Alber viamobil eco User manual

Brems- und Schiebehilfe
viamobil eco
www.alber.de
23.0001.4.99.01
Gebrauchsanweisung D
User manual GB/US
Instructions d’utilisation F
Manual de instrucciones E
Istruzioni per l‘uso I
Brugsvejledning DK
Gebruiksaanwijzing NL
Bruksanvisning N
Instruktionsbok S
Käyttöohjeet FIN
ROLLSTUHL SCHIEBEN
OHNE KRAFTAUFWAND
Deckblatt.indd 5 12.09.2006 13:11:24

Gebrauchsanweisung D
User manual GB/US
Instructions d’utilisation F
Manual de instrucciones E
Istruzioni per l‘uso I
Brugsvejledning DK
Gebruiksaanwijzing NL
Bruksanvisning N
Instruktionsbok S
Käyttöohjeet FIN
Service Center (Deutschland)
Montag bis Donnerstag von
8.00 - 18.00 Uhr
Freitags von
8.00 - 16.00 Uhr
erreichbar unter
Telefon [phone]
(gebührenfrei)
Das viamobil ist klassifiziert
als Gerät Typ B.
Deckblatt.indd 6 12.09.2006 13:11:25

10
9
8
7
5
4
3
2
1
6
11
15
13
9
12 14
26
18
16
17
15
20
19
28
29
27
30
21
22
23
24
Deckblatt.indd 1 12.09.2006 13:11:19

81
Service Centre (Germany)
Monday to Thursday from
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fridays from
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
available on
phone [phone]
(free of charge)
Content
1. Introduction 2
1.1 Important Safety Instructions – please take note 2
1.2 Purpose of viamobil 2
1.3 Permissible Operating Conditions / Points of Use 2
1.4 Standard Scope of Delivery 2
1.5 Technical Data 3
1.6 The most Important Elements at a Glance 4
2. Starting-up 5
2.1 Extending Drive Wheels 6
2.2 Activating Roll Operation 7
2.3 Fixing viamobil to the Wheelchair 8
2.4 Selecting Requested Speed 10
2.5 Driving Forwards 10
2.6 Driving Backwards 10
2.7 Finishing Driving 11
2.8 Retracting Drive Wheels 12
2.9 Removing viamobil from the Wheelchair 13
3. Rechargeable battery pack 14
3.1 Inserting Rechargeable Battery Pack into Drive Unit 14
3.2 Removing Rechargeable Battery Pack from Drive Unit 14
3.3 Charging Rechargeable Battery Pack 15
3.4 Replacing the Fuse in the Rechargeable Battery Pack 15
3.5 General Information on the Batteries Used 16
4. Storage 17
5. Transport 18
5.1 Dismantling viamobil into Components 18
5.2 Assembling viamobil Handle Bar 19
6. Handle Bar Settings 21
7. Fault Indications 22
7.1 Continuous Light of LED Status Display 22
7.2 Blink Code of LED Status Display 22
7.3 What should be done if... 23
8. Anti-tipers 24
9. Tips on First-time Driving 25
10. Safety Instructions and Hazard Warnings 26
10.1 Safety Instructions 26
10.2 Obstacles 27
10.3 Danger Spots and Danger Situations 27
11. Support, Maintenance and Disposal 29
11.1 Charging Rechargeable Battery Pack 29
11.2 Cleaning 29
11.3 Maintenance 29
11.4 Disposal 30
11.5 Reuse 30
12. Warranty, Guarantee and Liability 31
12.1 Warranty for Defects 31
12.2 Service Life Guarantee 31
12.3 Liability 31
GA-V14-USA.indd 1 18.09.2006 11:51:17

