Everest & Jennings Everest Lite Owner's Manual
™
Everest
Lite
POWER WHEELCHAIR
OWNER'S MANUAL
IMPORTANT: READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE
OPERATING YOUR WHEELCHAIR
GF0600055RevA06
©GF Health Products, Inc.
October 2006
CONTENTS
I INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 3
II IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ........................................................................... 5
III HANDLING TIPS ............................................................................................................ 10
IV GETTING STARTED ...................................................................................................... 12
V OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................... 15
VI ADJUSTMENTS ............................................................................................................ 17
VII BATTERIES .................................................................................................................. 23
VIII MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................................... 29
IX TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................... 34
X TRANSPORTING THE EVEREST LITE .......................................................................... 39
XI LIMITED WARRANTY ................................................................................................... 41
XII INDEX ........................................................................................................................... 43
2 GF0600055RevA06, October 2006 Everest Lite Owner's Manual
READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING YOUR WHEELCHAIR
I INTRODUCTION
Important safety, operating, and maintenance instructions that warrant your attention
are included in this owner's manual. Read the entire manual carefully before operating
your new wheelchair, and refer to it as often as necessary to help maintain good performance standards. If you do not understand the warnings and instructions provided
herein, contact your healthcare professional, Graham-Field Health Products dealer or
technical representative before proceeding with the use of this product; otherwise personal injury or damage to your wheelchair could result.
Consult your healthcare professional and Graham-Field Health Products dealer for assistance in developing and learning safe and effective techniques for performing your daily
activities according to your individual physical abilities and needs, and to make certain
that your wheelchair is properly prescribed and adjusted for your use. All procedures
involved should be practiced with an attendant until you are thoroughly familiar with
them.
The safety precautions in this manual are general warnings intended to be used only
as basic guidelines. You may nd it necessary to develop your own methods for safely
solving frequently encountered challenges. Again, consult your professional healthcare
advisors for their recommendations about safety methods, and never hesitate to ask for
their assistance.
Your new wheelchair should receive frequent, regularly scheduled maintenance, including an inspection of the mechanical parts, to ensure proper operation. Some suggested
inspection procedures, troubleshooting procedures, and adjustment procedures are
included in this manual. When it comes to service and repair, remember that your Graham-Field Health Products dealer knows your wheelchair best.
All information and specications in this manual are current at the time of printing. However, because it is Graham-Field Health Products policy to continually improve the quality and reliability of all our products, we must reserve the right to make changes at any
time without notice.
Thank you for choosing an Everest & Jennings® product. We at Graham-Field Health
Products wish to assure you of our continuing commitment to provide innovation and
quality in our products. The Everest Lite can be dismantled easily for transport. Its
maximum speed is 3.5 mph. The Everest Lite is intended for indoor and/or outdoor use,
and is ideal for tight spaces and over rm surfaces. Its maximum weight capacity is 250
pounds (114 kg).
The person performing adjustments on the Everest Lite has the responsibility of making
certain that the user can safely operate the wheelchair with the adjustments selected.
This person must evaluate the user's ability, weight, physical condition, the environment
in which the wheelchair will be used, and the terrain over which the wheelchair will
travel.
3Everest Lite Owner's Manual GF0600055RevA06, October 2006
Please note the following special statements, used throughout this manual, and their
signicance:
Note: Special information set off from the text.
s
Caution: Damage to equipment is possible.
WARNING: Personal injury could occur.
4 GF0600055RevA06, October 2006 Everest Lite Owner's Manual
II IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Important safety precautions: Always follow these safety precautions when using your
wheelchair. Failure to do so could result in personal injury to you or others or damage
to your wheelchair.
Safety requires the constant attention of the wheelchair user and the attendant. It is extremely important to learn and always use safe methods of performing basic daily activities. Always consult healthcare professionals to determine those methods most suitable
for your individual abilities.
