Invacare Mistral Plus User Manual

Invacare® Mistral Plus

Electric wheelchai

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User manua

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2

How can you get in touch with Invacare®?

If you have any questions or need support, please contact your authorised Invacare® Dealer, who has the
necessary know-how and equipment plus the special knowledge concerning your Invacare® product, and
can offer you all-round satisfactory service. Should you wish to contact Invacare® directly, you can reach us
in Europe at the following addresses and phone numbers.

Mobitec Mobilitätshilfen GmbH

Herzog Odilostrasse 101
A-5310 Mondsee
Austria

: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
@: [e-mail]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.mobitec-austria.com

Invacare® n.v.

Autobaan 22
B-8210 Loppem (Brugge)

Belgium

: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.invacare.be

Mobitec Rehab AG

Benkenstraße 260
CH-4108 Witterswil

Switzerland

: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
@: [e-mail]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.mobitec-rehab.ch

Invacare Aquatec

Alemannenstraße 10
88316 Isny

Deutschland

 [phone]
Fax [phone]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.invacare-aquatec.de

Invacare® A/S

Sdr. Ringvej 37
DK-2605 Brøndby

Danmark

 (Kundeservice): [phone]
Fax (Kundeservice): [phone]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.invacare.dk

3

Invacare® SA

c/ Areny, s/n
Polígon Industrial de Celrà
E-17460 Celrà (Girona)

ESPAÑA

: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.invacare.es

Invacare® Poirier SAS

Route de St Roch
F-37230 Fondettes

France

: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.invacare.fr

Invacare® Ltd

Pencoed Technology Park
Pencoed
Bridgend CF35 5HZ
United Kingdom

 (Customer Service): [phone]
Fax (Customer Service): [phone]
@: [e-mail]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.invacare.co.uk

Invacare Mecc San s.r.l.

Via Dei Pini, 62
I - 36016 Thiene (VI)

ITALIA

: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.invacare.it

Invacare Ireland Ltd.

Unit 5 Seatown Business Campus
Seatown Rd, Swords
County Dublin

Ireland

: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.invacare.ie

Invacare® AS

Grensesvingen 9
Postboks 6230
Etterstad
N-0603 Oslo

Norge

 (Kundeservice): [phone]
Fax (Kundeservice): [phone]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.invacare.no

Invacare® B.V.

Celsiusstraat 46
NL-6716 BZ Ede

Nederland

: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.invacare.nl

4

Invacare Portugal, Lda

Rua Estrada Velha, 949
P-4465-784 Leça do Balio
Portugal

: [phone]
: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.invacare.pt

Återförsäljare:
Invacare® AB

Fagerstagatan 9
S-163 91 Spånga

Sverige

Tillverkare:
Invacare® Deutschland GmbH

Kleiststraße 49
D-32457 Porta Westfalica

Deutschland

 (Kundtjänst): [phone]
Fax (Kundtjänst): [phone]
@: [e-mail]
@: [e-mail]
WWW: www.invacare.se

MÖLNDAL
: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
@: [e-mail]

LANDSKRONA
: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
@: [e-mail]

OSKARSHAMN
: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
@: [e-mail]

5

Table of Contents

Chapter Page

1 Introduction 9

1.1 Important symbols in this manual .........................................................................................11

1.2 Important symbols found on the vehicle ..............................................................................12

1.3 Type classification and permissible use...............................................................................14

1.4 Guarantee.................................................................................................................................14

1.5 Indications................................................................................................................................15

1.6 Life expectancy........................................................................................................................15

2 Safety Notes 16

2.1 General Safety Notes ..............................................................................................................16

2.2 Safety information with regard to care and maintenance...................................................19

2.3 Safety information on the anti tip wheels .............................................................................20

2.4 Safety Information on Electromagnetic Interference...........................................................21

2.5 Safety Information on Driving and Freewheel Mode............................................................22

3 The most important components 24
4 Getting in and out of the wheelchair 25

4.1 Removing / inserting armrest.................................................................................................25

