Vermeiren Sigma Manuel D'utilisation page 16

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• Even with your wheelchair lights on, it is not suitable to drive on public roads at poor visibility
(darkness, mist, twilight). Make sure that you are well visible, also during daylight hours, by
using fluorescent clothing and/or by using own lighting at the front and rear side of the
wheelchair.
• Be aware of other road users to whom your wheelchair may be an obstacle. Pay special
attention during turning and reversing. If you are not acquainted with how to drive backwards,
first practice in an open area. Indicate the direction you are intending to go before turning.
• Try to drive straight in small passages to prevent getting trapped.
• Keep the braking distance in mind. Be aware that the braking distance depends on speed,
surface, weather conditions, slope and weight of the user.
3.2.1 Cope with slopes, kerbs, obstacles or ramps
CAUTION
• Use a restraining safety belt to secure yourself sitting in the wheelchair.
• Pay attention if the road is sandy, has soft ground, holes or gaps that may cause entrapment
of the wheels and/or decreasing of the traction of the mid wheel.
• Do NOT drive on slopes, obstacles, steps or kerbs larger than the size described in the
technical specifications in chapter 5. If steeper ramps can not be avoided, see the instructions
in §2.4.3.
• Always approach a kerb from the front.
• Do not put your wheelchair in free-wheel mode on a slope. The wheelchair may start moving,
causing injuries to you or bystanders.
• Do not use your wheelchair on an escalator or stairs.
• Only use ramps approved by Vermeiren and do not exceed their maximum load.
When you stop on a slope, the brake will work automatically to prevent the wheelchair from
running forward or backward.
CAUTION
• Always park your electric wheelchair on horizontal flat surfaces and on sites that are easily
accessible.
• If necessary, take a short run-up to speed up the wheelchair to mount a slope, obstacle, kerb
or ramp. Prevent that you or your wheelchair has to cope with a large recoil.
• Make sure that the wheelchair does not touch the ground or ramp due to the inclination of the
wheelchair.
• Be aware that the braking distance on downhill slopes can be significantly larger than on level
ground.
Procedure
• Start your drive according to the instructions in § 3.1, step 1.
• To move the wheelchair up or down stairs/steps, use lifting equipment or a ramp. If these are
not available, it can be lifted manually by at least three persons, grasping the frame firmly with
both hands. Do not use the backrest, footplate(s), armrests, or wheels to grasp the wheelchair.
• To cope with obstacles or inclinations:
1. Adjust the wheelchair to its most stable position, see § 3.6.
2. Drive as slow as possible to cope with the obstacle or inclination.
Risk of injuries by unexpected movement
Risk of damage
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Sigma, Sigma 230
2021-01
Using your wheelchair