Otto Bock SKIPPI User manual

Skippi
Instructions for use

Additional options for the Skippi
The power wheelchair can be equipped with the following additional options (applicable options are checked):
Electronic drive-away lock*
[ ] Function enabled [ ] Function disabled
If enabled, the function is activated by pressing the mode button on the control panel.
The function is deactivated with the joystick.
*See the “Operation“ section for more information.

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Table of contents
Skippi
Table of contents
1 General information.............................................. 6
1.1 Foreword ............................................................... 6
1.2 Intended use .......................................................... 6
1.3 Area of application ................................................. 7
1.4 Service................................................................... 8
2 Safety .................................................................... 8
2.1 Explanation of symbols ........................................... 8
2.2 Standards and directives........................................ 9
2.3 General safety instructions ..................................... 9
2.4 Safety requirements for transportation,
storage and assembly .......................................... 11
2.5 Safety requirements for operation......................... 13
2.6 Safety requirements for care, maintenance
and disposal......................................................... 18
2.7 Effects of electromagnetic interference
on the product and on the user............................. 19
2.7.1 General information on electromagnetic
interference .......................................................... 20
2.7.2 Warnings regarding effects of
electromagnetic interference................................. 21
2.7.3 Interference immunity of this power wheelchair..... 22
2.8 Safety functions.................................................... 22
2.9 Warning symbols and type plates......................... 24
3 Product description............................................. 26
4 Delivery and preparation for use ........................ 27
4.1 Delivery ................................................................ 27
4.2 Initial operation..................................................... 28
4.3 Handing over the product ..................................... 28
5 Transportation and storage ................................ 29
5.1 Transportation in a wheelchair accessible vehicle 29
5.1.1 Required accessories........................................... 31
5.1.2 Using the product in the vehicle ............................ 31
5.1.3 Restrictions for use............................................... 32
5.2 Disassembling the power wheelchair.................... 34
5.3 Storage................................................................ 38
6 Operation ............................................................ 39
6.1 Adjustment options............................................... 39
6.1.1 Backrest .............................................................. 40
6.1.2 Seat angle............................................................ 40
6.1.3 Side panel with armrest........................................ 41

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Table of contents
Skippi
6.1.4 Control panel ...................................................... 42
6.1.5 Footrest................................................................ 44
6.2 Getting in and out................................................. 46
6.2.1 From the side ....................................................... 46
6.2.2 From the front....................................................... 47
6.3 Control unit .......................................................... 48
6.3.1 Control panel ....................................................... 48
6.3.2 Switching on and off............................................. 50
6.3.3 Driving function..................................................... 51
6.3.4 “Battery charge level” display............................... 53
6.3.5 Range .................................................................. 54
6.3.6 Controlling additional electrical functions.............. 55
6.3.7 Drive-away lock.................................................... 56
6.4 Releasing and engaging the brake ....................... 57
6.5 Batteries .............................................................. 59
6.5.1 Charging.............................................................. 60
6.5.2 Charger ............................................................... 62
6.5.3 Charging process ................................................ 63
7 Accessories ........................................................ 63
7.1 Attendant control.................................................. 64
7.1.1 Functional overview.............................................. 64
7.2 Electric seat functions .......................................... 67
7.2.1 Safety instructions................................................ 67
7.2.2 Electric seat height adjustment ............................. 68
7.2.3 Electric seat tilt..................................................... 70
7.2.4 Electric back angle adjustment............................. 70
7.3 Mechanical seat options....................................... 72
7.3.1 Safety instructions................................................ 72
7.3.2 Mechanical seat tilt .............................................. 72
7.3.3 Mechanically elevating footrest............................. 73
7.4 Control panel holder............................................. 73
7.4.1 Swing-away control panel holder with
removable control panel ....................................... 73
7.5 Lap belt................................................................ 74
7.6 Lights ................................................................... 75
7.7 Additional options................................................. 76
8 Malfunctions/troubleshooting ........................... 76
8.1 Warning ............................................................... 77
8.2 Fault..................................................................... 77
8.2.1 Fault indication: Control panel.............................. 79

