Electric Mobility Euro Limited WeGo 250 Owners Manual & Service Record

Electric Mobility Euro Limited, Canal Way, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 9DL

Telephone: [phone] www.electricmobility.co.uk

Issue 1: 11/09

Rascal Powerchair
Model WeGo 250

Owners Manual & Service Record

WeGo 250

Electric Mobility Euro Ltd offers the Rascal WeGo 250 powerchair for convenient indoor and outdoor use. This
manoeuvrable attendant operated powerchair provides a comfortable ride for people with disabilities who
require to be driven by an attendant.

The WeGo 250 is designed for quick and easy stowing in a vehicle and reassembly at your destination.

Provided that this powerchair is maintained and operated in accordance with this manual it should last for
many years.

Please read this manual thoroughly before using this powerchair. If you have any doubts about warnings or
instructions, ask your dealer for an explanation. If at any time you feel you may not be able to control the
vehicle safely, do not drive, but consult your dealer for a solution.

2

2 Rascal WeGo 250 Powerchair Owner’s Manual & Service Record

Notice

All Electric Mobility Wheelchairs are sold through authorised dealers. Make sure your dealer demonstrates
all the features of the product prior to, or when, it is delivered.

Warning!

This manual contains important safety notices. Please take time to read and understand them. Ignoring
them may endanger you or others.

WeGo 250

3

Contents

D

ealer information 4
Features and layout 4
Safety information 5
Intended use 5
Safety information 6
D

riving 6
Component overview 8
Controls - Attendant controls 8
Controls - driving controls/accelerator 9
Freewheel device 10
Passenger Transfer Lock 10
Brakes 10
Armrest / width / angle adjustment 11
Swivel seat 11
Seat back folding 12
Footrest adjustment 12
Attendant tiller adjustment 12
Transferring in and out of the powerchair 12
Attendant operation 13
Driving your vehicle 14
Driving your vehicle - hazards 15
Transporting your powerchair 16
Assembling your powerchair 17
Battery charging 18
Charging your batteries 19
User maintenance 20
Servicing & maintenance 20
Engineer’s checklist 21
Troubleshooting guide 22
Diagnostic table 22
Frequently asked questions 23
Additional safety information 23
Additional information 24
Technical specification 25
Guarantee & warranty 26
Technical information regarding EMI 26
Brochure request / Warranty card 27
Service log 29

Passenger

Transfer Lock

4

Dealer Information

For product information see serial number plate on the structure under the seat.

Manufacturer

Electric Mobility Euro Limited

Canal Way, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 9DL
Company Registration in England No. 2419231

Features and Layout

Photo shows the WeGo 250 Powerchair. See the
specification for detailed weights and performance (p25).

T

his is your contact number

for service and support

Dealer Stamp

Telephone:
Email:

Product Model Number

Serial Number

Date of Purchase

Owner

Fold up and width
adjustable armrests

Lift up footrest
(with lifting
handle)

Under-seat storage
compartment

Attendant Tiller

On/off switch,

speed control and

paddle controls,

forward/reverse

Battery pack

Backrest

Solid tyres
all round

Freewheel leverCharging point

Rascal WeGo 250 Powerchair Owner’s Manual & Service Record

5

Safety Information

Read this manual thoroughly before using or operating the powerchair.
T

his handbook is applicable to the Rascal WeGo 250 Powerchair.

If you have any doubt about the content of this manual phone your dealer to resolve the problem. Please read
this manual, and ensure your powerchair is serviced regularly.

Book symbol: Read the product manual before assembling or operating the powerchair.

The following symbol appears on the product and in this manual in various locations:

Pinchpoint symbol: Wherever you see this sign there is a nearby risk of injury owing to a pinch or
crushing point.

© 2009 Electric Mobility Euro Ltd.
No liability is assumed with respect to the use of any information contained in this publication. While every
precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication Electric Mobility Euro Ltd. assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of
information contained in this publication. This publication, as well as the operational details described
herein, is subject to change without notice.

Intended use of the powerchair

This powerchair is designed for use by adults with a disability (up to the maximum recommended weight – see
the Technical Specification - p25) who require a comfortable attendant operated powerchair which is easily
transportable in the average family car.

This powerchair is intended for use in the home and for shopping areas and trips on reasonably paved areas.

