Pride Mobility INFMAN63121 User Manual

Z-Chair

1-800-800-8586 (US) 1-888-570-1 113 (Canada)

SAFETY GUIDELINES

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 Z-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 specif ied. 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 perf ormed 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.

Authorized Pride Provider:_____________________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number:___________________________________________________________________________

Purchase Date:____________________________________________________________________________

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 © 2008
Pride Mobility Products Corp.
INFMANU3121/Rev C/April 2008

CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................4

II. SAFETY....................................................................................................................................................5

III. YOUR Z-CHAIR ....................................................................................................................................17

IV. ASSEMBLY/DISASSEMBLY...........................................................................................................20

V. COMFORT ADJUSTMENTS...........................................................................................................23

VI. BA TTERIES AND CHARGING .......................................................................................................25

VII. CARE AND MAINTENANCE ...........................................................................................................30

VIII.WARRANTY...........................................................................................................................................35

APPENDIX I - SPECIFICA TIONS ..........................................................................................................37

Z-Chair www.pridemobility.com 3

I. INTRODUCTION

SAFETY

WELCOME to Pride Mobility Products Corporation (Pride). The travel chair you have purchased combines state-of­the-art components with safety, comfort, and styling in mind. W e 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. Y ou must also read all instructions, warnings, and notes contained in any supplemental instructional booklets for
the controller, front riggings, and/or seating system that accompanied your travel before initial operation. Y our 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. Failur e to follow the instructions in this manual and those

located on your Z-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.

INFORMA TION EXCHANGE

W e want to hear your questions, comments, and suggestions about this manual. W e 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 V ansickle Road Unit 350
182 Susquehanna A venue St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 6P7
Exeter, P A 18643-2694 1-888-570-1113
customercare@pridemobility .com
1-800-424-8205

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.

4 www.pridemobility.com Z-Chair

II. SAFETY

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 inf ormation in the owner’s man ual.

Do not allow unsupervised 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 corr ect 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.

Z-Chair www.pridemobility.com 5

II. SAFETY

Do not lift the mobility product while seated in it.

Do not lift the mobility product while seated in it.

Do not connect an extension cord to the AC/DC con verter 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.

6 www.pridemobility.com Z-Chair

II. SAFETY

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.

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.

Z-Chair www.pridemobility.com 7

II. SAFETY

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.

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.

8 www.pridemobility.com Z-Chair

II. SAFETY

SAFETY

MANDA T O RY! Do not operate y our new Z-Chair f or the first time without completely reading and
understanding this owner’s manual.

Y our Z-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 Z-Chair user . Please be aware that the final selection and purchas­ing decision regarding the type of power chair to be used is the responsibility of the Z-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 Z-Chair 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 Z-Chair user will need to practice operating the
Z-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 Z-Chair user in various daily living activities.

As you begin using your Z-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 the
Z-Chair safely.

Modifications

Pride has designed and engineered your Z-Chair to provide maximum mobility and utility . A wide range of accessories is
available from your authorized Pride Provider to further customize your Z-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
Z-Chair .

WARNING! Do not modify your Z-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 Z-Chair and its capabilities. Pride recommends that you perform a safety check before each
use to make sure your Z-Chair operates smoothly and safely .

Perform the following inspections prior to using your Z-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.

Z-Chair www.pridemobility.com 9

II. SAFETY

Weight Limitations

Y our Z-Chair is rated for a maximum weight capacity . Please refer to the specifications table for this limit.

MANDATORY! Stay within the specified weight capacity of your Z-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 carr y passengers on your Z-Chair. Carrying passeng ers on your Z-Chair may
affect the center of gravity, resulting in a tip or a fall.

Tire Inflation

If your Z-Chair is equipped with pneumatic tires, you should check or have the air pressure checked at least once a week.
Proper inflation pressures will prolong the life of your tires and help ensure the smooth operation of your Z-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 the pneumatic tires at all times may result in tire and/or wheel failure.

WARNING! Inflate your Z-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 Z-Chair.

! Proceed with extreme caution as you approach the downgrade of a ramp or other incline.
! T ake wide swings with your travel chair’ s front wheels around any tight corners. If you do that, the travel 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 travel chair’s speed adjustment set to the slowest speed setting to ensure a

safely controlled descent.

! A void sudden stops and starts.
When climbing an incline, try to keep your Z-Chair moving. If you must stop, start up again slowly and then accelerate

cautiously. When driving down an incline, set your Z-Chair to the slowest setting and drive in the forward direction only. If
your Z-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, ne ver place the Z-Chair in freewheel
mode 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 Z-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! Y ou 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 backwards. Doing so may cause the Z-Chair
to tip. Always exercise extreme caution when negotiating an incline.

10 www.pridemobility .com Z-Chair

II. SAFETY

WARNING! If your Z-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
could result in the Z-Chair tipping over .

WARNING! Even though your Z-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 Z-Chair .

Pride recommends that the maximum slope of an incline you attempt to safely ascend or descend on your Z-Chair 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 Z-Chair
in an unstable position and cause it to tip.

Figure 1. Maximum Safe Incline/Decline Angles

Freewheel Mode

Y our Z-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 Z-Chair into and out of freewheel mode, see III. “Y our Z-Chair .”

WARNING! Do not use your Z-Chair in freewheel mode without an attendant present.
WARNING! Do not attempt to personally place your Z-Chair in freewheel mode while

seated on it. Ask an attendant for assistance if necessary.
WARNING! Do not place your Z-Chair in freewheel mode while on an incline or decline.

This could cause the chair to roll uncontrollably on its own.

Braking Information

Y our Z-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 Z-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 Z-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.

Z-Chair www.pridemobility.com 11

II. SAFETY

Public Streets and Roadways

WARNING! Y ou should not operate your Z-Chair on public streets and roadways. Be aware that it
may be difficult for traffic to see you when you are seated on your Z-Chair . Obey all local pedestrian
traffic rules. Wait until your path is clear of traffic, and then proceed with extreme caution.

Outdoor Driving Surfaces

Y our Z-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 Z-Chair is designed to perform admirably on packed soil, grass, and gravel. Feel free to use
your Z-Chair safely on lawns and in park areas.

! Reduce your travel chair’s speed when driving on uneven terrain and/or soft surfaces.
! A void tall grass that can entangle the running gear .
! A void loosely packed gravel and sand.
! If you feel unsure about a driving surface, avoid that surface.

Inclement Weather Precautions

Exposure of your Z-Chair to inclement weather conditions should be avoided whenever possible. If suddenly caught up in
rain, snow , severe cold or heat while operating your Z-Chair, proceed to shelter at the earliest opportunity . Thoroughly dry
your Z-Chair before storing, charging, or operating your Z-Chair .

PROHIBITED! Operating in rain, snow, salt, mist/spr ay conditions, and on icy/slipper y surfaces
can have an adv erse effect on the electrical system. Maintain and store your Z-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 the Z-Chair in extremely hot or cold conditions or when exposing your Z-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.). Be sure your Z-Chair is traveling perpendicular to any curb you may be required to navigate. See figure 2.

WARNING! Do not attempt to have your Z-Chair climb or descend an obstacle that is higher than
1 in. (2.54 cm) unless you have the assistance of an attendant.

WARNING! Do not attempt to have your Z-Chair proceed backwards down any step, curb, or other
obstacle. This may cause the Z-Chair to tip.

Figure 2. Correct Curb Approach

Figure 3. Incorrect Curb Approach

12 www.pridemobility .com Z-Chair