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Table of contents
Skippi
8.2.2 Fault indication: Attendant control ........................ 81
8.3 Defect/failure........................................................ 82
9 Maintenance and care ........................................ 82
9.1 Maintenance intervals........................................... 82
9.2 Replace the fuses................................................. 85
9.3 Replacing the tyres/inner tubes ............................ 85
9.4 Replacing a defective bulb ................................... 87
9.5 Cleaning and care ............................................... 88
9.5.1 Disinfection .......................................................... 89
10 Disposal .............................................................. 89
10.1 Disposal information............................................. 89
10.2 Information on re-use............................................ 89
11 Legal information ................................................ 90
11.1 Service life ........................................................... 90
11.2 Liability................................................................. 91
11.3 CE conformity ...................................................... 91
11.4 Warranty .............................................................. 91
11.5 Trademarks .......................................................... 91
12 Technical data..................................................... 92

6 | Ottobock
General information
Skippi
1 General information
INFORMATION
Date of the last update: 2015-04-07
Please read this document carefully before using the
product.
Follow the safety instructions to avoid injuries and dam-
age to the product.
Receive instruction in the correct and safe use of the
product by qualied personnel.
Please keep this document in a safe place.
INFORMATION
You can request this document as a PDF le from the
Customer Care Center (CCC) at [email protected] or
from the manufacturer’s service department (see inside
back cover or back page for addresses).
It is possible to increase the display size of the PDF
document.
For further questions about the instructions for use,
please contact the authorised personnel who issued
the product to you.
1.1 Foreword
These instructions for use are intended to provide the user
and attendant with all necessary information on the design,
function, operation, and maintenance of the Skippi power
wheelchair for children from Otto Bock Mobility Solutions
GmbH. The instructions for use includes information re-
quired to use the power wheelchair safely and provides in-
formation on possible causes and resolution if a fault oc-
curs.
Knowledge of these instructions for use is essential for the
safe operation of the power wheelchair. Please read this
manual, especially the "Safety" section, carefully before put-
ting the power wheelchair for children into operation, and
discuss and explain it to your child. This will ensure that the
power wheelchair for children can be used to its full advan-
tage.
1.2 Intended use
The Skippi power wheelchair for children is designed solely
for use by children and small persons who are unable to
walk or who have a walking impediment, in order to provide
individual mobility.

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General information
Skippi
The Skippi is a power wheelchair for children for indoor and
outdoor use according to category B of EN 12184. The
power wheelchair may only be combined with the options
mentioned in these instructions for use. Ottobock assumes
no liability for combinations with medical devices and/or ac-
cessories from other manufacturers outside of the modular
system. An option is available to allow an attendant to con-
trol the power wheelchair using an attendant control.
Any other use is considered improper use. The manufacturer
is not liable for any personal injury or damage to property
resulting from improper use; in such cases, the user or at-
tendant has sole liability.
The power wheelchair may only be used by appropriately
trained persons. The training of users and attendants in the
proper use of the power wheelchair is one of the require-
ments in order to protect persons from danger and to ensure
that the power wheelchair is operated safely and correctly.
The operational safety of the power wheelchair can only be
ensured if it is used correctly in accordance with the infor-
mation contained in these instructions for use. The user is
ultimately responsible for accident-free operation.
1.3 Area of application
The Skippi power wheelchair for children is suitable for per-
sons having the inability to walk or walking impediments re-
sulting from:
Paralysis
Loss of limbs (lower limb amputation)
Limb defects / deformation
Joint contractures / defects
Other diseases
The Skippi power wheelchair for children was specically
designed for users who are able to use it to move about in-
dependently.
The following points should also be considered for custom
ttings:
Body size and body weight (max. load capacity 50 kg)
Physical and mental condition
Age of the patient
Living conditions
Environment

