Freedom Designs Freedom 2 User Manual

□ With transport package
□ Without transport package

Supplier:
This manual must be given to
the rider of this wheelchair

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

Freedom 2

Freedom 2 Kids

By FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.

OPERATING MANUAL

FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.

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

®

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Freedom Designs, Inc. Freedom 2 or Freedom 2
Kids wheelchair. These chairs combine state-of-the-art technology with durability and function

to meet all of your changing needs. This Operating Manual will provide 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 that you 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 2/Freedom Kids

This manual revised on 01/19/06

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 7-11

Center of Balance 7
Dressing or Changing Clothes 7
Wheelies 7
Obstacles 8
Reaching or Leaning 8
Moving Backward 9
Ramps, Slopes & Side Hills 9
Transfer 10
Curbs and Steps 10
Stairs and Escalators 11

Warnings: For Safe Use 11-13

Transport Use 11
Descending a Curb or Single Step 11-12
Climbing a curb or Single Step 12
Climbing Stairs 12
Descending Stairs 12
Maintenance 13

Warnings: Components and Options 13-17

Transport Option 13
Anti-Tip Tubes 13-14
Armrests 14
Cushions & Sling Seats 14
Fasteners 14
Pneumatic Tires 14-15
Footrests 15
Positioning Belts 15
Power Drive 15
Push Handles 15

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Page #

Quick Release Axles 15-16
Rear Wheels 16
Rear Wheel Locks 16
Modified Seating Systems 16
Upholstery Fabric 17

Initial Inspection Checklist 18
Specifications 19
Features 20
Unfolding the Freedom 2 / Freedom 2 Kids 21-23
Folding the Freedom 2 / Freedom 2 Kids 24-26
Main Frame 27-36

1. Anti-Tips 27

2. Tires 27

3. Latch-Style Swing Away Hangers 28-29

4. Flip-up Individual Footplates 30-31

5. Angle Adjustable Footboard 31-33

6. Quick Release Axles 33

7. Swing Away/Removable Armrests 34

8. Seat and Back Sling 34

9. Casters 35

10. Push to Lock Wheel Locks 35

11. Wheel Lock Options 35

12. Hub Locks 36

Freedom 2 / Freedom 2 Kids Adjustments 37-39

1. Armrest Adjustments 37

2. Caster Fork Adjustments 38

3. Wheel Lock Adjustments 38

4. Rear Axle Adjustments 39

Reverse Configuration 40
Cleaning 40
Maintenance 40
Storage 40
Troubleshooting 41
Summary 42
Index 43
Warranty 44

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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

The weight limit for the Freedom 2 and Freedom 2 Kids is a 250 lb. person.

If the person exceeds 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.

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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.

6. Always use anti-tip tubes downward, so as you are not at risk to tip over.

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.

4. Anti-tip tubes need to be locked in the downward position during usage.

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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Adjustments

1. If you modify or adjust this chair, it may increases 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. Do not remove the anti-tippers at any time. Removal may cause the chair to
tip over.

4. 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.

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
contact 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.

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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:
Freedom 2 / Freedom 2 Kids wheelchairs do not meet federal standards for
motor 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.
Wheelchair 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
interfere with the driver.

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

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

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 on Pages 11, 12, 13 & 14.

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.

7. To avoid tripping, unlock and rotate the anti-tip tubes up, out of the way.
ALWAYS lock the rear wheels and lock anti-tip tubes in place if you must
leave the rider alone, even for a moment. This will reduce the risk of a tip
over or loss of control of the 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.

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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 rear wheels.

2. The amount of rear wheel camber.

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

4. Backrest angle.
b. A change in your body position, posture or weight distribution.
c. The use of a back pack or other options, and 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.

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 anti-tip tubes in place.

3. 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.

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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. If your chair has anti-tip tubes, lock them in place before you go UP over an
obstacle.

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

8. 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. NEVER reach or lean to the rear unless your chair has anti-tip tubes locked in
place.

5. 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.

6. If you must reach or lean:

a. Do not lock the rear 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

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f. Firmly grasp a rear wheel or 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 rear wheels hits
and object and stops rolling.