Attendants could endanger themselves and/or others if they are not capable of driving this powerchair safely.
Dealers will advise on the most suitable vehicle from the Electric Mobility range, but it is the responsibility of
attendants to ensure that they have the manual dexterity to operate the vehicle, adequate sight and hearing to
perceive danger in time, and can at all times operate the powerchair safely in the expected conditions. If in
doubt we suggest you consult a healthcare professional or your nearest dealer for advice on the most suitable
powerchair for your particular condition. Attendants should also regularly assess their ability to operate the
powerchair safely.

This Powerchair has small front wheels for good manoeuvrability so it should not be used on uneven, potholed
or rutted surfaces or slippery grassy areas. Kerbs should be avoided but this powerchair can mount small
obstacles up to 25mm (1").

Within this manual there are important safety notices. They are clearly marked with the sign (left)
Make sure that you understand all these notices. If you have any doubt, contact your dealer.

6

Safety Information

General Warnings

W

arning ! The operation of Powerchairs can endanger the life of the attendant, passenger or third parties. Any

attendant should always be fully capable of operating this vehicle safely.

W

arning ! Sitting for long periods may increase the chance of thromboses or pressure sores. Passengers

prone to such conditions are advised to take medical advice.

W

arning ! These Powerchairs have been designed and tested to carry up to the maximum recorded weight in

the Technical Specification (p25). This weight must not be exceeded.

Warning ! Do not exceed the specification; do not modify this powerchair or use it other than as a powerchair.

Warning ! Passengers. Additional passengers, even children, should never be carried.

Warning ! Electromagnetic interference may affect the performance of this Powerchair:

• Do not operate devices such as CB radios or mobile phones while the vehicle is switched on.

• Avoid getting close to transmitter masts, such as television and radio stations.

• If your vehicle ever starts to operate by itself switch it off and report this to your Dealer.

Warning ! The operation of any Powerchair may affect sensitive electronic circuits such as alarm systems,

garage door closing mechanisms, or automatic doors in shops.

Driving

Before driving, refer to ”Driving Your Vehicle” …later in this manual

Warning ! Freewheel device/mode. Attendants & Passenger- Before getting on the Powerchair, always

check that the freewheel lever is in the "Drive” position. When the lever is in the Freewheel position
there is no braking and the Powerchair could run down a slope and cause injury or even death.

NEVER SIT ON THE POWERCHAIR WHEN IN FREEWHEEL MODE UNLESS AN

ATTENDANT HAS FIRM CONTROL OF THE POWERCHAIR AND IS NOT INTENDING TO
LEAVE YOU ON YOUR OWN.

Warning ! Passenger Transfer Lock. Attendants: Before allowing your passenger to transfer in to or out of the

powerchair, make sure that the passenger transfer lock is in the engaged (ON) position. This lock provides
additional stability for the powerchair during passenger transition to and from the seat. Before driving the
powerchair, ensure that the passenger transfer lock is in the disengaged (OFF) position.

Warning ! Transferring On and Off. Passengers: Do not attempt to get on or off your Powerchair unless it is

switched off, at rest, and on a stable, level surface. Never get on or off on a hill.

Warning ! Damage. Attendants: Before driving off check the Powerchair for damage, particularly that which

might affect the controls, wheels and drive motor.

Warning ! Footrest. Attendants & Passengers: Before switching on the Powerchair, always put the footrest

down and make sure the passenger’s feet are firmly on it. If you drive forward with your
passenger’s feet still on the ground, their feet could become trapped under the Powerchair and
serious injury could result.

Warning ! Armrests. Attendants & Passenger: Do not allow the passenger to use armrests as a support

when getting in or out of the powerchair. Make sure the armrests are lowered and secure before
you start off otherwise the passenger may fall out.

Rascal WeGo 250 Powerchair Owner’s Manual & Service Record

7

Warning ! Seat Belt. Attendants & Passenger: The passenger should have their seatbelt fastened before

t

he powerchair is operated.

Warning ! Battery Charge Level. Attendants: Before driving off always check the battery indicator. If you

a

re in any doubt, ensure all the batteries are fully charged before starting on a journey.

Warning ! Castoring. Attendants: Be aware that, if you set off when the castors are not straight, the initial

m

ovement could be sideways.

Warning ! Power. Attendants: Unless there is an emergency, do not switch the power off when moving. The

P

owerchair may stop very suddenly. Release the forward / reverse control and the Powerchair will

come to a controlled stop.

Warning ! Slopes. Attendants: On steep slopes the Powerchair could topple over. Always try to avoid

crossing a slope. If you have to cross a slope, take great care to avoid tipping. Never make sharp
turns on slopes. Never drive on slippery or icy slopes. - If you are not comfortable with the hill
gradient, consider an alternative route. See Driving Your Vehicle – Hazards for more advice.

