Invacare Pronto M51 Base manual Using the Joystick to Drive the Wheelchair, Movement Action

SECTION 5—WHEELCHAIR OPERATION

Using the Joystick to Drive the Wheelchair

NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 5.2.

The joystick is located on the joystick housing and provides smooth control of speed and direction. It is equipped with 360 degrees of mobility for ease of operation. The joystick is spring‐loaded, and automatically returns to the upright (neutral) position when released. Pushing the joystick in a given direction causes the wheelchair to move in that direction.

The joystick has proportional drive control, meaning that the further it is pushed from the upright (neutral) position, the faster the wheelchair moves. The maximum speed, however, is limited by the setting of the speed‐control knob.

To slow the wheelchair to a stop, simply release the joystick. The wheelchair has automatic speed and direction compensation to minimize corrections.

When first learning to drive, select a slow speed and try to drive the wheelchair as slowly as possible by pushing the joystick slightly forward. This exercise will help you learn to utilize the full potential of the proportional control and allow you to start and stop smoothly.

To drive the wheelchair, perform the following:

1.Adjust speed control knob to the appropriate setting.

2.Turn the power On. Refer to Turning the Power On/Off on page 29.

3.Maneuver the joystick in the following manner:

MOVEMENT	ACTION	To Move	To Move
FORWARD	Push joystick forward, towards	Left	Forward
	the front of the wheelchair.		Front of
REVERSE	Pull joystick back, towards the
			Wheelchair
	rear of the wheelchair.
Turn RIGHT	Move joystick toward the right	To Move	To Move
	side of the wheelchair.	Backward	Right
Turn LEFT	Move joystick toward the left side		Joystick
	of the wheelchair.	Rear of
STOP	Release the joystick and the	Wheelchair
	wheelchair will slow to a stop.	FIGURE 5.2 Using the Joystick to Drive the
			Wheelchair

NOTE: For specific information about the joystick installed on the wheelchair, refer to one of these procedures:

•MK6i™ SPJ+ w/PSS and MK6i SPJ+ w/ACC Joystick Switches and Indicators on page 31.

•MPJ+ Joystick Switches and Indicators on page 33.

Pronto® M51™ Base with SureStep® 30 Part No. 1148076