Protect yourself and your wheelchair by having your Everest Lite serviced regularly.
Whenever any part of your Everest Lite is not functioning properly, contact your Graham-Field Health Products dealer immediately, as a hazardous situation could result,
causing personal injury or damage to your wheelchair. ONLY EXCELLENT CONDITION
IS ACCEPTABLE WHERE SAFETY IS CONCERNED. Periodic inspection, adjustment, and
replacement of worn parts will provide many years of superb performance.
EVEREST LITE LABELS
Read all labels on your Everest Lite before driving it. Do not remove any of the labels.
s
Caution: Never lift your Everest Lite by the front or rear cowl.
s
Caution: When installing the battery pack, press the strap all the way down.
WARNINGS
WARNING: The Everest Lite maximum weight capacity is 250 pounds (114 kg).
WARNING: The wheelchair user must be capable of driving a power wheelchair
safely.
WARNING: Do not operate this wheelchair on streets or roadways.
WARNING: Use the positioning strap at all times to prevent injury.
WARNING: Do not operate this wheelchair on hilly or rough terrain, sand, wet or icy
surfaces, or surfaces with impaired traction.
WARNING: Do not attempt any incline or decline greater than six degrees (10%
grade, or one foot of rise or fall per ten feet of ramp length).
WARNING: Exercise caution if turning wheelchair while going downhill.
WARNING: This wheelchair does not offer seating or occupant restraint equivalent
to the seat provided in a motor vehicle! To increase your safety while
traveling in a motor vehicle, always transfer to the vehicle seat and use
the restraint provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
5Everest Lite Owner's Manual GF0600055RevA06, October 2006
WARNING: Do not tie down or attach anything to the wheels. This could cause tip-
ping and could result in personal injury or damage to the wheelchair.
WARNING: Ensure that the lowest point on the footboard clears the ground safely
during ascent or descent.
WARNING: Do not enter or exit the wheelchair without first turning wheelchair
power off, and ensuring that the drive engagement levers are engaged,
to prevent wheelchair movement.
WARNING: Disengaging the drive engagement levers will also disengage the elec-
tromechanical park brakes and allow the wheelchair to roll.
WARNING: Ensure that no water, moisture, or other liquid enters the controller or
hand control.
WARNING: The controller should be adjusted only by a qualified therapist or tech-
nician. This person must evaluate the user's ability, weight, physical
condition, the environment in which the wheelchair will be used, and the
terrain over which the wheelchair will travel. The controller's range of
adjustment and versatility is provided so that the requirements of many
different abilities may be met, and the person setting the driving characteristics has the responsibility of making certain that the user can
safely operate the wheelchair at the speed and rates selected.
WARNING: When adjusting with the programmer, start with a slow (low number)
drive profile. Increase only if the user has the ability to control the
wheelchair safely.
WARNING: When adjusting with the programmer, use caution when changing the pa-
rameters to a setting different than that provided by the standard drive
profiles.
WARNING: When adjusting with the programmer, do not set reverse speed faster
than forward speed.
WARNING: Ensure that wheelchair power is off before connecting or disconnecting
the programmer.
WARNING: Do not disconnect the wheelchair batteries while the programmer is con-
nected to the controller.
WARNING: Do not connect accessories to the batteries; it will decrease driving
range and shorten battery life. Do not connect ANYTHING to only one
battery; this will cause premature battery failure.
6 GF0600055RevA06, October 2006 Everest Lite Owner's Manual
WARNING: Never connect a respirator or other life-support device to the wheelchair
batteries, since it will shorten the battery operating time. This could
cause an unanticipated failure of both the wheelchair and the life-support equipment.
WARNING: Do not stand or step on the footboard while transferring to or from your
wheelchair. This could cause the wheelchair to tip or could cause personal injury or damage to your wheelchair.
WARNING: Always ensure that the wheelchair is on a stable, level surface, engage
the drive engagement levers, and turn wheelchair power off before
transferring, using a wheelchair lift, or using an elevator.