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Safety
Skippi
1.4 Service
INFORMATION
Service and repairs on the power wheelchair must be car-
ried out exclusively by experts at specialist dealers who
have been authorised and trained by Ottobock. Please
contact the supplier who tted your power wheelchair if
any problems arise.
If questions arise or if a problem cannot be solved despite
using the instructions for use, please contact Ottobock Cus-
tomer Service (see inside or back side of cover for address).
Ottobock endeavours to support their customers in all re-
spects to ensure that they are satised with the product long
term.
2 Safety
2.1 Explanation of symbols
WARNING
Warning regarding possible risks of severe accident or in-
jury.
CAUTION
Warning regarding possible risks of accident or injury.
NOTICE
Warning regarding possible technical damage.
INFORMATION
Information regarding operation.
Information for service personnel.

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Safety
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2.2 Standards and directives
All safety information contained in these instructions for use
refers to the currently valid national laws and regulations of
the European Union. In other countries, compliance with the
applicable laws and national regulations is required.
In addition to the safety instructions contained in these in-
structions for use, the user is required to observe and com-
ply with the BGV (Employer's Liability Insurance Association
regulations), UVV (accident prevention regulations) and en-
vironmental protection regulations. All information contained
in these instructions for use must be complied with at all
times without restrictions.
The power wheelchair has been constructed using state-of-
the-art technology and is safe to operate. The safety of the
power wheelchair has been conrmed by CE certication
and the declaration of conformity.
2.3 General safety instructions
WARNING
Risk of accidents and injury due to improper use/opera-
tion.
Children may not use the power wheelchair without
supervision.
Only one person may be transported in the power
wheelchair at any one time.
The power wheelchair may only be operated by compe-
tent users. For this reason, the user and any attendants
must receive instruction in the use of the power wheel-
chair from personnel who have been authorised and
trained by Ottobock. The user is required to have un-
derstood all aspects of operating the power wheelchair
for children.
The product may not be used in case of exhaustion or
under the inuence of alcohol or medications.
The user must not have any mental limitations which
can temporarily or permanently restrict attentiveness
and judgement.

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Safety
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WARNING
Risk of accidents when driving without experience. In
order to avoid dangerous situations and falls, both the user
and attendant must rst become familiar with the power
wheelchair for children on level ground.
WARNING
Risk of suffocation. Packaging materials must be kept out
of reach of children.
CAUTION
Risk of accident and injury due to failure to observe and
follow the safety instructions. All safety instructions con-
tained in these instructions for use and in all other applica-
ble documents must be observed and complied with.
CAUTION
Risk of burns in the proximity of fire. The back upholstery
and seat cushion of the power wheelchair are not highly
ammable, however, there is a possibility they may catch
on re. Therefore utmost caution is required near any
sources of open ame or sparks, especially lit cigarettes.
CAUTION
Risk of hypothermia or burns on wheelchair parts. Parts
can become extremely hot or cold due to extreme tempera-
tures.
Do not expose the product to any extreme temperatures
(e.g. direct sunlight, sauna, extreme cold) in order to pre-
vent injuries by coming into contact with the parts.
INFORMATION
Only use original accessories supplied by the manufactur-
er. The optional components may only be mounted as de-
scribed here. Failure to comply will void the warranty.
INFORMATION
The serial number required for enquiries and orders can be
found on the rating plate (see section 2.8).

