Golden Technologies Companion, Companion II User Manual

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Companion

Companion II

Companion II

Golden Tehcnologies • 401 Bridge Street • Old Forge, PA 18518 • Tel: [phone]• Fax: [phone] • www.goldentech.com

Thank you for purchasing your Companion Scooter. We are honored you have chosen
Golden Technologies for your mobility needs. Please note, unless otherwise speci­fied, the term Companion is to refer to each of the models listed below:

Companion I – 3 wheel scooters
GC222 – 300 lb. load capacity
GC223 – 300 lb. load capacity

Companion II – 3 wheel scooters
GC323 – 300 lb. load capacity
GC322 – 350 lb. load capacity
GC325 – 350 lb. load capacity

Companion II – 4 wheel scooters

GC421 - 350 lb. load capacity

Standard Packing List:

1 Owner’s Manual
2 Battery Cables with Hardware
1 Front Basket
1 Seat with Arms
2 Keys

DISCLAIMER

We ask that you read this manual completely before operating your new Companion.
Golden Technologies, Inc. is not and cannot be held responsible for any damage or in­jury incurred due to improper or unsafe use of the GoldenCompanion scooter. Golden
Technologies, Inc. specifically disclaimsresponsibility for any bodily injury or property
damage that may occur during any use that does not comply with applicable federal,
state, or local laws or ordinances.

Comp anion Owne r's M anual: GC22 2, GC 223, GC322 , GC323 , GC3 25, G C421

CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 2

II. SAFETY ................................................................................................... 3

III. EMI/RFI .................................................................................................. 7

IV. YOUR GOLDEN COMPANION .................................................................

V. OPERATION .......................................................................................... 10

Hand Controls .................................................................................. 10

Control Options ................................................................................

Seat Controls .................................................................................... 12

Seating Options ................................................................................ 13

VI. RIDING YOUR COMPANION .................................................................. 14

Mounting .......................................................................................... 14

Basic Driving .................................................................................... 14

Control Through Tight Spots ............................................................. 15

VII. DISASSEMBLY ...................................................................................... 17

VIII. ASSEMBLY ............................................................................................ 21

IX. TRANSPORTING YOUR COMPANION ..................................................... 26

X. DIAGNOSTICS ....................................................................................... 27

12

8

XI. CARE AND MAINTENANCE .................................................................... 30

Main Circuit Breaker ........................................................................ 30

Wheels and Tires .............................................................................. 31

If Your Companion Does Not Operate ................................................ 32

Lubrication ....................................................................................... 32

Lighting System ................................................................................ 32

Charger and Batteries ....................................................................... 33

Battery Maintenance ........................................................................ 34

Battery Cable Installation ................................................................. 34

Cleaning Your Companion ................................................................ 35

XII. WARRANTY ........................................................................................... 36

Registration Card ............................................................................. 37

Required Owner Information ............................................................ 37

Companion 1

Comp anion Owne r's M anual: GC22 2, GC 223, GC322 , GC323 , GC3 25, G C421

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on the purchase of your new Golden Companion scooter. The Com­panion, the Companion II, and the four-wheel Companion II all combine cutting edge
technology with attractive designs that are also highly functional in today’s world. We at
Golden Technologies, Inc. know that you have chosen a scooter that will give you years
of dependable operation and also will enhance the quality of your life by providing you
with the mobility to experience an active daily life-style.

Even though your new Companion is both user-friendly and designed for maximum
maneuverability in even the tightest spaces, we ask that you please read, understand
and follow all of the instructions and suggestions in this manual before
you operate your Companion for the first time. The safe use of your new scooter is very
important to us.

If you feel that you do not understand the instructions and suggestions presented in
this owner’s manual, or if, for any reason, you do not feel capable of performing the
activities necessary to assemble, disassemble, operate, or maintain your Companion,
please contact your local Golden Technologies, Inc. representative or call Golden Tech­nologies, Inc. Technical Support Services at [phone].

Golden Technologies, Inc. cannot be held responsible for personal injury or property
damage resulting from the unsafe or the improper use of any of our broad range of
health and personal mobility products. Also, Golden Technologies, Inc. cannot be held
responsible for personal injury or property damage resulting from attempts to follow
instructions, suggestions, and guidelines presented in this owner’s manual.

