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machine will operate in reverse. The same applies with the left hand lever. Pulling towards you is reverse, pushing away,
forwards.
WARNING – There is a slight delay between operating the lever and the scooter moving. This is a safety feature so do not think
you have to move the lever further. Wait for the scooter to move before applying more pressure.
4. YOUR FIRST DRIVE
1. Ideally select a quiet large open area free from traffic in order to practice, preferably with a companion who can assist
you.
2. Make sure you and your Buddy are on a level surface.
3. Get comfortably seated making sure the tiller is locked in position and the armrests are down.
4. Set the speed switch to slow (Turtle)
5. Switch the ON/OFF key to on, the green status light will come on as will the battery condition indicator lights
6. Gently squeeze the right hand lever towards you and you will move off in a forward motion. Squeezing the lever more
will increase your speed but only do this if you feel safe. To stop simply release the lever and the brakes will be
automatically applied.
Care! Warning - Take care not to have any pressure on the forward/reverse levers when you switch on. If this happens the
scooter will not move and instead go into a fault mode and lights will flash. To clear the fault, switch off, wait a couple of
seconds then switch on again.
GETTING OFF – Always switch off your scooter before dismounting. Make sure that you dismount the unit on a level surface
PARKING - If you need to park and leave your Buddy simply remove your key. This will keep the brake on and will make your
scooter difficult to move. It is best to leave it in sight of someone (like a store assistant, etc) who can watch it for you. Another
precaution is to make a note of the serial number of the scooter. Your serial number can be found on the tiller.
DRIVING - Make certain that you are properly seated on your Buddy. Ensure that the “speed switch” is on slow for your first
drive. When you have become more confident, you can increase the setting to the higher speed. Pull the lever control as
described earlier. You will very gently accelerate. The more you pull the lever, the quicker you will go. Release the lever and
you will gently stop. Practice these two basic functions until you get used to them.
Steering the Buddy is easy and logical by turning the handlebars in the direction you wish to manoeuvre. Be sure to remember
to give a wide clearance when turning so that the rear wheels follow the path of the front one, instead of cutting short.
Cutting short on pavement corners can mean that a back wheel will go off the pavement causing a stability problem. Avoid this
at all times by steering an exaggerated wide arc around the obstacle.
If you must steer in a tight spot, such as entering a doorway or when turning around, stop and turn the handlebars to where you
want to go, then apply the power gently. This will make the scooter turn sharply. It will still go gently and with complete stability.
Practice in an open area until you are proficient.
Reversing requires attention. Be sure the speed switch is on “slow” before you reverse. Pull the left reverse lever. Remember:
When you reverse you have to steer in the opposite direction of the way you want to go. Practice is required here. Again, use
that open space. Please note that, as a safety requirement, reverse speed is half that of forward speed.
REMEMBER - If it is a tight turn, turn your steering column before applying power. Steer wide of all corners and obstacles.
Please move slowly and with care.
Care! Warning – Do not turn your ON/OFF key switch to “OFF” position when your scooter is in motion. Failure to observe this
warning may irreparably damage the main electronic speed control unit or drive transmission. Always first slow your Buddy
down to a stationary position before you switch the scooter off. It is also dangerous to switch off when the scooter is in motion,
as the brakes apply instantly.
When you start using your Buddy, you will meet some obstacles that will require some practice to drive through smoothly.
Here are some common problems, with tips that will help you master them quickly. You will soon be in control through doors,
up and down ramps, up and over curbs, through grass and gravel, with surprising ease by following these tips.
CONTROL THROUGH DOORS – Approach an unfamiliar door slowly, sizing it up. Does it have a knob or a push bar? Does it
open towards you or away? Think in terms of using the power of the scooter to do the work for you! You need not strain.
If it opens away from you, hold the doorknob or bar in one hand and apply power with the other hand. (Remember that you can
drive forwards by using your left hand to move the throttle lever away from you). If the door is self-closing you can go through
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