9.3 DESCENDING KERBS
DO practise in a quiet place to gain confidence before going onto roads.
LOOK first for ramps or very low steps (2
1
/
2
cm / 1 inch) that can safely be
negotiated forwards.
ALWAYS descend higher steps very slowly backwards.
ALWAYS take care when driving on roads because powerchairs are small compared to
most traffic.
9.3.1.
Stop before reaching the step or kerb.
9.3.2.
Turn to face away from the step.
9.3.3.
Turn the speed control anti-clockwise to minimum.
9.3.4.
Reverse very slowly until the rear wheels reach the edge of the step and then
slowly drive over the edge. If possible lean forwards.
9.3.5.
Continue reversing very slowly to lower both front castors down the step.
9.3.6.
Turn the chair and reset the speed control to a suitable level.
9.4 PARKING
ALWAYS switch the joystick controller off.
ALWAYS apply both parking brakes.
Before leaving the Independent:
9.4.1.
Apply both parking brakes.
9.4.2.
Engage both the motor clutches.
9.4.3.
Switch off the joystick controller.
9.4.4.
If legrest supports are rotated to the rear ensure footplates are turned up to
prevent people bumping into them.
9.4.5.
When leaving your powerchair for longer periods, e.g. overnight charging,
winter storage, leave both motor clutches engaged.
9.5 NON POWERED MOVEMENT
REMEMBER that the Independent is heavier than a manual wheelchair and can be
more difficult to hold or to push on slopes.
DO NOT switch on the joystick controller.
After parking, you can manoeuvre your powerchair by hand as follows:
9.5.1.
Release both the motor clutches.
9.5.2.
Check that your powerchair will not “run away” if parked on a slope and, if
satisfied, release both parking brakes.
9.5.3.
Push at the hand grips on the backrest. You will find that more effort is
required than pushing a manual wheelchair.
9.5.4.
When finished, apply both parking brakes and engage motor clutches.
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