PDG Mobility Evelation Owner's Operation Manual
DRAFT
DEALER
This manual must be given to the user of the
wheelchair.
USER
Before using this wheelchair, read this entire manual
and save for future reference.
Class 1 Medical
MANUAL WHEELCHAIR
Owner’s Operation and
Maintenance Manual
For more information regarding PDG products,
parts & service, please visit www.pdgmobility.com
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WARNING
Do not operate this equipment without rst reading and understanding this manual. If you are unable to
understand the warnings and instructions, contact a health care professional such as a doctor or therapist
who is familiar with this type of product before attempting to use this equipment. Otherwise, injury or
damage may result.
Refer to this manual regularly for maximum safety and performance.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Special Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Stairways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Escalators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Contacting Your Supplier To Obtain Service. . . 6
Damage Requiring Service By Qualied Service
Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Transferring To And From Other Seats . . . . . . . . 7
Percentage Of Weight Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Functional Reach From A Wheelchair . . . . . . . . . 7
Dressing Or Changing Clothes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Reaching, Leaning And Bending Forward. . . . . 8
Components & Options Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Standard Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Out Of The Box Assembly Instructions: . . . . . . 12
Inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Safety Inspection Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Suggested Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . 13
Set Up & Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Maintenance: Fine Tuning The Fit . . . . . . . . . . . 14
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SPECIAL NOTES
WARNING/CAUTION — notices as used in this manual apply to hazards or unsafe practices which could
result in personal injury or property damage.
NOTE — THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
INDICATIONs FOR UsE — To provide mobility to persons limited to a seated position.
WHEELCHAIR UsER — As a manufacturer of wheelchairs, PDG endeavors to supply wheelchairs to meet
many needs of the end user. However, nal selection of the type of wheelchair to be used by an
individual rests solely with the user and his/her health care professional capable of making such a
selection.
WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN REsTRAINTs AND sEAT REsTRAINTs — PDG recommends that wheelchair
users NOT be transported in vehicles of any kind while in wheelchairs. As of this date, Transport
Canada, and the Department of Transportation has not approved any tie-down systems for
transportation of a user in a moving vehicle of any type while in a wheelchair.
It is PDG’s position that users of wheelchairs should be transferred into appropriate seating in vehicles
for transportation and that use be made of the restraints made available by the auto industry. PDG
can not and does not recommend any specic wheelchair transportation systems.
REGARDING REsTRAINTs - sEAT BELTs - IT Is THE OBLIGATION OF THE HME DEALER, THERAPIsTs
AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFEssIONALs TO DETERMINE IF A sEATING REsTRAINT Is REQUIRED TO
ENsURE THE sAFE OPERATION OF THIs EQUIPMENT BY THE UsER. sERIOUs INJURY CAN OCCUR IN THE
EVENT OF A FALL FROM A WHEELCHAIR.
SAFETY SUMMARY
Operating Information Warning
To determine and establish particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring activities
in several combinations in the presence of a qualied health professional BEFORE attempting active use
of the wheelchair.
6 DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat.
6 DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to pick them up from the oor by reaching down
between your knees.
6 DO NOT lean over the top of the back upholstery to reach objects from behind as this may cause the
wheel chair to tip over.
6 DO NOT shift your weight or sitting position toward the direction you are reaching as the wheelchair
may tip over.
6 DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between oors. Serious bodily injury may occur.
6 DO NOT attempt to stop a moving wheelchair with the wheel locks. WHEEL LOCKS ARE NOT BRAKES.
4 Before attempting to transfer in or out of the wheelchair, every precaution should be taken to reduce
the gap distance. Turn both casters toward the object you are transferring onto. When transferring to
and from the wheelchair, ALWAYS ENGAGE BOTH WHEEL LOCKS.
6 DO NOT operate on roads, streets or highways.
6 DO NOT climb, go up or down ramps or traverse slopes greater than 9º.
6 DO NOT attempt to move up or down an incline that is wet, icy or contains an oily lm.
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6 DO NOT attempt to ride over curbs or obstacles. Doing so may cause your wheelchair to turn over
and cause bodily harm or damage to the wheelchair.
