Etac Act User manual

74066H 2014-06-09
Act
Manual English

2
Heading Page
1. General.......................................................................................................................... 3
2. Handling/Transport...................................................................................................... 4-5
3. Product description Act ................................................................................................ 6
4. Model Act..................................................................................................................... 7
5. Options/Accessories...................................................................................................... 8-9
6. Settings Seat.............................................................................................. 10-13
7. Backrest ....................................................................................... 14
8. Footrest ....................................................................................... 15
9. Driving technique/Manoeuvring ................................................. 16-22
10. Assembly instructions: Accessories ............................................................................... 23-26
11. Care and Maintenance ................................................................................................. 27-28
12. Tests and Guarantees.................................................................................................... 29
13. Alternative Seat heights/Angles.................................................................................... 30
14. Weights and Measurements/Standard models.............................................................. 31
Contents

3
1 General
The manual must be read thoroughly to avoid damage when handling and using the Act chair.
Is a warning triangle to indicate that special care should be taken.
(!) Provides advice and tips worth considering
Anti-tips available as an accessory. At the correct setting they will prevent the wheelchair from tipping backwards.
We recommend all users to use the anti-tip devices, unless you are an experienced user with absolute
control over your wheelchair.
The tool kit contains: 5 Allen keys: 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 mm
2 Ring spanners: 10 and 8 mm
1 Socket spanner: 24/19 mm
Act is a manual, light, rigid-frame titanium wheelchair for active users with a large number of adjustment possibilities.
Its design is particularly well suited to enable users to easily put it in and out of cars on their own. It has been tested
and approved for a user weight of 100 kg, and is intended for use both outdoors and indoors. The seat is adjustable in
height, angle and depth. The backrest is adjustable in angle and contour and is cut to the height required.
Act can be supplemented and adjusted if needs change. A large range of options and accessories are available:
Sideguards, anti-tips, various types of handrims etc.
Act has the best prerequisites to create comfort, functionality and good manoeuvrability.
Testing
Act (serial no. 21A) is tested in accordance with ISO 7176:19 and ISO 10542. These ISO standards specify require-
ments for the design of the wheelchair’s restraint points, how the wheelchair and the user are secured in the vehicle, and
also describe how tests should be carried out and how the test results should be interpreted. Etac’s wheelchairs are crash
tested at the Technical Research Institute of Sweden. The tests were carried out with normal settings on the wheelchairs
(see manual for the respective wheelchair) and with an UNWIN_WWR/ATF/K/R restraining device and an
UNWIN_WWR/HD/ATF/K/R 3-point belt.
Seat widths: From 35 cm to 45 cm.
Seat depth: Short frame: 33-39 cm. Long frame: 39-45 cm.
Max. user weight: 100 kg
Act is supplied with the rear wheels unmounted.
Service life: The product is tested and fulfils the demands stated in EN 12183. The main product’s durability and life-
time is at least five years when used in accordance with intended use, the safety instructions, the reconditioning manual
and instructions for use in the user manual. The main product consists of the chassis for seat and back support. Addi-
tional parts/accessories are handled in accordance with the manual and reconditioning manual. The actual lifetime can
vary, depending on how much and how intensively the product is being used, but a maximum of 10 years. Thereafter
the product must be decommissioned.
The following methods of surface treatment have been used:
Lacquered surfaces=Polyester powder coating
Non-lacquered aluminium parts=Anodized coating
Non-lacquered steel surfaces=Galvanized

4
2 Handling/Transport
2:1 Folding
- Remove any armrests or
sideguards.
- Remove the rear wheels.
- Fold down the backrest by
pulling upwards on the cord.
2:2 Unfolding
- Attach the rear wheels
- Fold up the backrest
- Attach any armrests or side-
guards required.
2:3 Lifting the wheelchair
- Lift using the push handles
and the front part of the
frame.
2:4 Transportation in vehicles
Private car/taxi: The wheelchair can
be placed in the car boot. If this is not
possible, ensure that the wheelchair is
2:5 Securing
The wheelchair must be secured as
follows, the straps must not be put
through the wheels or around the back
tubes.
When attaching the rear
wheels, always check
that they are securely
mounted.
The button in the hub
should pop out completely.
Before lifting, ensure that
the push handles are se-
curely fastened.
placed safely in a seat, so that it cannot
overturn or roll. If possible secure the
wheelchair with the car’s safety belt.