Our Research and Development Department, our Quality Control Department, and
our Engineering Department have used the latest product specifications and the latest
product design information to produce this owner’s manual. Golden Technologies, Inc.
reserves the right to implement changes into our product lines when those changes
become desirable or necessary. If changes are implemented into our product line, there
may be minor differences between the product you purchased and the illustrations and
instructions in this owner’s manual.

Please fill out and mail the enclosed warranty registration card. We at Golden Technolo­gies, Inc. would appreciate hearing about the dependability of your Companion and
about the convenience of mobility it has provided for you. We would also appreciate
hearing about the service you received from your local Golden Technologies, Inc. dealer
or representative.

Golden Technologies, Inc. Phone: [phone]
401 Bridge Street Fax: [phone]
Old Forge, PA 18518 Toll free: [phone]
Web Site: www.goldentech.com

2 Companion

Comp anion Owne r's M anual: GC22 2, GC 223, GC322 , GC323 , GC3 25, G C421

SAFETY

Your Golden Companion is a battery-operated personal mobility vehicle. Please
exercise caution and consideration when you are operating it. Driving your Companion­carefully and thoughtfully will help ensure your personal safety and the safety of
other people.

NOTE: Before learning to operate your Companion, have your authorized Golden

Technologies, Inc. dealer determine if it is advisable for you to practice
getting on and off your Companion and operating it in the presence of an
attendant.

BEFORE GETTING ON YOUR COMPANION

• Check to be certain that the power is turned off. See section V. “Operation” in this
manual. This will eliminate the possibility of accidentally activating the paddle con­trols and causing injury to yourself or to others.

• Check to be certain that your Companion’s brake handle is in the engaged position.
See section VII. “Disassembly” in this manual.

• Flip up the armrests.

WARNING: When getting on or off your Companion, do not put most or all of your

weight on the edge of the deck. Doing so may cause the scooter to
become unstable.

GETTING ON YOUR COMPANION

• Position the seat for safe and easy mounting. See section V. “Operation.”

• Return tiller to full upright position

• Carefully place one foot on the approximate center of the deck and seat yourself
comfortably and securely on the seat.

• Fasten the lap belt, if your scooter is so equipped.

• Flip down or replace the armrests.

GETTING OFF YOUR COMPANION

• Make certain that the power is turned off and the key is removed.

• Return tiller to full upright position

• Flip up or remove the armrests.

• Unfasten the lap belt, if your scooter is so equipped.

• Carefully place one foot on the ground, transfer your weight to that leg, and slowly
come to a standing position.

• Step away from the scooter.

MAXIMUM WEIGHT

Your Companion has been rated to a maximum payload (operator and anything else
being carried on the Companion) of 300 pounds for the Companion I and 350 pounds
for the Companion II. Exceeding the maximum weight rating will void the warranty.

WARNING: Exceeding the maximum weight rating may result in injury to yourself

and to others.

Companion 3

Comp anion Owne r's M anual: GC22 2, GC 223, GC322 , GC323 , GC3 25, G C421

SAFETY

DRIVING ON AN INCLINE

• For maximum stability, lean forward in your Companion’s seat while proceeding up

ramps, slopes, curbs, or any low rise. See figure 1.

• Drive with caution when attempting to negotiate any incline, even handicap access

ramps.

• Always climb or descend a gradient by driving straight up or straight down the face

of the slope. See figure 1.

• Do not traverse or drive across the face of the gradient. See figure 2.

• Do not attempt to negotiate an incline that is covered with snow, ice, cut or wet grass,

leaves, or any other potentially hazardous material.

• Do not back down an incline.

• Try to keep your Companion moving when climbing an incline. If you do come to a

stop, restart and accelerate slowly and carefully.

• Do not try to descend or climb a slope whose gradient is greater than recommended.

See “Specifications” on page 9.

FIGURE 1. GOING UP AN

INCLINE

FIGURE 2. TRAVERSING

A SLOPE

WARNING: If, while you are driving down a slope, your scooter starts to move faster

than you feel is safe, release the thumb lever and allow your Companion
to come to a stop. When you feel that you again have control of your
scooter, push the thumb lever forward and continue safely down the
remainder of the slope.

DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE

• Lower speed setting

• Whenever it is safely possible, drive forward down any ramp, low rise, or incline.

Golden Technologies, Inc. does not recommend that you drive your scooter in reverse
down any incline, ramp, curb, or low rise. Backing down any slope may create a very
hazardous situation.

