Handicare FORTRESS-CALYPSO User manual

1009496D
USER MANUAL
BEDIENUNGSANLEITING
F ORTRESS -C ALYPSO

2

3
English........................................................................................4
Deutsch ....................................................................................52

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English
© 2009 Handicare
All rights reserved.
The information contained in this manual may not be reproduced and/or published in any form, by
print, photoprint, microfilm or by any other means, whether electronically or mechanically, without
the prior written authorisation of Handicare.
The information provided is based on the general data relating to the design of the product known
at the time of publication of this manual. Handicare has a policy of continuous improvement and
reserves the right to make changes and modifications to its products.
The information provided applies to the standard version of the product. Handicare can not be
held liable for any damage resulting from product specifications which do not conform to the
standard configuration.
The information made available has been compiled with the greatest care. However, Handicare
can not be held liable for any possible errors in the information or for the consequences thereof.
Handicare accepts no liability for loss as a result of work carried out by third parties.
Under regulations concerning the protection of trade names, the names and trade names etc.
used by Handicare may not be regarded as openly available.

Table of contents
5
Introduction...................................................................................................................7
About this manual ........................................................................................................7
Product labels...............................................................................................................8
Symbols used in this manual ....................................................................................10
Service and technical support...................................................................................10
Identification plate ......................................................................................................10
Identifying the product...............................................................................................11
Approvals ....................................................................................................................11
CE declaration.............................................................................................................11
Used scooters and the environment.........................................................................11
Use for intended purposes
(1)
....................................................................................11
Terms of warranty.......................................................................................................12
Liability provisions .....................................................................................................14
1 General safety rules and regulations................................................................15
1.1 Labels and instructions on the scooter.........................................................15
1.2 Technical specifications...............................................................................15
1.3 Adaptations..................................................................................................15
1.4 Safety...........................................................................................................15
2 General description ............................................................................................18
3 Main components ...............................................................................................19
4 Adjustment options ............................................................................................21
4.1 Adjusting the seat ........................................................................................21
4.1.1 Adjusting the seat height ..................................................................21
4.1.2 Adjusting the seat depth (sliding system) .........................................21
4.1.3 Adjusting the backrest ......................................................................22
4.1.4 Adjusting the armrest........................................................................22
4.1.5 Adjusting the headrest......................................................................23
4.2 Adjusting the steering column......................................................................23
4.3 Adjusting the rear suspension......................................................................23
5 Operation.............................................................................................................24
5.1 Charging the batteries..................................................................................24
5.2 Driving the Fortress Calypso........................................................................25
5.2.1 Checks before use............................................................................25
5.2.2 Mounting and dismounting................................................................26
5.3 Controls .......................................................................................................26
5.3.1 Control panel ....................................................................................27
5.3.2 Switching on .....................................................................................29
5.3.3 Charging point ..................................................................................29
5.4 Manoeuvring ................................................................................................30
5.4.1 Forward drive and reverse drive.......................................................30
5.4.2 Corners.............................................................................................31
5.4.3 Slopes...............................................................................................31
5.4.4 Obstacles..........................................................................................33
5.4.5 Automatic cut-out on overload..........................................................34
5.4.6 Switching off .....................................................................................34
5.4.7 Parking .............................................................................................34
5.5 Pushing the scooter .....................................................................................35
5.5.1 The scooter in neutral.......................................................................35
5.6 Dismantling the scooter for storage and/or transportation ...........................36

Table of contents
6
5.6.1 Removing the seat............................................................................36
5.6.2 Dismantling the scooter ....................................................................36
5.6.3 Collapsing the steering column.........................................................40
5.6.4 Lifting and loading ............................................................................40
5.6.5 Reassembling the scooter ................................................................40
5.7 Transporting the scooter in its entirety.........................................................40
6 Maintenance ........................................................................................................42
6.1 Maintenance table........................................................................................42
6.1.1 Batteries ...........................................................................................42
6.1.2 Replacing the batteries.....................................................................43
6.1.3 Cleaning the batteries.......................................................................44
6.2 Tyres............................................................................................................44
6.2.1 Inflating the tyres ..............................................................................44
6.3 Cleaning the scooter....................................................................................44
7 Troubleshooting..................................................................................................46
7.1 Troubleshooting table ..................................................................................46
7.2 Automatic circuit breaker .............................................................................47
7.3 Electromagnetic interference .......................................................................48
8 Technical specifications ....................................................................................49
8.1.1 Fortress Calypso product specifications ...........................................49
8.2 Authorised service and technical support ....................................................51