6 DO NOT use unauthorized parts, accessories, or adapters other than those authorized by PDG.
6 DO NOT attempt to lift wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts.
6 DO NOT stand on the frame of the wheelchair.
4 For products supplied with anti-tippers, anti-tippers must be attached at all times.
6 DO NOT use the footplate as a platform when getting in or out of the wheelchair.
4 ALWAYS wear your seat restraint.
6 The seat and backrest position of Elevation should only be adjusted with the seat belt securely
fastened around the occupant.
6 Extreme caution should be exercised when operating the backrest recline mechanism as excessive
or sudden recline may promote the occupant to tip over backwards. The use of an anti-tip devices is
recommended.
6 Adjustment of Elevation to a higher seat position may result in changes to your body that you may
be unaccustomed to and may nd discomforting. Such changes may be dangerous and may lead to
injury or death. Consult your doctor or physical therapist prior to using Elevation.
6 The seat or backrest position of Elevation should only be elevated or reclined on rm, level ground to
avoid the risk of falling or tipping over, possibly resulting in injury or death.
6 Avoid reaching or leaning with the seat raised above the horizontal position to avoid the risk of falling
or tipping over, possibly resulting in injury or death.
6 Avoid sudden or extreme movements with the seat raised above the horizontal position or the
backrest reclined to avoid the risk of tipping over and possible injury.
6 Seat height adjustment of Elevation must only be performed with the wheel brakes locked to avoid
any undesired movement and possible accident or injury.
6 During an episode of spasms, cramps or any situation that distracts the user’s attention, it is
recommended that the user not raise the seat height until the episode subsides. If possible, it is
recommended that the user immediately lower the seat height below the horizontal until the episode
subsides.
6 Never operate Elevation without the complete condence and ability to prevent tipping over
backwards – inexperienced users are recommended to use anti-tip devices.
6 Never operate the seat raising mechanism while leaning forward or sideways.
6 Never use Elevation without the seat sling axed very rm and taut.
6 Never use Elevation without a properly tted and secured seat cushion.
6 Never use Elevation while inebriated or with some other altered state of mind.
6 Never attempt to adjust seat height of Elevation while the wheelchair is un-occupied.
6 Elevation must only be used by the original purchaser for whom it was ordered for and tted. To.
Unauthorized individuals using Elevation may void the warranty and risk accident, injury or death.
Tire Pressure
6 If pneumatic tires are supplied, DO NOT use your wheelchair unless it has the proper tire
pressure(p.s.i.). DO NOT over inate the tires. Failure to follow these suggestions may cause the tire to
explode and cause bodily harm.
LIMITED WARRANTY
PLEASE NOTE — THE WARRANTY BELOW HAS BEEN DRAFTED TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL LAW
APPLICABLE TO PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED AFTER JULY 4, 1975.
This warranty is extended only to the original purchaser/user of our products.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also have other legal rights, which vary from
state to state.
PDG warrants its product, except for the seat cushion (which is not warranted), to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase. The side frames and cross-
members are warranted for the lifetime of the original purchaser/user. If within such warranty period any
such product shall be proven to be defective, such product shall be repaired or replaced, at PDG’s option.
This warranty does not include any labor or shipping charges incurred in replacement part installation or
repair of any such product. PDG’s sole obligation and your exclusive remedy under this warranty shall be
limited to such repair and/or replacement.
For warranty service, please contact the dealer from whom you purchased your PDG product. In the event
you do not receive satisfactory warranty service, please write directly to PDG at the address on the back
cover page, provide dealer’s name, address, and date of purchase, indicate nature of the defect and, if the
product is serialized, indicate the serial number. Do not return products to our factory without our prior
consent.
Limitations and exclusions: the foregoing warranty shall not apply to serial numbered products if the
serial number has been removed or defaced, products subjected to negligence, accident, improper
operation, maintenance or storage, products modied without PDG’s express written consent including,
but not limited to, modication through the use of unauthorized parts or attachments; products
damaged by reason of repairs made to any component without the specic consent of PDG, or to a
product damaged by circumstances beyond PDG’s control, and such evaluation will be solely determined
by PDG. The warranty shall not apply to problems arising from normal wear or failure to adhere to these
instructions. The foregoing express warranty is exclusive and in lieu of any other warranties whatsoever,
whether express or implied, including the implied warranties of merchantability and tness for a
particular purpose, and the sole remedy for violations of any warranty whatsoever, shall be limited to
repair or replacement of the defective product pursuant to the terms contained herein. The application of
any implied warranty whatsoever shall not extend beyond the duration of the express warranty provided
herein. The manufacturer shall not be liable for any consequential or incidental damages whatsoever.
