Go-Chair
S A F E T Y G U I D E L I N E S
WARNING! An authorized Pride Provider or a qualified technician must perform the initial setup of this power chair and must perform all of the procedures in this manual.
The symbols below are used throughout this owner’s manual and on the power chair to identify warnings and important information. It is very important for you to read them and understand them completely.
WARNING! Indicates a potentially hazardous condition/situation. Failure to follow designated procedures can cause either personal injury, component damage, or malfunction. On the product, this icon is represented as a black symbol on a yellow triangle with a black border.
MANDATORY! These actions should be performed as specified. Failure to perform mandatory actions can cause personal injury and/or equipment damage. On the product, this icon is represented as a white symbol on a blue dot with a white border.
PROHIBITED! These actions are prohibited. These actions should not be performed at any time or in any circumstances. Performing a prohibited action can cause personal injury and/or equipment damage. On the product, this icon is represented as a black symbol with a red circle and red slash.
Quick Reference Information:
Authorized Pride Provider:
Address:
Phone Number:
Purchase Date: |
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Serial Number: |
NOTE: This owner’s manual is compiled from the latest specifications and product information available at the time of publication. We reserve the right to make changes as they become necessary. Any changes to our products may cause slight variations between the illustrations and explanations in this manual and the product you have purchased. The latest/current version of this manual is available on our website.
088 609 661
Copyright © 2010
Pride Mobility Products Corporation
INFMANU2881/Rev F/June 2010
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C O N T E N T S |
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I. |
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. |
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II. |
SAFETY .................................................................................................................................................. |
5 |
III. |
YOUR TRAVEL CHAIR .................................................................................................................. |
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IV. |
ASSEMBLY/DISASSEMBLY ........................................................................................................ |
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V. |
COMFORT ADJUSTMENTS ........................................................................................................ |
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VI. BATTERIES AND CHARGING .................................................................................................... |
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VII. CARE AND MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................ |
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VIII.WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................................ |
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APPENDIX I - SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................... |
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I . I N T R O D U C T I O N
SAFETY
WELCOME to Pride Mobility (Pride). The travel chair you have purchased combines state-of-the-art components with safety, comfort, and styling in mind. We are confident that these design features will provide you with the conveniences you expect during your daily activities. Once you understand how to safely operate and care for your travel chair, it should give you years of trouble-free operation and service.
Read and follow all instructions, warnings, and notes in this manual before attempting to operate your travel chair for the first time. You must also read all instructions, warnings, and notes contained in any supplemental instructional booklets for the controller that accompanied your travel chair before initial operation. Your safety depends upon you, as well as your provider, caretaker, or healthcare professional in using good judgement.
If there is any information in this manual which you do not understand, or if you require additional assistance for setup or operation, please contact your authorized Pride Provider. Failure to follow the instructions in this manual and those located on your travel chair can lead to personal injury and/or damage to the travel chair, including voiding the warranty.
PURCHASER’S AGREEMENT
By accepting delivery of this product, you promise that you will not change, alter, or modify this product or remove or render inoperable or unsafe any guards, shields, or other safety features of this product; fail, refuse, or neglect to install any retrofit kits from time to time provided by Pride to enhance or preserve the safe use of this product.
SHIPPING AND DELIVERY
Before using your travel chair, make sure your delivery is complete as some components may be individually packaged. If you do not receive a complete delivery, please contact your authorized Pride Provider immediately. Where damage has occurred during transport, either to the packaging or content, please contact the delivery company responsible.
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
We want to hear your questions, comments, and suggestions about this manual. We would also like to hear about the safety and reliability of your new travel chair, and about the service you received from your authorized Pride Provider.
Please notify us of any change of address, so we can keep you apprised of important information about safety, new products, and new options that can increase your ability to use and enjoy your travel chair. Please feel free to contact us at the address below:
USA: |
Canada: |
Pride Mobility Products Corporation |
Pride Mobility Products Company |
Attn.: Customer Care Department |
380 Vansickle Road Unit 350 |
182 Susquehanna Avenue |
St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 6P7 |
Exeter, PA 18643-2694 |
1-888-570-1113 |
info@pridemobility.com |
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1-800-424-8205 |
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NOTE: If you ever lose or misplace your product registration card or your copy of this manual, contact us and we will be glad to send you a new one immediately.
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PRODUCT SAFETY SYMBOLS
The symbols below are used on the travel chair to identify warnings, mandatory actions, and prohibited actions. It is very important for you to read and understand them completely.