5 Driving 27

5.1 Before driving for the first time..............................................................................................27

5.2 Taking Obstacles.....................................................................................................................28

5.3 Driving up and down gradients..............................................................................................29

5.4 Parking and stationary............................................................................................................29

6

6 Pushing the wheelchair in freewheel mode 30

6.1 Disengaging Motors................................................................................................................30

7 Remotes 31
8 Adjustment Options 32

8.1 Adjusting angle of the backrest.............................................................................................32

8.1.1 Adjusting the backrest using the metal plate with holes...............................................33

8.1.2 Adjusting the backrest using the gas pressure spring..................................................35

8.2 Adjusting the seat tilt..............................................................................................................36

8.2.1 Adjusting the seat angle manually................................................................................36

8.3 Adjusting the armrests ...........................................................................................................38

8.3.1 Adjusting the height ......................................................................................................38

8.3.2 Adjusting the width of the side parts.............................................................................38

8.4 Adjusting the headrest............................................................................................................39

8.4.1 Adjusting the angle of the headrest..............................................................................39

8.4.2 Adjusting the height of the headrest.............................................................................39

8.5 Postural belts...........................................................................................................................40

8.5.1 Types of postural belts..................................................................................................40

8.5.2 Adjusting the postural belt correctly..............................................................................41

8.6 Adjusting and removing the tray ...........................................................................................42

8.6.1 Laterally adjusting the tray............................................................................................42

8.6.2 Adjusting the depth of the tray / removing the tray.......................................................43

8.6.3 Swinging the tray away to the side ...............................................................................43

9 Adjusting the footrests and the legrests 45

9.1 "Standard 80°" Footrest..........................................................................................................45

9.2 Standard footrest with pre-adjusted angle ...........................................................................47

9.2.1 General Information......................................................................................................47

9.2.2 Adjusting the angle .......................................................................................................48

7

9.2.3

Adjusting the length ......................................................................................................49

9.2.4 Adjusting the angle of the footplate (option).................................................................50

9.2.5 Removing the Footrest .................................................................................................50

9.3 Manual height adjustable legrest 90° - 0°..............................................................................51

9.3.1 General Information......................................................................................................51

9.3.2 Adjusting the angle .......................................................................................................52

9.3.3 Adjusting the length ......................................................................................................53

9.3.4 Adjusting the Angle of the Footplate.............................................................................53

9.3.5 Removing the Footrest .................................................................................................54

9.4 Manual height-adjustable legrest 80° - 0° with ergonomic length compensation ............55

9.4.1 General Information......................................................................................................55

9.4.2 Adjusting the angle .......................................................................................................56

9.4.3 Adjusting the length ......................................................................................................57

9.4.4 Adjusting the Angle of the Footplate.............................................................................58

9.4.5 Removing the Footrest .................................................................................................58

9.5 Electrically height-adjustable legrest 80° - 0° with ergonomic length compensation .....59

9.5.1 General Information......................................................................................................59

9.5.2 Adjusting the angle .......................................................................................................60

9.5.3 Adjusting the length ......................................................................................................60

9.5.4 Adjusting the Angle of the Footplate.............................................................................61

9.5.5 Removing the Footrest .................................................................................................61

10 Electrical System 62

10.1 Electronics Protection System ..............................................................................................62

10.1.1 The main fuse ...............................................................................................................63

10.2 Batteries ...................................................................................................................................63

10.2.1 What you need to know about batteries .......................................................................63

10.2.2 Charging the batteries ..................................................................................................65

10.2.3 Removing and fitting batteries ......................................................................................67

10.2.3.1 Removing the batteries............................................................................................68

10.2.3.2 Connecting the New Batteries.................................................................................69

8

10.2.3.3

How to handle damaged batteries correctly ............................................................70

