Excel G3 Eco User Manual

EXCEL

EXCEL

EXCEL

EXCEL

EXCEL

User Manual

Excel G3 Eco

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Overall user manual

© 2012 VAN OS MEDICAL UK LTD.

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], E-mail: [e-mail], www.vanosmedical.com

YOU AND / OR YOUR ATTENDANT MUST READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THIS MANUAL BEFORE USE

General information

At this moment we introduce you to a quality product from Van Os Medical UK Ltd and we want to thank you for
the confidence in our Excel products. The Excel G3 ‘Eco’ wheelchair is a quality product. It is adjustable in many
different ways and it can also be easily upgraded.

The policy of Van Os Medical UK Ltd is to continually improve the quality and reliability of our products. We reserve
the right, therefore, without prior notification, to alter this guide.

It is important that your guide for the use of the wheelchair is read carefully. The manual contains important
information about the safe use and maintenance of your wheelchair. We recommend that you keep this guide, it's
also your proof of warranty and you will find it useful for referring to at a later date.

The safety instructions in this guide are general guidelines that must be seen as broad guidelines. It is possible that
you develop your own ways for many common actions. However, we advise you to consult a professional for
assistance in developing safe and effective techniques with regards to your daily activities and your physical
capabilities.

Your new wheelchair requires frequent maintenance, much of which you can do yourself. We want you to take your
wheelchair once a year to be inspected by a professional. You will find a maintenance schedule later in this
manual.

You will also find that this manual includes a detailed description of all the available settings of your wheelchair.
Many of these options require, as well as repairs to your wheelchair, the knowledge of a professional. We therefore
advise you to consult a professional if your wheelchair requires repairs or a modification.

Caution!

In this guide you will find informative comments and warnings. These are clearly identified by the below symbols
and the appearance of the text:

 Tip Information

 Warning To avoid personal injury, warnings must be followed

Fill out the information on your authorised dealer below:

Company: …………………………………………………………………

Address: …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………

Telephone number: …………………………………………………………………

Fax number: …………………………………………………………………

Email adress: …………………………………………………………………

Website: …………………………………………………………………

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© 2012 VAN OS MEDICAL UK LTD.

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], E-mail: [e-mail], www.vanosmedical.com

Contents

1. IDENTIFICATION .................................................................................................................................................................. 3

2. GENERAL EXPLANATION CONCERNING YOUR WHEELCHAIR ............................................................................................... 4

2.1 COMPONENTS OF THE WHEELCHAIR ................................................................................................................................................... 4

2.2 GENERAL EXPLANATION OF THE FUNCTION AND POSSIBILITIES OF YOUR WHEELCHAIR ................................................................................... 4

3. SAFETY REGULATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................ 4

3.1 GENERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS ......................................................................................................................................................... 4

3.2 WARNINGS FOR SAFE USE ................................................................................................................................................................ 5

4. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE...................................................................................................................................................... 5

4.1 SAFETY TIPS .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

4.2 NEGOTIATING PAVEMENTS AND UNEQUAL SURFACES ............................................................................................................................. 7

4.3 GOING UP AND DOWN RAMPS .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

4.4 GOING UP AND DOWN STAIRS ........................................................................................................................................................... 9

5. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE AND MOUNTING OPTIONS ......................................................................................................... 10

5.1 TOOLS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................................................. 10

5.2 OPENING AND CLOSING THE WHEELCHAIR ......................................................................................................................................... 11

5.3 USE OF THE FOOTPLATE AND FOOTREST ............................................................................................................................................ 11

5.4 USING THE ELEVATING LEG RESTS (OPTIONAL) .................................................................................................................................... 13

5.5 USING THE CALF PLATE (OPTIONAL) .................................................................................................................................................. 14

5.6 USING THE WHEELCHAIR BRAKE ....................................................................................................................................................... 15

5.7 USING THE ARMREST ..................................................................................................................................................................... 15

5.8 USING THE PUSH HANDLES ............................................................................................................................................................. 16

5.9 USING THE REAR WHEELS (TYRE TABLE) AND ANTI-TIP WHEELS ............................................................................................................... 16

5.10 USING ACCESSORIES AND OTHER OPTIONS ON YOUR WHEELCHAIR ........................................................................................................ 17

6. TRANSPORT AND TRANSIT IN CAR .................................................................................................................................... 20