5
2 Handling/Transport
2:6 Seat belt
If the wheelchair is used as a seat for
travel, Etac recommends that the user
wears the 3-point belt that is fitted in
the vehicle.
2:7 Recommendations
Etac recommends in the following
order:
1) The user transfers to a seat in the
vehicle and uses the vehicle’s 3-point
belt while travelling. The wheelchair is
then placed in the boot or safely in the
back seat so that it cannot overturn or
roll.
2) The wheelchair is secured fac-
ing forwards in the vehicle as per
this manual, the user uses a separate
3-point belt that is secured in the
vehicle. This is the way in which the
wheelchair is tested and approved ac-
cording to the ISO-standard for crash
testing of wheelchairs in vehicles.
2:8 Warning
- The wheelchair’s positioning belt
is not sufficient to prevent the
user from being thrown out of the
wheelchair in the event of sudden
braking.
- The restraining device must not
be passed through the wheels or
around the back tubes.
- Options/accessories that can be
removed without tools must be re-
moved and secured or placed where
they cannot fly around inside the
vehicle in the event of a collision.
It is important that the 3-point belt is
fitted correctly, as in the illustrations:
3) According to directive 2001/85/
EC, appendix VII, point 3.8.3. there
are specially marked wheelchair loca-
tions in vehicles that permit transport
with a wheelchair facing in the op-
posite direction of travel. If this means
of travel is used, the user/carer must
be aware while travelling, prepared
for sudden movements and have the
capacity to maintain a safe sitting
position throughout the entire journey.
The user’s disabilities must not be of
such an extent that he/she is not able
to hold onto the handles fitted in the
vehicle when there are changes of
speed or direction.
In conjunction with points 2 and 3:
- a 25668 positioning belt should be
used
- a correctly adjusted headrest should
be used
- the backrest should be level with or
above the user’s shoulders
- the parking brake should be used
- the anti-tips should be lowered
- If the wheelchair has been
involved in a collision in a motor
vehicle, it should be inspected at
a Technical Aids Centre or by
Etac before it is used again.

6
1 Push handles 10 Front fork attachment
2 Backrest cover 11 Protective stopper
3 Backrest upholstery 12 Brake
4 Seat upholstery 13 Quick release hub
5 Frame 14 Wheel mounting
6 Footrest 15 Handrim
7 Calf strap 16 Backrest angle plate
8 Castor wheel 17 Rear wheel
9 Front fork
3 Product description Act
3
6
8
17
16
7
11
5
15
4
12
14
9
10
13
1
2

7
1 Push handles 10 Front fork attachment
2 Backrest cover 11 Protective stopper
3 Backrest upholstery 12 Brake
4 Seat upholstery 13 Quick release hub
5 Frame 14 Wheel mounting
6 Footrest 15 Handrim
7 Calf strap 16 Backrest angle plate
8 Castor wheel 17 Rear wheel
9 Front fork
4 Model Act
Seat settable in height and angle
Front seat height set at 48 cm
5"allround castors
Front fork short with 3 alternative height settings
for the castor wheels
Rear seat height set at 41 cm
Seat depth adjustable 5 cm (upholstery folded in)
24" rear wheel, quick release hub
1" high pressure tyre (with inner tube)
Handrims: aluminium
Camber angle 3°
Backrest settable in angle and shape, foldable
Backrest standard height 40 cm
Backrest angle set at -8°
Adjustable backrest upholstery in velour and plush
Footrest
Footrest height infinitely variable
Calf strap, adjustable in length
High mounted brakes
Seat settable in height and angle
Front seat height 44-54 cm
Front fork medium or long with 3 alternative
height settings for the castor wheels
Rear seat height 41-45 cm
24" rear wheel, quick release hub
1" high-pressure tyre (with inner tube); 24"
Handrims: stainless, titanium, cellular rubber
or plastic coated
Camber angle 0° or 6°
Backrest settable in angle and shape, foldable
Backrest height cut to 38, 36, 34, 32, and 30 cm
Backrest angle in alternative positions -3°, -5°, -8°,
-10°, 12° and -15°
Footrest
Brake with long handle and short swing
Hub brake