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Safety
Skippi
2.4 Safety requirements for transportation,
storage and assembly
Transportation and storage
WARNING
Risk of accident and injury due to improper use for
transportation in a wheelchair accessible vehicle. The
power wheelchair may only be used for transportation in a
wheelchair accessible vehicle if the safety components
which are offered by Ottobock and suitable restraint sys-
tems are used.
Observe the limitations regarding installed options (see
section 5.1.3).
Only one person may be transported in the power wheel-
chair at any one time. For optimum protection of the occu-
pants in case of an accident, use the seats and corre-
sponding restraint systems installed in a wheelchari ac-
cessible vehicle while it is in operation.
For more information, please refer to our brochure on us-
ing Ottobock products in wheelchair accessible vehicles,
order number 646D158.
Always ensure that the seat tilt mechanism and seat height
adjustment are lowered and the backrest is in a vertical
position when using the power wheelchair in a wheelchair
accessible vehicle.
WARNING
Risk of accident and injury due to incorrect transporta-
tion in aircraft. Follow the IATA (International Air Transport
Association) rules when transporting the power wheelchair
in an aircraft. Before checking in the power wheelchair as
baggage, the batteries must always be removed and the
battery contacts insulated to protect them against a short
circuit. For more information please visit the www.iata.org
website.
Ottobock recommends contacting the airline directly be-
fore every ight to obtain information regarding special
transport regulations.
NOTICE
Risk of damage due to improper transportation. Hoist-
ing devices used for transportation must have a sufcient
capacity. The power wheelchair must be secured in ac-
cordance with the regulations for the transport device.
Only attach tensioning straps to the corresponding eyelets.
During transportation on lifting platforms or in lifts, the con-
trol unit of the power wheelchair must be turned off. En-
gage the brake.

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Safety
Skippi
Ensure that the power wheelchair is centred on the lifting
platform. None of the power wheelchair components, such
as the anti-tipper or other parts, are allowed to be in the
danger zone.
NOTICE
Battery damage due to deep discharge. Remove the
fuse for shipping or when the power wheelchair is not be-
ing used for an extended period of time.
INFORMATION
The tyres of the power wheelchair contain chemical sub-
stances that may react with other chemical substances
such as cleaning agents or acids. A suitable surface is re-
quired when parking the wheelchair for extended periods
of time.
Assembly
CAUTION
Risk of accidents due to unsecured screw connections.
When screw connections with thread locks are loosened,
they must be replaced with new thread locks or secured
with a medium-strength liquid thread lock substance (e.g.
EuroLock A24.20).
After the power wheelchair has been adjusted or readjust-
ed, the attachment screws and/or nuts must be re-tight-
ened rmly. Observe any torque settings which may be
specied.
CAUTION
Risk of tipping due to an incorrectly mounted anti-tipper.
To ensure safe driving operation, the anti-tipper must be
mounted correctly and must be in good condition.
INFORMATION
Prior to using the power wheelchair, all necessary mechan-
ical adaptations and software settings (e.g. programming
the control unit) required according to the individual re-
quirements and abilities of the user must be completed.
The adjustments may only be made by personnel who have
been authorised and trained by Ottobock.

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Safety
Skippi
2.5 Safety requirements for operation
WARNING
Risk of accidents and injury due to defective safety func-
tions. The attendant is obligated to ensure that the power
wheelchair and its safety functions are in safe and proper
condition before every use.
The power wheelchair may only be operated if all safety func-
tions such as the automatic brakes are functional. Brake
failure can result in serious accidents with fatal injuries.
WARNING
Risk of accidents and injury due to incorrect configura-
tion settings. Modied parameter settings in the congu-
ration can lead to changes in driving characteristics. In
particular, changes to the speed, acceleration, braking or
joystick settings can lead to unexpected and therefore un-
controllable operating performance with a risk of acci-
dents. Always test the driving characteristics of the power
wheelchair after conguration/programming is complete.
Programming may only be performed by authorised,
trained specialists. Ottobock and the control unit manufac-
turer are not liable in cases of damage caused by pro-
gramming which was not performed correctly and/or
which was not adjusted correctly according to the abilities
of the wheelchair user.
WARNING
Risk of accidents and injury due to a lack of brake func-
tionality when the brake is disengaged. Note the lack of
brake functionality when the brake is disengaged, espe-
cially when operating the power wheelchair on slopes.
WARNING
Risk of injury due to tipping during operation. The power
wheelchair has been approved for ascending or descend-
ing inclines of up to 7° (12 %). Navigating inclines above
this value is not permitted.
The critical obstacle height of the power wheelchair is
50 mm /2". Crossing obstacles which exceed 50 mm /2"
in height is not permitted.
Navigating stairs is not permitted.
Driving backwards should be limited to manoeuvring or
short distances on level ground.

