Motion Composites HELIO C2, VELOCE User Manual

EDITION - V 1.0

User

Manual

helio C2

CARBON T700 ULTRA-LIGHT FRAME

User

Manual

Ultralight Folding Wheelchairs

1

helio C2

Maintenance
manual&

warranty
information

Dealer: This manual must be given to the user of the HELIO C2
wheelchair before its first use.

User: Prior to using the HELIO C2 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

HELIO C2

Thank you for selecting the HELIO C2 wheelchair. 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.

Contact information:

Motion Composites Inc.

519 J-Oswald Forest, suite 101
Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan, Quebec
J0K 3H0 Canada
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.motioncomposites.com

Follow us!

www.facebook.com/heliowheelchair
www.twitter.com/mcwheelchairs

Important information

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

European
authorized
representative :

Advena Ltd
Pure Offices
Plato Close
Warwick
CV34 6WE
United Kingdoms

What a folding wheelchair should be.

Every little detail of the Helio was specifically optimized to help
you go farther!
Our wheelchair lets you minimize the risk of long-term shoulder
and joint injuries by alleviating the energy needed to propel.
Whether you push it forward or lift it in the trunk of a car, the
helio C2 gives you more freedom!

26% lighter than the competition.

The Helio changed the way we see wheelchairs thanks to
outstanding performance and unrivaled lightness. We are doing
it again with the C2, lowering our own trend-setting weight by
10%! Fully equipped, the Helio C2 is strikingly lighter than the
competition with a 9 pounds difference.

The lowest seat-to-floor height.

The innovative frame design of the Helio C2 lets you achieve
a super low 13 ½” seat-to-floor height with a 4” caster on a
standard frame. That’s the same frame that can go up to 21”!

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.

Please record the following information for future reference:

Date of purchase

Serial Number

Supplier

Address

Telephone

2

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.

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

[e-mail]

High-Modulus Carbon T700 - The lightest and most
rigid material available, also renowned for its
vibration dampening properties.

EDITION - V 1.0

User

Manual

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 Molded Crossbrace 3D - Entirely
symmetrical carbon fiber 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.

Evolve Caster Housing - Imbedded inside the
frame for rock solid durability, the Evolve Caster
Housing offers easy and precise infinite
adjustments.

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

Carbon Fiber :
The ultimate

sophistication.

We use the same high quality material
used in F1 and aerospace to design
and build the lightest wheelchairs on
earth.

Our T700 high-modulus carbon
fiber is unrivaled when it comes to
strength and rigidity. This means our
frame is not only ultra-light, but also

exceptionally strong.

3

helio C2

Table of contents

WELC OME TO HELIO C2
CONTACTING US
IMPO RTANT INFORMATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3.
PARTS LIST

4.

4.1 GENERAL WARNING

4.2 SYMBOLS

5.

5.1 STRUCTURE

5.2 DIMENSIONS

5.3 ADJUSTABILITY

6.

6.1 PERIODIC CHECKLIST

6.2 WEIGHT LIMITATION

6.3 WEIGHT TRAINING AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES

7.

8.

8.1. 1 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ACCIDENT

8.1. 2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

8.1. 3 CAREGIVERS

8.2 RIDING YOUR WHEELCHAIR 8

8.2. 1 BALANCE POINT

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

8.2. 8 OBSTACLES

8.2. 9 CURBS AND STEPS

8.2. 10 MOVING WITH ASSITANCE 9

8.2. 11 MOVING WHITOUT ASSITANCE

8.2. 12 STAIRS

8.2. 13 ESCALATORS

9.

9.1 FOLDING & UNFOLDING

9.1. 1 FOLDING

9.1. 2 UNFOLDING

9.2 WHEEL LOCKS

9.3 FRONT RIGGINGS 10

9.3. 1 INSTALLING

9.3. 2 UNINSTALLING

9.4 FOOTREST

9.5 ARMRESTS

9.5. 1 FLIP-BACK ARMRESTS

9.5. 2 REMOVABLE T ARMRESTS

9.5. 3 SWING-AWAY ARMRESTS 11

9.6 SEAT BELTS

9.6. 1 AUTO BUCKLE AND AIRCRAFT BUCKLE SEATBELTS

9.6. 2 VELCRO™ BELT

9.7 ANTI-TIPPER

9.8 REAR WHEELS

9.9 SEAT SLINGS

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

BEFORE USE

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SAFETY

TUTORIAL

RIDING YOUR HELIO C2

HOW TO USE YOUR HELIO C2

2

4

5

6

6

7

7

7

9

10.