WARNING: Do not attempt to reach objects if you are required to move forward in
the seat. Do not attempt to retrieve objects from the floor if you must
reach down between your knees. Do not shift your weight in the direction that you are reaching and/or bending; this could cause the wheelchair to tip.
WARNING: Unauthorized modification or the use of non-Everest & Jennings® re-
placement parts could change the structure of the wheelchair, void the
warranty, and create a hazardous condition resulting in serious personal
injury.
WARNING: Do not lean on this wheelchair, use it to support yourself (except while
sitting in it), or use it as a walker—these are practices which could result in loss of balance and personal injury.
WARNING: Do not tow any loads or "piggyback" passengers or heavy packages.
WARNING: Keep all cables away from the moving parts of the wheelchair.
WARNING: Do not use your wheelchair on escalators.
WARNING: As a safety feature, this wheelchair is equipped with fail-safe electro-
mechanical park brakes. Any interruption in the power supply will cause
these brakes to immediately engage and stop the wheelchair. If the user
is not properly positioned, an unanticipated stop could pitch the user
forward and out of the wheelchair. Use the positioning strap at all times
to prevent injury.
GF Health Products, Inc. specifically disclaims responsibility for any personal injury
or property damage which may occur during any use which does not comply with
federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
7Everest Lite Owner's Manual GF0600055RevA06, October 2006
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI) FROM RADIO WAVE SOURCES
It is very important that you read this information regarding the possible effects of electromagnetic interference on your Everest & Jennings® Everest Lite power wheelchair.
Powered wheelchairs may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which
is interfering electromagnetic (EM) energy emitted from sources such as radio stations,
TV stations, amateur radio (HAM) transmitters, two-way radios, and cellular telephones.
The interference (from radio wave sources) can cause the powered wheelchair to release
its brakes, move by itself, or move in unintended directions. It can also permanently
damage the powered wheelchair's control system. The intensity of the interfering EM
energy can be measured in volts per meter (V/m). Each powered wheelchair can resist
EMI up to a certain intensity. This is called its “immunity level”. The higher the immunity
level, the greater the protection. At this time, current technology is capable of achieving
at least a 20 V/m immunity level, which would provide useful protection from the more
common sources of radiated EMI.
This powered wheelchair model has an immunity level of 20 V/m.
Be aware that using different components, adding accessories, or modifying the powered
wheelchair may change the immunity level.
There are a number of sources of relatively intense electromagnetic elds in the everyday environment. Some of these sources are obvious and easy to avoid. Others are not
apparent and exposure is unavoidable. However, we believe that by following the warnings that follow, your risk to EMI exposure will be minimized.
The sources of radiated EMI can be broadly classied into three types:
1) Hand-held portable transceivers (transmitters-receivers) with the antenna mounted
directly on the transmitting unit. Examples include: citizens band (CB) radios, “walkie
talkies”, security, re, and police transceivers, cellular telephones, and other personal communication devices.
Note: Some cellular telephones and similar devices transmit signals while they are on,
even when not being used;
2) Medium-range mobile transceivers, such as those used in police cars, re trucks, ambulances, and taxis. These usually have the antenna mounted on the outside of the
vehicle; and
3) Long-range transmitters and transceivers, such as commercial broadcast transmitters (radio and TV broadcast antenna towers) and amateur (HAM) radios.
Note: Other types of hand-held devices, such as cordless telephones, laptop computers,
AM/FM radios, TV sets, CD players, and cassette players, and small appliances, such
as electric shavers and hair dryers, so far as we know, are not likely to cause EMI
problems with your powered wheelchair.
