6
3 IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
Please read and understand this entire manual before using your handcycle. If you do not understand any
portion of this manual, please contact your dealer or Team Hybrid for assistance.
Riding a wheeled vehicle contains certain inherent risks and if not operated with care they can be
dangerous. This manual contains many cautions and warnings. It is important that you read and
understand all of them. In particular, read and understand the
SAFETY CHECKLIST
and
SAFE
OPERATION GUIDE
that are found in the
OPERATIONS
section of this manual.
•
Unless you are mechanically minded, we strongly recommend that a qualified technician, such as
a bicycle mechanic or wheelchair dealer, perform the initial setup and installation of this product.
•
Your new handcycle (Viper/Cougar) features a powerful hub motor. As with any vehicle, powered
or otherwise, serious injury to the rider or bystanders could result if the handcycle is not operated
in a safe and controlled manner at all times.
•
Three-wheeled vehicles can become unstable on slopes or when turning at high speeds if not
operated in a safe and controlled manner.
•
Your handcycle is intended for use during daylight hours, if riding after daylight hours you are
advised to attach the appropriate rear and front lighting (not supplied).
•
The maintenance of your machine is your responsibility. Poor maintenance can greatly increase
the risks involved in operating your cycle. We recommend periodic safety inspections and
maintenance by a qualified bicycle mechanic or by a wheelchair dealer.
•
If you have to alter the position of your brake levers, handlebars, or stem, it is necessary to check
that your brakes work properly. It is possible to stretch the cables, or clamp the cables in suck a
way that the brakes will no longer work. Your brakes may need to be re-adjusted after adjusting
the height of your handlebars or stem. Failure to do this could result in a loss of control of your
cycle, which could lead to injury or death.
•
The stem expander bolt and handlebar binder bolt must be securely fastened. If they are not, you
may lose control of your cycle. There should be no movement of the handlebars or the stem
relative to the front wheel, and no up or down movement of the handlebar possible.
•
Cut or damaged tires, loose nuts, or other damage may result in losing control of your cycle. Have
the condition of your brakes and wheels checked by your dealer.
•
If your tires are under or over inflated, you may lose control of your handcycle. Always measure
the air pressure with an accurate tire pressure gauge.
•
Your powered handcycle is equipped with various saftey mechanisms to prevent damage to the
motor or electronics. Modifying or disabling these mechanisms can result in damage or failure of
the system, and may result in injury to the rider.
The single most important safety item that you can do to avoid accident or injury is to be an alert rider.
Being alert means that while you are riding, you should not focus on talking to someone, but should be
watching the road or environment in order to avoid potholes, pedestrians, other riders, etc. If you stay
alert, you can avoid many of the common causes of injury.
The next most important safety tip is to ride safely. Obviously engaging in risky riding behaviour can
increase your chances of getting in an accident or of getting hurt. Riders that attempt to do tricks or to go
over dangerous terrain are more likely to get injured than other riders all things being equal. If you are a
parent, you should also be sure that your child can handle riding a manual or electric handcycle and is
familiar with the safety tips. If a child is not ready or capable of riding a manual or electric handcycle, then
this can be classified as risky behaviour. Also, make sure that the handcycle that you have selected is
appropriate for your child's abilities.
Another preventive safety procedure deals with riding habits and visibility. Make sure that when you are
riding that you obey all applicable traffic rules and regulations. Often, if you do something that drivers or
pedestrians do not expect on a handcycle you can get into trouble. Also be sure to wear visible clothing so
that other riders and drivers can see you and adjust their driving style accordingly. Moreover, riding at
dusk, after dark, or at times of poor visibility is dangerous do not ride your handcycle at night without
lights.
Wearing a helmet is essential; the helmet protects a rider against the worst kind of injury, an injury to the
head. Helmets protect against collision type accidents where a rider collides with a car, truck or standing
object. The helmet helps to cushion the blow.