This warranty shall be extended to comply with state/provincial laws and requirements.
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4 Replacement of a pneumatic tire or tube MUST be performed by an authorized PDG Dealer or
Qualied Technician.
Weight Training
6 PDG DOES NOT recommend the use of its wheelchairs as a weight training apparatus. PDG
wheelchairs have NOT been designed or tested as a seat for any kind of weight training. If occupant
uses said wheelchair as a weight training apparatus, PDG shall NOT be liable for bodily injury and the
warranty will be voided immediately.
Weight Limitation
The PDG Elevation wheelchair has a weight limitation of 250 lb. unless otherwise specied by PDG.
Safety/Handling of Wheelchairs
“Safety and Handling” of the wheelchair requires close attention of the wheelchair user as well as
the assistant. This manual points out the most common procedures and techniques involved in the
safe operation and maintenance of the wheelchair. It is important to practice and master these safe
techniques until you are comfortable in maneuvering around frequently encountered architectural
barriers.
Use this information only as a “basic” guide. The techniques that are discussed on the following pages
have been used successfully by many.
Individual wheelchair users often develop skills to deal with daily living activities that may dier from
those described in this manual. PDG recognizes and encourages each individual to try what works best
in overcoming architectural obstacles that they may encounter. Techniques in this manual are a starting
point for the new wheelchair user and assistant with “safety” as the most important consideration for all.
Stability and Balance
To assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair, you must at all times maintain proper
balance. Your wheelchair has been designed to remain upright and stable during normal daily activities as
long as you do not move beyond the center of gravity.
Virtually all activities which involve movement in the wheelchair have an eect on the center of gravity.
PDG recommends using seat restraints for additional safety while involved in activities that shift your
weight.
6 DO NOT lean forward out of the wheelchair any further than the length of the armrests. Make sure
the casters are pointing in the forward position whenever you lean forward. This can be achieved by
advancing the wheelchair and then reversing it in a straight line.
Coping with Everyday Obstacles
Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be alleviated somewhat by learning how to manage
your wheelchair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to maintain stability/balance.
A Note to Wheelchair Assistants
When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, remember to use good body mechanics. Keep
your back straight and bend your knees whenever tilting the wheelchair or traversing curbs, or other
impediments.
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CONTACTING YOUR SUPPLIER TO OBTAIN SERVICE
PDG has trained customer service representatives in many locations. To nd your nearest Customer
Service Center, visit our web site at www.pdgmobility.com and click on CONTACTS. If you are uncertain
about which CONTACT is most appropriate for your needs, contact PDG directly using telephone, fax, or
e-mail contact information. Supply the serial number from the product you are attempting to service and
we will be happy to inform you of the supplier who initially provided your product.
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE BY QUALIFIED SERVICE AGENT
In some circumstances it may be required that your wheelchair be returned to a Qualied Service Agent
for repairs. If any of the following conditions are observed, the wheelchair must be serviced by a Qualied
Service Agent:
6 Any part of the frame is cracked or broken
6 Any weld is cracked or broken
Always contact your Service Agent prior to sending a wheelchair for repairs. For safe and secure shipping,
the wheelchair must be boxed or fastened to a pallet to ensure it does not become damaged during
shipping. Service agent will provide specic instructions for packaging and shipping your wheelchair.
Alternatively, Qualied Service Agent may arrange for pick-up.
Be aware of any removable (detachable) parts. These must NEVER be used for hand-held or lifting
supports, as they may be inadvertently released, resulting in possible injury to the user and/or assistant(s).
When learning a new assistance technique, have an experienced assistant help before attempting it
alone.
Tilting
6 WARNING: DO NOT tilt the wheelchair without assistance.
When tilting the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp the back of the wheelchair on a non-removable(
non-detachable) part. Inform the wheelchair occupant before tilting the wheelchair and remind him/her
to lean back. Be sure the occupant’s feet and hands are clear of all wheels.