6.1 DE-ASSEMBLY .............................................................................................................................................................................. 20

6.2 ASSEMBLY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 20

7. MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................................................................................. 20

7.1 TYRES ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 20

7.2 BRAKES ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

7.3 CROSS BRACE .............................................................................................................................................................................. 21

7.4 REAR WHEEL ............................................................................................................................................................................... 21

7.5 FRONT CASTOR AND FRONT CASTOR FORK ......................................................................................................................................... 21

7.6 UPHOLSTERY ............................................................................................................................................................................... 21

7.7 CLEANING ................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

8. PROBLEM ANALYSIS AND SOLUTIONS............................................................................................................................... 22

9. WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22

9.1 WARRANTY APPLICATION ............................................................................................................................................................... 22

9.2 WARRANTY DEFINITION ................................................................................................................................................................. 23

10. SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................................ 24

10.1 GENERAL MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 24

10.2 SERVICE CHECKLIST ..................................................................................................................................................................... 25

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Overall user manual

© 2012 VAN OS MEDICAL UK LTD.

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], E-mail: [e-mail], www.vanosmedical.com

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1. IDENTIFICATION

Your wheelchair is equipped with a unique serial number. You can find this number on the cross frame of your
wheelchair. Below is an example of the frame label on which you can find the identification number. Furthermore

you will find the explanation of the various data stored on the frame label listed below.

1. Production date The date on which your wheelchair was manufactured.

2. Serial number Every wheelchair has its own unique serial number. You must have this number

when making technical requests or if warranty parts are required.

3. Maximum user weight The largest occupant weight allowed for protection of both the wheelchair and the
user.

4. Type number This number indicates which model of wheelchair you have, again this is always
required when making technical calls.

5. Model name The model name of your wheelchair starts with the brand name Excel. The brand
name Excel is followed by an additional model description that forms the model
name of your wheelchair.

6. Usage application The intended use of your wheelchair.

7. Warranty Here is the guarantee period of your wheelchair reflected. Chapter 9 describes your

warranty terms and conditions in more detail.

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Overall user manual

© 2012 VAN OS MEDICAL UK LTD.

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], E-mail: [e-mail], www.vanosmedical.com

2. GENERAL EXPLANATION CONCERNING YOUR WHEELCHAIR

2.1 Components of the wheelchair

1

Push handle

8

Front wheel

2

Backrest upholstery

9

Foot plate

3

Armrest

10

Bearing head

4

Rear wheel

11

Frame

5

Hand rim

12

Foot rest

6

Brake

13

Arm pad

7

Quick-release axle

Your wheelchair is equipped with a number of elements and parts. You should know these before continue reading
this manual. Your wheelchair can be equipped with options and accessories not pictured. You will see this yourself
whilst reading this manual. Designs and specifications may change without prior notice.

2.2 General explanation of the function and possibilities of your wheelchair

Your wheelchair is foldable, which is designed to be easy to transport in a car. This wheelchair is known for its
cross frame. The cross frame has the same colour as the side frame. We distinguish our manual wheelchairs into
two categories: self propel wheelchairs and transit version wheelchairs. You can see if you have a self propel
wheelchair of a transit version wheelchair by checking the rear wheels (self propel: 24” rear wheels, transit

version: 12½” wheels). The G3 Eco is only available as a self propel wheelchair. The rear wheels are provided with

a steel wheel hub. Your wheelchair is a product falling into the medical equipment and is not a standard consumer
product. You must follow this manual completely to ensure good, optimal and safe use of your wheelchair.

3. SAFETY REGULATIONS

Van Os Medical UK Ltd specifically disclaims responsibility for anybody injury or property damage which may occur
during any use which does not comply with laws or ordinances. If used correctly, the Excel wheelchair is an utmost
safe and stable product, if the instructions for use as described in this manual are followed. However, it is possible
when the Excel wheelchair is not used correctly, dangerous situations may occur.

3.1 General safety regulations

Protect your Excel wheelchair by checking it regularly. When a part of your Excel wheelchair is not functioning
properly, a dangerous situation could occur. You must keep your wheelchair in a good condition to ensure safety
in use. Periodical inspection, correct adjustment of your wheelchair and timely replacement of damaged and worn
parts will result in use for years without any problems. A qualified Van Os Medical UK Ltd dealer, who will use only
Van Os Medical UK Ltd replacement parts, will take care of your wheelchair to ensure a long lifetime.