Read and follow the information in the owner’s manual.
Do not allow unsupervized children to play near the travel chair while the batteries are charging.
Maximum seating weight.
Keep your hands away from the tires when driving. Be aware that loose fitting clothing can become caught in drive tires.
Use correct tie-down points for controller harness to prevent the harness from getting caught in the drive tires, pinched in the seat frame, or damaged when passing through doorways.
Do not use a cell phone, walkie/talkie, laptop, or other radio transmitter while operating.
Avoid exposure to rain, snow, ice, salt, or standing water whenever possible. Maintain and store in a clean and dry condition.
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Do not connect an extension cord to the AC/DC converter or the battery charger.
Removal of grounding prong can create electrical hazard. If necessary, properly install an approved 3-pronged adapter to an electrical outlet having 2-pronged plug access.
Do not remove anti-tip wheels.
Wear safety goggles.
Corrosive chemicals contained in battery.
EMI-RFI - This product has been tested and passed at an immunity level of 20 V/m.
Do not place your travel chair in freewheel mode while on a decline.
Do not place your travel chair in freewheel mode while on an incline.
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Explosive conditions exist!
Use only AGM or Gel-Cell batteries to reduce the risk of leakage or explosive conditions.
Keep tools and other metal objects away from battery terminals. Contact with tools can cause electrical shock.
Do not use batteries with different amp-hour (Ah) capacities. Do not mix old and new batteries. Always replace both batteries at the same time.
Battery charger for indoor use only.
Disposal and Recycling—Contact your authorized Pride Provider for information on proper disposal and recycling of your Pride product and its packaging.
Contains Lead.
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Locked and in drive mode.
Place unit on level ground and stand to one side when changing from drive mode to freewheel mode or freewheel mode to drive mode.
Unlocked and in freewheel mode.
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GENERAL GUIDELINES
MANDATORY! Do not operate your new Go-Chair for the first time without completely reading and understanding this owner’s manual.
Your Go-Chair is a state-of-the-art life-enhancement device designed to increase mobility. Pride provides an extensive variety of products to best fit the individual needs of the Go-Chair user. Please be aware that the final selection and purchasing decision regarding the type of travel chair to be used is the responsibility of the Go-Chair user, who is capable of making such a decision, and his/her healthcare professional (i.e., medical doctor, physical therapist, etc.).
The contents of this manual are based on the expectation that a mobility device expert has properly fitted the GoChair to the user and has assisted the prescribing healthcare professional and/or the authorized Pride Provider in the instruction process for the use of the product.
There are certain situations, including some medical conditions, where the Go-Chair user will need to practice operating the Go-Chair in the presence of a trained attendant. A trained attendant can be defined as a family member or care professional specially trained in assisting a Go-Chair user in various daily living activities.
As you begin using your Go-Chair during daily activities, you will probably encounter situations in which you will need some practice. Simply take your time and you will soon be in full and confident control as you maneuver through doorways, on and off of elevators, up and down ramps, and over moderate terrain.
Below are some precautions, tips, and other safety considerations that will help you become accustomed to operating your Go-Chair safely.
Modifications
Pride has designed and engineered your Go-Chair to provide maximum mobility and utility. A wide range of accessories is available from your authorized Pride Provider to further customize your Go-Chair to better suit your needs and/or preferences. However, under no circumstances should you modify, add, remove, or disable any feature, part, or function of your Go-Chair.
WARNING! Do not modify your Go-Chair in any way not authorized by Pride. Do not use accessories if they have not been tested or approved for Pride products.
Pre-Ride Safety Check
Get to know the feel of your Go-Chair and its capabilities. Pride recommends that you perform a safety check before each use to make sure your Go-Chair operates smoothly and safely.
Perform the following inspections prior to using your Go-Chair:
Check for proper tire inflation. Maintain but do not exceed the psi/bar/kPa air pressure rating indicated on each tire if equipped with pneumatic tires.
Check all electrical connections. Make sure they are tight and not corroded.
Check all controller connections to the power base. Make sure they are secured properly. Check the brakes. See VII. “Care and Maintenance.”
Check battery charge. See VI. “Batteries and Charging.”
NOTE: If you discover a problem, contact your authorized Pride Provider for assistance.
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Weight Limitations
Your Go-Chair is rated for a maximum weight capacity. Please refer to the specifications table for this limit. Keep in mind that the maximum weight capacity includes the combined weight of the user and any accessories mounted to the Go-Chair.