Introduction
7
Introduction
Congratulations on choosing the Handicare Fortress Calypso electric scooter,
and welcome to the growing group of people who use a Handicare scooter.
Handicare is a name that stands for reliability and innovative technology, with high-
quality, user-friendly products as a result.
About this manual
This manual will help you to use and maintain the product safely. If in doubt, always
contact your dealer.
The words “left”, “right”, “front” and “rear” are used in
this manual to refer to specific parts of the scooter,
as seen from the user’s perspective while sitting on
the scooter.
The serial number for the scooter, a description of
the model and the name of the authorised Handicare
dealer can all be found on the back cover of this
manual. This information will be useful to you if you
should need assistance with your product in the
future.
front
left right
rear

Introduction
8
Product labels
The following stickers and labels can be found on the product:
A. Charging point
B. Circuit breaker
C. Tyre pressure
D. Neutral position
E. Adjustment of steering column angle

Introduction
9
A. Charging point
See the chapter on ‘Charging the batteries’, section 5.1, for how to
charge the batteries.
B.
Circuit breaker
The scooter is equipped with a fuse which interrupts the electric
current on overload. See ‘Automatic circuit breaker’, section 7.2.
C.
Tyre pressure
See the ‘product specifications’ for the correct tyre pressure.
D.
Neutral position
–
Free wheel facility
1. Lever fully forward (“BRAKE applied”):
When the motor drive is engaged the scooter can be driven
electrically and the brakes are also applied when the scooter is
switched off.
2. When the lever is in the lowest position
the motor drive is disengaged. The scooter can then be
pushed manually.
E.
Adjusting the steering column angle
The steering column can be adjusted to the position you find most
comfortable when driving. See ‘Changing the position of the
steering column’, section 4.1.6.

Introduction
10
Symbols used in this manual
CAUTION
Operations or manoeuvres which are not carried out correctly may result in
damage to the product or the environment, or in user injury.
ATTENTION!
Suggestions for making specific operations or manoeuvres easier to carry
out.
First consult the source(s) of information given.
Disconnect the charging cable from the charging point on the scooter before
carrying out any maintenance on the scooter.
Service and technical support
Your dealer should be contacted for information about specific adjustments,
maintenance or repair and will be happy to help you.
When contacting your dealer, please ensure you have the following information to
hand:
• Model
• Serial number
This information can be found on the information plate. See the illustration below.
Identification plate
Product information is recorded on plate (A). See: ‘Identifying the product’.
A

Introduction
11
Identifying the product
A. Model
B. Date of manufacture
C. Serial number / identification number
D. Usage: Indoor use, outdoor use or both
E. Maximum load in kg
Approvals
The product meets the following requirements:
• EN12184; 1999 Electrically powered wheelchairs and scooters, class B.
• ISO7176-8 Requirements for static, impact and fatigue strengths.
• ISO7176-9 Climatic tests for electric wheelchairs and scooters.
• ISO7176-14 Requirements and test methods for power and control systems for
electric wheelchairs.
• ISO7176-16 Requirements for resistance to ignition of upholstered parts.
The product has been EMC-approved (for electromagnetic compatibility) in accordance
with EN12184 (1999).
CE declaration
The product complies with the regulations of the Medical Devices Directive and
therefore bears the CE mark.
Used scooters and the environment
If your scooter is no longer required or needs to be replaced, it will usually be
possible to arrange for your dealer to take it back. If this should not be possible, consult
with your local authority to find out if the scooter can be recycled or if the materials
used in it can be processed in an environmentally friendly way.
Various plastics and metals were used in the manufacture of the scooter. The scooter
also contains electronic components which should be disposed of accordingly. The
batteries constitute chemical waste.
Use for intended purposes
(1)
The Fortress Calypso scooter was developed for:
• The transportation of people weighing up to 125 kg
• Use on pavements, footpaths and cycle paths
• Use in and around the house

