Handicare Alex User manual

9002988C
GENERAL USER MANUAL
BRUGSANVISNING
KÄYTTÖOHJE
ALEX

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English........................................................................................4
Dansk........................................................................................32
Suomi........................................................................................60

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English
© 2009 Handicare
All rights reserved.
The information provided herein may not be reproduced and/or published in any form, by print,
photoprint, microfilm or any other means whatsoever (electronically or mechanically) without the
prior written authorisation of Handicare.
The information provided is based on general data concerning the constructions known at the time
of the publication of this manual. Handicare executes a policy of continuous improvement and
reserves the right to changes and modifications.
The information provided is valid for the product in its standard version. Handicare cannot be held
liable for possible damage resulting from specifications of the product deviating from the standard
configuration.
The available information has been prepared with all possible diligence, but Handicare cannot be
held liable for possible errors in the information or the consequences thereof.
Handicare accepts no liability for loss resulting from work executed by third parties.
Names, trade names, etc. used by Handicare may not, as per the legislation concerning the
protection of trade names, be considered as being available.
2009-01

Table of content
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Foreword .......................................................................................................................7
1Safety.....................................................................................................................8
1.1 Temperature ...................................................................................................8
1.2 Moving parts ...................................................................................................8
1.3 Electromagnetic radiation................................................................................9
1.4 Decals and instructions on the wheelchair ......................................................9
1.4.1 Used decals on the wheelchair .............................................................10
2General description of the wheelchair..............................................................11
2.1 Configurations...............................................................................................11
2.2 The user........................................................................................................12
2.3 User environment..........................................................................................12
2.4 Adjustment options .......................................................................................13
3Wheelchair settings............................................................................................14
4Checking the wheelchair before putting into use ............................................15
5Use of the wheelchair.........................................................................................16
5.1 Getting in and out of the wheelchair..............................................................16
5.1.1 Forwards transfer ..................................................................................16
5.1.2 Sideways transfer..................................................................................16
5.2 Driving the wheelchair...................................................................................17
5.2.1 Curves...................................................................................................17
5.2.2 Braking/Emergency stop .......................................................................17
5.3 Driving on a slope .........................................................................................17
5.3.1 Slopes steeper than the normal user environment................................17
5.4 Obstacles ......................................................................................................18
5.4.1 Driving up a kerb ...................................................................................18
5.4.2 Driving down a kerb ..............................................................................18
5.5 Adjustment options .......................................................................................19
5.6 Freewheel switch: pushing the wheelchair....................................................19
5.7 Storage after use ..........................................................................................20
6Transport of the wheelchair...............................................................................21
6.1 Transport of the wheelchair...........................................................................21
6.2 Reducing the wheelchair...............................................................................21
6.2.1 Removing the seat ................................................................................22
6.2.2 Removing the legrests ..........................................................................22
6.2.3 Removing the armrests .........................................................................22
6.2.4 Folding down the backrest ....................................................................22
7Maintenance of the wheelchair..........................................................................23
7.1 Cleaning the wheelchair................................................................................23
7.1.1 Removing dry dirt ..................................................................................23
7.2 Batteries........................................................................................................23
7.2.1 Charging the batteries...........................................................................24
7.2.2 Maintaining the batteries .......................................................................24
7.2.3 Replacing the batteries .........................................................................24
7.3 Tyres .............................................................................................................24
7.3.1 Tyre repair of drive wheels....................................................................25
7.4 Discarding the wheelchair .............................................................................25
7.4.1 The environment ...................................................................................25
8Warranty ..............................................................................................................26
9Technical specifications ....................................................................................28

Table of content
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9.1 INDOOR/Outdoor..........................................................................................29
9.2 OUTDOOR/indoor.........................................................................................30
9.3 Electric wiring diagram..................................................................................31

Foreword
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Foreword
This user manual
The user manual for this electric wheelchair consists of three booklets. Read the entire
user manual carefully before taking the product into use. The information provided by
this manual is essential for the safe use and proper care (cleaning) of the wheelchair.
•The general user manual (this booklet)
•The user manual for the seating system (Sedeo)
•The user manual for the controller
If one of these user manuals was not included with your wheelchair, please contact
your dealer immediately. In addition to this user manual, there is also a service manual
for qualified specialists.
This general user manual will refer, where necessary, to one of the other user manuals.
This is indicated as follows:
GENERAL
CONTROLLER: Refers to the user manual for the controllers.
SEDEO: Refers to the user manual for the seating system.
Symbols used in this manual
Warning symbol
Follow the instructions next to this symbol closely.
Not paying careful attention to these instructions could result in physical injury or
damage to the wheelchair or the environment.
Reference symbol
The symbol refers to a separate user manual. This reference will indicate the specific
user manual and the section to which is being referred.

