8. MANOEUVRING
8.1 GENERAL TECHNIQUES
Manoeuvring and chair balance:
The weight and balance of the chair influences the manoeuvring qualities of the wheelchair. The weight, size and sitting position of
the user are influencing factors. The position
of the wheels will in addition influence the
manoeuvring qualities. The more weight
placed over the main wheels, the easier it is
to manoeuvre. If heavy weight is placed over
the front castors, the chair will be heavy to
manoeuvre. See page 16 - seat depth adjustment - for balancing the chair.
Step approach:
Always approach the step in slow motion
preventing the front castors to hit the step
with force. The user could fall out of the chair
by the impact. The front castors could be
damaged.
Driving down steps / sidewalks
Be cautious that you do not drive down steps
higher than 30 mm. The leg supports may hit
the ground first. Thereby you may lose steering control and the leg supports may brake.
Driving on soft, rough or slippery
ground can make safe manoeuvring more
difficult as the wheels may loose traction
and it is difficult to control the wheelchair.
Parking:
Increase the footprint and the support of the
wheelchair by moving the chair about 100
mm rearwards making the front castors turn
forward.
EMERGENCY ESCAPE ROUTES: Netti 4U
CED with seat width 550 mm and more, has
an overall width exceeding 700 mm and may
have difficulties passing emergency escape
routes.
Companion:
If the user is left alone in the wheelchair,
always lock the brakes and check that the
anti-tips are turned down.
8.2 DRIVING TECHNIQUES
- Step up-
Companions, drive up a step forwards:
• Check that the anti-tips are turned up. Angle the wheelchair backwards.
• Balance the chair on the main wheels and
push it forward until the front castors are
on the step.
• Lift holding on to the crossbar while pushing the chair onto the step.
Turn the anti-tip downwards.
Users, drive up a step backwards:
This technique is only useful if the step is
very low. It also depends on the clearance
between the foot plates and the ground.
• Check that the anti-tips are turned up.
• Drive the chair backwards towards the step.
• Make a firm grip on the push rims and move
the body forward while pulling.
Turn the anti-tip downwards.
Companions, drive up a step backwards:
• Check that the anti-tips are turned up.
• Pull the chair backwards next to the step
• Angle the wheelchair backwards by pushing down on the crossbar, moving the front
castors slightly up in the air.
• Pull the wheelchair up the step holding on
to the crossbar, and go backwards until you
can to put down the front castors on the
step.
Turn the anti-tip downwards
8.3 DRIVING TECHNIQUES
- Step down-
Companions, drive down a step
forwards:
• Check that the anti-tips are turned up.
• Angle the wheelchair backwards by pushing down on the crossbar, moving the front
castors slightly up in the air.
• Drive carefully down the step and angle the
wheelchair forward putting the front castors back on the ground.
Turn the anti-tip downwards.