Introduction
12
The dealer must give you clear instructions before you start operating the product
independently.
Your first test drives of the Fortress Calypso are best carried out under the supervision
of an experienced dealer.
The Fortress Calypso scooter is not classified as a road vehicle and therefore may not
be used on the road (crossing over the road being the only exception).
The Fortress Calypso has a maximum speed of 10 or 12 km/h (6 or 7,5 mph).
ENSURE THAT YOU ARE FULLY ACQUAINTED WITH THE CONTENTS OF THIS
MANUAL BEFORE STARTING TO DRIVE THE FORTRESS CALYPSO.
If you use the scooter in a dangerous fashion, or use the scooter for purposes
other than those intended, Handicare will accept no liability for any personal
injury or damage to property caused by such misuse.
( 1) Intended use, as specified by EN 292-1, means the use for which the technical product is
suitable according to the manufacturer’s declaration, including the manufacturer’s instructions in
the sales brochure. In the event of doubt, use is taken to mean the use as construed from the
design, construction and function of a product. The instructions contained in the user manual must
also be followed within the scope of intended use.
Terms of warranty
The following words used in the terms of warranty and liability are defined as follows:
Product: The manual or electric wheelchair or scooter manufactured and supplied by
Handicare.
Customer: The person procuring a Product directly from Handicare.
Dealer: The person who supplies a Product procured from Handicare to third parties.
User: The person who uses a Product manufactured by Handicare.
Without prejudice to the provisions with respect to guarantees contained in the general
terms and conditions applicable to the Product, the following applies in any case with
regard to guarantees:
1. Unless otherwise specified in the following conditions, Handicare guarantees to the
Customer the reliability of the Product for the purpose for which it is intended – as
variously described in this manual – and the quality of the materials from which the
Product is made, and the manner in which it has been manufactured.
2. Repairs to or replacement of Product components becoming necessary as a
consequence of defects caused by defective materials or manufacturing errors will
be carried out free of charge, providing that the defects developed within one year
of the date of delivery of the Product to the Customer. The components to be
replaced shall be sent to Handicare, carriage paid. The costs for removal or
mounting of these components shall be born by the Customer. The following
therefore do not qualify for free-of-charge repair or replacement as referred to in the
previous sentence:
•repair or replacement necessary due to defects developing later than one year
from the date on which the Product was delivered to the Customer;
•repair or replacement necessary due to defects originating from improper or
careless use of the Product or due to use of the Product for purposes other
than those for which it is intended, in which case, if the Customer is a Dealer,

Introduction
13
the Dealer shall indemnify Handicare against any claims from Users or other
third parties resulting from defects originating from improper or careless use of
the Product;
•components which are liable to wear whereby the necessity for repair or
replacement of such components is the actual result of normal wear.
3. With respect to electric Products and without prejudice to the provisions under 2, a
guarantee is given with respect to the battery constituting a component of the
Product only in the case of battery failure or inadequate performance when these
are the demonstrable, direct result of material or manufacturing faults. A battery
failure or inadequate performance of a battery as the result of normal wear is not
covered by the guarantee as referred to in these terms of warranty. Failures or
inadequate performance are similarly not covered by the guarantee if they are the
result of improper or incompetent use of the Product or of the battery comprising a
part thereof, including the incorrect charging of the battery and neglecting to carry
out proper maintenance in good time, in connection with which, in cases in which
the Customer is a Dealer, the Dealer shall similarly indemnify Handicare against
any claims from Users or other third parties resulting from improper or incompetent
use of the Product or of the battery comprising a part thereof as referred to above.
4. The guarantees given under the preceding terms are in any case rendered null and
void if:
•the guidelines for the maintenance of the Product given by Handicare are not
followed or are insufficiently followed;
•necessary repairs or replacement of components are the result of neglect of,
damage to or overloading of the Product, or if the Product was used for
purposes other than that for which it was intended;
•components of the Product have been replaced by components originating
from a source other than the source used by Handicare and/or components of
the Product have been replaced without Handicare’s authorisation.
5. The guarantees given in provisions 1 to 3 inclusive are also rendered null and void
in the case of the Product being used by a new user within the period of warranty
when reuse necessitated adaptations to the product in any way whatsoever, and
these adaptations were not made by Handicare or by order of and/or under the
instructions of Handicare.
6. In order to retain rights under the guarantees stated above, the Customer must
contact Handicare as soon as possible in the case of loss events or other calamities
and provide Handicare with as many details as possible. The opportunity for the
Customer to assert a claim under the terms of the guarantees described above
lapses in any case after 20 working days from the loss event or from the calamity
giving cause for a claim under the guarantee.
7. Replacement of a component or the repair or reconditioning of the Product within an
ongoing period of guarantee does not extend the period of guarantee.
8. Handicare gives no guarantees with respect to repairs to or reconditioning of the
Product not carried out by order of or on the instructions of Handicare. When
repairs or reconditioning have been carried out by or by order of and/or on the
instructions of a Customer, the Customer shall indemnify Handicare against claims
from third parties resulting in the broadest sense from such repairs or
reconditioning.