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Safety
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WARNING
Risk of accidents due to tipping during operation.
Reduce the driving speed when driving downhill (e.g. se-
lect speed level 1).
Obstacles must not be crossed while ascending or de-
scending inclines. Avoid getting into or out of the power
wheelchair on slopes.
Driving on inclines and over obstacles is only permissible
while the back is not tilted.
Driving over obstacles such as steps or curbs is only al-
lowed at reduced speed (max. 3 km/h / 1.8 mph). Always
approach obstacles at a right angle and cross over them
without stopping.
WARNING
Risk of tipping when driving on unsuitable terrain. Driv-
ing on very smooth areas (e. g. icy surfaces) or extremely
rough terrain (e. g. gravel or rubble) is not permitted.
WARNING
Risk of tipping when using lifting platforms. When using
lifting platforms, elevators, buses or trains, the power
wheelchair controls must be switched off and the brakes
must be engaged.
WARNING
Risk of tipping due to changes in the centre of gravity.
The effects of changes in the centre of gravity on the be-
haviour of the power wheelchair on inclines, side hills or
when crossing obstacles must be explored with the secure
support of an attendant prior to initial use.
WARNING
Risk of accidents and injury due to incorrect lifting. At-
tendants may only lift the wheelchair by securely mounted
components, but never by the footrests or armrests.
WARNING
Risk of crushing or pinching in the electric seat adjust-
ment and lifting areas. Due to the design, areas which
can cause pinching or crushing injuries when the seat
height, back angle, and seat tilt adjustments are activated
are found in the area between the seat frame and the
wheelchair frame. This must be explained to all attendants.
In order to prevent injuries, ensure that body parts such as
hands and feet are always kept out of the danger zone,
that no interfering objects such as clothing or obstacles
are in the danger zone and that no unauthorised persons
are present.

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Safety
Skippi
WARNING
Risk of accidents and injury due to improper use of the
seat height adjustment function.
The seat height adjustment function may only be used
on a level surface.
No unauthorised persons may be present in the danger
zone when the seat height adjustment function is used.
No objects or obstacles which might cause interference
may be in the adjustment range.
All attendants must be informed that, due to the con-
struction, pinch points exist in the area between the
seat frame and wheelchair frame.
User and attendants must not reach into the danger
zone.
CAUTION
Risk of accidents and injury due to getting into or out of
the wheelchair incorrectly. The wheelchair controls must
be switched off while getting into and out of the wheelchair.
The footrests and armrests must not be used for getting
into or out of the wheelchair since they are incapable of
bearing the full weight of the body.
CAUTION
Risk of accident and injury if the wheelchair starts roll-
ing. Releasing the brake may result in uncontrolled rolling
of the power wheelchair. Ensure that the brake is engaged
when you park the power wheelchair.
CAUTION
Risk of accidents due to improper clothing. Ottobock
advises users to wear light-coloured clothing or clothing
with reectors during hours of darkness.
CAUTION
Risk of accidents due to bad tyres. Visually inspect the
tyres for sufcient tread depth and correct pressure before
each use.
Avoid parking outside and in direct sunlight (UV radiation)
since this causes the tyres to age quickly. As a result, the
tread surface hardens and corner pieces break out of the
tread. Ottobock recommends replacing the tyres at least
every 2 years regardless of the amount of wear.