Safety
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1 Safety
Safety information is indicated with the warning symbol.
•Follow the instructions carefully next to these warning symbols! Not paying careful
attention to these instructions could result in physical injury or damage to the
wheelchair or the environment. Wherever possible, safety information is provided in
the relevant chapter.
1.1 Temperature
Temperature
•Avoid physical contact with the wheelchair’s motors at all times. Motors are
continuously in motion during use and can reach high temperatures. After use, the
motors will cool down slowly. Physical contact could cause burns.
•If you do not use the wheelchair, ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight for
lengthy periods of time. Certain parts of the wheelchair, such as the seat, the back
and the armrests can become hot if they have been exposed to full sunlight for too
long. This may cause burns or allergic reactions to the skin.
1.2 Moving parts
Moving parts
Figure 1.1
•A wheelchair has moving and rotating parts. Contact with moving parts may result
in serious physical injury or damage to the wheelchair. Contact with the moving
parts of the wheelchair should be avoided.
•Wheels (turning and castor)
•Electric tilt in space adjustment
•Electric high/low option
•Electric backrest adjustment
•Swing-away controller holder

Safety
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1.3 Electromagnetic radiation
Electromagnetic radiation
The standard version of your electric wheelchair has been tested on the applicable
requirements with respect to electromagnetic radiation (EMC requirements) In spite
of these tests:
•it cannot be excluded that electromagnetic radiation may have an influence on the
wheelchair. For example:
•mobile telephony
•large-scale medical apparatus
•other sources of electromagnetic radiation
•it cannot be excluded that the wheelchair may interfere with electromagnetic fields.
For example:
•shop doors
•burglar alarm systems in shops
•garage door openers
In the unlikely event that such problems do occur, we request that you notify your
dealer immediately.
1.4 Decals and instructions on the wheelchair
Decals and instructions on the wheelchair
•The signs, symbols and instructions affixed to the wheelchair comprise part of the
safety facilities. They must never be covered or removed. They must remain
present and clearly legible throughout the entire lifespan of the wheelchair.
•Replace or repair all illegible or damaged signs, symbols and instructions
immediately. Please contact your dealer for assistance.

Safety
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1.4.1 Used decals on the wheelchair
Check manual before using
Freewheel switch in ‘Drive’ mode
Freewheel switch in ‘Push’ mode.
Don’t put the freewheel switch in ‘Push’ mode on a slope
Battery charging connection
Attachment point of the tie-down system for transportation in a
vehicle.
Danger of crushing!
Use caution when swinging the controller aside to avoid getting
anything crushed.
Trap danger. Danger of getting fingers jammed
Identification plate
A Model
B Year of manufacture
C Identification number
D Usage is indoors and outdoors
E Maximum load in kg

General description of the wheelchair
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2 General description of the wheelchair
Comfort is of paramount importance to many people who make use of a wheelchair.
And this is exactly what this electrical driven wheelchair offers: an unknown degree of
driving comfort. A distinctive feature is the unique independent suspension system,
which absorbs not only shocks, but also vibrations.
CE declaration
The product is in conformity with the provisions of the Medical
Devices Directive and thus has CE marking.
Figure 2.1: left front wheel driven (FWD), right rear wheel driven (RWD)
Main components basic model
A. Drive wheels
B. Castor wheels
C. Free wheel switch
D. Controller
Seating system
E. Seat
F. Backrest
G. Armrest
H. Legrest with foot support
I. Headrest
2.1 Configurations
Generally speaking, the Alex is comprised of an undercarriage with a seating system
on top. This special undercarriage makes it possible for you to configure Alex as a front
wheel or rear wheel-driven wheelchair (FWD or respectively RWD). The Alex is
available in a range of different speeds up to a maximum of 12.5 km/hr.
In addition, the Alex can be executed with two different kinds of tyres (indoors and
outdoors). This will have an effect on certain specifications. To make this easier for our