Warning ! Kerbs. Attendants: You should always try to avoid driving up or down kerbs as this may cause

the Powerchair to topple. Use access ramps wherever possible. Never attempt kerbs greater than
that in the Technical Specification. If you have to climb or descend a low kerb, always tackle it
straight on. Make sure that your passenger is properly seated, with the seatbelt secured and
prepared for the manouvre. See Driving Your Vehicle – Hazards for more advice.

Warning ! Speed. Attendants: Turning at maximum speed might cause the Powerchair to topple over. Always slow

down for turns. Always slow down when amongst pedestrians and ensure you do not run into them.

Warning ! Stopping. Attendants: If the Powerchair stops suddenly when turning, the Powerchair might

topple. Try not to brake when turning. Always take particular care when turning.

Warning ! Reversing. Attendants: Always take particular care when reversing as injury to feet and ankles

could result from failing to maintain a safe distance from the rear of the powerchair.

Warning ! Leaning Over. Passenger: Do not lean sideways, as this could cause the Powerchair to topple.

Warning ! Escalators. Attendants: Never drive this Powerchair onto an escalator as this could cause

toppling and result in severe injury.

Warning ! Roads. Attendants: Powerchairs are not for use on roads, apart from crossing roads at designated places.

Warning ! Driving in Poor Visibility. Attendants: Powerchairs are not easily seen. Your powerchair is not

intended for use outdoors in darkness or in poor visibility.

Warning ! Fixing of Seatbelts. Attendants & Passenger: On reassembly of the powerchair please make

absolutely sure that the seat belts have not become detached from the powerchair.

:
Warning ! Attendants & Passenger: If the vehicle is left out in the sun, surfaces could become extremely

hot. Always try to park the vehicle in the shade.

Warning ! Attendants and Passenger: This powerchair is not suitable for use as a seat for an occupant

when in a motor vehicle.

8 Rascal WeGo 250 Powerchair Owner’s Manual & Service Record

Component Overview

1. Front Section

2. Rear Section

3. Swivel Seat

4. Battery Pack – incorporates re-settable safety cut-out and
c

harging point

5. Attendant Control System – Tiller Unit

Controls – Attendant control assembly

Before driving your vehicle it is important to familiarise yourself with the controls.
Do not attempt to drive the vehicle before reading the rest of this Handbook.

Description of the Controls

1. Battery condition Indicator: This meter shows the level of charge in the batteries. When in the green

section the batteries are fully charged. When in the yellow and red sections, the batteries need recharging
and when in the red section the batteries urgently need recharging. Note: When the vehicle is climbing an
incline or starting off, the level may drop momentarily; this is normal.

2. Power On/Off key: Switch the power to the powerchair on and off by inserting or withdrawing the key
provided. Remember to switch off when not in use. Do not leave the power switch on when not in use,
especially when charging the vehicle. Note that this switch can also be used to “immobilise” the
Powerchair to help prevent it being used, or stolen.

3. Rotary Speed Control: This control enables the attendant to increase or decrease the pre-set top speed of
the Powerchair. When the control button is rotated in a clockwise direction, the maximum speed the Powerchair
can achieve is increased; when the control button is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction the maximum
achievable speed is reduced. Set the maximum speed to low until you are confident in driving the Powerchair
safely. Do not adjust the speed when the vehicle is moving, but reset it when you are stationary. If you become
alarmed at your speed release the forward/reverse paddles and the vehicle will slow down immediately.

4. Horn: Press the button and the horn will sound. Release and the horn will cease.

5

1

5

6

2

3

4

1

3

4

5

2

9

5. Paddle Speed Controller: This is operated by the attendant using both hands on the control paddles. The

l

eft hand paddle controls reverse speed and the right hand paddle controls forward speed – both to a
maximum as pre-set by the rotary speed controller in (3) above. As the paddle is pulled back towards the
operator the powerchair will steadily increase in speed; either forwards or backwards depending on which
paddle is being pulled. NOTE: When reversing the powerchair, an audible beeping will be heard. This is quite
normal and is designed to warn people of the hazard of a powerchair reversing in their immediate vicinity.

6. Power on Indicator / Status LED: This indicator shows the status of the powerchair – either on or off.

A solid green light indicates that the powerchair is on and ready to use and no light means that the
p

owerchair is off or totally discharged.

Note. The controller has a diagnostic mode: If the LED flashes, this indicates that the controller has detected
an error or fault. If this happens refer to the diagnostic table at the back of this manual for a solution.

