Karma Ergo-Lite Series - 2.3 Negotiating Inclines

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2.1 Doorways
The safest way to operate the wheelchair is on level floors that are free of obstacles.
Whenever possible use a ramp to enter or exit a facility. Keeping your hands on the
push rims will allow you to maintain maximum balance. Do not try to force yourself
over an obstruction by propulsion and never use the sides of a doorway to pull
yourself through a passageway.
2.2 Leaning
Do not lean over the side of your wheelchair since such an action may cause your to
lose balance and fall. (See Figure 2.1.)
2.3 Negotiating Inclines
2.3.1 Never turn on a hill due to the danger of tipping.
2.3.2 When an attendant is pushing the wheelchair straight up a slope, if the user
needs to go down midway on the slope, walk backwards until the user is on
level ground. (See Figures 2.2 and 2.3)
2.3.3 Do not drive up to 7 degrees of incline to avoid danger. When negotiating
inclines, don't propel up to 3 degrees of incline diagonally.
2.3.4 Avoid stopping on an incline, it can potentially cause you to lose control of the
wheelchair.
2.3.5 Do not use the brakes to slow down or stop the wheelchair, this could cause it
to seize up and make the user to lose control or fall out of the wheelchair.
2.3.6 Whenever possible, utilize help from an assistant/attendant while negotiating
inclines.
CAUTION:
● Although the product has met ISO 7176-1 requirements, we still recommend
you not to drive on any slope (in any direction) greater than 7 degrees. If your
daily activities require crossing slopes, we suggest you purchase and install
anti-tippers to increase the stability of the wheelchair.