Etac Sting User manual

74059J 2014-06-09
Sting
Manual English

2
Contents
Heading Page
1. General................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Handling/Transport............................................................................................................... 4-5
3. Product description Sting....................................................................................................... 6
4. Model..................................................................................................................................... 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 ......................................................................................... 23-28
11. Care and maintenance............................................................................................................ 29-30
12. Tests and Guarantees............................................................................................................. 31
13. Alternative Seat heights/Angles............................................................................................. 32-34
14. Weights and Measurements/Standard models....................................................................... 35

3
1 General
The manual must be read thoroughly to avoid damage when handling and using the Sting chair.
is a warning triangle to indicate that special care should be taken.
(!) provides advice and tips worth considering
Anti-tips 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
3 spanners: 10, 13 and 8 mm
1 socket spanner: 21/19 mm
Sting is an active, manual wheelchair with multiple functions for children. It has been tested and approved for a
user’s weight of 50 kg, and is intended for use both outdoors and indoors. The standard model includes height-
adjustable push handles, mudguards and anti-tips. Sting is available in several sizes and can be supplemented and
adjusted if needs change. The seat is adjustable in height, angle and depth. The backrest is adjustable in height,
angle and shape. The footrest is adjustable in height, angle and depth. A large range of accessories and options are
available: Headrest, bow handle, trunk support, tray, various rear wheel sizes, armrest etc. Sting has the best prereq-
uisites to create comfort, functionality and good manoeuvrability.
Testing
Sting (Ser. No. 11D) is tested in accordance with ISO 7176-19 and 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 describe how testing should be carried out and how the test results are to 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 27.5 cm to 35 cm
Seat depth: 25-35 cm
Max. user weight: 50 kg
Sting 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
lifetime is at least five years when used in accordance with intended use, the safety instructions, the recondition-
ing manual and instructions for use in the user manual. The main product consists of the chassis for seat and back
support. Additional 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
- Attach the rear wheels
- Fold up the backrest
- Attach any armrests or sideguards
required.
When attaching the rear
wheels, always check that they
are securely mounted.
The button in the hub should
pop out completely.
- Lift using the push handles and
the front part of the frame.
Before lifting, ensure that
the push handles are securely
fastened.
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
2:3 Lifting the wheelchair
2:4 Transportation in vehicles
Private car/taxi: The wheelchair
should be placed in the car boot. If
this is not possible, ensure that the
wheelchair is placed safely in a seat,
so that it cannot overturn or roll. If
possible secure the wheelchair with the
car’s safety belt.
2:5 Securing
The wheelchair must be secured as
follows, the straps must not be put
through the wheels or around the back
tubes.

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. It is important that the
3-point belt is fitted correctly, as in the
illustrations:
2:7 Recommendations
Etac recommends in the following
order:
1) The user transfers to a seat in the ve-
hicle 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.
3) According to directive 2001/85/
EC, appendix VII, point 3.8.3. there
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 sud-
den braking.
- The restraining device must not
be passed through the wheels or
around the back tubes.
- Options/accessories that can be re-
moved without tools, such as trays,
shall be removed and secured/
positioned so that they cannot fly
around inside the vehicle in the
event of a collision.
- 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.
are specially marked wheelchair loca-
tions in vehicles that permit transport
with a wheelchair facing in the
opposite direction of travel. If this
means of travel is used, the user/carer
must be aware while travelling, pre-
pared 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

6
3 Product description Sting
1 Push handles 13 Rear mounting, footrest
2 Backrest cover 14 Protective stopper
3 Backrest upholstery 15 Brake
4 Mudguard 16 Rear wheel 22"
5 Seat cushion 17 Handrim stainless
6 Seat upholstery 18 Rear axle
7 Chassis 19 Quick release hub
8 Front fork attachment 20 Anti-tips
9 Front fork, short 21 Wheel mounting
10 Castor 5" allround 22 Backrest angle plate
11 Footrest 23 Locking knob, push handles
12 Footrest attachment
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
23
22
1

7
Standard model Alternative model
(option)
Seat settable in height and angle
Front seat height set at 45 cm
5" allround castors
Front fork short with 3 alternative height settings for
the castor wheels.
Rear seat height 43 cm
Seat depth 30 cm (5 cm upholstery tuck-in)
Rear wheels with quick-release hubs
22" high-pressure tyres
Handrims: aluminium
Camber angle 3°
Backrest settable in height and angle
Backrest height installed at 27 cm
Backrest angle set at -3°
Adjustable backrest upholstery in velour and plush
Push handle, height adjustable
Footrest, settable in height, depth and angle.
Rear attachment is a swivelling strap
Brakes: wheel lock with long handle
Transparent mudguards
Cushion, grey plush, 35 cm long
Anti-tip, foldable, settable in height and adjustable in
length.
4 Model Sting
Seat settable in height and angle
Front seat height 43-52.5 cm
6.5" allround, 6" pneumatic
Front fork medium with 3 alternative heights settings for
the castor wheels
Rear seat height 37-48 cm
25-35 cm
Rear wheels with quick-release hubs
1 x 3/8" low-pressure tyre (with inner tube) 20", 22", 24"
1" high-pressure tyre (with inner tube) 24"
Solid tyres 20", 22" and 24"
Handrims: stainless, titanium, cellular rubber
or plastic coated
Backrest settable in height and angle
Backrest height 25, 29, 31, 33 and 35 cm
Backrest angle alternatives: 0°, 3°, -5°, -8°,
-10°
Bow handle, height adjustable
Footrest, settable in height, depth and angle.
Rod for fixed positions (see accessories)
Armrest, sideguard (accessory)