8 GF0600055RevA06, October 2006 Everest Lite Owner's Manual
POWERED WHEELCHAIR ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI)
Because EM energy rapidly becomes more intense as one moves closer to the transmitting antenna (source), the EM elds from hand-held radio wave sources (transceivers)
are of special concern. It is possible to unintentionally bring high levels of EM energy
very close to the powered wheelchair's control system while using these devices. This
can affect powered wheelchair movement and braking. Therefore, the warnings that follow are recommended to prevent possible interference with the control system of the
powered wheelchair.
EMI WARNINGS
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from sources such as radio and TV stations, amateur
radio (HAM) transmitters, two-way radios, and cellular telephones can affect powered
wheelchairs. Following the warnings listed below should reduce the chance of unintended brake release or powered wheelchair movement which could result in serious injury.
WARNING: Do not operate hand-held transceivers (transmitters-receivers), such as
citizens band (CB) radios, or turn on personal communication devices,
such as cellular telephones, while the powered wheelchair is turned on.
WARNING: Be aware of nearby transmitters, such as radio or TV stations, and try to
avoid coming close to them.
WARNING: If unintended movement or brake release occurs, turn the powered
wheelchair off as soon as it is safe.
WARNING: Be aware that adding accessories or components, or modifying the pow-
ered wheelchair, may make it more susceptible to EMI (Note: There is no
easy way to evaluate their effect on the overall immunity of the powered wheelchair).
WARNING: Report all incidence of unintended movement or brake release to Gra-
ham-Field Health Products, and note whether there is a source of EMI
nearby.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1) 20 volts per meter (V/m) is a generally achievable and useful immunity level against
EMI (as of May 1994) (the higher the level, the greater the protection);
2) This powered wheelchair model has an immunity level of 20 V/m.
Be aware that using different components, adding accessories, or modifying the powered
wheelchair may change the immunity level.
9Everest Lite Owner's Manual GF0600055RevA06, October 2006
III HANDLING TIPS
The Everest & Jennings® Everest Lite has been designed and engineered to perform as a
stable and well balanced unit when used as intended, but it is possible to tip the Everest
Lite over if used improperly. We urge you to learn the characteristics of your wheelchair.
It is most important to learn safe methods to perform the daily activities basic to your
lifestyle. Consult healthcare professionals for assistance in developing the skills and
proper techniques to perform all activities safely.
BALANCE
Proper balance is the key to maintaining the stability of your wheelchair. Reaching, bending, and transferring to or from a wheelchair will change the weight distribution and
center of gravity of you and your wheelchair. When performing such activities, do so as
instructed in the following paragraphs to avoid tipping the wheelchair.
TRANSFER ACTIVITIES
WARNING: Always ensure that wheelchair is on a stable, level surface, engage the
drive engagement levers, and turn wheelchair power off before transfer.
WARNING: Do not step on the footboard during transfer; this could cause the
wheelchair to tip. Fold the footboard up during transfer. There is a critical moment when there is little or no seat platform beneath you. Take
every precaution to reduce this unsupported distance before you attempt transfer.
Transferring to or from a wheelchair is a very difcult maneuver. Exercise extreme care
when transferring without the aid of either an attendant or a patient lift. Consult healthcare professionals for assistance in developing your individual technique. Make sure that
the wheelchair is stabilized, and will not move or slide during the transfer. Take extra
precaution to prevent tipping. Use good body mechanics to prevent personal injury.
REACHING / BENDING
Although it is not recommended, you may nd it occasionally necessary to lean or reach
from your wheelchair. Consult with healthcare professionals for assistance in developing
your personal safe reaching or moving techniques suited to your ability and restrictions.
Forward or sideward
WARNING: Do not attempt to reach objects if you are required to move forward in
the seat. Do not attempt to retrieve objects from the floor if you must
reach down between your knees. Do not shift your weight in the direction that you are reaching and/or bending; this could cause the wheelchair to tip.
1. Maneuver the wheelchair as close as possible to the object you wish to reach.
2. Reach only as far as your arm will extend without changing your sitting position. If in
doubt, reposition the wheelchair or ask for assistance.