8
Push handle kit removable
Push handle height adjustable
Armrest swing-away and settable in height. Not in combination with height-adjustable push handles
Side guard hard, black
Side guard hard, plexi
Mudguard folds with the backrest
Mudguard soft, black
Mudguard right, left
Brake lever extension for standard brakes
Seat cushion dark grey plush and black velour, 56 cm, cut according to seat depth set, washable
Padding for calf strap
Anti-tip settable in height and adjustable in length, detachable
Spoke guard with grey or yellow print
Tetra quick release adapter for persons with reduced hand function
Settable= Adjusted using tools.
Adjustable= Adjusted without tools.
5 Accessories
Back wedge length 15 and 30 cm, attached with Velcro
Footplate mounted on footrest

9
5 Accessories
Castor pin lock
Tool kit
Bags
front bag
backpack
mobile holder
Rain cape Proof
Information is available at www.etacbutiken.com
Weather protector Proof
Information is available at www.etacbutiken.com
Leg warmer Proof
Information is available at www.etacbutiken.
com
Gloves
Information is available at www.etacbutiken.com
Bags Case Logic
Information is available at www.etacbutiken.com
Settable= Adjusted using tools.
Adjustable= Adjusted without tools.

10
6 Settings: seat
2
6:1 Front seat height
The front seat height (settable
44-54 cm) is dependent on:
Castor wheel 5".
Front fork
attachment Settable in angle.
Front fork Short, medium or
long with three
alternative height
positions for the
castor wheel.
6:2 Castor wheel
The height may be adjusted by chang-
ing the castor wheel itself or by chang-
ing its position in the fork. Unscrew
the castor wheel and place it at the
desired height in the front fork.
6:3 Changing front fork
Unscrew the protective stopper (1)
on the front fork attachment to reach
the retaining nut (2). Unscrew the nut
and pull out the front fork. Take the
washer from around the fork axle and
put it on the new fork (the bevelled
side (A) towards the fork). It is also
important to ensure that the washers
in the attachment (under the retaining
nut) are placed in the right order, with
the spring washer (B) on top. Tighten
the retaining nut until it cannot be
turned any more. Loosen it 1/2-1 turn.
The spring washer then has the cor-
rect tension. It reduces the risk of the
castor starting to “wobble”.
Tools: 19 mm socket
spanner.
(!) Also adjust the
angle of the front
fork attachment, see
point 6:4.
Tools: 5 mm Allen key and
10 mm U-spanner.
(!) Also adjust the
angle of the front
fork attachment, see
point 6:4.
Risk of tipping: Always
check the positioning of the
anti-tips.
(!) See also point
13: “Alternative
seat heights/angles”.
B
1
A
Bearings

11
6 Settings: seat
C 41 cm
B 45 cm
Position
6:4 Angle setting of front fork attachment
The correct angle setting is important
for the wheelchair’s manoeuvrability.
- Unscrew the lower attachment
screw (A) 1/2-1 turn and the
upper screw (B) 1/2 turn.
- Turn the eccentric nut (C) until
the attachment is perpendicular
to the floor.
- Hold the nut in place with a
spanner whilst the retaining
screws are tightened.
6:5 Rear seat height
The rear seat height is dependent on:
The size of the rear wheel 24"
The height setting of the rear wheel
2 alternative height positions: B-C
6:6 Rear wheels with quick-release hubs
The shaft axle is movable and can also
be adjusted in length. Turn the nut on
the axle inwards/outwards while at the
same time holding the axle with an
adjustable spanner.
Tools: 6 mm Allen key and
a 19 mm socket spanner (a
spirit level might be useful).
(!) Keep your eye on
something vertical,
e.g. a door frame or
table leg while set-
ting the angle.
This adjustment
must be made when
the seat height is
changed at the front
or rear in order to
retain manoeuvra-
bility.
Risk of tipping: Always
check the positioning of the
anti-tips.
(!) See also point 13:
“Alternative seat
heights/angles”.
When attaching the rear
wheels, always check that
they are securely mounted.
The button in the hub
should pop out completely.
A
C
B