MANDATORY! Stay within the specified weight capacity of your Go-Chair. Exceeding the weight capacity voids your warranty. Pride will not be held responsible for injuries and/or property damage resulting from failure to observe weight limitations.
WARNING! Do not carry passengers on your Go-Chair. Carrying passengers on your Go-Chair may affect the center of gravity, resulting in a tip or a fall.
Tire Inflation
If your Go-Chair is equipped with pneumatic tires, you should check or have the air pressure checked regularly. Proper inflation pressures will prolong the life of your tires and help ensure the smooth operation of your Go-Chair.
WARNING! It is important that the psi/bar/kPa air pressure rating indicated on each tire be maintained in pneumatic tires at all times. Do not underinflate or overinflate your tires. Low pressure may result in loss of control, and overinflated tires may burst. Failure to maintain the psi/bar/kPa air pressure rating indicated on pneumatic tires at all times may result in tire and/or wheel failure.
WARNING! Inflate your Go-Chair drive tires from a regulated air source with an available pressure gauge. Inflating your tires from an unregulated air source could overinflate them, resulting in a burst tire.
NOTE: If the tires on your travel chair list the psi rating only, use the following conversion formulas to find the bar or kPa rating: bar = psi x 0.06895; kPa = psi x 6.89476.
Incline Information
More and more buildings have ramps with specified degrees of inclination, designed for easy and safe access. Some ramps may have turning switchbacks (180-degree turns) that require you to have good cornering skills on your Go-Chair.
Proceed with extreme caution as you approach the downgrade of a ramp or other incline.
Take wide swings with your Go-Chair’s front wheels around any tight corners. If you do that, the Go-Chair’s rear wheels will follow a wide arc, not cut the corner short, and not bump into or get hung up on any railing corners. When driving down a ramp, keep the Go-Chair’s speed adjustment set to the slowest speed setting to ensure a safely controlled descent.
Avoid sudden stops and starts.
When climbing an incline, try to keep your Go-Chair moving. If you must stop, start up again slowly and then accelerate cautiously. When driving down an incline, set your Go-Chair to the slowest speed setting and drive in the forward direction only. If your Go-Chair starts to move down the incline faster than you anticipated or desired, allow it to come to a complete stop by releasing the joystick, then push the joystick forward slightly to ensure a safely controlled descent.
WARNING! When on any sort of an incline or decline, never place the Go-Chair in freewheel mode, especially while seated on it or standing next to it.
WARNING! When climbing an incline, do not zigzag or drive at an angle up the face of the incline. Drive your Go-Chair straight up the incline. This greatly reduces the possibility of a tip or a fall. Always exercise extreme caution when negotiating an incline.
WARNING! You should not travel up or down a potentially hazardous incline (i.e., areas covered with snow, ice, cut grass, or wet leaves).
WARNING! Never travel down an incline backward. Doing so may cause the Go-Chair to tip. Always exercise extreme caution when negotiating an incline.
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I I . S A F E T Y
WARNING! If your Go-Chair is equipped with a reclining seatback, do not attempt to negotiate inclines with the seat in a reclined position. Do not attempt to negotiate obstacles with the seat in a reclined position unless an attendant is present to help stabilize the chair. Failure to heed may result in the Go-Chair tipping over.
WARNING! Even though your Go-Chair is capable of climbing slopes greater than those illustrated in figure 1, do not, under any circumstances, exceed the incline guidelines or any other specifications presented in this manual. Doing so could cause instability in your Go-Chair.
Pride recommends that the maximum slope of an incline you attempt to safely ascend or descend on your GoChair does not exceed 5° (8.7%). See figure 1.
WARNING! Any attempt to climb or descend a slope steeper than 5° (8.7%) may put your Go-Chair in an unstable position and cause it to tip.
5° (8.7%) INCLINE |
5° (8.7%) DECLINE |
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Figure 1. Maximum Safe Angle (Ascending and Descending)
Freewheel Mode
Your Go-Chair is equipped with two manual freewheel levers to allow for manual maneuverability by a trained attendant. For more information about how to place your Go-Chair into and out of freewheel mode, see III. “Your Travel Chair.”
WARNING! Do not use your Go-Chair in freewheel mode without an attendant present.
WARNING! Do not attempt to personally place your Go-Chair in freewheel mode while seated on it. Ask an attendant for assistance if necessary.
