Freedom Designs CGX Operating Manual

□ With transport package
□ Without transport package

Supplier:
This manual must be given to
the user/caregiver of this
wheelchair

Rider:
Before using this wheelchair
read this entire manual and
save for future reference

Center of Gravity

Tilt in Space Wheelchair

OPERATING MANUAL

FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.

2241 Madera Rd., Simi Valley, CA 93065 [phone] [phone] FAX [phone]

www.freedomdesigns.com

06/01/08

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Freedom Designs, Inc. Freedom CGX™

wheelchair. These chairs combine state-of-the-art technology with durability and
functionality to meet all of your changing needs. This Operating Manual provides you with
a detailed guide for proper assembly as well as instructions on the care of your new
wheelchair. Please follow the instructions carefully, paying special attention to the Safety
Precaution section. It is important to read the entire Operating Manual before operating
the wheelchair. After consulting your Operating Manual, if you feel you have further
questions, please contact one of our Authorized Dealers or our Customer Service
Department at:

[phone]

Again, thank you for your purchasing a Freedom Designs, Inc. Freedom CGX ™

This manual revised on May 15, 2008

Serial #___________________________________

Reference Phone Numbers:

Home Medical Equipment Supplier Name

Phone #

Home Health Care Agency Name

Phone #

Doctor Name

Phone #

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Table of Contents

Page #

Introduction 1
Table of Contents 2-3
General Warnings 4-6

Weight Limit 4
Every Wheelchair is Different 4
Reduction of Risk of an Accident 4
Safety Checklist 4
Adjustments 5
Environmental Conditions 5
Terrain 5
Street Use 5
Motor Vehicle Safety 6
Transport Option 6
Assistance 6

Warnings: Falls & Tip-Overs 6-9

Center of Balance 6
Dressing or Changing Clothes 7
Wheelies 7
Obstacles 7
Reaching or Leaning 7
Moving Backward 8
Ramps, Slopes & Side Hills 8
Transfer 9
Curbs and Steps 9
Stairs and Escalators 10

Warnings: For Safe Use 10-12

Transport Use 10
Descending a Curb or Single Step 11
Climbing a curb or Single Step 11
Climbing Stairs 11
Descending Stairs 11
Tilting Seat 12
Maintenance 12

Warnings: Components and Options 12-15

Transport Option 12
Anti-Tip Devices 12
Armrests 13
Cushions & Sling Seats 13
Fasteners 13
Footrests 13
Pneumatic Tires 13
Positioning Belts 13
Power Drive 14
Push Handles 14

FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.

2241 Madera Rd. Simi Valley, CA. 93065 800-331-8551 Fax [phone]

www.freedomdesigns.com

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Quick Release Axles 14
Large Drive Wheels 14
Wheel Locks 15
Modified Seating Systems 15
Upholstery Fabric 15

Initial Inspection Checklist 16
Specifications 17
Features 18
Unfolding the Freedom CGX 19
Folding the Freedom CGX 20

Main Frame 21-25

1. Anti-Tips 21

2. Wheels & Tires 21

3. Footrest 22

4. Quick Release Axles 23

5. Flip Back Armrests 24

6. Casters 24

7. Wheel Locks 25

8. Wheel Lock Options 25

Freedom CGX Adjustments 26-27

1. Backposts 26

2. Backpost / Seat Depth Adjustment 26

3. Armrest Adjustments 26

4. Caster Fork Adjustment 27

5. Wheel Lock Adjustments 27

6. Anti-tip Adjustment 27

7. Seat Tilt Adjustment 28

8. Frame & Seat Width Adjustment 28

Cleaning 29
Maintenance 29
Storage 29
Troubleshooting 30
Summary 31
Warranty 32
Index 33

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General Warnings

Warnings & Caution statements included in this manual describe conditions and unsafe

practices which might result in bodily injury or property damage. Read this entire manual before
assembly or operation of this wheelchair. If you do not understand any of the instructions in this
manual, call your authorized Freedom Designs, Inc. dealer. Note: Where they apply, you will also
find “Warnings” in other sections of this manual. Heed all warnings in this section.

