Motion Composites PLATINE 1, PLATINE 2, Helio K User Manual

70252-a.1-PLATINE 1-2 USER MANUAL

User

manual

70252-a.1-PLATINE 1-2 USER MANUAL

User

manual

Ultralight Folding Wheelchair

SOMETHING HAD TO BE DONE. WE DID IT!

1

Maintenance
manual&

warranty

Sophisticated meets affordable.

We took the knowledge acquired through the creation process
of the Helio Series and made it available in an entry-level
package.

information

Dealer: This manual must be given to the user of the PLATINE
wheelchair before its first use.
User: Prior to using the PLATINE wheelchair, carefully read this
manual and keep it for future reference.

For more information about this product, its parts/accessories
and the services provided, please visit:

www.motioncomposites.com

PLATINE 1 & PLATINE 2

Thank you for selecting the PLATINE. Please do not hesitate
to send us your feedback or questions regarding this product’s
reliability, safety, usability, as well as any repair/maintenance
services offered by an authorized Motion Composites dealer.

WARNING - READ THIS MANUAL

Do not operate this wheelchair without reading and
understanding this owner’s manual. If you are unable to
understand the warnings, cautions and instructions, contact your
Motion Composites dealer or customer support at 1- (450) 588­6555; 1-866-650-6555 (Canada); 1-877-667-6811 (USA) before
attempting to use this wheelchair.
If you ignore this warning, you may fall, tip over or lose control of
the wheelchair and seriously injure yourself, others people and
damage the wheelchair.

Made in Canada

with Canadian and imported parts

Contact information:

Motion Composites Inc.

160 Armand Majeau, Sud
Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan, Quebec
J0K 3H0 Canada
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.motioncomposites.com

Important information

If you have any questions about safety, adjustments,
accessories, use, or maintenance, please contact your
authorized Motion Composites dealer.

Please record the following information for future reference:

Date of purchase

Serial Number

Représentant
autorisé pour
l’Europe :

Advena Ltd
Pure Offices
Plato Close
Warwick
CV34 6WE
Angletrerre

Truly innovative armrest.

Our new composites lightweight armrest quickly converts
from flip-back to single post for easier configuration. Height
adjustments are just a flick away thanks to a simple trigger
system. On top of this, experience safer transfers with our
enhanced rubber grip finish.

Get more mileage out of your energy.

Everybody benefits from an easier to propel wheelchair.
Featuring an entirely symmetrical hydroformed crossbrace, oval
shaped tubes and oversized pivot axles, our unique Ultrarigid
Folding System (UFS) maximizes frame rigidity and energy
conservation..

Hydroforming:
Shaping the future of aluminum.

Thanks to hydroforming, a revolutionary method of shaping
malleable metals like our high-end 7005 T6 aluminum alloy, we
were able to reproduce our signature Symmetrical Crossbrace
3D and our UltraRigid Folding System on the Helio A7. This
means greatly improved handling and unmatched energy
conservation for easier everyday activities.

Rigid Unibody Frame - A unibody frame is much
stronger and needs less maintenance than a
standard two-part frame. It also reduces weight
while maximizing propulsion efficiency.

Symmetrical Hydroformed Crossbrace 3D

- Entirely symmetrical aluminum crossbrace for

reduced torsion and a better distribution of forces
throughout the frame.

Ultrarigid Folding System - Extremely precise
tolerances and oversized pivot axles for best-in­class propulsion efficiency.

Forged Vertical Axleplate + - Offers the most
precise rear wheel adjustability of the industry.
The vertical mounting maximizes rigidity and
responsiveness.

Newton Accessories - The whole range of newton
accessories are designed to be light and offer
improved functionalities.

Supplier

Address

Telephone

If you ignore these Warnings or fail to inspect or maintain your wheel-

2

chair as directed in the manual, you may fall, tip over or lose control
of the wheelchair and seriously injure yourself or others or damage
the wheelchair

T [phone] - 1 866 650-6555 F [phone]

[e-mail]

Table of contents

WELCOME TO PLATINE
CONTACTING US
IMPO RTANT INFORMATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3.
PARTS LIST

4.

