Permobil K450 User manual

OWNER´S MANUAL
US
Permobil K450
Permobil K450
Power Wheelchair
Power Wheelchair

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Contents
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Contents
Important information about the owner´s manual ................................................ 6-7
Safety rules ............................................................................................................. 8-23
Design and function.................................................................................................. 24
General........................................................................................................................ 24
Driving ......................................................................................................................... 25
Shock absorbers ......................................................................................................... 25
Wheels......................................................................................................................... 26
Lights and reflectors.................................................................................................... 26
Batteries ...................................................................................................................... 27
R-Net control panel LCD monochrome display ........................................................... 28
R-Net control panel LCD color display ........................................................................ 36
R-Net control panel LED ............................................................................................. 46
MX seat ....................................................................................................................... 56
Electrical seat functions............................................................................................... 57
Manual seat functions ................................................................................................. 57
Other adjustments ....................................................................................................... 57
Electric Seat Lift .......................................................................................................... 58
Electric seat tilt adjustment ......................................................................................... 59
Seat-to-floor function ................................................................................................... 60
Combined seat lift/seat-to-floor function...................................................................... 61
ICS Control panel........................................................................................................ 62
Symbols on the ICS Control panel.............................................................................. 63
Settings ...................................................................................................................... 66
Leg rest ....................................................................................................................... 66
Back rest recline.......................................................................................................... 67
Foot plate angle........................................................................................................... 67
Arm rest....................................................................................................................... 68
Control panel, rotatable panel holder.......................................................................... 69
Operation.................................................................................................................... 70
General........................................................................................................................ 70
General - Driving ......................................................................................................... 70
Joystick Error - R-net electronics ................................................................................ 71
Driving technique......................................................................................................... 72
Driving rules ................................................................................................................ 73
Handling the manual brake release ............................................................................ 77
Seat functions............................................................................................................... 78
Charging batteries ....................................................................................................... 84

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Contents
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Contents
Transport.................................................................................................................... 86
General advice for air transport................................................................................... 88
Accessories ............................................................................................................... 90
General........................................................................................................................ 90
Positioning belt ............................................................................................................ 90
Maintenance and repairs .......................................................................................... 91
General - batteries/storage.......................................................................................... 92
Air pressure ................................................................................................................. 95
Battery replacement .................................................................................................... 96
Resetting the main fuse/battery isolator...................................................................... 98
Technical specifications......................................................................................... 100
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 102
R-net diagnostics....................................................................................................... 102
Diagnostic screens .................................................................................................... 102
Example of a screen showing a system fault............................................................ 103
Repair of defective units............................................................................................ 103
Troubleshooting guide............................................................................................... 106
Emergency operation of seat functions................................................................ 107
Connecting the emergency operation cable.............................................................. 107
Disconnecting the emergency operation cable ......................................................... 109
Important information about Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) ............. 110-111

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Important information
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Important Information about this Owner’s Manual
We congratulate you on your choice of power wheelchair. Our goal is for you to
continue to feel satisfied with your choice of both vendor and wheelchair.
Before you begin using your wheelchair, it is important that you read and under-
stand the content of these operating instructions and in particular the Safety
Instructions.
These operating instructions are primarily intended to acquaint you with the
functions and characteristics of the wheelchair and how you can use them in
the best manner possible. They also contain important safety and maintenance
information, as well as describing possible problems that can arise while driving
the wheelchair.
Always keep these operating instructions handy in connection with your wheel-
chair, since the need for important information can arise concerning its use, safety
and maintenance.
All information, pictures, illustrations and specifications are based upon the
product information that was available at the time that these operating instruc-
tions were printed. Pictures and illustrations that are found in these operating
instructions are representative examples and not intended to be exact depictions
of the various parts of the wheelchair.
We reserve the right to make changes to the product without prior notice.
Ordering of Documentation
If you are in need of another copy of the Owner’s Manual, it can be ordered
from Permobil, ask for item No. 205230-US-0.
Indication for Use
The intended use of the K450 series of the powered wheelchair is to provide
indoor and outdoor mobility to persons limited to a seating position that are
capable of operating a powered wheelchair. The K450 series of the powered
wheelchair is intended for sale OTC.

