Freedom Designs Freedom NXT User Manual
Pediatric & Adult
With transport option
Without transport option
Supplier: This manual must be given
to the user/care giver of this
wheelchair.
Rider: Before using this wheelchair,
read this entire manual and
save for future reference.
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NXT
Generation NEXT
Folding
Pediatric & Adult
Folding & Rigid Tilt Wheelchair
Operator’s Manual
Rigid
NXTOM080511
Freedom D es igns, Inc.
Freedom Designs, Inc.
NXT
Generation NEXT
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Freedom D es igns, Inc.
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Freedom Designs, Inc. NXT 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 Providers or our Customer Service Department at:
(800) 331-8551
Again, thank you for your purchasing a Freedom Designs, Inc. NXT
This manual created on August 5th, 2011
Serial #___________________________________
Reference Phone Numbers:
Home Medical Equipment Supplier Name _____________________________
Phone # _____________________________
Home Health Care Agency Name _____________________________
Phone # _____________________________
Doctor Name _____________________________
Phone # _____________________________
Supplier _____________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
Telephone: _____________________________________________________
Serial # ______________________ Purchase Date ________________
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Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Table of Contents 2
General Warnings 3-5
Weight Limit 3
Every Wheelchair is Different 3
Reduction of Risk of an Accident 3
Safety Checklist 3
Adjustments 3
Environmental Conditions 4
Terrain 4
Street Use 4
Motor Vehicle Safety 4
Assistance 5
Warnings:
Falls & Tip-Overs 5-9
Center of Balance 5
Dressing or Changing Clothes 6
Wheelies 6
Obstacles 6
Reaching or Leaning 6
Moving Backward 7
Ramps, Slopes & Side Hills 7
Transfer 8
Curbs and Steps 8
Stairs and Escalators 9
Warnings:
For Safe Use 9-11
Transport Use 9
Descending a Curb or
Single Step 9
Climbing a Curb or Single Step 10
Climbing Stairs 10
Descending Stairs 10
Tilting Seat 10
Maintenance 11
Warnings:
Components and Options 11-14
Transport Option 11
Anti-Tip Device 11
Armrests 11
Cushions and Sling Seats 11
Fasteners 12
Pneumatic Tires 12
Footrests 12
Positioning Belts 12
Power Drive 13
Push Handles 13
Quick Release Axles 13
Rear Wheels 13
Wheel Locks 13
Modifi ed Seating Systems 13
Upholstery Fabric 14
Initial Inspection Checklist 15
Features - Folding 16
Features - Rigid 17
Unfolding the
Folding the
NXT 18-19
NXT 20-21
Main Frame 22-27
Latch Style Swing Away
Hangers 22
Pop-up Hangers 23
Flip-up Individual Footplates 24
Angle Adjustable Footboard 25
Quick Release Axles 26
Flip Back and “T”- Armrests 26
Fixed Height, Removable 27
Armrests
Adjustable Height Flip Back 27
Armrests
Casters 27
Wheel Locks 27
Folding Back 28
Tilt Operation 28-29
Leverage Bar Operation 29
NXT Adjustments 30-33
Tilt Cable Adjustment 30
Backpost Adjustments 30
Armrest Adjustments 30-31
Caster Fork Adjustments 31
Wheel Lock Adjustments 31
Rear Axle Adjustments 32
Anti-tip Adjustment 32
Pelvic Belt Installation & Use 33
Cleaning 34
Maintenance 34
Storage 34
Troubleshooting 35
Summary 36
Warranty 37
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Warnings and 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. provider. Note:
Where they apply, you will also fi nd “Warnings” in other sections of this manual. Heed all
warnings in this section.
The weight limit for the NXT tilt is a 225 lb. person. If the person exceeds the
weight limit (including items carried), 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
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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
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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.
General Warnings
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Safety Checklist
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1. Before each use of your chair:
2. 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).
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3. Repair any problems. Consult your Freedom Designs, Inc. authorized provider
for help in fi nding or correcting the problem.
4. 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.
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 modifi cations are made to your chair, consult
your authorized Freedom Designs, Inc. provider.
3. Unauthorized modifi cations or use of parts not supplied or approved by Freedom
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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.