4.1 GENERAL WARNING

4.1.1 SAFETY INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

4.1.2 MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY

4.1.3 ACCLIMATING TO YOUR NEW WHEELCHAIR

4.1.4 NOTE TO USERS

4.1.5 IMPORTANT WARNING WHEN USING THE STROLLER-HANDLE

4.1.6 NOTE TO DEALERS & QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS 6

4.2 SYMBOLS

5.

6.

6.1 STRUCTURE

6.2 DIMENSIONS

6.3 ADJUSTABILITY

6.4 BACK UPHOLSTERY

6.5 LABEL LOCATIONS 7

7.

7.1 PERIODIC CHECKLIST

7.2 WEIGHT LIMITATION

7.3 WEIGHT TRAINING AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES

8.

8.1.1 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ACCIDENT

8.1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

8.1.3 CAREGIVERS

8.2 RIDING YOUR WHEELCHAIR 9

8.2.0 IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A TIP-OVER

8.2.1

8.2.2 WHEELIES

8.2.3 TRANSFERRING

8.2.4 GETTING DRESSED

8.2.5 REACHING/LEANING/BENDING

8.2.6 MOVING BACKWARDS

8.2.7 RAMPS, SLOPES & SIDE HILLS 10

8.2.8 OBSTACLES

8.2.9 CURBS AND STEPS

8.2.10 MOVING WITH ASSISTANCE

8.2.10.1 CLIMBING A CURB OR SINGLE STEP

8.2.10.2 DESCENDING A CURB OR SINGLE STEP

8.2.11 STAIRS 11

8.2.12 CLIMBING A FLIGHT OF STAIRS

8.2.13 DESCENDING A FLIGHT OF STAIRS

8.2.14 ESCALATORS

9.

9.1 FOLDING & UNFOLDING

9.1.1 FOLDING

9.1.2 UNFOLDING

9.2 WHEEL LOCKS

9.3 FRONT RIGGINGS 12

9.3.1 INSTALLING

9.3.2 UNINSTALLING

9.4 FOOTREST

9.4.1 ELEVATING LEGREST

9.4.1.1 INSTALLING THE ELEVATING LEGREST

9.4.1.2 ADJUSTING THE ELEVATING LEGREST

9.5 ARMRESTS

9.5.1 FLIP-BACK ARMRESTS

9.5.2 REMOVABLE T ARMRESTS

9.5.3 SWING-AWAY ARMRESTS 13

9.6 SEAT BELTS

9.6.1 AUTO BUCKLE AND AIRCRAFT BUCKLE SEATBELTS

9.6.2 VELCRO™ BELT

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

BEFORE USE

TUTORIAL
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SAFETY

RIDING YOUR PLATINE

BALANCE POINT

HOW TO USE YOUR PLATINE

2

3

4

5

6

6

8

8

11

70252-a.1-PLATINE 1-2 USER MANUAL

User

manual

9.7 ANTI-TIPPERS

9.8 REAR WHEELS AXLES

9.8.1 QUICK-RELEASE AXLES

9.8.2 FIXED AXLES

9.9 SEAT SLINGS 14

9.10 PUSH HANDLES

10.