12
6 Settings: seat
Brake lever extensions are
available as accessories, see
point 10:8.
Position 1 Position 2
6:7 Height adjustment of the rear wheels
Unscrew the axle sleeves and washers,
tilt the rear axle to free it and mount it
at the required height. Mount the rear
axle with the large bevelling towards
the right wheel attachment. At the
same time as the rear seat height is be-
ing adjusted you should make sure you
have set the correct centre of balance.
See point 9:8.
Tools: 21 mm socket spanner.
6:8 Adjusting the brakes
The brakes are infinitely adjustable.
- Loosen the screws a couple of
turns and slide the brake until
the brake block is about 20 mm
from the tyre when the brake is
not applied.
- If the locking bracket comes
into contact with the crossbar,
move it from position 1 to
position 2.
- Test the brakes.
Tools: 5 mm Allen key
The braking effect is de-
pendent on the air pressure
in the tyres.
The brakes are parking
brakes and should not be
applied during use.
Check that the rear wheels
are correctly mounted, see
point 6:6. Always check the
position of the anti-tips.
Always adjust the brakes
after re-positioning the rear
wheels.
(!) Also adjust the angle
of the front fork
attachment.

13
The seat angle is dependent on the
difference between the front and the
rear seat heights. The seat angle is
settable between -5° -15° backwards
inclination (0-5 cm).
Bear in mind the risk of
tipping, always adjust the
setting of the anti-tips.
6 Settings: seat
Seat height
front
Seat height
back
6:9 Seat angle
6:10 Seat depth
The seat depth can be adjusted 5 cm
by tucking in the front part of the seat
upholstery.
Short frame: 34-39 cm (measured
from the backrest).
Long frame: 39-45 cm (measured
from the backrest).
(!) If the seat angle is changed:
- Adjust the angle of the
front fork attachment.
- Also check the angle of
the backrest.
(!) The functional seat depth
can be up to 6-7 cm longer
depending on the settings of
the backrest upholstery, see
point 7:4.

14
The backrest angle has fixed posi-
tions at -3° -5° -8° -10° -12° -15°.
Remove screw (A) completely, loosen
screws (B) one turn. Set the desired
angle by inserting screw (A) into the
angle indicator required. Tighten the
screws again.
Tools: 4 mm
Allen key
7 Settings: backrest
A
B
C
10 mm
7:1 Backrest
The backrest is settable in angle and
has adjustable upholstery.
7:2 Backrest height
The height of the backrest is adjust-
able by cutting the back tubes. When
using the push handles the back tubes
should be cut 10 mm above the upper
attachment holes. Alternative heights:
40, 38, 36, 34, 32 and 30 cm.
Tools: Hacksaw
7:3 Backrest angle
7:4 Backrest upholstery
The contour of the backrest upholstery
is individually adjustable by using the
four Velcro straps and the backrest cover.
- Allow the cover plenty of room
between seat and backrest, so
that it is possible to “sit in”
against the backrest.
- Loosen all the straps and
ensure that the user is sitting as
far back in the seat as possible.
- Tighten the straps in such a
way that they follow the con-
tours of the user’s back and give
plenty of support to the lumbar
region.
(!) Fold the backrest down onto
the seat whilst adjusting the
angle. Allow plenty of room for
the backrest cover between the
seat and the backrest.
(!) When the push handles are
fitted the back tubes are 3 cm
lower. If it should be necessary
to extend a backrest which has
previously been cut, a back-
rest extension is available with
attachments for push handles.
Max. height of a backrest incl.
extension is 40 cm.
Risk of tipping: Always
check the position of the
anti-tips after adjusting the
backrest.
Risk of tipping: Always
check the positioning of the
anti-tips when adjusting the
backrest angle.
Risk of tipping: Always
check the positioning of the
anti-tips when adjusting the
backrest upholstery.