8
Positioning belt
Camber 6°
Spiderwheel
Brake lever extension
5 Options
Settable= Adjusted using tools.
Adjustable= Adjusted without tools.
Handrims cellular rubber, titanium, stainless or plastic coated
Fixed attachment length adjustable, for rear fixed installation of footrest
Bow handle height adjustable, detachable
Armrest height adjustable, short, black
Armrest cover padded or gel., dark grey plush or black Dartex, removable
Side guard hard, black
Tray transparent (in combination with armrest)
Trunk support settable in height and depth, swing-away*
Trunk support settable in height and depth
Rear wheel alternative model available
Tyre alternative model available
Castor wheel alternative model available
5 Accessories
Brake lever extension

9
Settable= Adjusted using tools.
Adjustable= Adjusted without tools.
5 Accessories
* = only for the Swedish market
Headrest with angled rod, adjustable in height, depth and angle.*
Foot strap
Seat belt with snap lock
Spoke guard with colour print
Tool kit
Positioning belt two pieces, with snap-lock, fixing points on the wheelchair frame
Bags
front bag
backpack
mobile holder
Rain cape Proof
Information is available at www.etacbutiken.se
Weather protector Proof
Information is available at www.etacbutiken.se
Leg warmer Proof
Information is available at www.etacbutiken.se
Gloves
Information is available at www.etacbutiken.se
Bags Case Logic
Information is available at www.etacbutiken.se
Back wedge length 15 and 30 cm, attached with Velcro

10
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.
Tools: 5 mm Allen key and
10 mm U-spanner.
The front seat height (settable
43-52.5 cm) is dependent on:
5", 6" or 6.5".
Front fork attachment Settable in angle.
Front fork: Short or medium with
three alternative height settings for
the castor.
Risk of tipping: Always check
the positioning of the anti-tips.
6 Settings seat
B
1
2
A
Bearings
6:1 Front seat height
(!) See also point 13:
“Alternative seat heights/angles”.
6:2 Castor wheel
(!) Also adjust the angle of
the front fork attachment,
see point 6:4.
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). Insert the new fork into the
attachment. 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 correct tension. It re-
duces 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.

11
The rear seat height is dependent
on: The size of the rear wheels: 20",
22" and 24" The position of the rear
wheels, 3 alternative heights: A-B-C
Risk of tipping: Always check
the position of the anti tips.
Unscrew the lower screw (A) ½ a turn
and the upper screw (B) ¼ of a turn.
Insert a small Allen key into the open-
ing (C) at the edge of the casing, and
turn it until the attachment is at 90°
to the floor. Hold the casing in place
with the Allen key while tightening
the upper and lower screws.
Tools: 6 mm Allen key and a
smaller Allen key (a spirit level
might be useful).
6 Settings seat
C 41 cm
B 45 cm
A 48.5 cm
Position
6:4 Setting the angle of the front fork attachment
(!) Keep your eye on something
vertical, e.g. a doorpost or a ta-
ble leg when setting the angle.
This adjustment must be made
when the seat angle has been
changed.
6:5 Rear seat height
(!) See also point 13:
“Alternative seat heights/angles”.
6:6 Rear wheel 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.
When attaching the rear
wheels, always check that they
are securely mounted.
The button in the hub should
pop out completely.
A
B
C

12
The brakes are variably settable along
the lower frame tube.
- Loosen the screws a couple of
turns and slide the brake so
that the brake block is about
20 mm from the tyre when the
brake is not applied.
- Test the brakes.
Tools: 5 mm Allen key
6 Settings seat
Brake lever extensions are
available as accessories, see
point 10:16.
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.
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.
6:8 Adjusting the brakes
The braking effect is depend-
ent on the air pressure in the
tyres.
The brakes are parking brakes
and should not be applied dur-
ing use.