General description of the wheelchair
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customers, we have made a distinction between the Alex ‘type INDOOR / outdoor and
an Alex ‘type OUTDOOR / indoor’.
•The technical specifications may not be changed.
•Do not make any changes to the electrical circuit.
•Any modifications to the wheelchair or any parts thereof are not permitted.
2.2 The user
Driving an electric wheelchair requires cognitive, physical and visual skills. The user
must be able to estimate and correct the results of actions when operating the
wheelchair.
The wheelchair can not transport more than 1 person at a time. The maximum user
weight is 160 kg. unless otherwise indicated on the identification plate. Additional
weight, such as rucksacks, accessories or medical apparatus must be added to the
user’s weight to determine the maximum weight, which cannot be exceeded.
The user must be informed of the contents of this user manual before driving the
wheelchair. In addition, the user of the wheelchair must be given thorough instruction
by a qualified specialist before he or she participates in traffic. The first sessions in the
wheelchair should be practiced under supervision of a trainer/advisor.
•The user of the wheelchair is at all times completely responsible for complying with
the applicable local safety regulations and guidelines.
•If you are under the influence of medicines that can have an effect on your ability to
drive, you are not permitted to drive a wheelchair.
•Adequate vision is required in order to safely operate a wheelchair in the user
situation concerned.
•Not more than one person at a time can be seated in the wheelchair.
•Do not allow children to ride in the wheelchair unsupervised.
2.3 User environment
This wheelchair has been designed to accommodate both indoor and outdoor use
(EN12184 (1999) class B). When driving the wheelchair outdoors, drive only on paved
roads, pavements, footpaths and bicycle paths. The speed must be adapted to suit the
environment.
With all adjustment options set to neutral (table 2.1), it can be assumed that when using
an RWD Alex, a slope of ≤10˚belongs to a normal user environment with no danger of
instability. In an FWD Alex this is ≤6˚. In the technical specifications, you will find this
under ‘maximum safe slope’.
•Drive carefully on slippery roads resulting from rain, ice or snow!
•Prevent the wheelchair from coming into contact with sea water: sea water is
caustic and may damage the wheelchair.
•Prevent the wheelchair from coming into contact with sand: sand can permeate into

General description of the wheelchair
13
the moving parts of the wheelchair, causing extensive wear on these parts.
•You are required to turn on the lights in case of limited visibility.
•When driving at higher speeds you must be extra careful. Select a lower maximum
speed indoors, on the pavement and in pedestrian areas.
•Do not drive off high obstacles.
•Do not use the wheelchair if temperatures are below: -10˚C or above +50˚C.
•Do not attach a weight to the wheelchair without the approval of a qualified
specialist. This may negatively affect the stability of the product.
•Do not push and/or tow any objects with the wheelchair.
•Do not open doors using the legrests.
•Do not drive through puddles of water.
2.4 Adjustment options
The Alex is available with the following electrical and/or mechanical adjustment options:
Table 2.1: electrical adjustment options and the neutral position
Figure 2.2: Electrical adjustment options
•Use of the electrical adjustment options may influence the centre point of gravity.
These adjustments should only be made when the wheelchair is stationed on a flat
surface.
•Electrical adjustment options are linked to moving and/or rotating parts. Contact
with these moving parts may result in serious physical injury or damage to the
wheelchair. Contact with the moving parts of the wheelchair must be avoided.
Adjustment option Neutral position
Electrically adjustable tilt in space option The entire chair upright
Electrically adjustable high/low option The chair in the lowest position
Electrically adjustable backrest option The backrest as upright as possible
Electrically or mechanically adjustable
legrests
The legrests are positioned as closely
as possible to the chair.