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© 2012 VAN OS MEDICAL UK LTD.

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], E-mail: [e-mail], www.vanosmedical.com

 Warning:

You must keep your wheelchair in a good state to be guaranteed of safe use.

3.2 Warnings for safe use

 Warnings:

- Do not use your wheelchair on streets or roads, only on the pavements;

- Do not use your wheelchair in sand, rough area, wet and glade surfaces or surfaces with little grip;

- You are able to transport your wheelchair in all types of vehicles, including vehicles that are developed

to transport wheelchairs, however this is taken at your own risk. We accept absolutely no liability for
this. We recommend you to contact a recognised manufacturer of taxi fixations if you want to transport
your wheelchair using the appropriate system for your wheelchair and the situation.

- Do not try to ascend ramps without installed anti tippers, never ascend a hill without anti tippers;

- Do not lean over the backrest of the wheelchair. This can result in rolling over the wheelchair;

- Do not drive into curbs;

- Before leaning or reaching forward, sit back into the chair and face the castors forward, figure 1;

- A wheelie is extremely dangerous to the user and will cause serious damage to the wheelchair, figure 2;

- Do not stand on the footrest this will cause the chair to tip and injure the user (figure 3);

- Attach the brakes when you use the wheelchair in a lift or on a wheelchair lift and when you want to get

off, figure 4;

- For suitable protection of potential obstruction the lowest point of the footrests serves minimum 7 cm

free of the ground;

- Place the wheelchair on a stable, flat surface and attach the brakes before you get off;

- The standard weight capacity has been indicated on your frame label;

- Unauthorized modification and or use of no Van Os Medical parts will void the warranty of this chair and

may lead to injury to the user and damage to the chair.

4. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

You will have to learn the characteristics of your wheelchair. It is most important to learn the safest methods to
develop the daily activities in accordance to your life style. Consult your medical advisor or therapist for assistance
by developing safe and effective techniques for your daily activities and your physical possibilities.

4.1 Safety Tips

Daily operations such as getting off the wheelchair, reaching and bending in the wheelchair will cause a change in
the weight distribution and the centre of gravity of you and your wheelchair. You will need to perform these
movements and techniques as shown below.

Transferring

Transferring in a wheelchair is a difficult manoeuvre. Consult your physical therapist for assistance in developing
your individual technique. The possibilities you have for making a transfer are depending on your physical
characteristics. We advise you to discuss this first with your physical therapist.

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© 2012 VAN OS MEDICAL UK LTD.

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], E-mail: [e-mail], www.vanosmedical.com

However if you have sufficient body strength and you want to transfer to and from the wheelchair can you best do
this in the following manner:

To get out of the wheelchair
First of all you must make sure that your wheelchair stands as closely as possible to the place of where you want to
sit. Put the castors forward and attach the brakes. Flip up the footplates and swing away the foot or leg rests and
place your feet on the ground. You are now in position to carry out the operation. Shift your weight to the front of
the chair, you can use the armrests as a support and move yourself to the place where you want to sit. If necessary
you can use a transfer board.

To get in

To get in your wheelchair you need to do the same things as when you want to get out of the wheelchair, only in
reversed order.

Reaching / bending forward

Make sure that you are as close as possible to the object;

1. Place yourself as close as possible against the backrest;

2. Make sure the front wheels are turned forward. If not, go forwards and then backwards to turn the wheels fully

to the front, figure 5;

3. Engage the wheel brakes;

4. You can now move towards the target with caution to keep the wheelchair from tilting.

Reaching / bending sideward

1. Manoeuvre the chair as closely as possible to the object you want to reach. You can use your rear wheels;

2. Make sure the front wheels are fully turned to the front. If not, go forwards and then backwards to turn the

wheels fully to the front;

3. You can now pick up the object. While you pick up the object you need to make sure you keep it as close as

possible to the wheelchair (picture 6 and picture 7) to avoid tilting.

Reaching / bending backward

1. Manoeuvre the chair as closely as possible to the object. You can use the rear wheels. For example they will

indicate how close you can come to object;

2. Do not engage the wheel locks. If your weight moves while reaching, it is better to drive in that direction than

tipping the wheelchair, figure 8;

3. Do not reach further than your arm can reach. If you are in doubt, you reposition the chair.

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Overall user manual

© 2012 VAN OS MEDICAL UK LTD.