11 Care and maintenance 71
12 Repair Instructions 74

12.1 Repairing a flat tyre .................................................................................................................74

12.1.1 Repairing a flat tyre (pneumatic tyres type 200 x 50)...................................................75

12.1.2 Repairing a flat tyre at the back (tyre type 3.00-8") ......................................................77

13 Transport 80

13.1 Folding the backrest down.....................................................................................................80

13.2 Dismantling the wheelchair for transport .............................................................................81

13.2.1 Removing the legrests..................................................................................................82

13.2.2 Removing the kerbrider ................................................................................................82

13.2.3 Removing the batteries.................................................................................................83

13.2.4 Removing the battery box.............................................................................................85

13.2.5 Releasing the traverse bar of the backrest frame ........................................................86

13.2.6 Removing the backrest.................................................................................................87

13.2.7 Folding the wheelchair..................................................................................................89

13.2.8 Folding the wheelchair apart ........................................................................................90

13.2.9 Re-assembling the wheelchair .....................................................................................91

14 Technical Specifications 92
15 Inspections Performed 93

9

1 Introduction

Dear user,

First we would like to thank you for purchasing our product! We hope that you will have a great deal
of pleasure with your new power chair.

This operating manual contains important information and notes about:

• Safety

• Operation

• Care and maintenance

Please take care to read the operating manual thoroughly before starting out on your first
journey.

This wheelchair has been constructed for a large circle of users with different requirements.

The decision whether the model is suitable for the user may only be taken by medical specialists
with appropriate expertise.

Invacare® or their statutory representatives can accept no liability in cases in which the wheelchair
has not been adapted to suit the users’ handicaps.

Some maintenance and settings can be performed by the user or his/hers attendants. Certain
adjustments do however require technical training and may only be carried out by your Invacare®
specialist dealer. Damages and errors caused by nonobservance of the operating manual or as a
result of incorrect maintenance are excluded from all guarantees.

10

This manual contains copyrighted information. This manual may not be reproduced or reprinted
either partly or completely without previous written consent from Invacare® or its statutory
representatives. We reserve the right to make any necessary alterations on the grounds of
technical improvements.

11

1.1 Important symbols in this manual

WARNING!
This symbol warns you of danger!

• Always follow these instructions to avoid injury to the user or damage to the product!

EXPLOSION HAZARD!
This symbol warns you of an explosion hazard, which, for example, can be caused by

excessive tyre pressure in a pneumatic tyre!

• Always follow the instructions to avoid injury to the user or damage to the product!

BURN HAZARD!
This symbol warns you of burns due, for example, to leaking battery acid!

• Always follow the instructions to avoid injury to the user or damage to the product!

NOTE:

This symbol identifies general information which is intended to simplify working with your product
and which refers to special functions.

Requirements:

• This symbol identifies a list of various tools, components and items which you will need in
order to carry out certain work.

READ WELL BEFORE OPERATION!

This symbol advises you to read information carefully.

12

1.2 Important symbols found on the vehicle

This product has been supplied from an environmentally aware manufacturer that
complies with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
2002/96/CE. This product may contain substances that could be harmful to the
environment if disposed of in places (landfills) that are not appropriate according to
legislation.

• The 'crossed out wheelie bin' symbol is placed on this product to encourage you to
recycle wherever possible.

• Please be environmentally responsible and recycle this product through your recycling
facility at its end of life.

This symbol indicates the position of an anchoring point for use with a tie-down
system.

If the symbol appears on a bright yellow sticker, the anchoring point is suitable for
fixation of the wheelchair in a vehicle for use as a vehicle seat.

If the symbol appears on a transparent sticker, the anchoring point can only be used
to tie down the wheelchair for transport without the occupant seated in it.

This wheelchair may be used as a vehicle seat, but only
if it is equipped with the headrest that has been
approved by Invacare for this purpose!