10 GF0600055RevA06, October 2006 Everest Lite Owner's Manual
Backward
1. Maneuver the wheelchair as close as possible to the object; the casters will limit how
close you can get.
2. Reach only as far as your arm will extend without changing your sitting position. If in
doubt, reposition the wheelchair or ask for assistance.
RAMPS AND INCLINES
WARNING: During descent, ensure that the lowest point on the footboard clears the
ground safely.
WARNING: Do not attempt any incline or decline of more than 6 degrees (10%
grade, or one foot of rise or fall per ten feet of ramp length).
WARNING: Avoid changing direction while descending a ramp or incline, as this
could cause instability.
Most people are capable of negotiating short inclines without assistance, depending
upon upper body strength, endurance, and the degree of incline. Know your own capabilities and limitations in terms of strength and endurance before attempting to negotiate an incline or decline. Practice with an attendant or healthcare professional rst
before attempting any inclines, declines curbs or ramps. Always inspect the ramp for
hazards such as holes, slippery or uneven surfaces, etc. before starting up or down. If
you can not see the entire ramp, ask someone to inspect it for you.
Ascent
Lean the upper part of your body slightly forward as you ascend the incline. If it becomes necessary to stop on the incline, avoid any abrupt or sudden forward movement
as you resume climbing, this could cause tipping.
Descent
Always face forward when going down, but do not lean forward; this could cause tipping.
Lean slightly backward to increase stability.
It is critical to keep the wheelchair under control at all times. Descent should be made
slowly and steadily, allowing the wheelchair's control system to maintain a safe speed.
Upon stopping, electromechanical park brakes will engage to prevent the wheelchair
from rolling.
CURBS AND STEPS
Curbs, steps and stairways are dangerous obstacles that confront the wheelchair user.
When you encounter curbs, nd a way around, or use the ramps now available in most
locations. If you encounter steps and there is no ramp available, avoid the steps by utilizing the disabled designated elevators now required in most locations.
WARNING: Never attempt to negotiate steps, stairs or escalators in your Everest
Lite.
11Everest Lite Owner's Manual GF0600055RevA06, October 2006
IV GETTING STARTED
Front Cowl
Joystick Adjustment Knob
Seat
Battery Pack
Hand
Control
Joystick
Adjustment Knob for
Width Between Arms
Circuit Breaker
Front/Rear
Disconnect Lever
Positioning Strap
Rear Cowl
Drive Wheel
Anti-Tipper
Arm
Back
Footboard
Caster
Beneath Cowl:
Base Frame, Controller
Motor
Drive Engagement Lever
The Everest Lite is designed to provide the highest degree of independence and mobility.
It offers superior maneuverability and exceptionally tight turning capability. The theoretical range of the Everest Lite is approximately 8-10 miles (12-16 km) with a 165 pound (75
kg) user, at an ambient temperature of 48° F, on a hard level surface with fully charged
12V 12AH sealed batteries, at 3.5 mph. Actual range will vary according to your weight,
the amount of start/stop driving, ambient temperature, and the terrain on which you
travel with your wheelchair. As you become acquainted with your power wheelchair, its
range and performance capabilities will become apparent. The Everest Lite is illustrated
below. Main features are identied.
The Everest Lite power drive system consists of two independent drive wheels, a hand
control, controller, independent, direct drive right and left motors, and two twelve volt
batteries that provide power.
The motors operate in both the forward and reverse direction. Motor speed and direction are controlled by the joystick. The joystick commands are interpreted and applied
to the motors by the controller.
12 GF0600055RevA06, October 2006 Everest Lite Owner's Manual
POWER DRIVE SYSTEM
CONTROLLER
VR2 controller *
* VR2 is a trademark of
PG Drives Technology, Inc.
joystick
connector
motor 1
connector
motor 2 connector
power connector
(to batteries)
VR2 hand control
cable
controller
connector
joystick
control panel
battery charger
and programmer
receptacle
mounting holes
See the picture at right. The controller is mounted
below the seat. The controller contains the connectors to the rest of the wheelchair control system. The connectors used by the Everest Lite are
labelled in the picture at right - connectors not
labelled in this picture are not used by this wheelchair's control system.