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Important information
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Spare parts and accessories must be ordered through your dealer.
SPARE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
A warranty registration card is attached to each new wheelchair. The Permobil
Inc. Product Warranty Information sets forth the conditions of the warranty.
Contact your dealer or Permobil Inc USA for information about the warranty
period for this wheelchair.
WARRANTY
Contact Permobil Inc. for information about scrapping agreements in force.
SCRAPPING THE WHEELCHAIR

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Safety rules - General
A power wheelchair is a motor-driven vehicle. Therefore, you need to be very
careful when you use and handle it. It is important to read and follow the instruc-
tions and safety rules given in this owner´s manual before starting to use your
wheelchair as incorrect use could lead to a risk of injury to users or damage to
the wheelchair and its environment.
Warning labels
The owner´s manual contains the following “warning labels” which are intended
to draw attention to situations which could lead to problems, near-accidents,
personal injury or damage to the wheelchair, etc.
Take care here.
mCAUTION
Take extra care here.
Risk of personal injury or of damage to the wheelchair and its surroundings.
mWARNING
Permobil is not responsible for personal injuries or property damage resulting
from any person’s failure to follow the warnings and instructions in this manual.
Permobil is not responsible for injuries or damage resulting from failure to exer-
cise good judgment.
The final selection and purchasing decision about the type of electric wheelchair
to be used is the responsibility of the wheelchair user and his or her healthcare
professional. Permobil Inc. is not responsible for inappropriate selections of
wheelchair models or features or improper fitting of the wheelchair.

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Safety rules - General
Your wheelchair may have been adjusted precisely to your needs on delivery,
so you should always ask the advice of the person who ordered the seat on
your behalf before making changes or adjustments to the wheelchair. Certain
adjustments may impair the wheelchair’s safety/functions or its suitability for
your needs.
To minimise incorrect use of your wheelchair, it is also extremely important to
take the necessary time to familiarise yourself with the wheelchair and its acces-
sories, the various keys, function and steering controls and the various seat
adjustment options, etc. before starting to use it.
Do not set out alone on your first test ride. Make sure you have assistance close
by if you should need help.
To ensure that nothing has occurred to the seat during its transport to you,
please check the following before first use:
• Check that all products ordered are included in the delivery. If you suspect
that something is missing, contact your aids centre or Permobil as soon as
possible for further information.
• Check that no transport damage or other damage has occurred to the seat
and its accessories. If you discover any damage or see any other problem,
contact your aids centre or Permobil as soon as possible for further informa-
tion before you continue the check.
Check also that the wheelchair’s batteries are fully charged and that the tires
have the right air pressure before using the wheelchair.
If, in any situation, you find that the wheelchair does not behave as expected
or you suspect that anything is wrong, stop your test ride as soon as possible,
switch off the wheelchair and contact your service contact or Permobil for infor-
mation.

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Safety rules
Operation
Do not let children drive the wheelchair without supervision. Do not drive the
wheelchair on public streets or roadways. Obey all local pedestrian rules and
be aware that vehicle drivers may have difficulty seeing you.
Do not operate your wheelchair under the influence of alcohol. Consumption of
alcohol may impair your ability to operate your wheelchair safely.
Some physical limitations or use of medication, either prescribed or over-the-
counter, may limit your ability to operate your wheelchair safely. Be sure to
consult with your physician about your physical limitations and medications.
mCAUTION
Operation
Permobil recommends the use of wheelchair lights at all times user is riding
near public rights of way. Use extreme caution when driving near unprotected
ledges, drop-offs or on elevated surfaces. Unintended movement or excessive
speed in these areas can lead to personal injury or property damage.
Do not drive the wheelchair over any curbs or edges higher than 3 inches.
When driving over a curb or similarly elevated surface, you must cross the
surface at a 90 degree angle (perpendicular). Crossing such surfaces at any
other angle may result in the wheelchair tipping.
Reduce your speed when driving on uneven terrain or soft surfaces. Do not
use your wheelchair on stairs or escalators. Always use an elevator.
Do not lift or move the wheelchair by any of its removable parts. Doing so
could lead to personal injury and property damage, including damage to the
wheelchair.
mWARNING

