This document is an owner's manual for Colours wheelchairs, providing detailed information on their function, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance.
Function Description:
Colours wheelchairs are ultra-light, hand-crafted mobility devices designed for maximum comfort, safety, and independence. The manual covers various models including RazorBlade, Saber, Spazz-G, Little Dipper, Chump, Boing!, Spazz, ShockBlade, Zephyr, RazorBlade Jr., Saber Jr., Eclipse, Chump, Spazz-1<, and Krypto. The core function of these wheelchairs is to provide mobility and support for users, with a strong emphasis on adjustability to suit individual needs and preferences. Key adjustable features include the center of gravity, backrest angle and height, footrest position, wheel alignment, and shock settings (for models like Boing! and ShockBlade).
Important Technical Specifications:
- Weight Limitation: Do not exceed 250 pounds.
- Axle Plates (Saber): Adjustable for center of gravity and rear seat height. Tools required: 3/16" Allen Wrench, 7/16" Open End Wrench.
- Backrest Height: Adjustable in 1" increments. Two adjustable telescoping tubes (9" to 12" and 13" to 15") and four non-adjustable backrest support bars (8", 16", 17", and 18") are available.
- Brakes: Two different styles available, requiring adjustment based on rear axle position. When fully engaged, the brake should compress the tire by approximately 5-7 millimeters.
- Quick Release Axles: Standard for both front and rear wheels, allowing for easy removal and installation.
- Footrest: Adjustable for height and footplate angle.
- Tires: Require periodic checking for wear and pressure. Recommended air pressure is indicated on the tire sidewall.
- Rims: Should be serviced annually by an authorized Colours dealer. Loose or broken spokes need immediate replacement.
- Bearings: Sealed and do not require lubrication or maintenance, but should be inspected regularly for hair or foreign objects.
- Shocks (Boing! & ShockBlade only): Adjustable for length by loosening/tightening the nut at the top of the shock spring. Both shocks should be set to the same length.
- Air Ride System (for specific models): Maximum air pressure is 300 psi. Air pressure range is typically 50 to 210 psi. Pressure should be checked monthly using a Fox High Pressure Pump.
- Rear Seat Height: Adjustable by repositioning the axle plate.
- Front Seat Height: Adjustable by repositioning the caster housing. Three different axle and wheel sizes (small, medium, large) are available.
- Caster Angle: Caster axle angle should ideally be 90° to the ground. Adjustable via a unique camber disk and caster housing slots.
- Camber Angle: Refers to the vertical angle of the rear wheels, affecting handling and stability. An 8° camber is illustrated as an example.
- Wheel Alignment (Toe-In / Toe-Out): Critical for rolling resistance and directional stability. Distance between rear wheels (measured from center, front and rear) should not exceed 0-0.25" toe-in.
Usage Features:
- Safety Tips: Emphasizes starting slowly, seeking assistance for new maneuvers, maintaining control, performing a safety check before each use, and consulting a doctor/therapist.
- Weight Shift Precautions: To prevent falls or capsizing during dressing or physical activity, users should position front casters forward, lock anti-tippers (if installed) in the downward position, move the chair against a wall, and lock both rear wheels.
- Wheelie: Discouraged without assistance due to danger.
- Doorways: Operate on level floors, use ramps, keep hands on push rims for balance, and avoid forcing the chair over obstructions.
- Extending, Reaching, Leaning: Avoid leaning forward. If unavoidable, position casters forward, maneuver close to the object, secure oneself, do not lock rear wheels, and avoid applying pressure on the footrest.
- Navigating Inclines: Maintain a straight course, avoid turning, maintain slow/controlled speed, use steady pressure on push rims, do not use brakes to slow/stop, and utilize assistance if possible. Anti-tippers are important but hills can still be hazardous.
- Curbs: Seek assistance if possible, avoid hard impacts, lower the chair by gently rolling rear wheels down from a backward position if assisted, and never scale/descend curbs exceeding normal height.
- Stairs: Always use two or more assistants. One at the rear, one at the front. Secure the chair by holding non-detachable frame positions. Position backward for ascending, forward for descending (tilt back and roll down one step at a time). The rear assistant is always in control. Push handles are required.
- Escalators: Never use; use an elevator instead.
- Streets: Use extreme caution, reflective tape on chair/clothing increases visibility. Check local laws.
- Motor Vehicles: Do not drive or transport with a patient in the wheelchair.
- Accessories: Anti-tippers (for leaning, inclines, obstacles, wheelies), push handles (for assistant tilting/pushing), arm rests (for arm support).
Maintenance Features:
- General Maintenance: Colours wheelchairs are advanced, so for repairs and maintenance, it is critical to see an authorized Colours service provider. Consult with a Colours representative to establish a periodic maintenance program.
- Cleaning:
- Upholstery: Use warm water and mild soap, or upholstery cleaner/foam. Avoid other cleaning solvents.
- Frame: Clean with warm water and soap, car shampoo, or a mild non-abrasive cleaner. Dry thoroughly.
- Lubrication: One drop of lubricant is recommended once or twice a year in the brake assembly and on the backrest hinges for smooth operation.
- Wheel Maintenance:
- Tires: Check wear and pressure regularly. Maintain pressure within the indicated range.
- Rims: Annual servicing by an authorized Colours dealer. Replace loose or broken spokes promptly.
- Bearings: Inspect regularly for hair or foreign objects.
- Quick Release Axles: Ensure the quick release button pops back out to its locked position every time a wheel or caster is installed. Inspect the axle to verify release pins are out and the axle is locked.
- Air Ride System Maintenance: Check air pressure at least once a month. To pressurize, locate and remove the air valve cap, thread the pump's valve chuck onto the air valve (approx. 6 turns, do not overtighten), pump to desired pressure (50-210 psi average, max 300 psi). Decrease pressure by pushing the black bleed valve (halfway for general release, all the way for micro-adjust). When unthreading, air loss is from the pump hose, not the shock. Replace air valve cap.
- Warranty Policy: Valid only for the originally registered owner. Covers main frame (5 years for everyday, lifetime for some models, no warranty for sports), Air Ride Shock System (5 years), Baing Shock System (5 years), Back Rest Tube/Bracket (5 years), Axle Tube & Plate (5 years), Wheel Lock/Caster Fork/Axle Pins (1 year), Wheels (60 days), Wheel with Bite Locking Hub (1 year), Hand rims/Foot Plate/Bearings/Armrest (60 days), Fabric/Aluminum Side Guards/ABS Side Guards/Front Casters (30 days), Tires & Inner Tubes/Push Handle (No Warranty), OEM Products (Per Manufactures Warranty), Custom Parts (1 year), Hard Wear (1 year), Other Parts (60 days). Excludes labor/shipping, negligence, accident, improper operation, unauthorized modifications, and normal wear. Warranty claims require contacting the dealer. Serial numbers must be intact.
The manual emphasizes that many adjustments, especially advanced ones, should only be performed by an authorized Colours dealer to ensure safety and optimal performance.
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