13
The seat angle is dependent on the
difference between the front and the
rear seat heights.
The seat angle is settable between
0-10° backwards inclination.(0-7 cm)
Bear in mind the risk of tip-
ping, always adjust the setting
of the anti-tips.
6 Settings seat
Seat height front
Seat height rear
6:9 Seat angle
(!) If the seat angle is changed:
- Adjust the angle of the front
fork attachments.
- Also check the angle of the
backrest.
6:10 Seat depth
The seat depth can be adjusted
between 25 and 35 cm by tucking in
the front part of the seat upholstery.
For increased seat comfort, stretch the
front part of the seat by tightening the
lacing under the seat, and loosening it
at the rear.
(!) The functional seat depth
can be up to 3-4 cm longer
depending on the settings of
the backrest upholstery, see
point 7:4.
Seat depth

14
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.
The backrest angle has fixed positions
at +3° 0° -3° -5° -8° -100. Remove screw
(A) completely, loosen screws (B) one
turn. Set the desired angle by insert-
ing screw (A) into the angle indicator
required. Tighten the screws again.
Tools: 4 mm Allen key
The backrest is telescopic and is ad-
justable between 25-35 cm. Unscrew
the lower screw, (A) and loosen the
upper screw one turn on both sides.
Select the desired height. There are
attachment points at 2 cm intervals.
Tighten the screws securely.
The backrest is settable in angle and
has adjustable upholstery.
7 Settings backrest
A
B
C
7:1 Backrest
Risk of tipping: Always
check the position of the
anti-tips after adjusting the
backrest.
7:2 Backrest height
Tools: 4 mm Allen key;
6 mm Allen key, if required
7:3 Backrest angle
(!) 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.
Risk of tipping: Always
check the positioning of the
anti-tips after adjusting the
backrest angle.
7:4 Backrest upholstery
- Tighten the straps so that they
follow the contours of the back
and give support to the lumbar
region.
Risk of tipping: Always check
the position of the anti-tips
after adjusting the backrest
upholstery.

15
Height
- Unscrew the screws on the
frame tubes.
Install the desired height by
sliding the footrest attachments
up or down along the frame
tube.
Tools: 5 mm Allen key
Angle
-The angle can be adjusted by
raising/lowering the rear at-
tachment strap.
Depth
- The footrest can be moved
forwards 4 cm by turning the
attachments 1/2 a turn (A) so
that the screws are in front of
the frame tubes.
8 Settings: footrests
B
A
8:1 Adjusting the footrest in height, angle and depth
The footrest can be moved
even further forwards by re-
moving the base plate from its
attachments (B) and re-setting
it in the desired position.
Please note that the footplate
will tip forwards more easily
when it is moved forwards at
(B). The rear attachment strap
can be complemented with an
attachment rod, (see 8:2).
Tools: 3 mm Allen key and
5 mm Allen key, 8 mm spanner
8:2 Fixed rear mounting of the footrest (optional)
A rear fixing rod, adjustable in length,
is available as an option for the footrest.
- Adjust the length of the rod.
- Attach the rod as illustrated.

16
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 edge of
the kerb/threshold.
- Balance the wheelchair on its
rear wheels so that the castor
wheels lift high enough off
the ground to clear the ob-
stacle. Take a firm hold of the
handrims while at the same
time leaning forwards with
your upper body.
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
castor wheels, the heavier the chair
becomes to operate.
The Sting 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
Allows the user to hold his/her arms
closer to the body when driving
forwards, giving more strength to each
push.
Care giver: If the user is left
alone in the wheelchair, ensure that
the brakes are applied 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 the castor wheels swing
forwards.
9:2 Driving technique, kerbs and raised thresholds: up
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position.

17
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 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 for-
wards.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the up position.
9 Driving technique, settings manoeuvring
Care giver, driving up backwards:
- Reverse the wheelchair up to
the kerb/threshold.
- Tilt the wheelchair, if necessary
with the help of the tipper bar,
so that the castor wheels are in
the air.
- Pull the wheelchair up and
backwards ensuring that the
castor wheels are over the edge
before setting down the wheel-
chair on all 4 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.
9:3 Driving technique, kerb: down

18
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 for-
wards.
There is a greater risk of tip-
ping during this manoeuvre.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position.
9 Driving technique, settings manoeuvring
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 castors
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.
Please read this important advice for
driving up or downhill carefully to
minimise 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 by means of the brakes!
9:4 Driving technique inclined surface

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, forwards:
- Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the up position and
ensure that the push handles
are securely tightened.
- Drive forward to the first step
and tilt the wheelchair onto its
rear wheels.
- Descend carefully one step at
a time, keeping the wheelchair
balanced on its rear wheels at
all times.
9 Driving technique, settings manoeuvring
9:5 Driving technique, stairs: up
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.
- When the last step has been
cleared, continue backwards so
that the castor wheels are over
the ground before setting down
the wheelchair onto all four
wheels.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position after
completed transfer.
(!) The care givers should
remember to use the strength
in their legs and to keep their
backs as straight as possible
while lifting.
9:6 Driving technique, stairs: down
- After clearing the last step,
“set down” the wheelchair once
again on all four wheels.
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the down position after
completed transfer.
(!) The care givers should
remember to use the strength
in their legs and to keep their
backs as straight as possible
while lifting.

20
9 Driving technique, settings manoeuvring
9:7 Driving technique, 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 so that the castors are
turned fully forwards.
The wheelchair should be
placed as close to 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 going to take place.
- Apply the brakes.
Never stand on the footrest or
the footrests as the chair may
tip!
(!) The care givers should
remember to use the strength
in their legs and to keep their
backs as straight as possible
while lifting.