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Safety rules
Prior to Riding
In some instances, including where certain medical conditions exist, users
should practice operating their wheelchair under the supervision of an assis-
tant who is familiar with the operation of the wheelchair and with the abilities
and limitations of the user.
mCAUTION
Modifications
Any unauthorized modifications to the wheelchair or its various systems may
increase the risk of personal injury and property damage, including damage to
the wheelchair.
All modifications to and interventions in the vital systems of the wheelchair
must be performed by a qualified service technician authorized by Permobil to
perform such service on Permobil products.
Weight Limitations
The maximum user weight for your Permobil is set forth in the specification
section of the supplied Owner´s Manual for current seat model. Operation of
the wheelchair by users who exceed the maximum allowable user weight can
lead to personal injury and property damage, including damage to the wheel-
chair, as well as voiding any applicable warranty to the wheelchair.
Do not carry passengers on the wheelchair. Doing so can lead to personal
injury and property damage, including damage to the wheelchair.
Positioning Belts
Always wear your positioning belt while in your wheelchair. If signs of damage
or wear appear, replace the positioning belt immediately through your Permobil
dealer.
mWARNING

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Safety Instructions
Safety rules
Operation - Inclines
When driving downhill, select the slowest speed and proceed with caution.
Driving down an incline in a front wheel drive wheelchair can shift the user’s
center of gravity forward. If the wheelchair rolls faster than you would like,
stop the wheelchair by releasing the joystick and begin descending again at a
slower speed.
Avoid sudden stops or starts. Stop by releasing joystick rather than by turning
the power off. Turning off power while the wheelchair is in motion will cause
the wheelchair to stop suddenly.
When driving up an incline, try to keep moving at a steady speed. Stopping
and starting the chair while moving up an incline makes the wheelchair more
difficult to control.
Do not drive up or down slopes with a gradient greater than indicated in the
technical specifications section of the manual. There is a risk that the wheel-
chair will not maneuver safely.
mWARNING

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual
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Safety rules
Safety Instructions
Operation - Inclines
Do not drive the wheelchair where the sideways gradient is more than indi-
cated in the technical specifications section of the manual. There is a risk of
tipping over.
Do not drive up or down ramps that are not equipped with proper edge protec-
tion along the sides of the ramp to prevent the wheelchair from falling off of
the ramp.
When driving up an incline, be sure to drive your wheelchair straight up the
incline (perpendicular). Driving at an angle up an incline increases the risk of
tipping or falling. Use extreme caution when driving up an incline.
Do not drive down or up a hazardous incline, such as a surface covered with
snow, ice, or wet leaves or a surface that is uneven. Also avoid driving on
ramps that do not have proper edge protection.
mWARNING
Safety rules

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Safety rules
Operation - Turning
Turning your wheelchair at high speeds can create the possibility of the wheel-
chair tipping and personal injury. The possibility of tipping can be increased by
high turning speed, sharp turns, uneven surfaces, abrupt changes in direction,
and driving from an area of low traction (e.g. lawn) to an area of high traction
(e.g. sidewalk).
To protect against tipping, personal injury and property damage, reduce speed
and reduce the sharpness of your turn when turning.
Operation - Freewheel Mode
In order to prevent the wheelchair from rolling away, ensure that the wheelchair
is on a level and dry surface before releasing the brakes.
In order to avoid personal injury do not use your Permobil in freewheel mode
without an attendant present. Do not attempt to put the wheelchair in freewheel
mode by yourself while seated in it.
Do not put your Permobil in freewheel mode while on an incline. This could
cause the wheelchair to roll on its own, causing injury and property damage,
including damage to the wheelchair.
mWARNING