10.1 SERVICE

10.2 REPLACEMENT PARTS
ORDE RING INFORMATION:

10.3 TOOLS NEEDED

10.4 GENERAL MAINTENANCE

10.4 .1 TIRE PRESSURE

10.5 BACKREST

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 13
SEAT

10.5 .5 INSTALLING/REMOVING STANDARD SEAT UPHOLSTERY

10.6 ARMRESTS

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 ARMRESTS PAD 14

10.6 .5 INSTALLING THE SWING-AWAY ARMREST RECEIVER

10.6 .6 ADJUSTING SWING-AWAY ARMREST HEIGHT

10.7 FRONT RIGGINGS

10.7 .1 ADJUSTING FOOTREST LENGTH

10.8 SEAT 15

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

10.1 0 FRONT CASTORS, FORKS AND FORK STEM ASSEMBLIES

10.1 0.1 REMOVING/INSTALLING/REPOSITIONING THE FRONT WHEELS

10.1 0.2 REMOVING/INSTALLING THE CASTER HOUSING

10.1 0.3 REMOVING/INSTALLING THE STEM BOLT ASSEMBLY 16

10.1 0.4 ADJUSTING THE CASTOR HOUSING ANGLE

10.1 1 REAR WHEELS

10.1 1.1 ADJUSTING QUICK-RELEASE AXLES

10.1 1.2 REPLACING/ADJUSTING HAND RIMS 17
USE A PLASTIC TIRE REMOVAL TOOL TO TAKE OFF THE TIRE.

10.1 1.3 ADJUSTING THE REAR AXLE HEIGHT

10.1 1.4 ADJUSTING REAR WHEEL SPACING

10.1 1.5 ADJUSTING THE TOE-IN/TOE-OUT WITH REAR WHEEL CAMBER.

10.1 2 WHEEL LOCKS

10.1 2.1 REPLACING/ADJUSTING THE WHEEL LOCKS

10.1 3 EXTENSION BRAKES 18

10.1 3.1 REPLACING/ADJUSTING THE BRAKE EXTENSION

10.1 4 ANTI-TIPPERS

10.1 4.1 ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF THE ANTI-TIPPERS

10.1 5. HEADREST KIT AND HEADREST SUPPORT

10.1 5.1 INSTALLING A HEADREST SUPPORT

10.1 5.2 INSTALLING HEADREST KIT

10.1 6 AMPUTEE EXTENTION PLATE 19

11

12
13

11

I.

ADJUSTMENTS AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR HELIO C2

USING A PARATRANSIT SERVICE

MOTIO N CO MPOS ITES LIM ITED WARRANTY
NOTES

SAFETY INSP ECTI ON C HECK LIST

APPENDIX

23

19

20

22

12

4

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

[e-mail]

3. Product Overview

Parts List

1 Push handle 10 Caster housing

2 Back cane 11 Wheel lock

3 Arm pad 12 Crossbrace

4 Rear wheel 13 Rear wheel mounting plate

5 Seat rail 14 Armrest pivot

6 Front rigging 15 Armrest

7 Footplate

8 Caster

9 Fork

EDITION - V 1.0

User

Manual

5

helio C2

4. Before use

4.1 General Warning

Your HELIO C2 wheelchair has been designed by professionals
with proper use of aluminium 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 HELIO C2 wheelchair.

4.1.1 Note to users:

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).

4.1.2 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.

Initial setup of your HELIO C2 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 HELIO C2 will extend the
life of the wheelchair. Take your wheelchair to a
qualified technician every year for inspection and
servicing.

Avoid tightening the screws with an air tool or electric
tool. Final tightening should be done manually.

