Safety Tips
To avoid tilting and dangerous situations, you should first become familiar with your new wheelchair on flat
ground
➜ Do not use the footplate/s when getting into your wheelchair. These parts are designed to flip-up and swing
away before.
➜ Find out together with a person assisting you, in which way the wheelchair reacts on centre of gravity shifting;
for example on gradients or in the case of lateral inclinations or when clearing obstacles, like steps and kerbs.
Use of an anti-tipper is recommended for untrained wheelchair users and children, but also in the case of
extreme adjustments of the rear wheel.
➜ The anti-tipper is a component that has been designed to prevent the wheelchair from tipping over backwards.
The anti-tipper should never be used to support the back of the wheelchair with the rear wheels removed. If
the wheelchair must be used with the rear wheels removed, the optional transport wheels must be used.
➜ The wheelchair may tip already on even ground, if extreme adjustments have taken place (e.g. rear wheels
have been attached in their more forward position) and if the body has not been appropriately positioned.
➜ On ascending slopes bend your upper body far forward.
➜ Make sure when reaching for objects lying in front, at the side or behind the wheelchair, that you do not lean
out of the wheelchair too far, as tilting over or tipping might occur due to centre of gravity shifting.
➜ Use your wheelchair only properly. For example, avoid driving against obstacles (steps, kerbs) without braking
or jumping down from half-landings.
➜ Stairs should only be cleared with the assistance of attendants. If devices (e.g. ascending ramps or elevators)
can be used, this should be done. In case devices of this kind are missing, two helpers must carry the
wheelchair over the obstacle.
If only one helper is available, this person should adjust a possibly mounted anti-tipper in a way that during
transportation the anti-tipper does not contact the steps, because otherwise heavy falls might occur.
Subsequently the anti-tipper must be correctly readjusted.
➜ Be certain that your wheelchair is lifted by the attendant only at firmly attached components (for example not
at the footrest or the flip-up side panels).
➜ If your wheelchair is provided with height adjustable push handles, make sure that the clamp levers are firmly
tightened.
➜ Engage your locks when standing on uneven ground or when transferring (e.g. to a car).
➜ Effectiveness of the wheel locks and also the general driving behaviour are dependent on the air pressure.
Correctly inflated rear wheels and equal air pressure on both wheels considerably improve manoeuvrability of
your wheelchair.
➜ Therefore, check pneumatic tires for proper inflation levels (printed on the side wall) before starting with your
wheelchair. The correct air pressure for the rear wheels should be 3.5 bar (350 kPa) at the minimum.
Efficiency of the brakes can only be ensured if sufficient air pressure and correct adjustment (5 mm distance
at the maximum, subject to technical alterations) have been provided.
➜ Be certain that your pneumatic tires have sufficient tread depth.
➜ Please note, that when using your wheelchair in the public traffic, you are subjected to observe the traffic
regulations according to the Road Traffic Act.
➜ Make sure that you can be well seen in the darkness. If possible, wear light clothes or clothes provided with
reflectors, and be certain that the reflectors installed at the side and the rear of the wheelchair are well visible.
We recommend to attach active lighting as well.
➜ For transfemoral amputees an extended wheelbase will be indispensable.
➜ Please note, that when using lifting platforms the possibly mounted anti-tipper is outside the danger-area.
➜ If seat and backrest upholstery are damaged, please replace them immediately.
➜ CAUTION when using fire, especially burning cigarettes: seat and backrest upholstery might catch fire.
➜ To avoid hand injuries, do not grip between rear wheel and wheel lock when pushing your wheelchair.
➜ The maximum load for the wheelchairs Avantgarde TR, V, SL and D is 120 kg, for Avantgarde Teen 90 kg, for
Avantgarde XXL 160 kg.
If aluminum push rings are used, the fingers may be easily heated due to slowing down from high speed or on
longer gradient ways.
➜ When using your wheelchair outdoors, wear leather gloves for better gripping and in order to protect your
fingers against dirt and heating.
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