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Safety rules
Driving on a Loose or Soft Surface
When the wheelchair is set to its lowest speed and the batteries are not fully
charged, driving on certain surfaces, for example gravel, sand or thick carpet-
ing, can involve constrained navigability.
Driving in Darkness
Driving in the dark may only be done if your wheelchair is equipped with func-
tioning lighting in the front and the back, or as per the applicable national or
local traffic regulations.
Driving in Extreme Climate Conditions
Permobil’s wheelchairs are designed to withstand most adverse weather con-
ditions, however to minimize the risk of being caught in difficult situations you
should avoid using the wheelchair outdoors during, for example, severe cold,
heavy rain or thick snow.
Also bear in mind that certain surfaces on the wheelchair can be heated up
or cooled down in the event of prolonged exposure to intense sunlight or cold
respectively.
mCAUTION

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Safety rules
Driving with Seat Lift/Seat Tilt/Backrest Recline
Be careful in making sure that nothing gets stuck between the chassis and
the seat when the seat lift/seat tilt is operated. Operating the seat lift,seat tilt/
backrest recline changes the center of gravity and increases the risk of tipping
over. Always drive in low speed and only use those seat functions on level
ground, and not on hills, ramps, slopes or other inclines. Using those seat func-
tions while driving on inclines can lead to personal injury and property damage,
including damage to the wheelchair.
Center of Balance
The possibility of this wheelchair tipping and the point where this wheelchair
will tip forward, back or to the side depends on its center of balance. Please
note that the following factors can affect the wheelchair’s center of balance:
• Elevation of the seat
• Height and angle of the seat
• Body position or weight distribution
• Driving on an incline such as a ramp or a hill
• Use of a backpack or other accessories, depending on the amount of
weight added.
If your wheelchair begins to move in an unexpected manner, immediately
release the joystick to stop the wheelchair. Except in an emergency, do NOT
use the on/off button to stop your wheelchair, as this will cause the wheelchair
to stop abruptly and may cause personal injury.
mWARNING

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Support wheels
If your wheelchair is fitted with support wheels, they must always be fitted when
you drive.
Transfer into and out of the chair
Be sure that the power is turned OFF before entering or leaving the wheel-
chair and before lifting the control side armrest.
When transferring into or out of the wheelchair, every precaution should be
taken to reduce the distance between the wheelchair and the place to which
the user is transferring. Overextending this distance can cause user to over-
exert, lose balance, or fall.
Permobil recommends that users transfer in the presence of or with the assis-
tance of an attendant.
Use caution when bending or reaching.
Never use the joystick as a handhold or point of support.
Do not use foot plates or armrests as supports when transferring into or out
of the wheelchair. The footplates and armrests are not designed to be weight-
bearing structures. Excessive force may cause them to give way, resulting
in personal injury or property damage, including damage to the wheelchair.
mWARNING
Safety rules

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Passengers
The wheelchair is not intended to transport passengers, regardless of the age
of the passenger. The Maximum User Weight stated in the Owner’s Manual for
your seating includes the user and any personal effects. The Maximum limit
should not be exceeded. The wheelchair’s maneuverability and stability can be
degraded as a result.
Environmental Conditions
Protect your wheelchair from exposure to any type of moisture, including rain,
snow, or wash. Exposure to moisture can cause the chair to short-circuit, catch
fire and cause personal injury or property damage. Do not operate your wheel-
chair if it has been exposed to moisture until it has dried completely.
If any of the shrouds or the joystick boot has cracks or tears, they must be
replaced immediately. Failure to do so can allow moisture to enter the elec-
tronics and cause personal injury or property damage, including fire.
Do not operate your wheelchair in icy or slippery conditions. These conditions
can lower the performance and safety of your wheelchair which could lead to
an accident, personal injury and property damage, including damage to the
wheelchair.
CAUTION: Extreme care should be exercised when using oxygen in close
proximity to electric circuits and other combustible materials. Contact your
oxygen supplier for instruction in use of oxygen.
mWARNING
Safety rules

