FIG 13
FIGURE 12:Normal driving position
FIGURE 13:Increased stability driving position
FIG 13