VI. WARNINGS: FALLS & TIP-OVERS
A. CENTER OF BALANCE
The point where this chair will tip forward, back, or to the side depends on its center of
balance and stability. How your chair is set up, the options you select and the changes you
make may affect the risk of a fall or tip-over.
1. The most important adjustment is the position of the rear wheels. The more you
move the rear wheels forward, the more likely your chair will tip over backward.
2. The center of balance is also affected by:
a. A change in the set-up of your chair, including:
• The distance between the rear wheels.
• The amount of rear wheel camber.
• The seat height and seat angle.
• Backrest angle.
b. A change in your body position, posture or weight distribution.
c. Riding your chair on a ramp or slope.
d. The use of a back pack or other options, and the amount of added weight.
3. To reduce the risk of an accident:
a. Consult your doctor, nurse or therapist to find out what axle and caster position
is best for you.
b. Consult your authorized supplier BEFORE you modify or adjust this chair. Be aware
that you may need to make other changes to correct the center of balance.
c. Have someone help you until you know the balance points of your chair and how
to avoid a tip-over.
d. Use anti-tip tubes.
If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may occur
and cause severe injury to the rider or others.
B. DRESSING OR CHANGING CLOTHES
Your weight may shift if you dress or change clothes while seated in this chair.
To reduce the risk of a fall or tip-over:
1. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.
This makes the chair more stable.
2. Lock anti-tip tubes in place. (If your chair does not have anti-tip tubes, back it up
against a wall and lock both rear wheels).
If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may occur
and cause severe injury to the rider or others.
C. WHEELIES
Doing a “wheelie” means: balancing on the rear wheels of your chair, while the front cast-
ers are in the air. It is dangerous to do a "wheelie" as a fall or tip-over may occur.
However, if you do it safely, a “wheelie” can help you overcome curbs and obstacles.
1. Consult your doctor, nurse or therapist to find out if you are a good candidate to
learn to do a “wheelie.”
2. Do not attempt a “wheelie” UNLESS you are a skilled rider of this chair, or you have
help.
NOTE–
See Section VII-A for steps to learn to do a “wheelie.”
If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may occur
and cause severe injury to the rider or others.
050105 Rev. C
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E n g l i s h
V I . W a r n i n g s : F a l l s & T i p - O v e r s