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Safety rules
Transport
The wheelchair must only be transported in a vehicle that is approved for such
purposes. Carefully check that the wheelchair is properly secured and that the
wheel locks are engaged. When transporting the wheelchair in a motor vehicle,
the wheelchair must be secured by fastening straps through the brackets in
the front and the back, each marked with a yellow sticker. Do not connect the
fastening straps to any other part of the wheelchair. Secure the wheelchair
according to the manufacturer of the vehicle restraint systems (fastening straps)
instructions. Always make sure that the fastening points on the transport vehicle
are well-anchored.
Transportation in Motor Vehicles
Permobil recommends that users NOT be transported in any kind of vehicle
while in their wheelchair, unless the user is in an approved Permobil wheel-
chair configuration, has secured the wheelchair according to the appropriate
crash test standards, and is using a seatbelt attached to the vehicle. The only
other safe alternative is that users be transferred into factory vehicle seating
for transportation and use safety restraints made available by the auto industry.
Unless using a crash-tested approved Permobil wheelchair, never sit in your
wheelchair while in a moving vehicle. In an accident or sudden stop, you may
be thrown from the chair and seriously injured or killed. Permobil position-
ing belts are designed to position the user only and not to protect you in the
event of a motor vehicle accident. The positioning belts do not replace use of
a vehicle mounted restraint.
mWARNING

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Maintenance and service
Carry out only the service and maintenance activities noted in this owner´s
manual. All other service, alterations to and interventions in the wheelchair
and its accessories’ vital systems must be carried out by a competent service
engineer or a person with sufficient knowledge to do so in an expert manner.
During all work on the wheelchair’s electrical system, the battery isolator must
be in the OFF position.
Be careful when using metal objects when working with batteries. A short-circuit
can easily cause an explosion. Always use safety gloves and safety goggles.
Use only spare parts or accessories approved or recommended by Permobil.
All other use could lead to changes which might impair the functions and safety
of the wheelchair. It could also lead to the warranty for your wheelchair becom-
ing invalid.
If you connect non-approved electrical or electronic appliances to the wheel-
chair’s electrical system, the chair may be damaged and it may no longer be
controllable or may drive erratically. Such use may also invalidate the warranty.
Note that the wheelchair is heavy and contains many moving parts, which
means there will always be some risk of crushing and of clothes, etc. getting
caught.
Charging batteries
The batteries must be charged in a well-ventilated room, not in a wardrobe.
The batteries must not be charged in a bathroom or wetroom. Only a charger
with max. 10 A charging current (average) may be used (the effective value of
the charging current must not exceed 12 A). When the charger is connected,
the chair must not and cannot be driven.
mWARNING
Safety rules

Permobil K450 Owner´s manual Safety rules
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Safety Circuits
Permobil products are equipped with safety circuits. Inhibit circuits prevent the
wheelchair from driving under certain conditions. Speed reduction circuits limit
the wheelchair’s maximum speed under certain conditions. Limit switch circuits
limit the wheelchair’s functions under certain circumstances. Overload protec-
tion circuits shut the wheelchair off in case of an overload. The user should
stop using the wheelchair immediately and consult an authorized Permobil
distributor if any of these circuits should become disabled.
Any attempt to modify the safety circuits will result in unsafe operation of the
wheelchair and could cause the chair to become unstable or uncontrollable.
Such modifications may also void the wheelchair’s warranty.
Changing Batteries and Fuses
The Circuit Breaker must always be in OFF-position when batteries and fuses
are replaced.
Observe care in the use of metallic objects when working with batteries. A
short-circuit can easily cause an explosion. Always use protective gloves and
protective eye-glasses.
Filling Air into tires
Check at regular intervals that the wheelchair’s tires have the prescribed tire
pressure. Incorrect tire pressure can cause deteriorating stability and maneu-
verability.
mWARNING
Safety rules