Sleep mode: When wheelchair power is on, but the
wheelchair remains undisturbed for 30 minutes,
the controller automatically shuts off. When this
occurs, switch power off, then on.
HAND CONTROL
See the picture at right. The hand control is mounted at the front of either
arm. The hand control contains the
joystick, battery charger receptacle
(also used for the optional programmer), mounting holes for the extension
bracket, and those features found on
the control panel, shown on the next
page: the ON/OFF button, battery indicator, maximum speed/prole indicator,
horn button, speed prole decrease
button, and speed/prole increase button. Their descriptions follow.
Joystick
The joystick controls the speed and direction of wheelchair travel. The further you
move the joystick from the rest position, the faster your wheelchair will move. When the
joystick is returned to the neutral (center) position or released, the control system will
bring the wheelchair to a smooth stop. Upon stopping, electromechanical park brakes
will engage to prevent the wheelchair from rolling.
Moving the joystick forward (away from the user) causes the wheelchair to move forward. Moving the joystick back (toward the user) causes the wheelchair to travel in reverse. When the joystick is moved right to 3 o'clock position, the wheelchair will turn to
the right; when the joystick is moved left to 9 o'clock position, the wheelchair will turn
to the left.
Battery charger receptacle (and receptacle for optional programmer)
The receptacle for the battery charger (and optional programmer) is located on the underside of the hand control, as shown above. Use only the battery charger supplied with
the wheelchair.
Controller cable
The hand control's controller cable plugs into the controller connector on the rear cowl.
13Everest Lite Owner's Manual GF0600055RevA06, October 2006
VR2 hand control
control panel
battery indicator
horn button
speed/profile
increase button
ON/OFF button
maximum speed/
profile indicator
speed/profile
decrease button
Hand control panel features (see picture below right)
ON/OFF button
The ON/OFF button switches wheelchair
power on and off. When wheelchair power
is on, the battery indicator illuminates.
Battery indicator
The three-color (green, yellow and red)
battery indicator illuminates when wheelchair power is on. The battery indicator
shows the charge level of the batteries. As
the batteries discharge, the lights go off
from green to red, similarly to an automobile's gas gauge (all lights on = full). When the
batteries are nearly discharged, only the red lights will illuminate. When one red light
ashes slowly, charge batteries immediately. When you switch wheelchair power on, the
battery indicator shows an estimate of the remaining battery charge (the reading will
be more accurate about a minute after you start driving the wheelchair). The battery
indicator also provides a diagnostics display when wheelchair control system problems
occur. See TROUBLESHOOTING for a description of the battery indicator diagnostics.
Maximum speed / prole indicator
This 5-segment display indicates the maximum speed setting or which drive prole is
selected, if drive proles have been programmed.
Horn button
This button operates the wheelchair's horn.
Speed / prole decrease button
This button decreases the maximum speed setting or selects a lower drive prole, if
drive proles have been programmed.
Speed prole increase button
This button increases the maximum speed setting or selects a higher drive prole, if
drive proles have been programmed.
BATTERIES
Please see Section VII, BATTERIES, which also describes the battery charger included
with your Everest Lite. Charge the batteries fully before operating your wheelchair. For
installation and charging information, refer to Section VII, BATTERIES.
CIRCUIT BREAKER
Your Everest Lite is equipped with a circuit breaker to protect the electrical circuits from overload. It is located in the
left rear cowl, as shown at right. In the event of an overload,
the circuit breaker button will pop out. To reset the circuit
breaker, push the button in.
14 GF0600055RevA06, October 2006 Everest Lite Owner's Manual
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