10.1 SERVICE

10.2 REPLACEMENT PARTS

10.3 TOOLS NEEDED

10.4 GENERAL MAINTENANCE

10.4.1 TIRE PRESSURE

10.4.2 CLEANING YOUR WHEELCHAIR

10.4.3 STORING AND SHIPPING YOUR WHEELCHAIR

10.5 BACKREST 15

10.5.1 REMOVING/INSTALLING THE BACK CANES

10.5.2 ADJUSTING THE BACK ANGLE

10.5.3 REMOVING/INSTALLING THE SEAT BELT

10.5.4 ADJUSTING THE BACKREST HEIGHT

10.5.5 INSTALLING/REMOVING STANDARD BACK UPHOLSTERY

10.5.6 INSTALLING/REMOVING ADJUSTABLE TENSION BACK UPHOLSTERY 16

10.6 ARMREST

10.6.1 INSTALLING FLIP-BACK ARMRESTS

10.6.2 ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF FLIP-BACK ARMRESTS

10.6.3 INSTALLING REMOVABLE T-ARMRESTS AND RIGID SIDEGUARD

10.6.4 REPLACING ARMREST PAD

10.6.5 INSTALLING THE SWING-AWAY ARMREST RECEIVER

10.6.6 ADJUSTING SWING-AWAY ARMREST HEIGHT 17

10.7 FOOTREST LENGTH

10.7.1 ADJUSTING FOOTREST LENGTH

10.8 SEAT

10.8.1 REPLACING SEAT UPHOLSTERY

10.9 SEAT-TO-FLOOR HEIGHT

10.9.1 CHANGING THE FRONT SEAT-TO-FLOOR HEIGHT

10.9.2 CHANGING REAR SEAT-TO-FLOOR HEIGHT

10.9.3 CHANGING FRONT & REAR SEAT-TO-FLOOR HEIGHT

10.10 FRONT CASTERS, FORKS AND FORK STEM ASSEMBLIES 18

10.10.1 REMOVING/INSTALLING/REPOSITIONING THE FRONT WHEELS

10.10.2 REMOVING/INSTALLING THE CASTER HOUSING

10.10.3 REMOVING/INSTALLING THE STEM BOLT ASSEMBLY

10.10.4 ADJUSTING THE CASTER HOUSING ANGLE 19

10.11 REAR WHEELS

10.11.1 ADJUSTING QUICK-RELEASE AXLES

10.11.2 REPLACING/ADJUSTING HAND RIMS

10.11.3 ADJUSTING THE REAR AXLE HEIGHT

10.11.4 ADJUSTING REAR WHEEL SPACING 20

10.12 WHEEL LOCKS

10.12.1 REPLACING/ADJUSTING THE WHEEL LOCKS

10.13 LOCK EXTENSIONS

10.13.1 REPLACING/ADJUSTING THE LOCK EXTENSIONS

10.14 ANTI-TIPPERS

10.14.1 ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF THE ANTI-TIPPERS

10.15. HEADREST KIT AND HEADREST SUPPORT

10.15.1 INSTALLING A HEADREST SUPPORT

10.15.2 INSTALLING HEADREST KIT

10.16 AMPUTEE AXLE PLATE 21

10.16.1 INSTALLING AN AMPUTEE AXLE PLATE

10.17 USING A PARATRANSIT SERVICE

11

12

12.1

12.2
OF THE WHEELCHAIR TO THE MANUFACTURER

12.3

13

14

ADJUSTMENTS AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR PLATINE

MOTION COMPOSITES LIMITED WARRANTY

PARTICULAR DAMAGES

DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE
SPECIAL DAMAGES THAT REQUIRE THE RETURN

REPAIR PROCEDURE

MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY INSPECTION CHECKLIST

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

23

21

14

22

23

3

3. Product Overview

Parts List

1 Push handle

2 Back cane

3 Arm pad*

4 Rear wheel

5 Seat rail

6 Front rigging

7 Footplate*

8 Caster*

9 Fork

10 Caster housing

11 Wheel lock

12 Crossbrace

13 Rear wheel mounting plate

14 Armrest pivot

15 Armrest*

16 Anti-tipper

PLATINE 2

* May be different than shown, depending on order configuration.

PLATINE 1

2

1

15

3

14

5

6

10

4

16

13

12

11

WARNING - WHEELCHAIR SELECTION

Motion Composites manufactures different models
of wheelchairs to meet the needs of the end users.
However, Motion Composites is not a health care
advisor, and we are not aware about the individual
condition or needs of the wheelchair user. Therefore,
the final selection of the particular model, how it is
adjusted, the type of options and accessories, rest
solely with the wheelchair user and the health care
professional adviser. Choosing the best chair and setup
for your safety depends on the following criteria:

1. Your disability, strength, balance and coordination;

2. The types of hazards you must overcome in daily use
(where you live and work and other places you are
likely to use your chair); and

3. Your need for options for your safety and comfort
(such as anti-tippers, positioning belts or special
seating systems). If you ignore this warning, you may
endanger your health.