• Please always make sure that the wheelchair is equipped
with the headrest available from Invacare before using it
as a vehicle seat!

13

This symbol indicates the maximum width to which an armrest may be
adjusted. Pulling the armrest out further can cause it to fall out of it's
fixation. For further information, see chapter "Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte
nicht gefunden werden." on page Fehler! Textmarke nicht definiert..

If the electric wheelchair is fitted with a table, it is
imperative that it is removed and safely stowed
when transporting the wheelchair in a vehicle!

14

1.3 Type classification and permissible use

This vehicle was designed for persons whose ability to walk is impaired, but who are still physically
and mentally able to operate an electric vehicle. It has been classified according to EN 12184 as a
class B mobility product (for indoor and outdoor areas). It is therefore compact and agile enough
for indoor areas, but also able to overcome many obstacles in outdoor areas.

You can find exact information on speed, turning radius, range, safe climbing ability, maximum
obstacle height and permissible operating conditions in chapter "Technical Specifications"
starting from page 92.

Please also pay attention to all safety information in chapter "Safety Notes" starting from page 16.

The vehicle was successfully tested according to German and international standards as to its
safety. It was also tested successfully according to EN60529 IPX4 as to its resistance to spray
water, and is therefore well suited for typical middle European weather conditions. When equipped
with an appropriate lighting system, the vehicle is suitable for use on public roads.

1.4 Guarantee

The terms and conditions of the guarantee are part of the general terms and conditions particular to
the individual countries in which this product is sold.

15

1.5 Indications

The use of this mobility product is recommended for the following indications:

The inability or a greatly restricted ability to walk within the scope of the basic requirement to be
able to move within one’s own four walls. The need to leave the dwelling place in order to get some
fresh air during a short walk or to reach those places generally to be found at close distance to the
dwelling and where everyday business is carried out.

Provision of electric wheelchairs for interior and exterior areas is advisable if the use of hand­operated wheelchairs is no longer possible on account of the disability, yet proper operation of an
electromotive drive unit is still practicable.

1.6 Life expectancy

We estimate a life expectancy of five years for this product, provided it is used in strict accordance
with the intended use as set out in this document and all maintenance and service requirements
are met. The estimated life expectancy can be exceeded if the product is carefully used and
properly maintained, and provided technical and scientific advances do not result in technical
limitations. The life expectancy can also be considerably reduced by extreme or incorrect usage.
The fact that we estimate a life expectancy for this product does not constitute an additional
warranty.

16

2 Safety Notes

READ WELL BEFORE OPERATION!

2.1 General Safety Notes

Danger of injury if mobility device is used in any other way than the purpose described in
this manual!

• Only ever use the mobility device in accordance with the instructions in this User's Manual
(see chapter "Type classification and permissible use" on page 14).

• Pay strict attention to the safety information.

Danger of injury if the mobility device is driven when ability to operate a vehicle is
impaired by medication or alcohol!

• Never drive the mobility device under the influence of medication or alcohol. If necessary, the
mobility device must be operated by an attendant who is physically and mentally able.

Danger of damage or injury if mobility device is accidentally set into motion!

• Switch the mobility device off before you get in, get out or handle unwieldy objects.

• When the drive is disengaged, the brake inside the drive is deactivated. For this reason,

pushing the mobility device by an attendant is only recommended on flat surfaces, never on
gradients. Never leave your mobility device on a gradient with its motors disengaged. Always
re-engage the motors immediately after pushing the mobility device (see chapter "Pushing the
wheelchair in freewheel mode" on page 30).

17

Danger of injury if the mobility device is switched off while driving, for example by
pressing the On/Off Button or disconnecting a cable, due to it coming to an abrupt, sharp
stop!

• If you have to brake in an emergency, simply release the joystick which will bring you to a halt.
(refer to the joystick operating manual for more information).

Danger of injury when transferring mobility device to a vehicle for transport with the
occupant seated in it!