2
1. Introduction
1.1 Important Safety Instructions – please take note
viamobil is a pushing and braking assistance, which is to be exclusively used by a person accompanying the wheelchair
occupant. The wheelchair occupant is on no account to personally operate the viamobil as a wheelchair electric drive.
For safety reasons viamobil is furthermore only to be operated by people, who
have been instructed as to its operation
are physically and mentally capable of operating this unit safely in all operating situations.
Instruction on how to operate the unit is an integral part of the scope of delivery and given after an appointment has
been arranged with your specialist dealer or one of Alber‘s regional managers. No additional costs are incurred hereby.
Please contact your specialist dealer or one of Alber‘s regional managers if you are still not quite sure how to operate
and handle the viamobil.
You can also get in touch with the Alber Service Centre on
(telephone [phone]) in the event of any possible technical faults.
Please observe the specified values provided by the manufacturer of your wheelchair (i.e. maximum incline, air pressu-
re in the wheels etc.) as well as the general operating instructions when operating the viamobil. Details on threshold
values are on no account to be exceeded.
The viamobil should be switched off initially on safe terrain when mobile phone or similar device is used. Trips near
strong electrical noise fields should also be avoided.
Operation of the viamobil could interfere with other facilities, such as checkpoint security systems in large department
stores.
It is imperative that you avoid starting-up the viamobil prior to being instructed in how to operate
it by an Alber regional manager or authorised specialist dealer!
1.2 Purpose of viamobil
viamobil is attached to a manual wheelchair as an add-on drive to support the attendant person of a wheelchair occu-
pant when pushing and braking the wheelchair, thus enabling longer trips to be managed without becoming tired.
Uphill, the electric motor of the viamobil delivers the power to push the wheelchair; downhill, the viamobil reliably
maintains the preset speed and thus allows for the safe manoeuvring of downward sloping routes..
Make sure you become familiar with the safety instructions and hazard warnings in chapter 10 before starting off on
your trip.
1.3 Permissible Operating Conditions / Points of Use
Pay attention to the instructions on the permissible operating conditions in the instruction manual for your
wheelchair, to which the viamobil is attached. Restrictions of permissible operating conditions (i.e. maximum clim-
bing capability, maximum permissible obstacle height, maximum occupant weight etc.) also have to be observed
when using viamobil!
Avoid driving on surfaces that are not firm (i.e. on loose gravel, in sand, mud, snow, ice or through deep puddles of
water).
Pay attention to the safety instructions and hazard warnings in chapter 10.
1.4 Standard Scope of Delivery
Hand grips
Drive unit
Battery charger
Rechargeable battery pack
Instruction manual
Information on terms of guarantee
etc.
Anti-tippers (see chapter 8) are also available as optional accessories.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
GA-V14-USA.indd 2 18.09.2006 11:51:18

83
1.5 Technical Data
Drive unit: range up to 12 km(*)
Speed: continuous up to max. 6 km/h (forwards) or max. 3 km/h (backwards)
Incline: up to max. 10% incline on uphill slope / downhill slope (at 120 kg occupant weight)
Motor power rating: 200 Watt
Rechargeable battery pack
Battery packs: 2 x 12 Volt, 9 Ah, permitted for air transportation by IATA and DOT
Operating nominal voltage: 24 Volt
Operating temperature: ambient temperature area (approx. -25°C to + 50°C)
Weight of components:
Rechargeable battery pack: 6.0 kg
Drive: 10.5 kg
Hand grips: 2.0 kg
Battery charger. 0.5 kg
Total weight: 19.0 kg
(*) The range varies according to the terrain the wheelchair is driven on and the prevailing driving conditions. The specified range
can be attained with the optimum driving conditions (flat terrain, freshly charged batteries, ambient temperature of 20°C, smooth
drive etc.).
The viamobil meets the EC guidelines for medical products 93/42/EWG .
Subject to changes in technology and design due to constant further developments.
Battery charger
Technical notices and instructions can be read in the instructions accompanying
the battery charger.
GA-V14-USA.indd 3 18.09.2006 11:51:18