WARNING! Do not place your Go-Chair in freewheel mode while on an incline or decline. This could cause the chair to roll uncontrollably on its own.
Braking Information
Your Go-Chair is equipped with two powerful brake systems:
Regenerative — uses electricity to rapidly slow the vehicle when the joystick returns to the center/stop position. Disc Park Brake — activates mechanically after regenerative braking slows the vehicle to near stop, or when power is removed from the system for any reason.
Cornering Information
While your Go-Chair is equipped with two front caster wheels and two rear anti-tip wheels, excessively high cornering speeds can still create the possibility of tipping. Factors which affect the possibility of tipping include, but are not limited to: cornering speed, steering angle (how sharply you are turning), uneven road surfaces, inclined road surfaces, riding from an area of low traction to an area of high traction (such as passing from a grassy area to a paved area – especially at high speed while turning), and abrupt directional changes. High cornering speeds are not recommended. If you feel that you may tip over in a corner, reduce your speed and steering angle (i.e., lessen the sharpness of the turn) to prevent your Go-Chair from tipping.
WARNING! When cornering sharply, reduce your speed and maintain a stable center of gravity. This greatly reduces the possibility of a tip or fall.
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Public Streets and Roadways
WARNING! You should not operate your Go-Chair on public streets and roadways. Be aware that it may be difficult for traffic to see you when you are seated on your Go-Chair. Obey all local pedestrian traffic rules. Wait until your path is clear of traffic, and then proceed with extreme caution.
Outdoor Driving Surfaces
Your Go-Chair is designed to provide optimum stability under normal driving conditions—dry, level surfaces composed of concrete, blacktop, or asphalt. However, Pride recognizes that there will be times when you will encounter other surface types. For this reason, your Go-Chair is designed to perform admirably on packed soil, grass, and gravel. Feel free to use your Go-Chair safely on lawns and in park areas.
Avoid driving on uneven terrain and/or soft surfaces. Avoid tall grass that can entangle the running gear. Avoid loosely packed gravel and sand.
Do not use your travel chair in fresh or salt water.
Do not use your travel chair at the edge of a stream, lake, or ocean. If you feel unsure about a driving surface, avoid that surface.
Inclement Weather Precautions
Exposure of your Go-Chair to inclement weather conditions should be avoided whenever possible. If suddenly caught up in rain, snow, severe cold or heat while operating your Go-Chair, proceed to shelter at the earliest opportunity. Thoroughly dry your Go-Chair before storing, charging, or operating your Go-Chair.
PROHIBITED! Operating in rain, snow, salt, mist/spray conditions, and on icy/slippery surfaces can have an adverse effect on the electrical system. Maintain and store your Go-Chair in a dry and clean condition.
WARNING! Prolonged exposure to hot or cold conditions may affect the temperature of upholstered and non-upholstered items on the travel chair, possibly resulting in skin irritation. Exercise caution when using your travel chair in extremely cold conditions or when exposing your travel chair to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
Stationary Obstacles (Steps, Curbs, etc.)
Proceed with extreme caution when driving near raised surfaces, unprotected ledges, and/or drop-offs (curbs, porches, stairs, etc.).
To navigate up over a curb or stationary obstacle:
1.Approach the curb or obstacle slowly, and make sure the Go-Chair is traveling perpendicular to the obstacle.
See figure 2.
2.Increase the forward speed just before the front wheels come in contact with the obstacle.
3.Reduce the forward speed only after the rear wheels have cleared the obstacle.
To navigate down a curb or stationary obstacle:
1.Approach the curb or obstacle slowly, and make sure the Go-Chair is traveling perpendicular to the obstacle.
See figure 2.
2.Reduce the forward speed just before the front wheels come in contact with the obstacle.
3.Increase the forward speed only after the rear wheels have cleared the obstacle and you are once again on a level surface.
WARNING! Even though your travel chair may be capable of handling greater obstacles, Pride recommends that you do not attempt to negotiate a curb that has a height greater than 2 in. (5 cm). Doing so could cause instability in your travel chair.
WARNING! Do not attempt to have your Go-Chair proceed backward down any step, curb, or other obstacle. This may cause the travel chair to tip.
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Figure 2. Correct Curb Approach |
Figure 3. Incorrect Curb Approach |
Stairs and Escalators
Go-Chairs are not designed to travel up or down stairs or escalators. Always use an elevator.
WARNING! Never use your Go-Chair to negotiate steps or escalators.
Doors
Determine if the door opens toward or away from you.