Tilting – Curbs
After mastering the techniques of tilting the wheelchair, use this procedure to tackle shallow curbs, short
stairs, etc.
METHOD 1 - Wheelchair With Step Tubes
Apply a continuous downward motion until the balance point
is achieved and the front casters clear the curb. At this point,
the assistant will feel a dierence in the weight distribution.
Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the wheelchair in
one continuous movement. Do not let the wheelchair drop the
last few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to the
occupant. Push the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels
roll up and over the curb.
METHOD 2 - Wheelchairs without Step Tubes
Unless the rst assistant has exceptional upper body
strength, it is recommended that METHOD 2 use two (2)
assistants. The second assistant should be positioned at the
front of the wheelchair lifting upward on a non-removable
(non-detachable) part of the wheelchair frame when lifting
the wheelchair and stabilizing the wheelchair when the
wheelchair is being lowered to the ground.
The rst assistant should stand on the sidewalk and turn the
wheelchair so that the rear wheels are against the curb. The
wheelchair should be tilted back to the balance point and, in one continuous downward movement, the
rear wheels should be pulled up and over the curb. DO NOT return the front casters to the ground until
the wheelchair has been pulled backward far enough for the front casters to clear the edge of the curb.
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STAIRWAYS
WARNING — Do not attempt to lift a wheelchair by lifting on any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by
means of any removable(detachable) parts of a wheelchair may result in injury to the user or damage
to the wheelchair.
Extreme caution is advised when it is necessary to move an occupied wheelchair up or down the
stairs. PDG recommends using two(2) assistants and making thorough preparations. Make sure to use
ONLY secure, non-detachable parts for hand-held supports.
Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair between
oors when an elevator is NOT available:
1 After the wheelchair has been tilted back to the balance
point, one assistant (in the rear) backs the wheelchair up
against the rst step, while securely grasping a nonremovable (non-detachable) part of the wheelchair for
leverage.
2 The second assistant, with a rm hold on a non-detachable
part of the framework, lifts the wheelchair up and over the
stair and steadies the wheelchair as the rst assistant places
one (1) foot on the next stair and repeats STEP 1.
3 The wheelchair should not be lowered until the last stair has been negotiated and the wheelchair has
been rolled away from the stairway.
ESCALATORS
SORRY! DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between oors. Serious bodily injury may occur.
TRANSFERRING TO AND FROM OTHER SEATS
WARNING — BEFORE attempting to transfer in or out of the
wheelchair, every precaution should be taken to reduce gap
distance. Turn both casters toward the object you are
transferring onto. Also be certain the wheel locks are engaged
to help prevent wheels from moving.
CAUTION — When transferring, position yourself as far back as
possible in the seat. This will prevent damaged upholstery and
the possibility of the wheelchair tipping forward.
NOTE — This activity may be performed independently
provided you have adequate mobility and upper body
strength.
1 Position the wheelchair as close as possible along side the seat to which you are transferring, with the
front casters pointing toward it. Engage wheel locks. Shift body weight into seat with transfer.
2 During independent transfer, little or no seat platform will be beneath you. Use a transfer board if at
all possible.
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PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
WARNING — DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to
move forward in the seat or pick them up from the oor by
reaching down between your knees.
Many activities require the wheelchair owner to reach, bend
and transfer in and out of the wheelchair. These movements
will cause a change to the normal balance, the center of
gravity, and the weight distribution of the wheelchair. To
determine and establish your particular safety limits, practice
bending, reaching and transferring activities in several
combinations in the presence of a quali ed health professional
BEFORE attempting active use of the wheelchair.
FUNCTIONAL REACH FROM A WHEELCHAIR
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching,
leaning, bending forward, it is important to use the front
casters as a tool to maintain stability and balance.
The approximate reach-limit values shown in the
accompanying graph were derived on the basis of a sample
of 91 male and 36 female subject wheelchair users. Note the
di erence between the maximum and the comfortable reach
limits, a subjective but important consideration in design.
REACHING, LEANING and BENDING FORWARD
Bending Forward
Position the front casters so that they are extended as far as possible
and engage wheel locks. DO NOT LEAN FORWARD OF THE ARMRESTS.
Bending Backward
WARNING —DO NOT lean over the top of the back upholstery. This will
change your center of gravity and may cause you to tip over.