4
1.6 The most Important Elements at a Glance
(for this, please open up the overview diagram on the book cover)
Chassis
Drive wheels 1
Pedal 2
Lower bolt 3
Upper bolt 4
Base carrier 5
Hand grips
Hand wheel 6
Handle 7
Handle bar handle 8
Clamping yoke 9
Clamping screw 10
Headset 11
Operating button 12
LED status display 13
Driving condition scale 14
Rechargeable battery pack
Rechargeable battery pack 15
Fuse 25 A 16
Fuse 3 A 17
Charger socket 18
Handle 19
Unlocking device 20
Wheelchair
Bracket 21
Upper receiver 22
Lower receiver 23
Lock 24
Adjusting collar 25
Battery charger
Charging plugs 26
Wheelchair anti-tippers
Anti-tipper 27
Fork 28
Receiver Shoe 29
Quickpin 30
GA-V14-USA.indd 4 18.09.2006 11:51:19

85
2. Starting-up
The viamobil is ready for utilisation when delivered to you by your specialist dealer.
This means that
a special bracket [21] has been fixed to the wheelchair on both sides as a receiver
for the viamobil,
the viamobil is completely assembled and the rechargeable battery pack [15] is
inserted into the device,
the viamobil handle bar [8] has been adjusted by your specialist dealer according
to the requirements made by the user.
Assembly of the bracket [21] on the wheelchair as well as the accompanying
adjustments to the viamobil are only to be carried out by Alber or an authorised
specialist dealer.
You should regularly check whether the brackets [21] are still screwed tightly to
the wheelchair. If the screw fittings have become loose or even become unscre-
wed, then please make sure that they are screwed down again by an authorised
specialist dealer. Readjustments may be necessary.
Alber manufactures brackets in various versions, i.e. as a complete component or
comprising separate parts. Figures in this instruction manual may therefore devi-
ate from the bracket mounted to your wheelchair.
Pay attention to the instructions in chapter 9 (instructions on first-time dri-
ving) and chapter 10 (safety instructions and hazard warnings) prior to starting
up your viamobil .
•
•
•
15
8
15
8
2121
GA-V14-USA.indd 5 18.09.2006 11:51:20

6
2.1 Extending Drive Wheels
Use the forward section of your foot to move the pedal [2] downwards from its
resting position .
Press the pedal [2] down strongly with the forward section of your foot when in
middle position; both drive wheels [1], which are still retracted at present, are
therefore extended.
If the wheels [1] are extended, you have to swivel the pedal [2] upwards again
into its original resting position.
Swivel the pedal [2] back into its resting position after each utilisa-
tion!
Malfunctions could result if the pedal [2] is not swivelled back into
the resting position.
viamobil‘s braking performance could also be influenced!!
•
•
•
2
1
2
1
GA-V14-USA.indd 6 18.09.2006 11:51:21

87
2.2 Activating Roll Operation
Your viamobil can be manually pushed without requiring the support of the motor
when in so-called „roll operation“. This feature is solely intended for inserting and
removing the viamobil underneath the wheelchair.
Turn the operating button [12] into „Roll“ position. The handle bar [8] has to
be in the resting position (middle position) - should therefore neither be pulled
upwards, nor pressed downwards! Non-observance of these instructions results in a
fault indication (6 x blinking light, see also chapter 7.2) in the LED status display
[13]
If the operating button [12] is in „Roll“ position, the handle bar [8] with its
handle bar handles [7] has to be quickly pressed as far down as possible until it
stops and then immediately released again. A fault indication (6 x blinking light,
see also chapter 7.2) is shown in the LED status display [13] if the handle bar is
pressed down for too long. Switch off the viamobil and then restart and repeat the
procedure.
Wait approx. 2 seconds until the brakes unlock. You will be able to hear a clicking
sound.
The LED status display [13] lights up permanently, the viamobil can be pushed
(without the support of the motor).
The electronics on the viamobil have determined a fault if the LED
status display blinks and is not permanently lit up. Switch off viamo-
bil and then restart.
Please observe instructions regarding this matter in chapter 7.2.
Never activate roll operation when driving on uphill or downhill slo-
pes. The wheelchair could unintentionally start moving due to care-
lessness!
For safety reasons the brakes are temporarily activated if pushing or
rolling is deemed as too fast.
•
•
•
•
12
8
12
8
13 1213 12
7
7
8
7
7
8
GA-V14-USA.indd 7 18.09.2006 11:51:22