Tip: One of the most common “faults” is that the powerchair has been switched on with the free-wheel function
enabled and/or the passenger transfer lock is engaged – Just remove the power on/off key, position the freewheel
lever in drive, ensure that the passenger transfer lock is disengaged (OFF) and replace the on/off key.

Controls – Driving Controls/Accelerator

Before driving your vehicle it is important to familiarise yourself with the controls.

Going Forward or Backwards. Pull the left paddle towards you and the powerchair will move backwards, pull
the right paddle towards you and the powerchair will move forwards. The further you pull the paddles, the faster
you will go. Releasing the paddles will quickly bring the powerchair to a stop. Tip: Never pull both paddles
together. The paddle direction control can be reversed. Please contact your dealer for support.

Turning Left or Right. Apply left or right force to the tiller delta handle bars.

Braking. Whenever the paddles are released, the automatic brake will operate. Practice stopping on level

ground to ensure that you know how quickly you can expect your Powerchair will come to a stop.

Paddle Disabling during Start-Up. To prevent sudden unexpected movements the paddles are disabled
during start-up. If the paddles are operated when the power key is inserted, the status indicator LED will give 6
flashes and it will not be possible to drive the powerchair. Re-set this safety control by removing the power key
and re-inserting it.

Ask your dealer to demonstrate all these functions and make sure you can operate all the modes of the
controller before you take your powerchair home.

Warning! Paddle controls. To operate, ensure the powerchair is NOT in free-wheel mode, the Passenger

Transfer Lock is disengaged & that the power on/off key is inserted.

Stand behind the powerchair and adopt a comfortable stance whilst resting your wrists on the tiller bars –
this will help reduce the risk of a jolt causing the paddles to be moved and an involuntary change in
direction or speed. Find an open level area with no obstructions to practice controlling the vehicle until you
are confident that you can drive safely.

NOTE: To avoid excessive strain on the tiller assembly, never push the powerchair in freewheel mode if a
passenger is on-board.

10 Rascal WeGo 250 Powerchair Owner’s Manual & Service Record

Brakes

There are 2 braking systems. The first works with the paddles. When the paddles are released the Powerchair
will automatically brake. When the Powerchair stops the automatic brake will engage. This will stop the vehicle
rolling forward or backward. When you start, the brake will automatically disengage. If the battery becomes
very low or exhausted, the brakes automatically engage. Note that even when freewheel is selected, a
secondary braking system is applied automatically to limit the maximum speed. You may notice this system
when moving the Powerchair in freewheel.

Freewheel Device

When the powerchair is switched off the brakes are automatically engaged. This is called “Failsafe Braking”.
A

lso, if the batteries are flat, the brakes are applied. There may be occasions where you may wish to move

the vehicle without power. To do this there is a Freewheel Device fitted on the motor.

T

he Freewheel device allows the vehicle to be pushed without power. To activate, first locate the lever on the

right hand side of the chair (seen from behind), adjacent to the battery- see Illustration.

•

Make sure the power is switched off.

• Move the lever into the freewheel position. The vehicle can now be
pushed in Freewheel mode. Get your dealer to show you.

• Move the lever to engage drive. The vehicle is now braked. This is
the normal operating position.

IF YOU ARE NOT COMPLETELY SURE OF THIS FEATURE CONTACT
YOUR DEALER BEFORE OPERATING THE POWERCHAIR.

NOTE: To avoid excessive strain on the tiller assembly, never push
or pull the powerchair in freewheel mode if a passenger is on-board.

Push the lever FORWARDS to engage freewheel mode. Pull the lever BACKWARDS to engage Drive mode.

Warning! If the freewheel devices are in “freewheel” mode the braking is disabled. Never select the freewheel

mode if the Powerchair is on a slope or could be pushed onto a slope.

Passenger Transfer Lock

In order to improve lateral stability as the passenger transitions to or
from the Powerchair, a manual Passenger Transfer Lock is provided.
You must never drive the Powerchair with this lock engaged or turned
on however it is essential that you engage (turn ON) the lock as the
passenger transfers to or from the powerchair. Push the lever forwards
to disengage and backwards to engage.

If you do drive the Powerchair with the lock engaged / ON, the
diagnostic LED will blink and the lock will need to be disengaged
(turned OFF), the power key removed and then replaced.

Warning! If the freewheel devices are in “freewheel” the braking is disabled. Never select the freewheel

devices if the Powerchair is on a slope or could be pushed onto a slope.