If it is necessary to back down a slope follow one of two procedures.

4 Companion

Comp anion Owne r's M anual: GC22 2, GC 223, GC322 , GC323 , GC3 25, G C421

SAFETY

NOTE: When using either of the following procedures to back down a slope, Golden

Technologies, Inc. strongly advises that you have the assistance of another
person.

Procedure 1

1. Set the key switch to the “Off” position. See section V. “Operation.”

2. Dismount your Companion.

3. Put your scooter in the freewheel mode. See section VII. “Disassembly.”

4. While standing alongside the scooter, carefully manually maneuver it down the

slope.

5. When you have reached a level surface at the bottom of the slope, position the free-

wheel lever in the engaged position. See section VII. “Disassembly.”

6. Carefully remount your Companion and resume normal operation.

WARNING: When your scooter is in freewheel mode, the brake is released. The

weight of the scooter on a slope may cause you to lose control of the
scooter. If you do not feel capable of manually controlling your scooter
down the slope, request assistance or do not attempt to use this pro­cedure.

Procedure 2

1. Set the key switch to the “Off position. See section V. “Operation.”

2. Dismount your Companion.

3. Set the key switch to the “On” position. See section V. “Operation.”

4. While standing alongside your scooter, carefully operate the controls at the lowest

speed setting. See section V. “Operation.”

5. Slowly and carefully back your scooter down the incline.

6. Carefully remount your Companion and resume normal operation.

MEDICATION

Always check with your physician to determine if any of the medications you are taking
may affect your judgement and/or your ability to operate your Companion. Also check
with your physician concerning your physical ability to operate a scooter.

WARNING: Do not connect or allow anyone except an authorized Golden Technolo-

gies, Inc. representative to connect any electrical or mechanical device
to your Companion. Unauthorized accessories will void the warranty
and may cause injury.

Please use your Golden Companion scooter often and allow it to expand the horizons of
your daily life. The more mobility your Golden Companion brings to you, the happier you
will be, and the more satisfied we at Golden Technologies, Inc. will be! But as with

Companion 5

Comp anion Owne r's M anual: GC22 2, GC 223, GC322 , GC323 , GC3 25, G C421

SAFETY

all things, especially motor operated vehicles, observing a few rules and safety consid­erations will help ensure safe scooter operation. So please follow the rules below.

NOTE: Please remember that while on your Golden Companion, you are a motorized

pedestrian. You must observe and obey all pedestrian rules and regulations
for the locale in which you are riding.

RULES FOR USE AND OTHER SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

• Read completely and understand this owner’s manual before assembling, operating,

transporting, or disassembling your Golden Companion.

• Always operate your Golden Companion with thought, care, and safety.

• Do not attempt to use your Companion on an escalator. Always use an elevator.

• Do not carry passengers under any circumstances.

• Do not mount or dismount your Golden Companion unless the brake is engaged.

• Always make sure that the key switch is set to “Off” before mounting or dismounting

your scooter.

• Do not back your Golden Companion down an incline or across an uneven surface.

• Do not turn your scooter suddenly at full speed.

• Always make sure the seat is locked forward before operating your Companion.

• Always come to a full stop before changing direction from forward to reverse or from

reverse to forward.

• Do not operate your Companion where you could not safely or legally walk.

• Do not climb ramps or curbs that exceed your scooter’s capacity.

• Always approach curbs and inclines straight on.

• Always turn on your scooter’s lights when operating near traffic, at night, and in any

poorly lit area.

• Always be aware of and careful near mechanical pinch points (for example, when

mating the rear carriage to the front frame—see the note on page 21) especially when
assembling and disassembling your scooter.

• Never sit on your Companion when it is being transported.

• Always fasten down your Companion securely with an approved tie-down system

while transporting your scooter.

• When your Companion is being transported, make certain that it is securely fastened

down with an approved tie-down system.

• Never operate your vehicle if it is not functioning properly.

• Always use caution when driving on soft or uneven surfaces such as grass, gravel.

Also use caution on decks where there is no railing.

• Never drive on the roadway, except when you must cross the street.

• Always cross streets at intersections and use crosswalks or the most direct route,

making sure that your path is clear and that you are visible to motor traffic.

• Never drive your Companion up or down a step or curb that is higher than three

inches.

• Never back up or down a step or curb.