8
2.3 Fixing viamobil to the Wheelchair
The wheelchair occupant should sit in the wheelchair in order to facilitate the fixing
of viamobil. The lever brakes on the wheelchair also have to be pulled in order to
prevent unintentional rolling away.
If you haven‘t done so:
check that the drive wheels of your viamobil are extended (see chapter 2) and roll
operation has been activated (see chapter 2.2).
Pull the lock [24] upwards on the bracket [21] on both sides until it cannot go
any further.
i
If Alber anti-tippers are attached to your wheelchair (see chapter 8, anti-
tippers) then they have to be removed to be able to fix the viamobil to
the wheelchair. The anti-tippers have to be reattached (see chapter 8)
when the viamobil is securely connected to the wheelchair.
Push your viamobil from behind underneath the wheelchair, whereby the lower
bolt [3] is initially inserted into the lower receiver [23] of the bracket on both
sides.
•
•
•
21
24
21
24
3
23
3
23
GA-V14-USA.indd 8 18.09.2006 11:51:24

89
When inserting pay attention that adjusting collars [25] may be mounted to your
viamobil within the bracket [21]!
If the lower bolt [3] is in the lower receiver [23], the viamobil has to be tilted
forwards as shown in the figure so that the upper bolt [4] is inserted into the
upper receiver [22] of the bracket on both sides.
If both bolts [3 and 4] are in their receivers [22 and 23] then you have to push
down hard on the lock [24] on both sides in order to secure the viamobil to the
wheelchair.
Your viamobil can only be started up when the bolts are correctly
located in their receivers and secured by locks on both sides of the
wheelchair.
The bolts are only correctly secured when the notches of bracket [21]
and lock [24] are in alignment to each other.
•
•
•
3
25
21
3
25
21
22
4
22
4
2424
21 24 21 24
GA-V14-USA.indd 9 18.09.2006 11:51:25

10
2.4 Selecting Requested Speed
The following features are assigned to the data on the scale [14] on the headset
[11]:
Setting „0“: viamobil is switched off; LED status display is not active.
Settings 1-6: positions of the speeds to be attained (from 1 = 1 km/h to
6= 6 km/h, continuously selectable), LED status display lights up.
Setting „Roll“: pushing operation for fixing viamobil to the wheelchair, as descri-
bed in the previous chapter, 2.3; LED status display lights up.
Turn the operating button [12] to the appropriate position (1-6) to select a user-
defined speed; turn to „0“ to switch off the device.
2.5 Driving Forwards
Hold the viamobil by the handles [7] with both hands.
Press the whole handle bar carefully as far down as possible until it stops
The viamobil travels forwards as long as the handle bar is pressed downwards.
If the handle bar returns to its original position (middle position), the viamobil stops
and the brakes are tightened.
2.6 Driving Backwards
Hold the viamobil by the handles [7] with both hands.
Pull the whole handle bar carefully upwards until it cannot go any further.
The viamobil travels backwards as long as the handle bar is pulled upwards.
If the handle bar returns to its original position (middle position), the viamobil stops
and the brakes are tightened.
Your viamobil is protected against unintentional driving features. It is therefore
not possible to operate the handle bar [8] first and then switch on the viamobil.
If you still attempt to do this, the device blocks and an error code is displayed
(6x blinking light) on the LED status display [13] (see chapter 7.2).
In the event of this please leave go of the handle bar on the viamobil; the
device will then switch itself on automatically.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
12 1413 12 1413
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
GA-V14-USA.indd 10 18.09.2006 11:51:26