WARNING - TIE-DOWN RESTRAINTS

Motion Composites recommends that wheelchair users
not be transported in vehicles of any kind while in
wheelchairs.
Motion Composites recognise that the safest transit
option for a wheelchair user is to transfer into an
appropriate seat in the vehicle and use the restraints
system made available by the auto industry. Motion
Composites cannot, and does not, recommend any
wheelchair transporting systems.

7

9

8

If you ignore these Warnings or fail to inspect or maintain your wheel-

4

chair as directed in the manual, you may fall, tip over or lose control
of the wheelchair and seriously injure yourself or others or damage
the wheelchair

T [phone] - 1 866 650-6555 F [phone]

[e-mail]

70252-a.1-PLATINE 1-2 USER MANUAL

User

manual

WARNING - SEATING RESTRAINTS

It is the obligation of your dealer and health care

professionals who are advising you to determine if you
require a seating restraint or positioning system in order
to ensure that you can safely operate your wheelchair.
Serious injury can occur in the event of a fall from a
wheelchair.

The information contained in this document is subject to
change without notice. The most recent documents,
updates and the latest version of this Owner’s Manual

are available on www.motioncomposites.com.

4. Before use

4.1 General WARNING

Your PLATINE wheelchair has been designed by
professionals with the latest carbon fiber (aluminum)
technologies in mind. DO NOT TRY TO MODIFY THE
FRAME BY ANY MEANS. THE FRAME MAY BE
SEVERELY DAMAGED IN THE EVENT OF DRILLING
AND GRINDING, THUS VOIDING THE WARRANTY.
Only use Motion Composites approved and designed
clamps and accessories on your PLATINE wheelchair.

DO NOT use while under the influence of alcohol or medication
or drugs. This may impair your ability to operate the wheelchair.
Please consult your physician regarding the use of your
medication.
The wheelchair is not intended for visually impaired people.The
user needs to be mentally and physically suitable to drive the
wheelchair.

4.1.2 Motor Vehicle Safety

Motion Composites wheelchairs not equipped with an
anchorage system provided by Motion Composites are
NOT designed to be used as seats in a motorized

vehicle. When traveling, you must ensure that the
wheelchair meets the safety standards of the countries where
you are traveling in motor vehicle seats.
It is always best to transfer in the seat of the vehicle. If the
wheelchair is not equipped with a certified anchor and tie-down
system, NEVER sit in your wheelchair while you are in a moving
vehicle (bus, car, van, truck, boat, Train, etc.). In the event of
an accident or sudden stop, you may be ejected from the
wheelchair. The seat belt of the wheelchair will not protect you
from injury and may even cause it.
A LW AY S sit securely attached in the seat of the vehicle or
wheelchair before the vehicle starts moving.
A LW AY S attach in a vehicle a seat approved system with
the appropriate transit restraint system (s) (in the case of a
motorized vehicle, lap / shoulder belt, in an airplane a lap belt,
etc.).
NEVER transport your wheelchair in the front seat of a vehicle.
Vehicle movements may cause the wheelchair to tip and
interfere with the ability of the driver to control the vehicle.
When transporting your wheelchair in a moving vehicle,
A LW AY S secure your wheelchair so that it cannot roll or tip. In
most cases, the safest alternative is to place the wheelchair in
the trunk of the vehicle.
NEVER use a wheelchair that has been involved in a motor
vehicle accident. Any wheelchair that has been involved in a
motor vehicle accident could be damaged in a non-apparent
manner and may cause malfunctions in use.

If you ignore these warnings, you may fall, tip over or lose
control of the wheelchair and cause serious injury, serious injury
to others or damage to the wheelchair.

CAUTION
Extreme temperatures
Risk of hypothermia or burns on wheelchair parts.
Some parts of the wheelchair can become extremely
hot or cold due to extreme temperatures.
Do not expose the product to any extreme
temperatures (e.g. direct sunlight, sauna, extreme cold)
in order to prevent injuries by contact with some parts
of the wheelchair.

4.1.1 Safety Inspections and Maintenance

It is important to keep your wheelchair in proper working
condition.

A LW AY S inspect and maintain your Motion Composites

1.
wheelchair strictly in accordance with the instructions and
charts in Chapter 10.4 General Maintenance and Chapter 13
Safety Inspection Checklist.