5. Technical Specifications

5.1 Structure

Frame Folding with carbon fiber C3

cross brace

Material Aerospace grade carbon fiber

composites

Weight 12 lbs (w/o rear wheels &

footrest)

Weight capacity 250 lbs (or 350 lbs with HD kit)

Useful information for the user

4.3 Label Locations

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

5.2 Dimensions

Width 14’’ to 20’’

Depth 14’’ to 20’’

Front seat-to-floor height 13’’ to 21 ¼’’

Rear seat-to-floor height 12 ’’ to 20’’

5.3 Adjustability

Upholstery Tension adjustable bolt on

Back height 9’’ to 21’’

Adjustable angle from 70° to 110°

Footrest removable and swing away

Camber 0°, 3°, 6°

Centre of gravity from ½” to 4 ½” + amputee axle

plate option

6

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

[e-mail]

EDITION - V 1.0

User

Manual

6. Safety

6.1 Periodic Checklist

See related appendix (section 14).

6.2 Weight Limitation

The HELIO C2 wheelchair has a weight limit of 250 lbs (or 350
lbs with an HD kit). The specified weight capacity includes:
both the rider and any luggage. A user with a 10lb backpack,
for example, should
not exceed a weight of 240 lbs (or 340 lbs 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.

6.3 Weight Training and Sporting Activities

This wheelchair was not designed or tested as a weight training
apparatus. Do not attempt to use this wheelchair in weight
training. The warranty shall be void if the wheelchair has been
used for any weight training 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.

8. Riding your HELIO C2

Should you make any adjustments, make sure to
familiarize yourself with the wheelchair movements
before removing the anti-tippers.

The wheelchair should be dried with a cloth
immediately after being exposed to water.

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.
Always use anti-tippers.

8.1.2 Environmental Conditions

The HELIO C2 was designed to be used on hard and plane
surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and indoor flooring such as
carpeting.

Beware that the manoeuvrability 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.

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.

7. Tutorial

Please find many tutorial and maintenance tips on our YouTube
page at : http://www.youtube.com/heliowheelchair

Do not leave your wheelchair in humid environments such as
the bathroom (e.g. while taking a shower).

Do not use your wheelchair in the shower, pool, or other water
situations.

8.1.3 Caregivers

• Never use removable parts (e.g. armrests, footrests) to push
the wheelchair and never use lifting supports 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.

7

helio C2

8.2 Riding your wheelchair

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 if you are a new wheelchair user.

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

Wheelies involve lifting the front casters off
the ground while maintaining balance on the
rear wheels. Performing this manoeuvre,
while allowing you to easily avoid obstacles,
may result in serious injury. Consult your
doctor before doing wheelies.

Ask for assistance while doing wheelies. The assistant should
be behind the wheelchair to grab the grips and prevent any
potential falls. To perform a wheelie, grab the front part of
the hand rims and make a quick backward movement with
the rear wheels. Make an immediate fast forward thrust and
the front casters will lift off the ground. Maintain the balance
point by making small movements on the hand rims. Once you
feel comfortable with maintaining your balance point while
performing this manoeuvre, you no longer need any assistance.

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.

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 no 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 anti-tippers
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.

8.2.7 Ramps, Slopes & Side Hills

Do not ride hills with an elevation slope of more than 10% (one
foot elevation change for every 10 feet).
Try to move straight up or down the slope.
Avoid turning on a downhill slope.
Stay in the center of sidewalks and ensure that there is enough
space for the wheels.
Avoid stopping on slopes and never use the wheel locks to slow
yourself on a downhill slope. Maintain your speed by holding the
hand rims.
Do not ride on wet or slippery surfaces. Be cautious for
changes in terrain height or stairs at the end of a slope (front
casters may lock from simply hitting a small bump).
Ask for help should any situations arise.
Incline yourself while moving down a slope as to adjust your
centre of gravity.

8.2.8 Obstacles

Always look for obstacles or road hazards (potholes, broken
surfaces, etc.). Clear your own environment (work, home)
of any obstacles. Never use objects (furniture, ramps, and
doorknobs) to push yourself out of the wheelchair.
Lean your upper body slightly forward as you move up an
obstacle. Do the reverse while moving down an obstacle. Keep
both hands on the hand rims while passing over the obstacle.

8.2.9 Curbs and Steps

Remove or rotate the anti-tippers upwards to go up or down a
curb or step. Move straight up and down and never angle the
wheels.

8

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

[e-mail]