1. Propel your chair slowly and smoothly.

2. If your chair has anti-tip tubes, make sure to lock them in place.

3. 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. Anti-tip tubes
may not prevent a fall or tip-over.

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 handrims to control your speed on a down
slope. If you go too fast, you may lose control.
c. Ask for help any time you are in doubt.

9. Ramp at Home & Work—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.

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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 rear wheels before you transfer. This keeps the rears 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 rear 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. If you can, remove or swing footrests out of the way.

a. Make sure your feet do not catch in the space between the footrests.
b. Avoid putting weight on the footrests 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 11 – 13).

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. Unlock and rotate anti-tip tubes up, out of the way, so they do not interfere.

4. 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.

5. Go straight up and down a curb or step. If you climb or descend at an angle, a
fall or tip-over is likely.

6. Be aware that the impact of dropping down from a curb or step can damage
your chair or loosen fasteners.

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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Stairs and Escalators

1. NEVER use this chair on stairs UNLESS you have someone to help you.
Doing so is likely to cause a fall or tip-over.

2. Persons who help you should read and follow the warnings “For Attendants”,
(page 6) and the “For Safe Use”, (pages 11—13).

3. NEVER use this chair on an escalator, even with an attendant. If you do, a fall
or tip-over is likely.

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

Before you assist a rider, be sure to read the warnings “For Attendants”, (page 6)
and follow all instructions that apply. Be aware that you will need to learn safe
methods best suited to your abilities.

Transport Use

1. If possible and feasible, the rider should
transfer to the OEM vehicle seat and use
the vehicle restraint.

2. If the wheelchair is used for transport, it
must be used in a forward-facing seating
position.

3. The ANSI/RESNA WC-19 standards
apply to persons with a weight of 51 to
169 lbs. This constitutes the range of
sizes for which the Freedom 2/Freedom 2
Kids wheelchairs are suitable for occu­pancy in a motor vehicle.

4. The picture (right) shows the location of the wheelchair securement points.

5. Use only with Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant Restraint Systems
(WTORS) that have been installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and SAE J2249.

6. Attach WTORS to securement points in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and SAE J2249

7. Attach occupant restraints in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
and SAE J2249.

Note: To obtain a copy of SAE J2249 Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant
Restraints Systems for Use in Motor Vehicles, please contact:
SAE International—400 Commonwealth Drive—Warrendale, PA 15096
[phone]

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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Descending a Curb or Single Step

Follow these steps to help a rider descend a curb or single step going down
BACKWARD:

1. Stay at the rear of the chair.

2. Several feet before you reach the edge of the curb or step, turn the chair around
and pull it backward.

3. While looking over your shoulder, carefully step back until you are off the
curb or stair and standing on the lower level.

4. Pull the chair toward you until the rear wheels reach the edge of the curb or
step. Then allow the rear wheels to slowly roll down onto the lower level.

5. When the rear wheels are safely on the lower level, tilt the chair back to its
balance point. This will lift the front casters off of the curb or step.

6. Keep the chair in balance and take small steps backward. Turn the chair around
and gently lower front casters to the ground.

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.

Climbing a Curb or Single Step

Follow these steps to help the rider climb a curb or single step going FORWARD

1. Stay behind the chair.

2. Face the curb and tilt the chair up on the rear wheels so that the front casters
clear the curb or step.

3. Move forward, placing the front caster on the upper level as soon as you are
sure they are past the edge.

4. Continue forward until rear wheels contact the face of the curb or step. Lift and
roll the rear wheels to the upper level.

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

Climbing Stairs

1. Use at least two attendants to move a chair and rider up stairs.

2. Move the chair and rider BACKWARD up the stairs.

3. The person at the rear is in control. He or she tilts the chair back to its balance
point.

4. A second attendant at the front firmly grasps a non-detachable part of the front
frame and lifts the chair up and over one stair at a time.

5. The attendants move to the next stair up. Repeat for each stair, until you reach
the landing.

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.

Descending Stairs

1. Use at least two attendants to move a chair and rider down stairs.

2. Move the chair and rider FORWARD down the stairs

3. The person at the rear is in control. He or she tilts the chair to the balance point
of the rear wheels and rolls it to the edge of the top step.

4. A second attendant stands on the third step from the top and grasps the chair

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