15
Act is supplied with a footrest that is
settable in height.
Height Loosen the screw (A) on the
rear of the footrest attachment on both
the right and left sides. Set the footrest
at the height required. Tighten securely.
Max. height: 9 cm from floor level.
Min. height: 4 cm from floor level.
Tools: 6 mm Allen key
8 Settings: footrests
A
8:1 Height of the footrest
(!) A raised footrest is available if
one is required that is higher
than standard.
For outdoor use the footrest
should be 5 cm above the
ground. Never stand on the
footrest as there is a risk of
tipping!

16
9 Driving technique, settings manoeuvring
9:1 Driving technique
Weight distribution is the decisive fac-
tor when it comes to operating condi-
tions. It is in part dependent upon the
user’s weight, size and seating position
and in part upon the position of the
rear wheels longitudinally. The more
weight that is placed over the rear
wheels, the easier the wheelchair is to
manoeuvre. The more weight over the
castors wheels, the heavier the chair
becomes to operate. The Act standard
model is supplied with a 3° camber
angle. This means that the wheels are
a little closer to the seat/backrest on
top and are wider apart at floor level.
This gives several advantages. The
wheelchair:
-turns more easily
-holds a steady course
-has a broader support base
9:2 Driving technique, kerbs and raised thresholds: up
User, driving up forwards:
This technique is recommended only
for experienced wheelchair users.
- Ensure that the anti-tips are
turned upwards.
- Drive forward to the kerb/
threshold.
- Balance the wheelchair on its
rear wheels so that the castors
lift high enough to come up
on the pavement. Grasp the
handrims firmly, while at the
same time leaning forwards
with your upper body.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position.
Allows the user to hold his/her arms
closer to the body when driving
forwards, giving more strength to each
push.
If you require a chair that is slightly
narrower, Act can be ordered with a
straight back axle (0° camber angle).
Act can also be supplied with double
back axles).
Care giver: If the user is left alone
in the wheelchair, ensure
that the brakes are ap-
plied and that the anti-
tip is swung down.
Parking: Increase the overall
support base of the
wheelchair by reversing
for about 10 cm, thereby
ensuring that the castors
wheels swing forwards.

17
9 Driving technique, settings manoeuvring
Care giver, driving up forwards:
- Ensure that the anti-tips are
turned upwards.
- Tilt the wheelchair, if necessary
with help from the tilter, so
that the castors come up on the
pavement.
- Lift by the push handles to
help the rear wheels up
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position.
User, driving up backwards:
This technique only works if there is
a low kerb/threshold, relative to the
installed height of the footrests.
- Ensure that the anti-tips are
turned upwards.
- Reverse to the edge of the
kerb/threshold.
- Take a firm hold of the
handrims while at the same
time leaning forwards.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the up position.
9:3 Driving technique, kerb: down
User, driving down forwards:
This technique is recommended only
for experienced wheelchair users.
- Ensure that the anti-tips are
turned upwards.
- Drive forward to the edge of
the kerb.
- Take a firm hold on the
handrims and drive “straight
out” so that the wheelchair
lands on all 4 wheels simulta-
neously.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position.
Care giver, driving up backwards:
- Reverse the chair to the edge of
the kerb/threshold.
- Tilt the wheelchair up, if nec-
essary with help from the tilter,
so that the castor wheels are in
the air.
- Pull the wheelchair upwards
and backwards, ensuring that
the castor wheels have cleared
the edge before setting down
the wheel chair onto all four
wheels.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position.
Care giver, driving down forwards:
- Ensure that the anti-tips are
turned upwards.
- Tilt the wheelchair up, if nec-
essary with help from the tilter,
so that the castor wheels are in
the air.
- Drive carefully down the kerb
and set down the castor wheels
onto the ground again.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position.