• Never operate your Companion while you are under the influence of alcohol.

6 Companion

Comp anion Owne r's M anual: GC22 2, GC 223, GC322 , GC323 , GC3 25, G C421

EMI/RFI

The rapid development of electronics, especially in the area of communications, has
saturated our environment with electromagnetic (radio) waves that are emitted by tele­vision transmitters, cellular phones, citizen’s band radios (CBs), amateur radios (ham
radios), wireless computer links, microwave transmitters, paging transmitters, etc. These
electromagnetic (EM) waves are invisible and increase in strength the closer one gets to
the source of transmission. When these energy waves act upon electrical devices and
cause them to malfunction or to function in an erratic or uncontrolled manner, they
are referred to as Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) or Radio Frequency Interference
(RFI).

EMI/RFI AND YOUR COMPANION

All electrically powered vehicles, including scooters are susceptible to Electromagnetic
Interference/Radio Frequency Interference (EMI/RFI). This interference could result in
abnormal, unintended movement of your Golden Companion.

WARNING: Unintended movement or brake release could cause an accident or

injury.

The FDA has determined that each make and model of scooter can resist EMI/RFI to a
certain level. The higher the level of resistance, the greater the degree of protection from
EMI/RFI—measured in volts per meter (V/m). The FDA has also determined that cur­rent technology is capable of providing 20 V/m of resistance to EMI/RFI, which would
provide useful protection against common sources of interference. The resistance level
of the Golden Companion to EMI/RFI is not known.

EMI/RFI RECOMMENDATIONS

• Do not turn on or use hand-held personal electronic communication devices such
as cellular phones, walkie-talkies, and CB radios while your scooter is turned on.

• Be aware of any nearby transmitters (radio, television, microwave, etc.) on your in­tended route and avoid operating your scooter close to any of those transmitters.

• Turn off the power if your Companion is going to be in a stationary position for any
length of time.

• Be aware that adding accessories or components or modifying your scooter may make
it more susceptible to EMI/RFI.

• If unintended movement or brake release occurs, turn your scooter off as soon as it
is safe to do so.

• Report all incidents of unintended movement or brake failure to Golden Technologies,
Inc. Technical Service at [phone].

WARNING: Turn off your scooter as soon as it is safely possible if unintended or

uncontrollable motion occurs or if unintended brake release occurs.

Companion 7

Comp anion Owne r's M anual: GC22 2, GC 223, GC322 , GC323 , GC3 25, G C421

YOUR GOLDEN COMPANION

CONTROL PANEL

HANDGRIP

THUMB LEVERS

ARM REST WIDTH
ADJUSTMENT
KNOBS

TRUNK LID
(HINGED)
ACCESS TO
CHARGER

BRAKE HANDLE

TILLER

TILLER ADJUSTMENT
LEVER

REMOVABLE
CARPET

SEAT ROTATION
LEVER

FIGURE 3. YOUR GOLDEN COMPANION

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Please fill in your Companion’s information below. This information will be useful in
the event- that you ever need to contact Golden Technologies, Inc. concerning your
scooter.

Your Companion
(under carpet:
Model Serial Number right rear)

Date of Purchase Body Color

Options

Place of Purchase

Name

Company

Address

Please remember to fill in and return your warranty registration card. (page 37)

8 Companion

Comp anion Owne r's M anual: GC22 2, GC 223, GC322 , GC323 , GC3 25, G C421

YOUR GOLDEN COMPANION

Specifications GC222 GC223 GC322

Length 41" 41" 46"
Width 24" 24" 24"
Tires
Front 7 3/4" 7 3/4" 9"
Rear 8 3/4" 8 3/4" 10"
Weight capacity 300 lbs 300 lbs 350 lbs
Maximum speed 4 1/2 mph 4 1/2 mph 4 mph
Ground clearance 3 1/2 " 3 1/2 4"
Operating range (miles) up to 32* up to 32* up to 20*
Turning radius 37" 37" 48"
Batteries (2) Type U-l Type U-l Type U-l
Weight 100 lbs 100 lbs 102 lbs
with batteries 148 lbs 148 lbs 150 lbs
Freewheel mode Yes Yes Yes
Maximum safe incline 6 degrees 7.5 degrees 6 degrees
Electronic speed control Yes Yes Yes
Brakes Electromechanical
Charger On-board 3 amp
Rear-wheel drive Sealed transaxle Motor, 24 VDC
Warranty Limited Life-time