2. If you detect a problem in the course of your inspections or
maintenance, A LW AYS have the chair serviced or repaired to
correct the problem before using the chair.
A LW AY S have your wheelchair completely inspected and

3.
serviced by an authorized Motion Composite certified
technician at least once a year.
A LW AY S perform your safety inspections and any

4.
maintenance or adjustments while the chair is unoccupied
(unless this Manual expressly states otherwise).

4.1.3 Acclimating to your new wheelchair

Each wheelchair is a unique piece of medical equipment.
Whether you are a new wheelchair user or have years
of experience, you MUST take the time to acclimate to
the wheelchair before you begin riding. Start slowly and
take the time to learn the handling, maneuvering and
ride characteristics of this chair.

4.1.4 Note to users

The PLATINE wheelchair is a manually operated device
intended to be used as a means of mobility for persons
restricted to a sitting position. It is not indicated for the
pediatric population.

Carefully read the instructions in this manual before using
or servicing your wheelchair. If you have any questions or
difficulties understanding the following instructions, please
contact a qualified technician; you may also wish to contact a
Motion Composites technician by phone or email (see contact
information on previous page).

4.1.5 Important WARNING when using the

stroller-handle

The stroller-handle is not designed to lift or pull the
weight of user in the wheelchair. It’s designed to push
and guide the wheelchair user.
Lifting or pulling the weight of the user in the wheelchair
could initiate the breakage of the push-handle and
cause serious injury.

5

4.1.6 Note to dealers & qualified technicians

Read this manual before servicing, repairing, operating
or adjusting the wheelchair. If you have any questions or
difficulties understanding the following instructions, please
contact a qualified technician; you may also wish to contact a
Motion Composites technician by phone or email (see contact
information on previous page).

4.2 Symbols

The following symbols are used throughout this manual. Please
familiarize yourself with their meaning.

The warning sign indicates important information to
prevent injuries and property damage.

6. Technical Specifications

6.1 Structure

Frame Folding with Aluminum
Hydroformed cross brace

Material Material 6061 & 7000 series
aluminum alloy

Weight 16 lb (7.25 kg)
(w/o rear wheels & footrest)

Weight capacity 265 lb (120 kg)
Kit HD: 350 lb (159 kg)

Useful information for the user

Initial setup of your PLATINE wheelchair must be done
by a qualified technician.

The latest version of this manual can be found on our
website at motioncomposites.com

Regular maintenance of your PLATINE will extend the
life of the wheelchair. Take your wheelchair to a
qualified technician every year for inspection and
servicing.

Do not use air or electric tool, tightening should be
done manually.

5. Tutorial

To find the latest tutorial or information or contact team at:
http://www.motioncomposites.com/en/team/

6.2 Dimensions

Width 14’’ to 22’
(36.5 cm to 56.8 cm)

Depth 15’’ to 20’’
(38.1 cm to 50.8 cm)

Front seat-to-floor height

Platine 1 13 ¾” (34,9 cm) to 21 ¾” (55,2 cm)
Platine 2 12 ½” (31,75 cm) to 20 ½” (52,1 cm)

Rear seat-to-floor height

Platine 1 13 ¾” (34,9 cm) to 21 ¼” (53,9 cm)
Platine 2 12 ½” (31,7 cm) to 20” (50,8 cm)

6.3 Adjustability

Upholstery Tension adjustable or slide-on

Back height 16” (40.6 cm) or 21” (53.3 cm)

Adjustable angle from 85° to 110°

Footrest Swing in / Swing out

Camber 0°, 3°, 6°

Centre of gravity from 1 ¼” (3.2 cm)
to 2 ¼” (6.7 cm)
+ amputee axle plate option

If you ignore these Warnings or fail to inspect or maintain your wheel-

6

chair as directed in the manual, you may fall, tip over or lose control
of the wheelchair and seriously injure yourself or others or damage
the wheelchair

6.4 Back Upholstery

All Upholstery are made with waterproof material that can be
cleaned.
Seams are not waterproof.
The adjustable tension back upholstery is made of waterproof
material.
Air-Knit or Synthetic Suede, found on slip-on or semi-tension
adjustable back upholstery, can absorb moisture.