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], E-mail: [e-mail], www.vanosmedical.com

4.2 Negotiating pavements and unequal surfaces

Going up the pavement

If you ascend a pavement, you must do this together with an attendant. The attendant can help you in two
different ways, however we advise you to do it the first way.

- You and the attendant reach the pavement facing forwards. The attendant must pull the push handles towards

him and place his foot on the stepper on the rear side of the wheelchair. This creates a leverage effect that
tips the wheelchair, figure 9.

- The attendant is already standing on the pavement and makes sure that the wheelchair stands with the rear

wheels as closely to the pavement as possible. The user of the wheelchair needs to lean backwards. This way
the wheelchair will tip backwards and the attendant can pull the chair on the pavement. The attendant needs
to make sure that the front wheels are on the pavement before he lets the wheelchair down.

 Warning:

Do not drive into curbs!

If you want to go up a pavement alone, you should move your weight as far forward as possible by bending forward.
Then you must provide a so-called 'Wheelie', to get the front wheels on to the pavement (see figure 2, under the
heading “Warnings for safe use”). You can only perform this action if you have practiced it with a trained expert.

Going down the pavement

If you want to go down the pavement, you must do this with an attendant. The attendant should move the
wheelchair forwards to the curb. Then the user should lean back so the attendant can tilt the wheelchair to find a
balance point. When the wheelchair is balanced the attendant can move the wheelchair slowly off the curb. When
the wheelchair is off the pavement, the attendant can let the front wheels back onto the ground.

If you want to independently go off the pavement, you should do this backwards not forwards (figure 10 shows what
not to do). You can do this only if you've practiced with a trained expert.

4.3 Going up and down ramps

Most people can climb short slopes by themselves. This of course depends on your body strength, stamina and the
gradation of the slope. Inspect the slope always for risks, such as holes or slippery and uneven surfaces before you
drive off. If you cannot see the slope, ask someone to inspect it for you.

 Warning:

A slope of more than 5 degrees can be dangerous to descend or climb. Remember that the friction of
your hands to grab the hand rim is the only way to brake while driving.

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© 2012 VAN OS MEDICAL UK LTD.

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone], E-mail: [e-mail], www.vanosmedical.com

Most people develop their own methods to drive up slopes through practice. Sit with your upper body slightly
forwards as you climb the slope. Should it be necessary to stop on the slope, you must try to avoid unexpected
movements which may cause tilting when climbing further (figure 11). If you want to climb a relatively steep slope,
you must do this with the assistance of a supervisor, figure 12.

 Tip

- We recommend you to use anti-tip wheels. They prevent you from tipping the wheelchair over backwards

(figure 12). Depending on the model of your Excel wheelchair sometimes these are a standard item and
sometimes they are an optional extra;

- Do not carry any weight on the back of the wheelchair whilst ascending (figure 13). This changes the balance

and increases the chances of tipping backwards.

Make sure the footrest is at least 7 cm from the ground when you are descending a slope. This is in order to ensure
your safety at the end of the slope. Always look forward when you descend and do not lean forward as this can
cause overturning. Lean slightly backwards in order to increase stability.

Make sure you have your wheelchair under control at all times. Do not hurry down the slope, but move slowly and
safely. The speed of descent is controlled by the amount of grip strength that you exercise on the hand rims. In an
effort to prevent friction burns to your hands, it is recommended that you use gloves. To reduce the risk that you
burn your hands or lose control over the wheelchair, you need to slowly descend a slope.

Do not use the wheel brakes during the descent. The wheel brakes are designed for static braking of the rear
wheels whilst stationary.

Avoid changing direction as you descend. Despite that your Excel wheelchair is designed for balance and control, a
change of direction on the slope can change the balance which will cause instability.

If you are using an attendant they should be aware that even with a slight slope already considerable traction
should be exercised (figure 14).

 Warning:

Using the wheel brakes to slow down the wheelchair whilst driving can cause a sudden stoppage. The
result of this can be that the chair rotates to one side and tilts, or abruptly stops so that the seat tilts
forward.

 Tip

If your wheelchair is used in an environment where there are many slopes, it is advisable to fit a drum
braking system for the attendant to use.

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