10
max
mobility
®
3. Operating the SmartDrive
Power Assist ON/OFF
The user of a SmartDrive equipped wheelchair is able to use the power assist whenever desired or turn the device off and
operate their wheelchair as if the SmartDrive was not on their chair.
When a charged battery unit is plugged into the drive unit, the SmartDrive is initially OFF. This state is indicated to the user
by the green LED on the top of the buttons not being illuminated and two (2) loud beeps. In this state, no power assist will
be able to be used by the wheelchair user. The user may push, turn and brake as they desire with negligible friction or drag
from the omni-drive wheel. The wheelchair is a fully functional manual wheelchair with no power assist.
Switching Between States
When power assist is desired, the user is able to switch the SmartDrive ON by pressing and holding either of the buttons
for more than one-half (0.5) second. The SmartDrive defaults to OFF whenever the battery unit is initially connected to the
drive unit. By pressing and holding one of the buttons then releasing, the SmartDrive will switch ON and be ready to provide
assistive power. An audio indication of one (1) loud beep is produced by the drive unit as an indication to the user that the de-
vice is now ON. Also, the green LED on the buttons will be illuminated when the SmartDrive is ON. One can switch it back
OFF by pressing and holding for more than one-half (0.5) second then releasing either button, in which the state change is
indicated by two (2) loud audio beeps from the drive unit, and the green LED on each of the buttons will turn off. The motor
must not be driving to turn the SmartDrive OFF. If the button is pressed and held for more than three (3) seconds, the but-
ton LED’s will indicate the battery level [see
Battery
section].
Power Assist State
The SmartDrive is equipped with two modes of power assist to aid the user is most situations encountered on a daily basis.
The first is Indoor Mode, and the second is called Outdoor Mode. This second mode is ideal for special times when easy
power activation is needed, such as on inclines and thick carpet, and when environmental conditions are more diverse. Switc-
ing between modes is done by pressing and quickly releasing either of the buttons with the power assist state ON and the
motor not activated. This switch is indicated by one (1) loud beep and button LED change (either
solid
or
blinking
).
Indoor Mode
When the power assist is turned ON, the SmartDrive is initially in Indoor Mode. This state is indicated by
solid
illumination
of the green LED on the top of each button. In this mode, the SmartDrive is able to recognize when you have performed a
push on the wheelchair. In turn, the device activates the omni-drive wheel, and an assistive drive power is provided, propelling
you at a speed equal to that which was attained by the push. The SmartDrive is able to recognize each individual’s push, so no
alterations to one’s propulsion technique is needed. This is ideal for everyday indoor use as it reduces the number of pushes
that you have to perform.
The SmartDrive is designed to continue to assist the user until braking is sensed, the device is turned off by pressing a button
[both described in section
Braking
] or until another, faster push is performed. In this case, the SmartDrive will speed up and
begin to drive the user at this faster speed attained when the user pushed harder.
If any malfunctions or push detection/braking/push-button issues are experienced with the SmartDrive, cease use of the
device and contact Max Mobility for assistance.
The SmartDrive is able to recognize all types of pushes. Do not alter the way that you push for this could lead to
injuries in the future.
In addition to braking the handrims in Indoor Mode, the push activated power assist can always be stopped by quickly
pressing and releasing the push-button.
Care should be taken when taking the SmartDrive down an incline. Consider switching the device OFF when descend-
ing down a slope.
The acceleration of the SmartDrive could cause the wheelchair to tip-over backwards, causing injury. It is recommended
that the user lean slightly forward to prevent this tipping.
