7. Safety
Safety Checklist
• A helmet and safety belt are recommended.
• Engage the wheel locks on your wheelchair before attaching or detaching the Firefly
TM
2.5, also
engage the parking brake button located on the Firefly’s right brake lever.
• Make sure the coupler plates are fully closed and locked onto the mounting clamps by checking that
the curved green lines on the sides of the coupler plates are visible.
• Check to make sure all bolts are tight, and all quick-release clamps are securely closed.
• Make sure the hand brakes work properly before using your wheelchair attachment.
• Do not add any parts or accessories not authorized by Rio Mobility to your wheelchair attachment.
Any modifications could be unsafe and will void your warranty.
Before You Ride
Make sure that your Firefly
TM
2.5 is installed, adjusted, and maintained properly. Do not use the
Firefly
TM
2.5 until you and your health care professional determine that you have the ability to use it
safely in an uncontrolled environment.
Use your wheelchair as described in your wheelchair manual and use the Firefly
TM
2.5 in the same safe
manner that you would a wheelchair with push-rims. Follow all additional warnings and instructions for
the Firefly
TM
2.5 in this manual.
Controlling the Firefly
Always watch out for vehicle traffic and pedestrians when riding on the road and sidewalk and follow all
traffic regulations. Follow all local regulations that apply to this device.
Always mind your speed, especially when turning. You should have full control of your wheelchair at all
times. Do not exceed the maximum allowable speed recommended by your wheelchair manufacturer.
Three-wheeled vehicles are less stable in turns compared to wheelchairs alone, so be careful to keep all
three wheels on the ground and moderate your speed when approaching curves.
Be careful when reaching and leaning left or right from your wheelchair with your handcycle attached —
the longer wheelbase makes it less stable in sideways leans than your regular wheelchair. Narrow
wheelchairs are less stable in general, so be extra careful if your wheelchair is particularly narrow.
Obstacles
Be careful going over bumps and curbs over two inches (50mm) high. Your caster wheels may strike
these surfaces, causing a loss of control. Use your wheelchair's push-rims to get over bumps, not the
wheelchair attachment. Approach bumps and curbs straight on and at low speed to avoid injury or
damage to your wheelchair. Be aware of road surfaces, especially on inclines. Watch out for water, ice,
and oil film.
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