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

™

is a 200 lb. person. If the person ex-

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The

weight limit for the Freedom CGX

ceeds the weight limit, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may
cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Every wheelchair is different. Become familiar with your chair before you

begin riding. Start slowly, with easy, smooth strokes. Be careful not to use too
much force, which might result in tipping over, damage to your chair, a fall, or loss
of control, which may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Reduction of Risk of an Accident:

1. BEFORE riding, you should be trained in the safe use of this chair by your

health care advisor.

2. Practice bending, reaching and transfers until you know the limit of your ability.
In order to avoid tipping over, have someone help you, until you know what
can cause a fall.

3. Be aware that you must develop your own methods for safe use best suited to
your level of function and ability.

4. NEVER try a new maneuver on your own until you are sure you can do it

safely.

5. Get to know the areas where you plan to use your chair. Look for hazards and
learn how to avoid them.

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.

Safety Checklist

Before each use of your chair:

1. Make sure the chair rolls easily and that all parts work smoothly. Check for
noise, vibration, or a change in ease of use. (They may indicate low tire pres­sure, loose fasteners, or damage to your chair).

2. Repair any problems. Consult your Freedom Designs, Inc. authorized dealer
for help in finding or correcting the problem.

3. Check to see that both quick-release axles are locked. When locked, the axle
button will “pop out” fully. If not locked, the wheel may come off and cause you
to fall.

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.

Adjustments

1. If you modify or adjust this chair, it may increase the risk of a tip-over UNLESS
you make other changes as well.

2. Before any adjustments or modifications are made to your chair, consult your
authorized Freedom Designs, Inc. dealer.

3. Unauthorized modifications or use of parts not supplied or approved by Free­dom Designs, Inc. may damage the chair structure. This will void the warranty
and may cause a safety hazard.

FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.

2241 Madera Rd. Simi Valley, CA. 93065 800-331-8551 Fax [phone]

www.freedomdesigns.com

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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.

Environmental Conditions

1. Use extra care if you must ride your chair on a wet or slick surface. Ask for

help, if you are in doubt.

2. Contact with water or excess moisture may cause your chair to rust or corrode.

This could cause your chair to fail.

a. Do not use your chair in a shower, pool or other body of water.

The chair tubing and parts are not watertight and may rust or corrode from
the inside.

b. Avoid excess moisture, (for example, do not leave your chair in a

damp bathroom while taking a shower).
c. Dry your chair as soon as you can if it gets wet or if you use
water to clean it.

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.

Terrain

1. Your chair is designed for use on firm, even surfaces such as concrete, asphalt,

and indoor floors and carpeting.

2. Do not operate your chair in sand, loose soil, or over rough terrain. This may

damage wheels or axles or loosen fasteners of your chair.

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.

Street Use

In most states, wheelchairs are not legal for use on public roads. Be alert to the
danger of motor vehicles on roads or in parking lots.

1. At night, or when lighting is poor, use reflective tape on your chair and clothing.

2. Due to your low position, it may be hard for drivers to see you. Make eye con-

tact with drivers before you go forward. When in doubt, yield until you are sure
it is safe.

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.

Motor Vehicle Safety

As identified on the front cover of this user manual, identify whether your chair has
been manufactured with the Transport Option installed.

If your chair is not equipped with the Transport Option:

The Freedom CGX™

vehicle seating.

1. NEVER let anyone sit in this chair while in a moving vehicle.
a. ALWAYS move the rider to an approved vehicle seat.
b. ALWAYS secure the rider with proper motor vehicle restraints.

2. In an accident or sudden stop, the rider may be thrown from the chair. Wheel-

chair hip belts will not prevent this and further injury may result from the belts or
straps.

3. NEVER transport this chair in the front seat of a vehicle. It may shift and inter-

fere with the driver.

