TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – RIGID WHEELCHAIRS | USER MANUAL
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5. SAFETY
5.1 CHECKLIST
See related appendix (
section 13, Safety inspection checklist
).
5.2 WEIGHT LIMITATION
• The APEX wheelchair has a weight limit of 265 lb (120 kg). The
specified weight capacity includes the rider and any transited or
attached luggage (e.g.: backpack).
• Ensure that the total weight is below the specified capacity. A
user with a 10 Ib (5kg) backpack, for instance, should not exceed
a weight of 255 lb (115 kg).
• The wheelchair is designed to support only one person. Please
do not stand up on the footrests.
• Motion Composites is not responsible for any damages or inju-
ries caused by the misuse of this wheelchair.
5.3 WEIGHT TRAINING AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES
• This wheelchair was not designed or tested as a weight training
or stretching apparatus. Do not attempt to use this wheelchair
for weight training or stretching exercises. The warranty shall
be void if the wheelchair has been used for any weight training
or stretching purposes.
• This wheelchair is not intended to be used during sporting
activities.
WARNING
Should you make any adjustments, repairs or do any servic-
ing, ensure that all fasteners are tightly secured before use.
WARNING
Exceeding the specified weight limit could damage the
wheelchair and/or cause severe injuries.
WARNING
This wheelchair was designed to be tailored to the dimen-
sions of its owner. As such, no other person should use it
unless adjusted by a qualified specialist, approved by Motion
Composites.
5.4 PREVENTION OF TRAPS
FOR BODY PARTS
Particular attention should be paid to body parts that are close to
moving components of the wheelchair such as the rear wheels
and casters. Hands should be outside the rear wheels, close to the
hand rims when riding. Wheel locking mechanisms should only be
applied when the wheelchair is completely stopped.
6. RIDING YOUR APEX
CAUTION
Any adjustment to the wheelchair (seat height, depth,
backrest angle, tilt, wheel size and position, footrest position)
could affect the center of gravity. The adjustments should be
performed by a professional and the user should be informed
that the stability could be affected by these adjustments.
WARNING
DO NOT tilt the wheelchair or perform a wheelie without
assistance.
DO NOT stand on the wheelchair or a part of its frame.
DO NOT sit or transfer into the wheelchair unless the backrest
is fully unfolded.
DO NOT use the footrest as a platform when getting in or out
of the wheelchair or to reach for an object.
6.1 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF CRASH
• We recommend that you review safe wheelchair use with your
physician prior to using this equipment.
• Take time to read the instructions in this manual to ensure that
you feel comfortable using the wheelchair without assistance.
• Always be aware of hazards.
• Unless you are a skilled rider of this wheelchair and sure of
not being at risk to tip over, anti-tippers SHOULD always be
used. Since anti-tippers are optional in some markets, Motion
Composites strongly recommends ordering them as they are an
important safeguard for the wheelchair user.
a) Always use anti-tippers if you are not a skilled rider.
b) Always use anti-tippers each time you modify or adjust your
wheelchair. Any change may make it easier to tip backward.
c) Use anti-tippers until you adapt to the change, and are sure
of not being at risk to tip over.
d) Always install both anti-tippers.
6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
• The APEX wheelchair was designed for used on hard and plane
surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and indoor surfaces such as
carpet or wood.
• DO NOT operate on roads, streets or highways.
• Beware that the maneuverability of the wheelchair is signifi-
cantly affected by various outdoor conditions such as sand,
mud, rain, snow and rough surfaces. If used in such conditions,
it is recommended to frequently have it serviced.
• Be careful when using your wheelchair on wet or slippery sur-
faces.
Exposure to water or excessive moisture can be damaging and
may even cause the wheelchair to corrode over the long-term.
• DO NOT leave your wheelchair in humid environments such as
the bathroom and do not use it while taking a shower.
6.3 CAREGIVERS
• NEVER use removable parts (armrests, footrests) to
push the wheelchair and never use them to lift the wheelchair
occupied since they could cause injuries or damage.
• Ensure that the wheelchair is equipped with push handles and
that its grips are securely in place.
• Turn the anti-tippers devices upwards to avoid catching them
with your feet and make sure you return them to the downward
position once you stop propelling the wheelchair.
• Should you need to leave the user unattended, lock the wheels
and place the anti-tipping devices back in the downward posi-
tion.
• Ask an experienced caregiver to explain safe assistance
methods to you.
• Ensure ongoing communication between you and the wheel-
chair user to avoid any kind of confusion.
• Maintain proper posture to tilt or lift the wheelchair; keep your
back straight and bend the knees.
• Instruct the wheelchair user to lean his/her back when you are
tilting the wheelchair.
6.4 RIDING YOUR WHEELCHAIR
6.4.1 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A TIP-OVER,
YOU SHOULD:
1. CONSULT your doctor, nurse or therapist to find out what axle,
caster position and other chair configuration options are best
for you.
2. CONSULT your authorized Motion Composites dealer BEFORE
modifying or adjusting your wheelchair. Often, an adjustment
you wish to make can be offset by the one you have not con-
sidered. For instance, you may want to adjust the back angle
rearward, which will increase the likelihood of a rear tip-over.
You might not think you could counteract this tendency by
moving the rear wheels backward. Your authorized Motion
Composites dealer will be able to give you expert, personalized
advice in such matters.