Introduction
14
Liability provisions
Without prejudice to the provisions with respect to liability contained in the general
terms and conditions applicable to the Product, the following in any case applies with
regard to liability:
1. Having regard to the following provisions, Handicare accepts liability only for
damage/loss through death or physical injury as a result of a defect in a Product for
which Handicare is responsible and for damage/loss to another object which is part
of the private property of the user of the Product, providing that the damage/loss is
the direct result of a Product defect. Handicare’s liability is in any case limited to the
amount paid by Handicare’s liability insurance for the case in question.
2. Handicare accepts no other or no further liability than that described under 1. In
particular, Handicare accepts no liability for resulting damage of any kind.

General safety rules and regulations
15
1 General safety rules and regulations
Handicare accepts no liability for loss or injury caused by not following the safety rules
and regulations fully, or otherwise for loss or injury as a result of negligence during use
or when cleaning the scooter and any accessories. Supplementary safety regulations
may apply depending on the specific circumstances for operation or on the accessories
used. Please contact your dealer immediately if you should ascertain any potential
hazards when using the product.
The user of the scooter (see ‘Intended use’) is at all times responsible
for following local safety rules and guidelines.
1.1 Labels and instructions on the scooter
The markings, symbols and instructions on the scooter constitute a part of the safety
guidelines for the scooter. For this reason they may never be covered or removed and
must be present and clearly legible for the entire period of time the scooter is in
existence.
• Illegible or damaged labels, symbols and instructions must be replaced or repaired
immediately. Contact your dealer in such cases.
1.2 Technical specifications
No changes may be made to the technical specifications.
1.3 Adaptations
Adaptations to components of this product are not permitted.
1.4 Safety
It is of great importance that attention be paid to the following safety regulations for the
prevention of accidents and undesirable situations.
Take extra care when driving on slopes:
•Never remove safety devices, such as the anti-tip wheels.
•Never drive the Fortress Calypso up slopes with a gradient greater
than that specified in section 5.4.3 of this manual.
•Always drive up slopes slowly and take extra care.
•Never descend a slope at full speed.
•Do not drive down slopes covered with loose gravel or with a sandy
surface, as one of the back wheels may slip.
•Do not turn on slopes.
•Never take corners at full speed. Reduce speed before taking a
corner.
•When driving up a slope, adopt a position which promotes stability,
as described in section 5.4.3 of this manual.