T [phone] - 1 866 650-6555 F [phone]

[e-mail]

6.5 Label Locations

2015

51192

2015

Anti-tipper
Anti-basculant

Do not remove or alter any labels on the wheelchair. If the label
is damaged, replace it with a new one.

PLATINE 1

70252-a.1-PLATINE 1-2 USER MANUAL

User

manual

WC-19

51036

19565

N° série / Serial no.

519 J-Oswald Forest

Saint-Roch-de-l'Achigan

Québec J0K 3H0

CANADA

51188

WARNING

AVERTISSEMENT

Refer to manual for proper anti-tipper setting
Référez-vous au manuel pour un réglage adéquat

WARNING

AVERTISSEMENT

Do not operate with-out the anti-tipper tubes installed
Ne pas utiliser sans les tubes anti-basculants

51191 51190

PLATINE 2

WARNING

AVERTISSEMENT

QUICK RELEASE

Quick-release axles are

pre-adjusted in the factory. Do

not attempt adjust the axle.

ESSIEU À DÉGAGEMENT

RAPIDE

Les essieux à dégagement

rapide sont préréglés à l’usine.

ID plate
Plaque d’identification

19565

N° série / Serial no.

519 J-Oswald Forest

Saint-Roch-de-l'Achigan

Québec J0K 3H0

CANADA

Ne tentez pas de régler l’axe.

WC-19

Quick release
Essieux à dégagement rapide

WARNING

AVERTISSEMENT

STABILITY
Various adjustments like
seat height/depth, back

angle, camber/size/position
of the wheels and position
of the front riggings could

aect the stability of the

Wheelchair. All adjustments

should be done by an

experienced technician.

STABILITÉ

Les réglages de la hauteur et
profondeur du siège, l’angle

du dossier,
inclinaison/taille/position

des roues et des accessoires

avant peuvent aecter la

stabilité du fauteuil roulant.

Tout réglage doit-être

exécuté par un technicien

5101651015

Stability
Stabilité

WARNING

AVERTISSEMENT

STABILITY

Various adjustments like seat

height/depth, back angle,

camber/size/position of the

wheels and position of the
front riggings could aect

the stability of the

Wheelchair. All adjustments

should be done by an

experienced technician.

STABILITÉ
Les réglages de la hauteur et
profondeur du siège, l’angle

du dossier,

inclinaison/taille/position

des roues et des accessoires

avant peuvent aecter la

stabilité du fauteuil roulant.

Tout réglage doit-être

exécuté par un technicien

qualié.

WARNING

AVERTISSEMENT

QUICK RELEASE

Quick-release axles are

pre-adjusted in the factory. Do

not attempt adjust the axle.

ESSIEU À DÉGAGEMENT

RAPIDE

Les essieux à dégagement

rapide sont préréglés à l’usine.

Ne tentez pas de régler l’axe.

51189

Year of manufacture
Année de fabrication

WARNING

AVERTISSEMENT

Refer to manual for proper anti-tipper setting
Référez-vous au manuel pour un réglage adéquat

WARNING

AVERTISSEMENT

Do not operate with-out the anti-tipper tubes installed
Ne pas utiliser sans les tubes anti-basculants

Weight capacity Sticker
Autocollant de capacité de poids

7

7. Safety

7.1 Periodic Checklist

See related appendix (section 13).

7.2 Weight Limitation

The PLATINE wheelchair has a weight limit of 265 lb and
the PLATINE is 350 lb with the HD kit. The specified weight
capacity includes: both the rider and any luggage. A user with
a 10 lb backpack, for example, should not exceed a weight
of 255 lb (115 kg) or 350 lb (159 kg) with the HD kit. It is of
utmost importance that the total weight be below the above
specified capacity.
The wheelchair is designed to support only one person. Please
do not stand up on the footrests.
Motion Composites is not responsible for any damages or
injuries caused by the misuse of this wheelchair.

7.3 Weight Training and Sporting Activities

This wheelchair was not designed or tested as a weight training
or stretching apparatus. Do not attempt to use this wheelchair
for weight training or stretching exercises. The warranty shall
be void if the wheelchair has been used for any weight training
or stretching purposes.
This wheelchair is not intended to be used during sporting
activities.