Specifications GC323 GC325 GC421

Length 46" 46" 49 1/2"
Width 24" 24" 24"
Tires
Front 9" 9" 9"
Rear 10" 10" 10"
Weight capacity 300 lbs 350 lbs 350 lbs
Maximum speed 5 1/2 mph 5 1/2 mph 5 1/2 mph
Ground clearance 4" 4" 4"
Operating range (miles) up to 25* up to 25* up to 23*
Turning radius 48" 48" 58 1/2"
Batteries (2) Type U-l Type U-l Type U-l
Weight 102 lbs 102 lbs 131 lbs
with batteries 150 lbs 150 lbs 179 lbs
Freewheel mode Yes Yes Yes
Maximum safe incline 7.5 degrees 7.5 degrees 6 degrees
Electronic speed control Yes Yes Yes
Brakes Electromechanical
Charger On-board 3 amp
Rear-wheel drive Sealed transaxle Motor, 24 VDC
Warranty Limited Life-Time

Companion 9

Comp anion Owne r's M anual: GC22 2, GC 223, GC322 , GC323 , GC3 25, G C421

OPERATION

DC VOLTAGE METER

POWER-ON/DIAGNOSTICS LED

LIGHTS ON INDICATOR

LIGHT SWITCH
BUTTON

THUMB LEVER (RE­VERSE)

SPEED ADJUSTMENT DIAL

TILLER ADJUSTMENT LEVER

FIGURE 4. CONTROL PANEL

HORN BUTTON

THUMB LEVER
(FORWARD)

KEY SWITCH

HAND CONTROLS
Speed Adjustment Dial

The speed adjustment dial allows you to preselect the maximum top speed of your
Golden Companion.

• Turn the dial completely counterclockwise to operate your scooter at the lowest speed

level.

• Turn the dial completely clockwise to increase the operational speed of your scoot-

er.
We recommend that you select a speed setting at which you feel comfortable, safe, and
in control of your Companion.

Key Switch

This switch turns the power on and off to your Companion.

• Insert the key into the key switch.

• Turn the key 90 degrees clockwise to turn on your scooter’s power.

• Turn the key back to the vertical position to turn off your scooter’s power.

NOTE: Always make certain that the key is removed from the key switch before

getting on or off your Golden Companion.

10 Companion

Comp anion Owne r's M anual: GC22 2, GC 223, GC322 , GC323 , GC3 25, G C421

OPERATION

When the power to your Companion is turned on, the Power On/Diagnostics LED (Light
Emitting Diode) will light up. This LED is used for diagnosing operational problems that
may arise. See section X. “Diagnostics.”

Horn Button

Press this button to sound the horn.

Light Switch Button

This button operates your Companion’s lighting system.

• Press the button once to turn on your scooter’s lights.

• Press the button a second time to turn off the lights.

NOTE: The lights on your Companion are for safety purposes only! They were
designed for you to be seen and not for driving at night.

Lights-on LED

This LED will illuminate when you have your Companion’s lights turned on.

Thumb Lever Control

This self-centering lever system controls your Companion’s speed (up to the maximum
speed set by the speed adjustment dial) and its forward and reverse direction. This
control system is also called the “wigwag.”

To drive forward:

• Place your hands on the handgrips.

• Use your thumbs to operate the lever controls.

• Use your right thumb to press lightly on the “F” (forward motion) lever to move your

scooter forward.

• Increase the pressure applied by your thumb to increase your forward speed.

• To stop your Companion, release all pressure on the lever. The lever will automati

cally return to the center (neutral) position and your scooter will come to a gradual
stop. The brake will automatically engage.

NOTE: Always bring your Companion to a full stop before changing direction from

forward to reverse, or from reverse to forward.

To drive in reverse:

• Place your hands on the handgrips.

• Use your thumbs to operate the lever controls.

• Use your left thumb to press lightly on the “R” (reverse motion], lever to move your

scooter in reverse. A back-up beeper will sound to inform others of your movement.

• Increase the pressure applied by your thumb to increase your reverse speed.

• To stop your Companion, release all pressure on the lever. The lever will automatically

return to the center (neutral) position and your scooter will come to a gradual stop.

DC Voltage Meter

This meter (see figure 4) shows the amount of voltage in your Companion’s batteries.

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Companion 11