Wheelchair settings
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3 Wheelchair settings
The average wheelchair user does not exist. This is why Handicare wheelchairs can be
adjusted according to the specific needs of the user.
In this, we make a distinction between wheelchair settings and wheelchair adjustment
options. Settings are carried out only once and must be executed by qualified
specialists, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Adjustment options can be carried out by
the user. These adjustment options do not require the use of tools.
Only to be carried out by qualified specialists
Adjusting the seating system
The extensive settings with respect to the seating system allow for optimum support
of the body. The following setting options are possible:
Seating system SEDEO
•Depth, width of the seat
•Backrest angle
•Armrest height
•Lower leg length
•Angle of the footplate
Seat angle, Seat height
Depending on the specific circumstances of the user of the wheelchair the seat
height can be set. Every optional seat height lays within the 6˚(10.5%) maximum
safe slope of according to EN12184 (1999) ClassB. Lowering the seat height has a
positive influence on the (dynamic) stability.
Seat height setting
Enlarging the seat height has a negative influence on the (dynamic) stability,
because the centre point of gravity gets higher.
Seat position and centre point of gravity setting
The seat position and centre point of gravity can be adjusted. For this purpose there
are 3 positions in the seat slide (figure 3.1).
The wheelchair is designed and tested to be used in the standard position (middle
hole). Only change the seat position and centre point of gravity to compensate
specific user circumstances. For example: when a user has no legs.
Seat position and centre point of gravity setting
Changing the seat position and centre point of gravity:
•Will have a negative influence on the driving characteristics of the wheelchair if
used wrong.
•Will have a negative influence on the (dynamic) stability of the wheelchair if used
wrong.
•In case of doubt contact Handicare technical support for advise.

Checking the wheelchair before putting into use
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Figure 3.1: Seat position and centre point of gravity setting
Height and depth of the controller SEDEO
Programme of the control system
•Only to be carried out by qualified specialists. Incorrect setting of the parameters of
the control system could lead to very dangerous situations.
4 Checking the wheelchair before putting into use
Be careful! Check the following before driving:
•Are the tyres sufficiently inflated (Ch. 7.1)
•Are the batteries sufficiently charged? The green lights on the battery indicator must
be on. CONTROLLER
•Are the lights on the direction indicators functioning properly? CONTROLLER
Ensure that the free wheel switch has been set to ‘drive’.
•When operating the wheelchair, ensure that your clothing does not hamper the
wheelchair (i.e. too long). Before use, always check if your clothing or accessories
do not come into contact with the wheels or and other moving and/or rotating parts
in which they could become entangled.
•In winter, batteries have a reduced capacity. During a period of light frost, the
capacity is roughly 75% of the normal capacity. At temperatures below -5˚C this will
be roughly 50%. This will reduce your range of action.

Use of the wheelchair
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5 Use of the wheelchair
5.1 Getting in and out of the wheelchair
Getting in and out of a wheelchair is sometimes called making a transfer.
Be careful! Before a transfer is made, ensure that:
•The controller has been switched off
•That the freewheel switch has been switched to ‘drive’ (ch. 5.6)
•Do not stand on the foot-plates. These have not been designed to accommodate
the full weight of a person. In addition, this could cause the wheelchair to topple
over.
5.1.1 Forwards transfer
1. Fold up the foot supports
2. Swing the calf plates to the side (if applicable)
3. If possible, swing the legrests to the side
4. Seat yourself in the chair
5.1.2 Sideways transfer
1. Unscrew the cap and remove the armrest
2. Seat yourself in the chair
Figure 5.1

Use of the wheelchair
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5.2 Driving the wheelchair
•As a wheelchair user, you are vulnerable in traffic. Keep in mind that other
participants in traffic may not always notice you. Keep to the applicable traffic
regulations.
•Avoid out-of-the-way routes so that help can be quickly on its way when needed.
•Adapt your driving style and speed to the circumstances
Electric wheelchairs are driven by means of a controller. The controller has its own user
manual CONTROLLER, which has been included with this wheelchair.
•Switch on the controller CONTROLLER
•Set the maximum speed limit CONTROLLER
•Move the joystick into the direction you would like to go
•Moving the joystick even further forwards will cause the wheelchair to move faster
5.2.1 Curves
•Never take curves at full speed. Decrease your speed before taking a curve.
•Use the indicators when changing direction.
5.2.2 Braking/Emergency stop
To brake, the joystick must be moved into the neutral position or released completely.
The wheelchair will brake automatically. An emergency stop can also be made by
releasing the joystick.
5.3 Driving on a slope
With all adjustment options set to the neutral position (table 2.1), it can be assumed
that when using an RWD Alex, a grade of ≤10˚(17.6%) belongs to a normal user
environment with no danger of instability. In an FWD Alex this is ≤6˚(10.5%). In the
technical specifications, you will find this under ‘maximum safe slope’.
5.3.1 Slopes steeper than the normal user environment
Driving on slopes whose grade is steeper than the maximum safety limit can lead to
safety risks with respect to stability. This requires great care and complete control of
the user. Always drive carefully and never take unnecessary risks! Follow the
instructions next to the warnings carefully!
An emergency stop can be made by releasing the joystick. The following should be
avoided when driving:
•Do not push the on/off button
•Do not move suddenly in the opposite direction
The wheelchair will come to an abrupt standstill with a sudden jolt. Not only is this
uncomfortable, it could lead to tipping over if you are on a slope.