• It is always better to transfer the mobility device to a vehicle without the occupant seated in it.

• If the mobility device needs to be loaded up a ramp together with its driver, ensure that the

ramp does not exceed the maximum safe slope (see chapter "Technical Specifications" from
page 92).

• If the mobility device does need to be loaded using a ramp which exceeds the maximum safe
slope (see chapter "Technical Specifications" from page 92), then you must use a winch. An
attendant can safely monitor and assist the loading process.

• As an alternative you can use a platform lift. Ensure that the total weight of the mobility device
including the user does not exceed the maximum permissible weight for the platform lift or
winch if you are using.

Danger of injury if maximum permissible load is exceeded!

• Do not exceed the maximum permissible load (see chapter "Technical Specifications" from
page 92).

• The mobility device is only designed for use by a single occupant whose maximum weight
does not exceed the maximum permissible load of the chair. Never use the mobility device to
transport more than one person.

18

Danger of injury due to wrong lifting or dropping of heavy components!

• When maintaining, servicing or lifting any part of your mobility device, take into account the
weight of the individual components especially the batteries. Be sure at all times to adopt the
correct lifting posture and ask for assistance if necessary.

Danger of falling out of the mobility device.

• Do not slide forward on the seat, do not lean forward between your knees, do not lean
backwards out over the top of the backrest, for example to reach an object.

• If a posture belt is installed, it should be correctly adjusted and used each time you use the
mobility device.

• When transferring to a different seat, position the mobility device as close as possible to the
new seat.

Danger of injury by moving parts!

• Make sure that no injury is incurred by moving parts of the mobility device, like wheels or one
of the Lifter Modules (if fitted), especially when children are around.

Danger of fire or breaking down due to electric devices being connected!

• Do not connect any electric devices to your mobility device that are not expressly certified by
Invacare® for this purpose. Have all electrical installations done by your authorised Invacare®
Dealer.

19

2.2 Safety information with regard to care and maintenance

Danger of accident and loss of guarantee if maintenance is insufficient!

• For reasons of safety and in order to avoid accidents which result from unnoticed wear, it is
important that this electric mobility product undergoes an inspection once every year under
normal operating conditions (see inspection plan contained in service instructions).

• Under difficult operating conditions such as daily travel on steep slopes, or in the case of use
in medical care cases with frequently changing wheelchair users, it would be expedient to
carry out intermediate checks on the brakes, accessories and running gear.

• If the mobility product is to be operated on public roads, the vehicle driver is responsible for
ensuring that it is in an operationally reliable condition. Inadequate or neglected care and
maintenance of the mobility product will result in a limitation of the manufacturer's liability.

20

2.3 Safety information on the anti tip wheels

CAUTION: Danger of tipping over! The
anti tip wheels have three settings. They
can only have full effect in the longest
setting and prevent the wheelchair
tipping over.

• The anti tip wheels must always be set in
the longest (rear) position. Both front
settings must not be used.

CAUTION: Danger of tipping! Anti tip wheels (stabilisers) are only effective on firm
ground! They sink in on soft ground such as grass, snow or mud if the electrical vehicle
rests itself on them. They lose their effect and the electrical vehicle can tip over.

• Only drive with extreme care on soft ground, especially during uphill and downhill journeys.
In the process pay increased attention to the tip stability of the electric vehicle.

21

2.4 Safety Information on Electromagnetic Interference

This electric vehicle was successfully tested in accordance with International standards as to its
compliance with Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Regulations. However, electromagnetic fields,
such as those generated by radio and television transmitters, and cellular phones, can influence
the functions of electric vehicles. Also, the electronics used in our vehicles can generate a low level
of electromagnetic interference, which however will remain within the tolerance permitted by law.
For these reasons we ask you to please observe the following precautions:

WARNING: Danger of malfunction due to electromagnetic interference!