Drive your Go-Chair gently and slowly forward to push the door open. Or drive your Go-Chair gently and slowly backward to pull the door open.
Elevators
Modern elevators have a door edge safety mechanism that, when pushed, reopens the elevator door(s).
If you are in the doorway of an elevator when the door(s) begin to close, push on the rubber door edge or allow the rubber door edge to contact the Go-Chair and the door will reopen.
Use care that pocketbooks, packages, or travel chair accessories do not become caught in elevator doors.
Lift/Elevation Products
If you will be transporting your travel chair during travel, you may find it necessary to use a vehicle-mounted lift system or elevation product to aid in transportation. Pride recommends that you closely review the warnings, instructions, specifications, and safety information set forth by the manufacturer of the lift/elevation product before using that product.
WARNING! Not all lift systems/elevation products are rated for use with an occupied mobility device. Pride recommends that you do not remain seated in your travel chair when it is being used in connection with any type of lift system/elevation product unless:
That product is rated for occupied use by the manufacturer.
You are able to occupy your mobility device in strict conformity with the warnings, instructions, specifications, and safety guidelines set forth by the manufacturer.
WARNING! Always turn off the power to the controller when you are being transferred via an elevation product. Failure to do so may result in accidental joystick contact, resulting in unintended movement and personal injury or product damage.
Motor Vehicle Transport
Pride recommends that you do not remain seated in your Go-Chair while traveling in a motor vehicle. The travel chair should be stowed in the trunk of a car or in the back of a truck or van with batteries removed and properly secured. In addition, all removable travel chair parts, including the armrests, seat, front riggings, controller, and shrouds should be removed and/or properly secured during motor vehicle transport.
WARNING! Do not sit on your Go-Chair while it is in a moving vehicle.
WARNING! Always be sure your Go-Chair and its batteries are properly secured when it is being transported. Batteries should be secured in an upright position and protective caps should be installed on the battery terminals. Batteries should not be transported with any flammable or combustible items.
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Positioning Belts
Your authorized Pride Provider, therapist(s), and other healthcare professionals are responsible for determining your requirement for a positioning belt in order to operate your Go-Chair safely.
WARNING! If you require a positioning belt to safely operate your Go-Chair, make sure it is fastened securely in order to reduce the possibility of a fall from the Go-Chair.
WARNING! The positioning belt is not designed for use as a seat belt in a motor vehicle. Nor is your Go-Chair suitable for use as a seat in any vehicle. Anyone traveling in a vehicle should be properly belted into seats approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
Batteries
In addition to following the warnings below, be sure to comply with all other battery handling information. For more information about your travel chair’s batteries, see VI. “Batteries and Charging.”
MANDATORY! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wear goggles and gloves when handling batteries and wash hands after handling.
WARNING! Go-Chair batteries are heavy. See specifications table. If you are unable to lift that much weight, be sure to get help. Use proper lifting techniques and avoid lifting beyond your capacity.
WARNING! Always protect the batteries from freezing and never charge a frozen battery. Charging a frozen battery may result in damage to the battery.
WARNING! Connect your battery harnesses in the proper manner. RED (+) cables must be connected to positive (+) battery terminals/posts. BLACK (-) cables must be connected to negative (-) battery terminals/posts. Protective caps should be installed over all battery terminals. REPLACE cables immediately if damaged.
Removable Parts
WARNING! Do not attempt to lift or move a Go-Chair by any of its removable parts, including the armrests, seat, front riggings, controller, and shrouds.
Preventing Unintended Movement
WARNING! If you anticipate being seated in a stationary position for an extended period of time, turn off the power. This will prevent unexpected motion from inadvertent joystick contact. This will also eliminate the possibility of unintended chair movement from electromagnetic (EM) sources.
Reaching and Bending
Never reach, lean, or bend while driving your Go-Chair. If it is absolutely necessary to reach, lean, or bend while seated on your Go-Chair, it is important to maintain a stable center of gravity and keep the Go-Chair from tipping. Pride recommends that the Go-Chair user determine his/her personal limitations and practice bending and reaching in the presence of a qualified healthcare professional.
WARNING! Do not bend, lean, or reach for objects if you have to pick them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees or if you have to reach over the back of the seat. Movements such as these may change your center of gravity and the weight distribution of the Go-Chair. This may cause your Go-Chair to tip.
WARNING! Keep your hands away from the tires when driving. Be aware that loose fitting clothing can become caught in drive tires.
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