VIPAMAT HIPPOCAMPE LEISURE Instructions For Use And Assembly

Instructions for use and assembly

2014

Page 1/11

Manufacturer: VIPAMAT FRANCE EN 12-01 Instructions for use and assembly – V1 - 26/11/2014

HIPPOCAMPE

LEISURE WHEELCHAIR

Instructions for use
and assembly

Instructions for use and assembly

2014

Page 2/11

Manufacturer: VIPAMAT FRANCE EN 12-01 Instructions for use and assembly – V1 - 26/11/2014

SUMMARY

GET TO KNOW YOUR HIPPOCAMPE ....................................................................................................... 3

MOUNTING THE WHEELS .......................................................................................................................... 4

ASSEMBLING THE PUSH BAR .................................................................................................................. 4

ASSEMBLING THE RECLINING BACKREST ............................................................................................ 5

ASSEMBLING THE RECLINING AND ADJUSTABLE BACKREST ........................................................... 5

ASSEMBLING THE ARMRESTS ................................................................................................................. 6

ASSEMBLING THE HEADREST ................................................................................................................. 7

ASSEMBLING THE HARNESS ................................................................................................................... 8

ASSEMBLING THE BRAKES ...................................................................................................................... 8

MOUNTING THE LARGE BEACH WHEELS ............................................................................................... 9

MOUNTING THE BACK SKIS ................................................................................................................... 10

Instructions for use and assembly

2014

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Manufacturer: VIPAMAT FRANCE EN 12-01 Instructions for use and assembly – V1 - 26/11/2014

GET TO KNOW YOUR HIPPOCAMPE

Congratulations! You have just purchased a Hippocampe wheelchair, the leisure and multi-activities Hippocampe
wheelchair of Vipamat.
The Hippocampe wheelchair created and manufactured by Vipamat allows you to: go to the beach, along seaside, go
into the water and go swimming, follow forest trails and coastal paths, go around gardens, and along the snowy paths.
It has been designed for disabled people of all ages. The Hippocampe can be used alone or accompanied, and several
accessories can be added on: a neoprene harness, a headrest, adjustable armrests, an adjustable backrest, parking
brakes, a backrest bag, a ski kit and a transport bag...
There are 4 sizes (in length) of wheelchairs S, M, L, and XL: only the frame length changes, the width of the seat is
always 40 cm, but the Hippocampe wheelchair can be equipped of a wider rear axle in order to get a space of 53 cm
between the wheels. The Hippocampe is approved for a maximum sitting user of 130 kgs.

FIRST USE
As this is the case with classic wheelchairs, there is a period of adaptation for using the Hippocampe.

For safety reasons, the user must be sitted as far back in the seat as possible when the wheelchair is pushed, the back
of the body on the the backrest.
The exterior wheel serves as a hand rim for the autonomous use, the grip inside the rim provides better handling.
You can turn the Hippocampe:

- By forcing the front wheel to skid (to the right or left).

- By turning on “2 wheels” alone or with help (the helper has to push down on the handle bar).
When entering water, the buoyancy of the front wheel means you will need to lean forward in order to remain stable on
the Hippocampe.
The level of the water immersion for the Hippocampe wheelchair must not exceed the seat height (for a good stability).
A helper will help you to ensure stability by holding the handlebar.

USUAL CAUTION
Before any use of the wheelchair, check that the wheels are correctly locked (by the clips), that the straps are suitably

tightened and that the buckles are fastened (see operating instructions).
For safety reasons, the user must be sitted as far back in the seat as possible when the wheelchair is pushed, the back
of the body on the the backrest.
The Hippocampe is approved for a maximum sitting user of 130 kgs.
The Hippocampe is not a boat, it allows entering into water up to the height of the seat and is not designed to float with
the user in it.
For bathing, wearing a lifejacket is obligatory, as its use within a guarded swimming area.
Precaution for the water entering:
It is recommended that you lean forward (the buoyancy of the front wheel may unbalance backward).
A helper is required for entering into the water and swimming.
Users must be pushed exclusively by capable adults.
Watch out for the incoming tide, currents and shore breaks.
For wheelchairs not equipped with brakes we recommend the utmost caution on beaches and steep slipways.
Do not use the Hippocampe when a wheel is punctured or flat.
Using the Hippocampe with more than one person in it is prohibited.
Standing up on the seat or the footrest guard is prohibited.
Modifying the structure of the wheelchair is prohibited.
Avoid going under obstacles with the wheelchair.
Avoid hand-braking on steep surfaces due to the risk of heating and injuries.
Do not move about on slopes greater than 15%.
Do not clear obstacles larger than 10 cm.
The seat is designed not to catch fire (within 15 seconds) on contact with cigarettes or matches.
You must always be accompanied, especially for entering into the water, when you use a harness.
The strict adherence to the recommendations and advises writing on this document is imperative.

GUARANTEE, SERIAL NUMBER, AND PRODUCT'S LIFETIME
This product is guaranteed 2 years for parts and labor starting from the date of purchase (as proved by the sales

receipt). The guarantee consists in replacing defective parts. This guarantee does not apply when the product is used
for unauthorized purposes and does not take into consideration the normal wear of parts of the wheelchair. In view the
condition in which the Hippocampe can be used, its expected lifetime is 4 years after the purchase date.
The product's serial number is located on the label placed on the rear axle of the frame and engraved on the frame's
rear axle.
Each option has its own serial number engraved on the accessory.

CAUTION

The Hippocampe wheelchair is water-resistant, its aluminium, plastic and stainless steel components come from the
nautical and bicycle industries. But, like all materials that come into contact with seawater (wetsuits, kayaks, boat
engines, etc.), the Hippocampe must be rinsed after any use. Without this regular maintenance, salt deposits can
damage its structure.
The Vipamat Company denies any responsibility concerning damages due to such negligence.

Instructions for use and assembly

2014

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Manufacturer: VIPAMAT FRANCE EN 12-01 Instructions for use and assembly – V1 - 26/11/2014

MOUNTING THE WHEELS

ASSEMBLING THE PUSH BAR

Advices to inflate the wheels:

- You can change the tyre pressure from 0.5 bar for soft sand to 1.5 bar for solid ground.

- The front wheel is a low-pressure wheel, she has a function of shock absorber and avoids to get stuck.

- It can be inflated with an inflating needle.

Caution: the diameter must not exceed 250 mm to avoid that the wheel rubs with the front footrest of the

Hippocampe.

1. Insert the 2 joints parts into the extremities of the frame tube
(up to the clips).

2. Press the 2 clips simultaneously, while pushing the handlebar,
until they come out.

3. Verification: by exerting a pressure on the clip, it goes out of
the push bar's gallows.

NB: The serial number is engraved on the bottom part of one of
the vertical tube.

1. Insert slowly the end of the half wheel axle into the hub and next into the
rear frame axle by pressing the clip (without pinching fingers).

2. Turn the wheel axle and guide the clip out of the hole by turning the
wheel axle.

3. Verification: by exerting a pressure on the clip, it goes out of the rear axle
of the frame.