4. ALWAYS secure this chair so that it can not roll or shift.

5. Do not use any chair that has been involved in a motor vehicle accident.

wheelchairs do not meet federal standards for motor

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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.

If your chair is equipped with the Transport Option, see the Transport Option
Warnings.

Assistance For the Rider:

Everyone who helps you needs to read and follow all warnings and instructions
that apply.

For Attendants

1. Work with the rider’s doctor, nurse or therapist to learn safe methods best
suited to your abilities and those of the rider.

2. Tell the rider what you plan to do and explain what you expect the rider to do.
This will put the rider at ease and reduce the risk of an accident

3. Make sure the chair has push handles. They provide secure points for you to
hold the rear of the chair to prevent a fall or tip-over. Check to make sure push
handle grips will not rotate or slip off.

4. To prevent injury to your back, use good posture and proper body mechanics.
When you lift or support the rider, bend your knees slightly and keep your back
as straight as you can.

5. Remind the rider to lean back when you tilt the chair backward.

6. When you descend a curb or single step, slowly lower the chair in one easy

movement. Do not let the chair drop the last few inches to the ground. This

may damage the chair or injure the rider.

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.

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WARNING: FALLS & TIP-OVERS

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 setup, the options you select, and
the changes you make affect the risk of fall or tip-over.

1. The most important adjustments are:

a. 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 setup of your chair, including:

1. The distance between the rear wheels.

2. The seat height, seat angle and position on frame.

3. The backrest angle.

b. A change in your body position, posture or weight distribution.
c. 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 Freedom Designs, Inc. dealer 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.

FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.

2241 Madera Rd. Simi Valley, CA. 93065 800-331-8551 Fax [phone]

www.freedomdesigns.com

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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.

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 wheel locks into place.

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.

Wheelies

“Wheelies”, (tilting the wheelchair backward to its balance point), are extremely
dangerous as the chair may tip over. Freedom Designs, Inc. recommends that
“wheelies” not be attempted.

Obstacles

Obstacles and road hazards (such as potholes and broken pavement), can damage
your chair and may cause a fall, tip-over, or loss of control.
To avoid these risks:

1. Keep a lookout for danger—scan the area well ahead of your chair as you ride.

2. Make sure the floor area where you live and work are level and free of
obstacles.

3. Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms.

4. Install a ramp at entry or exit doors. Make sure there is not a drop off at the
bottom of the ramp.

5. To help correct your center of balance:

a. Lean your upper body FORWARD slightly as you go UP over an
obstacle.
b. Press your upper body BACKWARD as you go DOWN from a
higher to a lower level.

6. Keep both of your hands on the handrims as you go over an obstacle.

7. Never push or pull on an object, (such as furniture or a doorjamb), to propel

your chair.

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.

Reaching or Leaning

If you reach or lean, it will affect the center of balance of your chair. This may

cause you to fall or tip over. When in doubt, ask for help or use a device to extend
your reach.

1. NEVER reach or lean if you must shift your weight sideways or rise up off the

seat.

2. NEVER reach or lean if you must move forward in your seat to do so. Always

keep your buttocks in contact with the backrest.

3. NEVER reach with both hands, you may not be able to catch yourself to prevent

a fall if the chair tips.

4. DO NOT reach or lean over the top of the seat back. This may damage one or

both backrest tubes and cause you to fall.

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5. If you must reach or lean:

a. Do not lock the Drive wheels. This creates a tip point and makes a

fall or tip-over more likely.

b. Do not put pressure on the footrests.
Note: Leaning forward puts pressure on the footrests and may cause the

chair to tip if you lean too far.
c. Move your chair as close as you can to the object you wish to
reach.

d. Do not try to pick up an object from the floor by reaching down

between your knees. You are less likely to tip if you reach to the
side of your chair.
e. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.
This makes the chair more stable.

Note: To do this: Move your chair past the object you want to reach,

then back up alongside it. Backing up will rotate the casters forward.
f. Firmly grasp an armrest with one hand. This will help to prevent a fall if the

chair tips.