• Do not switch on or operate portable transceivers or communication devices (such as radio
transceivers or cellular phones) when the vehicle is switched on.

• Avoid getting near strong radio and television transmitters.

• In case the vehicle should be set in motion unintentionally or the brakes are released, switch

it off immediately.

• Adding electrical accessories and other components or modifying the vehicle in any way can
make it susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Keep in mind that there is no sure way to
determine the effect such modifications will have on the overall immunity of the electronic
system.

• Report all occurrences of unintentional movement of the vehicle, or release of the electric
brakes to the manufacturer.

22

2.5 Safety Information on Driving and Freewheel Mode

Danger of injury if the wheelchair tips over!

• Inclines and declines can only be travelled up to the maximum safe slope (see chapter

"Technical Specifications" from page 92).

• Always return the backrest of your seat or the seat tilt to an upright position before ascending
slopes. We recommend that you position the seat backrest and the seat tilt (if fitted) slightly to
the rear before descending slopes.

• Only ever drive downhill at a maximum of 2/3 of the top speed. Avoid abrupt braking or
accelerating on gradients.

• If at all possible, avoid driving on slippery surfaces (such as snow, gravel, ice etc.) where there
is a danger of you losing control over the vehicle, especially on a gradient. If driving on such a
surface is inevitable, then always drive slowly and with the utmost caution.

• Never attempt to overcome an obstacle when on an uphill or downhill gradient.

• Never attempt to drive up or down a flight of steps with your wheelchair.

• When overcoming obstacles, always observe the maximum obstacle height (see chapter

"Technical Specifications" from page 92 and information about overcoming obstacles in
chapter "Taking Obstacles" from page 28).

• Avoid shifting your centre of gravity as well as abrupt joystick movements and changes of
direction when the wheelchair is in motion.

• Never use the wheelchair to transport more than one person.

• Do not exceed the overall maximum permissible load or the maximum load per axle (see

chapter "Technical Specifications" on page 92).

• Note that the wheelchair will brake or accelerate if you change the Driving Mode whilst the
wheelchair is in motion.

23

Danger of breaking down in adverse weather conditions, i.e. extreme cold, in an isolated
area!

• If you are a user with severely limited mobility, we advise that in the case of adverse weather
conditions DO NOT attempt a journey without an accompanying attendant!

Danger of injury if your foot slides off the footrest and gets caught underneath the
wheelchair when it is in motion!

• Make sure each time before you drive the wheelchair that your feet are squarely and securely
in place on the footplates, and that both legrests are properly locked into place.

Danger of injury if you collide with an obstacle when driving through narrow passages
such as doorways and entrances!

• Drive through narrow passages in the lowest driving mode and with due caution.

If your electric wheelchair has been fitted with angle-adjustable legrests, there is a danger
of personal injury and damage to the wheelchair if you drive the wheelchair with the
legrests raised!

• To avoid unwanted displacement of the wheelchair centre of gravity to the front (especially
when travelling downhill) and in order to avoid damage to the wheelchair, angle-adjustable
legrests must always be lowered during normal travelling.

CAUTION: Danger of tipping! Anti tip wheels (stabilisers) are only effective on firm
ground! They sink in on soft ground such as grass, snow or mud if the electrical vehicle
rests itself on them. They lose their effect and the electrical vehicle can tip over.

• Only drive with extreme care on soft ground, especially during uphill and downhill journeys.
In the process pay increased attention to the tip stability of the electric vehicle.

24

3 The most important components

1) Push Handle

2) Armrest

3) Battery box

4) Drive motor

5) Backrest

6) Joystick Box

7) Legrests

8) Declutching lever

25

4 Getting in and out of the wheelchair

Danger of injury if legrests break due to use as a stepping board!

• Do not use the legrests as a stepping board when getting in and out of the wheelchair!

4.1 Removing / inserting armrest

To get in and out from the side, the armrest must be removed.

Removing

• Release the clamping lever (1).