Should you make any adjustments, repairs or do any
servicing, ensure that all fasteners are tightly secured
before use.

Exceeding the specified weight limit could damage the
wheelchair and/or cause severe injuries.

This wheelchair was designed to be tailored to the
dimensions of its owner and as such should only be
used by its owner unless a qualified specialist,
approved by Motion Composites, has readjusted it.

8.1.1 To reduce the risk of accident

We recommend that you review safe wheelchair use with your
physician prior to using this equipment.
Take the time to read the instructions in this manual to ensure
that you feel comfortable using the wheelchair without
assistance.
Always be aware of hazards. Unless you are a skilled rider of
this wheelchair and that you are sure you are not at risk to tip
over, anti-tippers SHOULD be used with your wheelchair at all
times.
Because anti-tippers are an option in some markets on this
wheelchair, Motion Composites strongly recommends to order
the anti-tippers as they are an important safeguard for the
wheelchair user.
a) Always use anti-tippers if you are not a skilled rider.
b) Always use anti-tippers each time you modify or adjust your

wheelchair. Any change may make it easier to tip backward. .

c) Use anti-tippers until you adapt to the change, and are sure

that you are not at risk to tip over.

8.1.2 Environmental Conditions

The PLATINE was designed to be used on hard and plane
surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and indoor hard flooring or
carpeting.
DO NOT operate on roads, streets or highways.
Beware that the maneuverability of the wheelchair is
significantly affected by different outside conditions such as
sand, mud, rain, snow and rough surfaces. If you use your
wheelchair in these conditions, it is recommended that you have
it frequently serviced.
Be careful when using your wheelchair on wet or slippery
surfaces.
Exposure to water or excessive moisture can be damaging and
may even cause the wheelchair to corrode over the long-term.
DO NOT leave your wheelchair in humid environments such as
the bathroom (e.g. while taking a shower). Store the wheelchair
in a dry and cool location. The wheel chair should be stored
away from a direct exposure to sunlight. If the wheelchair is
wet, dry all parts with a cloth before storing it.
DO NOT use your wheelchair in the shower, pool, or other
water situations.

8. Riding your PLATINE

Various adjustments of your wheelchair (seat height/
depth/system, back angle, rear & front wheels camber/
size/position, position of the front riggings) could affect
the center of gravity. The adjustments should be
performed by a professional and the wheelchair user
should be aware that the stability could be affected by
these adjustments.

DO NOT tilt the wheelchair or perform a wheelie
without assistance.
DO NOT stand on the wheelchair or part of the frame
of the wheelchair.
DO NOT sit or transfer into the wheelchair unless it is
fully open and the seat frame rails are fully seated into
the receivers.
DO NOT use the footplate as a platform when getting
in or out of the wheelchair or to reach for an object.

If you ignore these Warnings or fail to inspect or maintain your wheel-

8

chair as directed in the manual, you may fall, tip over or lose control
of the wheelchair and seriously injure yourself or others or damage
the wheelchair

8.1.3 Caregivers

• Never use removable parts (e.g. armrests, footrests) to push
the wheelchair and never use them to lift the wheelchair
occupied since they could cause injuries or damage.

• Ensure that the wheelchair is equipped with push handles and
that its grips are securely in place.

• Turn anti-tipping devices upwards or remove them to avoid
tripping.

• Should you need to leave the wheelchair user unattended,
engage the wheel locks and place the anti-tipping devices
back in the downward position.

• Ask an experienced caregiver to explain safe assistance
methods to you.

• Ensure ongoing communication between you and the
wheelchair user as to avoid any kind of confusion.

• Maintain proper posture to tilt or lift the wheelchair; keep your
back straight and bend at the knees.

• Instruct the wheelchair user to lean his/her back when you are
tilting the wheelchair.

T [phone] - 1 866 650-6555 F [phone]

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70252-a.1-PLATINE 1-2 USER MANUAL

User

manual

8.2 Riding your wheelchair

8.2.0 In order to reduce the risk of a tip-over, you

should:

1. CONSULT your doctor, nurse or therapist to find out what

axle and caster position and other chair configuration options
are best for you.

