Freerider FR168W - Manual (Page 4)

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WARNING! Even though your power 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 power chair.
Freerider recommends that the maximum slope of an incline you attempt to safely ascend or descend
on your power chair does not exceed 6°. (See figure 1).
Figure 1.Maximum Safe Slope (Ascending and Descending)
WARNING! Any attempt to climb or descend a slope steeper than 6° may put your power chair
in an unstable position and cause it to tip.
FREEWHEEL MODE
Your power 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 power chair into and out of
freewheel mode, see “GETTING TO KNOW YOUR POWER CHAIR”.
WARNING! Do not use your power chair in freewheel mode without an attendant present.
WARNING! Do not attempt to personally place your power chair in freewheel mode while seated
on it. Ask an attendant for assistance if necessary.
WARNING! Do not place your power chair in freewheel mode while on an incline or decline.
This could cause the chair to roll uncontrollably on its own.
BRAKING INFORMATION
Your power chair is equipped with two powerful brake systems:
1. Regenerative — uses electricity to rapidly slow the vehicle when the joystick returns to the center/
stop position.
2. 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 power chair is equipped with front anti-tip wheels and rear caster 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
power 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
Outdoor Driving Surfaces
Your power chair is designed to provide optimum stability under normal driving conditions—dry, level
surfaces composed of concrete, blacktop, or asphalt. However, Freerider recognizes that there will be
times when you will encounter other surface types. For this reason, your power chair is designed to
perform admirably on packed soil, grass, and gravel. Feel free to use your power 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 power chair in fresh or salt water.
■ Do not use your power chair at the edge of a stream, lake, or ocean.
■ If you feel unsure about a driving surface, avoid that surface.
WARNING! You should not operate your power chair on public streets and roadways. Be aware
that it may be difficult for traffic to see you when you are seated on your power chair. Obey all local
pedestrian traffic rules. Wait until your path is clear of traffic, and then proceed with extreme caution.
INCLEMENT WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
Exposure of your power chair to inclement weather conditions should be avoided whenever possible.
If suddenly caught up in rain, snow, severe cold or heat while operating your power chair, proceed
to shelter at the earliest opportunity. Thoroughly dry your power chair before storing, charging, or
operating your power 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 power 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 power chair, possibly resulting in skin irritation. Exercise
caution when using the power chair in extremely hot or cold conditions or when exposing your power
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 power chair is traveling perpendicular to any curb you may
be required to navigate.
To navigate up over a curb or stationary obstacle:
1. Approach the curb or obstacle slowly, and make sure the power 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
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 power 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 power chair may be capable of handling greater obstacles,
Freerider recommends that you do not attempt to negotiate a curb that has a height greater than 2 in.