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Safety
Skippi
If the wheelchair is parked for an extended period of time
or the tyres overheat (e.g. in the vicinity of radiators or in
case of exposure to strong sunlight behind glass), the tyres
may become permanently deformed. Therefore always en-
sure that the wheelchair is far enough away from sources
of heat, move your wheelchair from time to time or jack the
wheelchair up when storing it.
CAUTION
Risk of injury due to improper use of the seat adjust-
ment. Overloading the seat height adjustment actuators
may cause the spindle nut to break, causing the seat to
sag or the backrest to ip back. The guidelines provided
below for actuator activation times must be observed.
NOTICE
Damage due to improper use of the electric seat ad-
justment. The power wheelchair can be equipped with
seat height, back angle, and/or seat tilt adjustment fea-
tures. The following particularities must be observed dur-
ing operation:
The seat function actuators are not intended for con-
tinuous use, only for short-term operation under limited
loads (10 % use, 90 % idle time). As a guideline, 10
seconds of activation time under maximum load should
be followed by approx. 90 seconds of idle time. The
electric seat functions are considered independent of
the driving function for this purpose.
Overloading the actuators may cause the spindle nut to
break, causing the seat to sag or the backrest to ip
back. Observe the activation time guidelines specied
above.
A maximum load of 50 kg / 110 lbs may be applied to
the seat with seat height adjustment function.
The electric seat function may not be activated in case
of faults or malfunction.
If creep speed is not activated when the seat height
adjustment function is used, please visit a specialist
dealer immediately. The power wheelchair may only be
used with the seat height adjustment in its lowest posi-
tion until the fault is repaired.

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Safety
Skippi
NOTICE
Risk of tyre damage. Excessively high pressure may dam-
age the tyres. Observe the specications in the "Technical
data" section. The specied tyre air pressure may not be
exceeded.
NOTICE
Risk of damage due to excessive heat or cold. The
power wheelchair may only be operated in the temperature
range from -15 °C to +40 °C / -5 °F to +104 °F. It must not
be operated at temperatures outside this range.
NOTICE
Damage due to overloading. The maximum load capacity
for the power wheelchair is 50 kg / 110 lbs. This load ca-
pacity must not be exceeded.
INFORMATION
Road trafc regulations must be observed when driving in
road trafc.
INFORMATION
For the personal safety of the user, wearing the lap belt at
all times is always recommended. The lap belt helps to
stabilise the person sitting in the power wheelchair.
INFORMATION
Each time you switch on the control unit, it will return to the
previously selected speed level. If desired, the starting
speed level can be specied in the parameter settings.
These settings may only be made by personnel that have
been authorised and trained by Ottobock.
INFORMATION
The power wheelchair will accelerate or decelerate if the
driving mode is changed while driving.
INFORMATION
The control unit of the power wheelchair is protected ac-
cording to protection class IP 54 and the push button mod-
ule according to protection class IP 64. Both can be used
accordingly in bad weather (e. g. rain). The control unit /
push button module is approved for indoor and outdoor
operation and meets the requirements regarding climate
and splash water.

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Safety
Skippi
INFORMATION
The control unit of the power wheelchair must again be
turned on after an emergency stop. In the event of com-
munication problems in the control unit bus system, the
system triggers an emergency stop and thus prevents any
uncontrolled functions. If the driving function is still not
available after turning the controls on again, switch over to
pushing mode by releasing the brake. A specialist dealer
will then be required to look at the wheelchair.
INFORMATION
If the control unit does not emit an error signal when the
brake lever is activated, this indicates a malfunction. The
setting must be checked by a specialist dealer.
INFORMATION
Manoeuvring is only allowed at reduced speeds.
INFORMATION
During use of the power wheelchair, electric discharges
may occur which are caused by factors such as friction
(high voltage with low current; discharge via the user).
However, these do not represent a health hazard.
The resulting discomfort can be prevented by customisa-
tion measures (attaching a mechanical discharge contact /
grounding strap to the wheelchair frame). The user's envi-
ronment must be taken into consideration.
Electrostatic discharge may also occur if the power wheel-
chair is equipped with puncture-proof tyres. Retrotting the
wheelchair with pneumatic tyres can correct this problem.
2.6 Safety requirements for care, maintenance
and disposal
CAUTION
Risk of accidents and injury due to improper mainte-
nance, repairs or adjustments. Maintenance work on the
power wheelchair may only be completed by personnel
authorised and trained by Ottobock. This also applies to
all repairs and settings on the brake. Incorrect settings can
lead to brake failure.
WARNING
Risk of injury due to explosive gases. Explosive gases
can form while the batteries are charging. For this reason,
the following safety precautions must be taken when
charging the batteries:

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Safety
Skippi
Switch the controls off.
Ensure sufcient ventilation in enclosed spaces.
Smoking and open ames are not permitted. Sparks
must be avoided.
NOTICE
Unauthorised battery replacement. Batteries may only be
replaced by a specialist dealer. The characteristic curve of
the battery charger established at the factory corresponds
to the battery included in the scope of delivery and may not
be altered independently. Setting the characteristic curve
incorrectly can result in permanent damage to the battery.
NOTICE
Risk of damage to electronics due to water penetration.
Never use a water jet or high-pressure cleaning apparatus
to clean the power wheelchair. Water must not come into
direct contact with the electronics, motor or batteries un-
der any circumstances.
INFORMATION
The functionality and operating safety of the power wheel-
chair must be veried by an authorised specialist dealer at
least once per year.
INFORMATION
Piston rods do not require lubrication. They are mainte-
nance-free.
INFORMATION
Defective batteries must be disposed of properly in ac-
cordance with country-specic regulations. They can be
returned to the dealer when buying a new one.
2.7 Effects of electromagnetic interference on
the product and on the user
WARNING
Risks of injury and product damage due to electromag-
netic interference.
It is very important that you read this information regarding
the possible effects of electromagnetic interference on
your power wheelchair.

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Skippi
2.7.1 General information on electromagnetic interfer-
ence
Power wheelchairs may be susceptible to electromag-
netic interference (EMI), which is interfering electromag-
netic energy (EM) emitted from sources such as radio
stations, TV stations, amateur radio (HAM) transmitters,
two-way radios, and mobile phones.
The interference (from radio wave sources) can cause
the power wheelchair to release its brakes, move by it-
self, or move in unintended directions.
It can also permanently damage the power wheelchairs
control system.
The intensity of the interfering EM energy can be meas-
ured in volts per meter (V/m). Each power wheelchair
can resist EMI up to a certain intensity. This is called its
“immunity level”. The higher the immunity level, the great-
er the protection. At this time, current technology is ca-
pable of achieving at least a 20 V/m immunity level,
which would provide useful protection from the more
common sources of radiated EMI.
There are a number of sources of relatively intense elec-
tromagnetic elds in the everyday environment. Some of
these sources are obvious and easy to avoid. Others are
not apparent and exposure is unavoidable. However, we
believe that by following the warnings listed below, your
risk to EMI will be minimised.
The sources of radiated EMI can be broadly classied
into three types:
1. Hand-held portable transceivers (transmitters-receiv-
ers) with the antenna mounted directly on the trans-
mitting unit. Examples include: citizens band (CB) ra-
dios, “walkie talkie,” security, re, and police trans-
ceivers, mobile telephones, and other personal com-
munication devices.
NOTICE
Some mobile telephones and similar devic-
es transmit signals while they are ON, even when
not being used.
2. Medium-range mobile transceivers, such as those
used in police cars, re trucks, ambulances, and tax-
is. These usually have the antenna mounted on the
outside of the vehicle;
3. Long-range transmitters and transceivers, such as
commercial broadcast transmitters (radio and TV
broadcast antenna towers) and amateur (HAM) ra-
dios.