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.

Moving Backward

Use extra care when you move backward. Your chair is not stable when you propel

yourself rearward. You may lose control or tip over if one of the large Drive wheels

hits an object and stops rolling.

1. Propel your chair slowly and smoothly.

2. Stop often and check to be sure your path is clear.

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.

Ramps, Slopes & Side Hills

Riding on a slope, which includes a ramp or side hill, will change the center of
balance of your chair. Your chair is less stable when it is at an angle. The rear
stabilizing wheel may not keep the chair from going over backward.

1. Do not use your chair on a slope steeper than 10%. (A 10% slope means: one

foot in elevation for every ten feet of slope length).

2. Always go as straight up and as straight down as you can. (do not “cut the

corner” on a slope or ramp).

3. Do not turn or change direction on a slope.

4. Always stay in the CENTER of the ramp. Make sure ramp is wide enough

that you are not at risk that a wheel may fall over the edge.

5,. Do not stop on a steep slope. If you stop, you may lose control of your chair.

6. NEVER use wheel locks to try to slow or stop your chair. This is likely to cause

your chair to veer out of control.

7. Beware of:
a. Wet or slippery surfaces.
b. A change in grade on a slope (or a lip, bump or depression). These may
cause a fall or tip-over.
c. A drop-off at the bottom of a slope. A drop-off of as small as 3/4”
can stop a front caster and cause the chair to tip forward.

8. To reduce the risk of a fall or tip-over:
a. Lean or press your body UPHILL. This will help adjust for a change
in the center of balance caused by the slope or side hill.
b. Keep pressure on the handgrips to control your speed on a down

FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.

2241 Madera Rd. Simi Valley, CA. 93065 800-331-8551 Fax [phone]

www.freedomdesigns.com

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WARNING:

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slope. If you go too fast, you may lose control.
c. Ask for help any time you are in doubt.

9. For your safety, ramps at home and work must meet all legal requirements for
your area.

We recommend:

a. Width: At least four feet wide.
b. Guardrails. To reduce the risk of a fall, sides of ramp must have
guardrails (or raised borders at least three inches high).
c. Slope. Not more than a 10% grade.
d. Surface. Flat and even, with a thin carpet or other nonskid material.
(Make sure there is no lip, bump or depression).
e. Bracing. Ramp must be STURDY. You may need a section at the top or
bottom to smooth out the transition.

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.

Transfer

It is dangerous to transfer on your own. It requires good balance and agility. Be
aware that there is a point during transfer when the wheelchair seat is not below
you. To avoid a fall:

1. Work with your health care advisor to learn safe methods.

a. Learn how to position your body and how to support yourself during a
transfer.
b. Have someone help you until you know how to do a safe transfer on
your own.

2. Lock large Drive wheels before you transfer. This keeps the large wheels from

rolling.

Note: This will NOT keep your chair from sliding away from you or tipping.

3. Make sure to keep pneumatic tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure may
allow the wheel locks to slip.

4. Move your chair as close as you can to the seat you are transferring to. If
possible, use a transfer board.

5. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.

6. Remove footboard, if possible.

a. Make sure your feet do not catch in the space between the footrests.
b. Avoid putting excessive weight on the footboard, as this may cause the
chair to tip.

7. Make sure armrests are out of the way and do not interfere.

8. Transfer as far back onto the seat surfaces as you can. This will reduce the risk
that the chair will tip or move away from you.

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.

Curbs & Steps

1. Each person who helps you should read and follow the warnings—”For Safe
Use” (Pages 10 – 12).

2. Do not try to climb or descend a curb or step alone UNLESS you are a skilled

rider of this chair and you are sure you have the strength and balance to do so.

3. Do not try to climb a high curb or step, more than 4” high, UNLESS you have

help. Doing so may cause your chair to exceed its balance point and tip over.

4. Go straight up and down a curb or step. If you climb or descend at an angle,

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