2. CONSULT your authorized Motion Composites dealer

BEFORE you modify or adjust your wheelchair. Often, an
adjustment you wish to make can be offset by another that
you have not considered. For example, you may want to adjust
the back angle rearward, which will increase the likelihood
of a rear tip-over. You might not think you could counteract
this tendency by moving the rear wheels backward. Your
authorized Motion Composites dealer will be able to give you
expert, personalized advice in such matters.

3. ALWAYS have someone assist you until you learn your

chair’s balance points and are completely comfortable in your
ability to operate your chair under all conditions so as to avoid
tip-overs.

4. ALWAYS use anti-tippers.

If you ignore these Warnings, you may fall, tip over or lose
control of the wheelchair and seriously injure yourself or others
or damage the wheelchair.

8.2.1 Balance point

It is important to begin by learning all of the specific
characteristics of your wheelchair. Ask a health professional to
explain them to you. Carrying a backpack will affect the balance
point of your wheelchair. Be aware of resulting handling factors
in relation to your body position, posture or weight distribution.
The center of gravity is affected by the angle of the wheelchair
on a ramp or slope. This can be felt in forward and backward
as well as side to side movements. Make sure to review the
different riding techniques prior to using the wheelchair. Use
anti-tippers until you are skilled at riding your wheelchair in any
situation.

8.2.2 Wheelies

DO NOT attempt to perform a wheelie in
your wheelchair because of the dangerous
nature of this kind of maneuver. Motion
Composites recognizes that some
wheelchair users will ignore this Warning. If
you should choose to ignore this Warning,
you should follow these steps to help learn
to do a “wheelie” as safely as possible.

NEVER attempt to learn to do a wheelie without first consulting
your health care advisor. NEVER attempt to learn to do a
wheelie without an assistant that can catch you if you should
happen to start to fall. NEVER attempt to learn to do a wheelie
unless you are a skilled rider on this chair.
Motion Composites always recommend using the anti-tippers
at all-time unless they need to be removed to go up or down a
curb/step. Anti-tippers should be reinstalled once the curb/step
is cleared.

8.2.3 Transferring

Rotate the front casters forward to
enhance stability.
Place the wheelchair as close to your
transfer location as possible. Engage wheel
locks. Position yourself as far back as
possible when transferring weight to reduce
risk of tipping forward. If you have good
upper body strength, balance and agility, you may be able to
perform transfers independently.
Rotate or remove footrests if at all possible as to avoid putting
weight on them. If possible, make use of a transfer board.
Always ask a healthcare provider to learn safe transfer
methods.

Always ask a healthcare provider to learn safe transfer
methods.
For safety reason, user should always reduce to the
minimum the transfer distance.

DO NOT sit or transfer into the wheelchair unless it is fully

open and the seat frame rails are fully seated into the
receivers.
DO NOT use the footplate as a platform when getting in or out
of the wheelchair or to reach for an object.

8.2.4 Getting Dressed

When dressing or undressing on the wheelchair, rotate the front
casters forward and lock anti-tippers in the lower position.
If your wheelchair is not equipped with anti-tippers, back it
against a wall and lock the rear wheels.

8.2.5 Reaching/Leaning/Bending

The balance point may shift when you are putting on
clothes and/or reaching for objects while sitting in the
wheelchair.

If at all possible, use a reaching device
or ask for assistance when reaching for
objects.
Move the wheelchair as close as possible to
the required object.
Rotate the casters as far forward as
possible from the rear wheels.

NEVER reach for objects between your
legs, but rather position yourself to the side
of these objects.
DO NOT shift your weight sideways,
but rather rise up from the seat or move
forward in the seat. Always use both
hands and grab the opposite side wheel or
armrest if you are capable of reaching sideways. Never reach
to the rear of the wheelchair unless it is equipped with anti­tippers Never reach for objects over the seat back: reach only
as far as your arm naturally extends without moving on the
seat.
DO NOT lock the rear wheels if you are reaching backwards.
Avoid putting pressure on the footrests.

8.2.6 Moving backwards

Lock anti-tippers in lower position. Move slowly: the wheelchair
is designed to provide you with more stability when moving
forward. Look around as often as possible to avoid obstacles
in your path.

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