Use of the wheelchair
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The stability and performance of a wheelchair depend on a number of variables.
Wheelchairs are adapted according to the needs of individual users. This is why
variables will differ from wheelchair to wheelchair. Ask your dealer to inform you about
the instructions for use and the specific settings and adjustments that can influence the
driving characteristics of the wheelchair.
Driving on a slope
Driving on a slope
•When driving on a slope, always drive carefully and with the utmost concentration.
•Avoid sudden and jerky movements.
•Avoid making emergency stops on a slope.
•Avoid changing direction on a slope whenever possible.
•Do not turn on a slope.
•Only drive up a slope with all the adjustment options set to the neutral position.
•Driving on a slope in reverse can be extremely dangerous.
•Do not drive on slopes with loose gravel or a sandy surface, as one of the driving
wheels could slip/spin.
•Driving on a slope too long can cause overheating of the motor.
•When driving down a slope forwards in a FWD wheelchair, we always recommend
using an anti-tip.
Uphill
•If you notice a strong decrease in speed when driving up a slope, take a less steep
route.
Downhill
•Prevent the wheelchair from gaining too much speed.
5.4 Obstacles
5.4.1 Driving up a kerb
•Choose the place where the kerb is at its lowest (see chapter 11 ‘climbing capacity for
obstacles’)
•Drive straight up to the kerb (20 cm in front of the kerb).
•Move the joystick forwards. Drive up the kerb without changing direction.
•As soon as the front wheels are on the pavement, you must maintain speed in order
to get onto the pavement with all wheels. If it is impossible to drive onto the pavement,
find a lower place where it is possible.
5.4.2 Driving down a kerb
•Choose the place where the kerb is at its lowest. In case of doubt, do not take any
risks and find another route or someone to help you.
•Drive with your front wheels straight up to the kerb.
•Move the joystick slowly forwards. Drive down the kerb carefully and as slowly as
possible, without changing direction.

Use of the wheelchair
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5.5 Adjustment options
Adjustment options are those parts of a wheelchair that can be adjusted by the user
without the use of tools. The Alex can be ordered with the following adjustment options:
Mechanical adjustment options
•Comfort legrests SEDEO
•Swing-away joystick holder SEDEO
•Headrest SEDEO
Electrical adjustment options
•Electrical tilt adjustment CONTROLLER
•Electrical high/low option CONTROLLER
•Electrical backrest adjustment CONTROLLER
•Electrical legrests CONTROLLER
Figure 8.2
5.6 Freewheel switch: pushing the wheelchair
The wheelchair can also be moved by pushing. For this purpose, the motors must be
disengaged. This is done with a freewheel switch; one for each motor.
Figure 5.1: Left: free wheel switch in ‘push’ position; Right: ‘drive’ position
•Never drive down stairs in a wheelchair.
•Do not drive off obstacles higher than 6 cm.

Use of the wheelchair
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The freewheel switch can be set to two positions:
•‘Drive’ mode. In this position, the chair can not be pushed.
•‘Push’ mode. In this position, the chair can not be driven using the controller.
The automatic parking brake only works if the switch is set to the ‘drive’ position. The
freewheel switch should only be set to ‘push’ if the chair is to be pushed. When the
chair is no longer being pushed, the freewheel switch should be set to 'drive'
immediately.
•The freewheel switch is a function that was developed especially for wheelchair
attendants. The freewheel switch should only be operated by the attendant and
never by the user.
•Never set the switch to ‘push’ on a slope! When the freewheel switch is set to
‘push’, the automatic parking brake will be deactivated. The wheelchair could then
move down the slope.
5.7 Storage after use
If the wheelchair is not in use, it must be stored in a cool place without being exposed
to extreme weather conditions. Do not place the wheelchair in direct sunlight. Parts of
the wheelchair can become so hot that they could cause burns. The surrounding
temperature when stored may not be lower than 20˚C or higher than +65˚C.