811
Kerbs have to be crossed in backwards drive with the viamobil swit-
ched off.
The wheelchair is to be lifted on its handles (not by the handles of
the viamobil).
Pay attention to the maximum climbing height as stated by the
manufacturer of the wheelchair as well as the instructions in chapter
10.2 when driving over kerbs.
Pay attention to the signals on the LED status display [13] (see also
chapter 7.2) during the trip. This shows when the rechargeable bat-
tery pack of your viamobil is empty by presenting a steady blinking
light. You should then finish driving as quickly as possible. If this
is not possible, you should preferably switch off your viamobil (see
chapter 2.7) and retract the drive wheels (see chapter 2.8). You can
thus push the wheelchair without the support of the viamobil.
2.7 Finishing Driving
After you have finished driving, you should always switch off your viamobil in order
to not unnecessarily drain the battery.
Turn the operating button [12] to setting „0“; the LED status display [13] goes out.
After you have finished driving, you should always switch off your viamobil in order
to not unnecessarily drain the battery.
Turn the operating button [12] to setting „0“; the LED status display [13] goes out.
1213 1213
GA-V14-USA.indd 11 18.09.2006 11:51:27

12
2.8 Retracting Drive Wheels
Both drive wheels [1] can be retracted if the wheelchair should be moved without
the motorised support of the viamobil. Go ahead as follows to carry out this procedu-
re:
if you haven‘t already switched off the viamobil, proceed to switch it off (see
chapter 2.7).
Use the forward section of your foot to move the pedal [2] downwards from its
resting position .
Press the pedal [2] down strongly with the forward section of your foot when in
the middle position; both wheels [1], which are still extended at present, are the-
refore retracted.
If the wheels [1] are retracted, you have to move the pedal [2] upwards again
into its original resting position.
Swivel the pedal [2] back into its resting position after each utilisa-
tion!
Malfunctions could result if the pedal [2] is not swivelled back into
the resting position.
viamobil‘s braking performance could also be influenced!!
•
•
•
•
2
1
2
1
GA-V14-USA.indd 12 18.09.2006 11:51:28

813
2.9 Removing viamobil from the Wheelchair
Once attached to the wheelchair, your viamobil generally remains assembled.
If the device has nevertheless to be removed from the wheelchair at all, especially for
transport purposes, then this can be done quickly and easily. The wheelchair occupant
should sit in the wheelchair in order to facilitate the removal of viamobil. The lever
brakes on the wheelchair also have to be pulled in order to prevent it from unintenti-
onally rolling away.
If you haven‘t done so:
check that the drive wheels of your viamobil are extended (see chapter 2) and roll
operation has been activated (see chapter 2.2).
Pull the lock [24] upwards on the bracket [21] on both sides until it cannot go
any further.
Move the pedal [2] from its resting position into the middle position (see figure).
Press the pedal [2] down strongly with the forward section of your foot when it
is in the middle position and at the same time remove the viamobil from the bra-
ckets.
i
If Alber anti-tippers are attached to your wheelchair (see chapter 8, anti-
tippers) then they have to be removed to be able to remove the viamobil
from the wheelchair. The anti-tippers have to be reattached (see chapter
8) as soon as the viamobil has been removed from the wheelchair.
•
•
•
•
21
24
21
24
22
GA-V14-USA.indd 13 18.09.2006 11:51:30

14
3. Rechargeable battery pack
3.1 Inserting Rechargeable Battery Pack into Drive Unit
Place the rechargeable battery pack [15] on the base carrier [5] of the drive unit
and insert.
While inserting, press the rechargeable battery pack [15] slightly downwards just
before
reaching the stop position on the base carrier [5] in order to let it engage into
the lock.
Check that the rechargeable battery pack is correctly installed [15] by attempting
to remove it from the drive unit again without operating the unlocking device
[20]
The viamobil is only ready for use when the rechargeable battery pack
[15] is correctly inserted in the base carrier [5].
3.2 Removing Rechargeable Battery Pack from Drive Unit
The rechargeable battery pack has to be removed from the drive unit in order to char-
ge the batteries or for transport purposes.
Press the unlocking device [20] mounted on the handle [19] upwards and at the
same time remove the rechargeable battery pack from the drive unit.
•
•
•
•
•
5
15
5
15
19
20
19
20
GA-V14-USA.indd 14 18.09.2006 11:51:31