Position wheelchair as close as possible to the desired object. Point
front casters forward to create the longest possible wheelbase. Reach
back only as far as your arm will extend without changing your sitting
position.
To replace gas springs
1 Position the chair on a solid level surface and secure the chair
using the brakes.
2 Be sure to have the gas spring in the fully extended position.
3 Remove both socket head shoulder bolts from the frame
strut mounts on the upper and lower frames using a 3mm
allen wrench.
4 Remove the cable from the gas spring and re-use on the new
part.
5 Re-install the new gas spring and the socket head shoulder
bolts.
6 Tighten fasteners.
Warning —Do not bend or stretch the cables that run from
the release lever to the gas springs, as this may release the
springs and move the seat resulting in injury.
Transport
The Elevation is not designed for transport in a vehicle while occupied. When transporting the chair
ensure that the wheelchair is secured to prevent any movement which may result in injury. To reduce the
risk of accidental seat height movement during transport or storage, ensure that the seat is fully lowered
and ensure that the release levers have their safety latches rmly placed in the “locked” position .
Real-time seat height: Operating Instructions
The gas springs on your Elevation wheelchair has a real-time seat height
adjustment that is unique in the wheelchair manufacturing industry. In
addition to performing all the functions of a conventional wheelchair, the
Elevation enables the user to make quick adjustments of the wheelchair
seat height to suit the needs of the occupant’s busy day.
During an episode of spasticity, cramps or any other situation that distracts
the user’s attention or causes instability or discomfort, it is recommended
that the user not raise seat height until the episode subsides. Consult
your physician to make sure you do not su er from any conditions (e.g.
strong contractions, autonomic dysre exia, osteoporosis, spasticity, or
compromised hand function) which make operation of and/or sitting at
higher seat elevations potentially harmful.
The seat height should only be adjusted on a rm, level surface to avoid
any potential risk of injury (tipping over).
To raise seat
1 Be sure the chair is on a solid level surface and secure it using the brakes.
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DRESSING OR CHANGING CLOTHES
WARNING — Your weight may shift if you dress or change clothes while seated in this chair. To reduce the
risk of a fall or tip-over:
1 Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible. This makes the chair more stable.
2 Lock anti-tip tubes in place. (If your chair does not have antitip tubes, back it up against a wall and
lock both rear wheels).
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
WARNING
1 Use extra care if you must ride your chair on a wet or slick surface. If you are in doubt, ask for help.
2 Contact with water or excess moisture may cause your chair to rust or corrode. This could cause your
chair to fail.
a Do not use your chair in a shower, pool or other body of water. The chair tubing and parts are
NOT water-tight and may rust or corrode from the inside.
b Avoid excess moisture (for example, do not leave your chair in a damp bathroom while taking a
shower).
c Dry your chair as soon as you can if it gets wet, or if you use water to clean it.
COMPONENTS & OPTIONS WARNINGS
Positioning or Seat Belts
WARNING
PDG hook & loop, non-padded seat belts and Bodypoint® non-padded hip belts, both of which are
optional equipment, are intended ONLY for use as a positioning aid for simple positioning needs, such as
posterior pelvic tilt.
These belts will not be su cient for persons with more involved positioning needs. Only your health care
advisor can determine the proper positioning products for your situation. If used improperly, positioning
or seat belts can cause severe injury or even death. If your health care advisor has instructed you to
use positioning or seat belts, make sure they instruct you on the proper usage of such belts, and such
professional should supervise your use of such belts to ensure you can use them safely.
1 Belts must t snugly in order to work properly. However, they must not be so snug they interfere with
your breathing. Your health care advisor should be able to slide his or her open hand at between the
belt and your body.
2 Make sure you do not slide down in your chair while wearing a belt. If this should happen, you may
su er chest compression or be su ocated due to pressure from the belt.
3 Do not use a positioning or seat belt unless you are capable of removing the belts easily in an
emergency. If you cannot do this, consult with your health care advisor for other options to help with
your posture.
4 There are devices that help to keep you from sliding down in the seat of your wheelchair, such as a
pelvic wedge. Consult with your health care advisor to nd out if you need to use such a device in
conjunction with positioning or seat belts to mitigate the risks described above.
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