General safety rules and regulations
16
•Ensure that clothing does not trail as this can become entangled in
the wheels.
•Ensure that your fingers do not become trapped in the mechanism
for adjusting the position of the steering column.
You must adjust your driving to the prevailing conditions:
•Drive carefully on roads which have become slippery due to rain,
black ice or snow!
•Reduce speed in busy surroundings.
•Do not use the scooter on unsurfaced roads.
•Ensure that the Fortress Calypso A does not come into contact with
salt water. Salt water is corrosive and can damage the scooter.
•Ensure that the Fortress Calypso does not come into contact with
sand. Sand can find its way into the moving parts of the scooter,
resulting in these parts wearing out unnecessarily quickly.
•Never drive the scooter while under the influence of drugs, alcohol
or prescription medications which could affect your driving ability.
•Your eyesight must be adequate for you to drive the scooter safely.
•If visibility is not ideal, then it is obligatory for the lights to be
turned on. The scooter is equipped with brake lights which
illuminate on braking.
•Use the indicator lights only to indicate a change in driving
direction.
•Only use the horn for warning pedestrians or other road users of
possibly hazardous situations.
•Never place metal components on top of the batteries. Doing so
could cause a short circuit, leading to damage.
•Do not transport any passengers on the scooter. The scooter has
been specifically designed to transport you alone.
•Do not drive the scooter with the seat backrest angled too far to the
rear. This can affect weight distribution and the stability to the rear
of the scooter, in particular when driving up slopes or over
obstacles.
•Ensure that your scooter does not transport a greater load than fits
in the basket. Never hang anything on the tiller.
•Never use the scooter for pulling a trailer. The scooter has not been
designed for such use and doing so can cause serious damage to
your scooter.
•Do not stand on the platform in order to reach up to objects.
•Do not position your feet too close to the front wheel and fork when
driving. Always keep your feet on the rubber mat and not up against
the front tiller cover.

General safety rules and regulations
17
The scooter is electronically driven. Specific parameters have been
factory-set. These settings have been made in order to ensure that use
of the Fortress Calypso is comfortable and efficient and they can not
be changed.
The standard version of your scooter has been tested in accordance
with the most stringent requirements for electromagnetic interference.
If you use a mobile telephone near to a specially adapted scooter, it is
advisable to switch the scooter off first.
Your scooter can affect electromagnetic fields, such as alarm systems.
If the scooter’s electronics are not well shielded, sensitive electrical
devices, such as shop alarm systems and garage door openers, can be
affected. The scooter has been tested for such interference. Please
report any problems of this nature to your dealer immediately.
•Beware of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light can cause premature
wear of materials such as rubber, plastic and enamel.
•Pay attention to objects sticking out from the scooter. These can
cause damage to your surroundings or to the scooter itself.
•Keep the scooter away from open flames.
•Avoid extreme weather conditions or extremely wet conditions.
Maintain and store the scooter in a clean and dry state.

General description
18
2 General description
The Fortress Calypso is an electrically driven scooter for general indoor and outdoor
use.
The seat height can be adjusted to the length of the user’s legs. The scooter’s seat can
be swivelled and the armrests can be folded away to facilitate sitting down on the
scooter or getting up from the scooter.
The steering column is adjustable for a comfortable driving position.
Extra caution must be paid when driving at higher speeds. Pay attention to your speed
and slow down, particularly on pavements and in pedestrian areas.
The following points should always be remembered when using the scooter:
• In terms of traffic regulations, a scooter is not a motor vehicle. The rights and
obligations of a scooter user are the same as those of a pedestrian.
• You are always responsible for your scooter being in perfect working order so that
the scooter can be driven safely.
• The scooter is a technical product. For this reason it is important that repairs and all
maintenance are carried out by qualified personnel. If your scooter needs attention,
then you must contact your dealer

Main components
19
3 Main components
The scooter is equipped with, or can be equipped with, the following main components:
A. Seat.
This is where the user sits.
B. Backrest.
Supports the user’s back.
C. Headrest
Supports the head.
D. Armrest.
Supports the arms.
E. Steering column
The control panel and all of the control keys and levers are located on the steering
column.
F. Lights
The lights should be switched on when driving in the dark.
G. Indicator lights
Indicate changes in direction while driving.
H. Detachable basket
For the transportation of personal belongings.
I. Front wheel
Front wheel with suspension.
J. Front bumper
Protects the front wheel on collision.
K. Rear wheels
Rear wheels with suspension.
L. Anti-tip wheels
Wheels to prevent the scooter from tipping over backwards on slopes.
M. Attachment points
Points of attachment for securing the scooter.
(Consult the next page for the location of these components on the scooter)
Various elements and components on the scooter can be adjusted for optimal seating
comfort.

Main components
20
4-wheel model
F
G
E
D
H
J
C
B
K
A
I
L
M