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General Warnings
Environmental Conditions
Use extra care if you must ride your chair on a wet or slick surface. Ask for help,
if you are in doubt.
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.
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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.
Terrain
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1. Your chair is designed for use on firm, even surfaces such as concrete,
asphalt, and indoor fl oors 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.
Street Use
1. 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.
2. At night, or when lighting is poor, use refl ective tape on your chair and clothing.
3. 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.
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Motor Vehicle Safety
As identifi ed on the front cover of this user manual, identify whether your chair
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has been manufactured with the Transport Option installed.
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If your chair is not equipped with the Transport Option:
The
NXT 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.
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3. ALWAYS secure this chair so that it can not roll or shift.
4. Do not use any chair that has been involved in a motor vehicle accident.
If your chair is equipped with the Transport Option, see the Transport Option
Warnings.
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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Assistance For the Rider:
Everyone who helps you needs to read and follow all warnings and instructions
that apply.
For Attendants
Work with the rider’s doctor, nurse or therapist to learn safe methods best suited
to your abilities and those of the rider.
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
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.
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.
Remind the rider to lean back when you tilt the chair backward.
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.
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 fi nd out what axle and caster
position is best for you.
b. Consult your authorized Freedom Designs, Inc. provider 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 you chair
and how to avoid a tip-over.
d. Use anti-tip tubes.
Warning:
Falls & Tip Overs
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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.
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Warning:
Falls & Tip Overs
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:
Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible. This makes
the chair more stable.
Lock wheel locks into place.
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:
Keep a lookout for danger—scan the area well ahead of your chair as you ride.
Make sure the floor area where you live and work are level and free of
obstacles.
Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms.
Install a ramp at entry or exit doors. Make sure there is not a drop off at the
bottom of the ramp.
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.
Keep both of your hands on the handrims as you go over an obstacle.
Never push or pull on an object, (such as furniture or a doorjamb), to propel
your chair.
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Reaching or Leaning
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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
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one or both backrest tubes and cause you to fall.
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.
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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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 fl oor 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
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the chair tips.
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.
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Propel your chair slowly and smoothly.
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.
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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.
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:
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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 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.
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
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Warning:
Falls & Tip Overs
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.
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 infl ated. 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.
Curbs & Steps
1. Each person who helps you should read and follow the warnings—”For
Safe Use” (Pages 9-10).
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,
a fall or tip-over is likely.
5. Be aware that the impact of dropping down from a curb or step can damage
your chair or loosen fasteners.
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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.
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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 9-10).
3. NEVER use this chair on an escalator, even with an attendant. If you do, a
fall or tip-over is likely.
Warning:
For Safe Use
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WARNING: FOR SAFE USE
Before you assist a rider, be sure to read the warnings “For Attendants” (page 5)
and follow all instructions that apply. Be aware that you will need to learn safe
methods best suited to your abilities.
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Transport Use
If possible and feasible, the rider
should transfer to the OEM vehicle
seat and use the vehicle restraint.
If the wheelchair is used for transport, it must be used in a forwardfacing seating position.
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 wheelchairs are suitable for occupancy in a motor vehicle.
The picture (right) shows the location of the wheelchair securement points.
Use only with Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant Restraint Systems (WTORS)
that have been installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and
SAE J2249.
Attach WTORS to securement points in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and SAE J2249
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
(412) 776-4970
Descending a Curb or Single Step with Attendant
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.
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:
For Safe Use
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 large Drive wheels reach the edge of the
curb or step. Then allow the large Drive wheels to slowly roll down onto the
lower level.
5. When the large Drive 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.
Climbing a Curb or Single Step with Attendant
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 large Drive 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 large wheels contact the face of the curb or step. Lift
and roll the large wheels to the upper level.
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 fi rmly 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.
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Descending Stairs
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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
frame. He or she lowers the chair one step at a time by letting the rear
wheels roll over the stair edge.
5. The attendants move to the next stair down. Repeat for each stair, until you
reach the landing.
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Tilting Seat
1. Set wheel lock prior to seat tilt adjustment.
2. Make sure that the fl oor surface is level when adjusting tilt.
3. Keep both hands on handgrips while using your right foot to tilt seat forward
or back.
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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