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by changing the position of their upper
body.
The accompanying person should be aware
that the control of the wheelchair requires
more strength on a downward slope/ hills
than on a level driving surface and that
there is an increased danger of slipping.
Never lean towards the downhill direction
when driving on rising, falling or transverse
gradients.
Avoid jerky changes of the driving condi-
tion (especially with critically adjusted driv-
ing parameters as for example an active
wheel position).
Never drive faster than walking speed.
There is an increased danger of tilting while
driving backwards.
While driving in curves and when turning
on inclinations and slopes there is a danger
of tilting.
The braking force transferred to the driving
surface is much less on a downward slope
than on a level driving surface and is fur-
ther reduced by poor road conditions (e.g.
rain, snow, grit, dirt). A dangerous slipping
of the wheels due to excessive braking and
an associated unwanted course deviation
must be avoided by way of a careful dosed
braking.
At the end of the downward slope, take care
that the foot plates do not make contact
with the ground and endanger you through
a sudden braking effect.
Transverse surfaces to the driving direction
(e.g. transversely sloped pavements) effect
a turning of your wheelchair in the downhill
direction. You or an accompanying person
must compensate for this drift by a coun-
ter-steering.
Crossing obstacles
After overcoming obstacles, the previous-
ly removed support castors need to be
reattached.
Each crossing of obstacles involves a risk!
Even flat obstacles (e.g. sills, carpet edges,
small steps or similar) represent a danger of
tipping.
The crossing of obstacles is a special dan-
ger situation in which a combination of the
safety advice in the sections headed uphill
driving, downhill driving and driving trans-
verse to a slope must be observed in addi-
tion to other safety advice.
For your own safety all obstacles should
only be driven over with an accompanying
person.
The unassisted, safe, crossing of small ob-
stacles (< 4 cm) is only possible with a suffi-
ciently safe control of the wheelchair.
Always approach small obstacles, e.g. steps
or curbs, slowly and at a right angle (90°) un-
til the steering wheels almost touch the ob-
stacle. Briefly stop the wheelchair and then
drive over the obstacle.
Always drive over an obstacle forwards (not
backwards) and simultaneously with both
front/rear wheels in order to prevent a side-
ways tipping of the wheelchair.
Always maintain a safety distance between
the wheelchair and drops, stairs and similar
obstacles sufficient for reaction, braking and
turning.
If possible, let one or more helpers lift you
out of the wheelchair and carry you to the
destination point.
The crossing of stairs is only possible with
the assistance of two helpers who are fa-
miliar with the danger situation and firmly
guide the wheelchair.
