Outdoor Driving Surfaces

I I . S A F E T Y

Your wheelchair 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 wheelchair is designed to perform admirably on packed soil, grass, and gravel. Feel free to use your wheelchair safely on lawns and in park areas.

Avoid driving on uneven terrain and/or soft surfaces.

Avoid tall grass that can entangle the drive wheels or caster wheels.

Avoid loosely packed gravel and sand.

Avoid uneven surfaces.

Do not use your wheelchair in fresh or salt water.

Do not use your wheelchair 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 wheelchair to inclement weather conditions should be avoided whenever possible. If suddenly caught up in rain, snow, severe cold or heat while operating your wheelchair, proceed to shelter at the earliest opportunity. Thoroughly dry your wheelchair before storing or operating your wheelchair.

PROHIBITED! Operating in rain, snow, salt, mist/spray conditions, and on icy/slippery surfaces can have an adverse effect on your wheelchair. Maintain and store your wheelchair 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 wheelchair, possibly resulting in skin irritation. Exercise caution when using the wheelchair in extremely hot or cold conditions or when exposing your wheelchair 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 wheelchair is traveling perpendicular to any curb you may be required to navigate. See figure 2.

WARNING! Even though your wheelchair 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 wheelchair.

WARNING! Do not attempt to have your wheelchair proceed backward down any step, curb, or other obstacle. This may cause the wheelchair to tip.

Figure 2. Correct Curb Approach

Figure 3. Incorrect Curb Approach

Stairs and Escalators

Wheelchairs are not designed to travel up or down stairs or escalators. Always use an elevator.

WARNING! Never use your wheelchair to negotiate steps or escalators.

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