815
3.3 Charging Rechargeable Battery Pack
Remove the rechargeable battery pack [15], as described in chapter 3.2, from the
drive unit.
Insert the plug [26] for the mains battery charger into the charger socket [18] on
the back of the rechargeable battery pack.
Pay attention to the instructions in the operating instructions accompanying the
battery charger when charging the rechargeable battery pack.
A suitable voltage converter is necessary for charging the rechargeable battery
pack when driving in a car. This can be obtained from your regional electrical
supplier.
3.4 Replacing the Fuse in the Rechargeable Battery Pack
Remove the rechargeable battery pack [15], as described in chapter 3.2, from the
drive unit.
Remove the defective fuse [16 or 17] from the rechargeable battery pack.
Replace the defective fuse with a new one you have received from your health care
specialist.
[16] = fuse 25 Ampere
[17] = fuse 3 Ampere
The reason could be a defect on the viamobil if fuses have to be replaced more
often.
In such cases please get in touch with your specialist dealer or the Alber Service
Centre regarding a technical inspection of your viamobil.
•
•
•
•
•
18 26 18 26
GA-V14-USA.indd 15 18.09.2006 11:51:31

16
3.5 General Information on the Batteries Used
The batteries of your viamobil are maintenance-free and rechargeable. Their service
life mainly depends on the charging / discharging cycles. Their service life increases
by taking correct care of the batteries ( recharging).
Avoid completely discharging the rechargeable battery pack. You should therefore
recharge the rechargeable battery pack of the viamobil after each partial dischar-
ge, i.e. after every utilisation.
Lead-acid batteries are subject to a so-called self-discharge. For this reason the
viamobil rechargeable battery pack should always be connected to the battery
charger at all times whenever possible. Overcharging the rechargeable battery pack
is not possible due to the charge mechanism.
If the rechargeable battery pack is stored for a longer period of time (without
being charged), it experiences a loss in capacity. Full capacity is usually available
again after a few charging / discharging cycles.
Electrolyte fluid can escape if the rechargeable battery pack is not handled pro-
perly. Injuries to the skin or damage to clothing could be therefore caused.
If the electrolyte fluid comes into contact with a person‘s skin or eyes, rinse
immediately with clear cold water and consult a doctor.
Do not expose the rechargeable battery pack to fire or burn the rechargeable bat-
tery pack. This could result in the rechargeable battery pack exploding.
Do not short-circuit the rechargeable battery pack‘s contacts. A short circuit
results in extremely high artificial currents which could damage the rechargeable
battery pack or the viamobil.
After the service life of the battery has expired, it can be returned to Alber or an
Alber specialist dealer for professional disposal.
The rechargeable battery pack of your viamobil can be discharged and charged in
any user-defined situation. It is so rated as being as safe as dry cells and per-
mitted for air transportation by IATA and DOT.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
GA-V14-USA.indd 16 18.09.2006 11:51:32

817
4. Storage
Store your viamobil on an easy-to-clean mat if possible. If your viamobil is parked
without the wheelchair, it should be propped up against a wall etc.
If your viamobil is not started up for a longer period of time, the device - and
especially the rechargeable battery pack - is to be stored in a dry environment,
preferably at room temperature (+15 °C to 25 °C).
The rechargeable battery pack should be permanently connected to the battery
charger, if possible, if your viamobil is only being stored and not started up. If
this is not possible, then the viamobil should be connected to the supplied battery
charger at intervals of one month and completely recharged. This will ensure that
your viamobil is ensured functional cabability even over a longer period of storage.
The batteries used are dry cells, which are leak-proof when handled correctly and
maintenance-free except for the above-mentioned conservation of charge. The
rechargeable battery pack should be preferably stored as in the installation posi-
tion on the viamobil. Further instructions on the batteries used can be found in
chapter 3.5
If the viamobil is parked with the wheelchair for a longer period of time, the drive
wheels should be lifted from the ground by operating the pedal (see chapter 2.8).
If your viamobil is stored for a longer period of time, it should be switched on
for a short time every month if possible and moved a few metres forwards and
backwards so as to prevent the brake from blocking, for example, due to the long
down-time.
•
•
•
•
•
•
GA-V14-USA.indd 17 18.09.2006 11:51:32