18
9 Driving technique, settings manoeuvring
User, driving down backwards:
This technique is not recommended
for differences in level of over 10 cm.
- Ensure that the anti-tips are
turned upwards.
- Reverse to the edge of the kerb.
- Reverse carefully down while at
the same time leaning forwards.
There is a greater risk of
tipping during this ma-
noeuvre. Be sure to turn the
anti-tips back to the down
position.
9:4 Driving technique inclined surface
The following constitutes important
advice for driving up or downhill to
avoid the risk of tipping.
(!) Avoid turning round in the
middle of a hill. Always drive
as straight up/down as possible.
It is better to ask for help than
to take a risk on your own.
Uphill driving: Lean forwards to
correct your centre of balance.
Downhill driving: Lean against the
backrest to correct your centre of
balance. Control your speed using the
handrims, not the brakes!
Care giver, driving down backwards:
- Ensure that the anti-tips are
turned upwards.
- Reverse the wheelchair to the
edge of the kerb.
- Drive carefully down the kerb,
and reverse the wheelchair on
the rear wheels until the castor
wheels have cleared the obstacle.
- Set down the wheelchair once
again on all four wheels.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position.

19
Always ask for help. Never
use an escalator, even if a care
giver is available. We always
recommend using two carers
for this transfer. One who
walks behind and holds on
to the push handle and one
who walks in front and holds
on to the frame (or in the
legrests if these are lockable).
With care giver, backwards:
- Turn the anti-tips upwards and
ensure that the push handles
are securely tightened.
- Reverse the wheelchair to the
first step.
- Tilt the wheelchair onto its rear
wheels.
- Pull the wheelchair slowly
upwards, one step at a time,
keeping it balanced on its rear
wheels at all times.
9 Driving technique, settings manoeuvring
9:5 Driving technique, stairs: up
9:6 Driving technique, stairs: down
Always ask for help.
Never travel on an escalator,
even if there are care givers
available. We always recom-
mend using two carers for
this transfer. One who walks
behind and holds on to the
push handle and one who
walks in front and holds on to
the frame (or in the legrests if
these are lockable).
With care giver, forwards:
- Be sure to turn the anti-tips
upwards and ensure that the
push handles are securely tight-
ened.
- Drive forwards to the first step
and tilt the wheelchair onto its
rear wheels.
- When the last step has been
cleared, continue backwards
so that the castors are on the
ground before setting down the
wheelchair on all four wheels.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position
after completed transfer.
(!) The care givers should remem-
ber to use the strength in their
legs and to keep their backs as
straight as possible while lifting.
- Descend carefully one step at
a time, keeping the wheelchair
balanced on its rear wheels at
all times.
- After the last step, set down
the wheelchair on all four
wheels.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position
after completed transfer.
(!) The care givers should remem-
ber to use the strength in their
legs and to keep their backs as
straight as possible while lifting.

20
Never stand on the footrest
or the footrests as the chair
may tip!
(!) The care givers should remem-
ber to use the strength in their
legs and to keep their backs as
straight as possible while lifting.
9 Driving technique, settings manoeuvring
9:7 Manoeuvring, transferring into/out of the wheelchair
The technique for transferring a
user should be practised with trained
personnel. All that is provided here is
some important advice to consider in
conjunction with transferring a user
into or out of the wheelchair.
With or without a care giver, sideways.
Before transferring:
- Reverse the wheelchair
5-10 cm before stopping so
that the castors are turned
forwards. The wheelchair
should be positioned as near to
the place where the transfer is
going to take place as possible.
- Apply the brakes, remove the
armrest/sideguard on the side
where the transfer is to take
place.
With or without a care giver, from the
front.
Before transferring:
- Reverse the wheelchair
5-10 cm so that the castors are
turned forwards.
The wheelchair should be
positioned close to where the
transfer is to take place.
- Apply the brakes.