• Pull the armrest up out of its holder.

Re-fitting:

• Place the armrest tube into its holder.

• Re-tighten the clamping lever (1).

26

Getting into the wheelchair:

• Position your wheelchair as close as possible to your seat. This might
have to be done by an attendant.

• Switch your wheelchair off.

• Apply the manual wheel lock of your wheelchair (if existing).

• Detach the skirt guard of your wheelchair or swivel it up.

• Now slide into the wheelchair.

Getting out of the wheelchair:

• Drive your wheelchair as close as possible to your seat.

• Switch your wheelchair off.

• Apply the manual wheel lock of your wheelchair (if existing).

• Detach the skirt guard of your wheelchair or swivel it up.

• Now slide onto your new seat.

NOTE:

If you do not have sufficient muscle strength, you should ask other persons for help. Use a
sliding board, if possible.

27

5 Driving

NOTE

The maximum load capacity that is stated in the technical data only states that the system is
designed for this mass in total. However, this does not mean that one can sit a person with this
body weight in the wheelchair without restrictions. Attention must be paid to the body
proportions, such as height, weight distribution, abdominal girth, leg and calf girth and seat
depth. These factors have a strong influence on driving features such as tilt stability and traction.
The permissible axle loads in particular must be adhered to (see chapter "Technical
Specifications" as from page 92)! It may possibly be necessary to carry out adaptations to the
seat system.

5.1 Before driving for the first time...

Before you take your first trip, you should familiarise yourself well with the operation of the vehicle
and with all operating elements. Take your time to test all functions and driving modes.

NOTE:

If installed, make sure to properly adjust and use the posture belt each time you use the
wheelchair.

Sitting Comfortably = Driving Safely
Before each trip, make sure that:
You are within easy reach of all operating controls.

• The battery charge is sufficient for the distance intended to be covered.

• The posture belt (if installed) is in perfect order.

28

5.2 Taking Obstacles

Your wheelchair can overcome obstacles and kerbs with the following heights.

• Invacare® Mistral without kerbrider: 6 cm

• Invacare® Mistral with kerbrider: 10 cm

CAUTION: Danger of Tipping Over!

• Never approach obstacles at an angle but at 90 degrees as shown below.

• Put your backrest into an upright position before climbing an obstacle.

Driving up over an obstacle

• Approach the kerb or obstacle slowly head-on. Shortly before the front
wheels or kerb-lifter touch the obstacle, increase the speed and reduce
only after also the rear wheels have climbed the obstacle.

Driving down off of an obstacle

• Approach the kerb or obstacle slowly head-on. Before the front wheels
touch the obstacle, reduce the speed and keep it until also the rear wheels
have climbed the obstacle.

Correct

Incorrect

29

5.3 Driving up and down gradients

For information concerning the maximum safe slope, please see chapter "Technical
Specifications" starting on page 92.

WARNING: Danger of tipping over!

• Only ever drive downhill at a maximum of 2/3 of the top speed. Avoid sudden changes of
direction or abrupt braking when driving on slopes.

• Always return the backrest of your seat or the seat tilt (if adjustable seat tilt is available) to an
upright position before ascending slopes. We recommend that you position the seat backrest
or the seat tilt slightly to the rear before descending slopes.

• Always lower the lifter (if fitted) to its lowest position before ascending or descending a slope.

• Never attempt to ascend or descend a slope on slippery surfaces or where there is a danger

of skidding (such as wet pavement, ice etc).

• Avoid trying to get out of the vehicle on an incline or a gradient.

• Always drive straight in the direction the road or path you are on goes, rather than attempting

to zigzag.

• Never attempt to turn around on an incline or a slope.

5.4 Parking and stationary

When you leave your wheelchair standing still for a longer period of time:

• Switch the Joystick Box OFF (ON/OFF Button).

When parking your vehicle:

• Activate the Drive Away Interlock, if available.