Permobil Koala User manual

Koala
Power Wheelchair
OWNER´S MANUAL
US

How to contact Permobil
Head Office of the Permobil group
Permobil Inc. USA
6961 Eastgate Blvd.
Lebanon, TN 37090
USA
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Permobil AB
Box 120
861 23 Timrå
Sweden
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Koala
Power Wheelchair
Produced and published by Permobil AB, Sweden
Version no.: 5 - 2009-03
Art. no.: 201182-US-0

Contents
Important information about the owner´s manual . . . . . . . . . 6
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Spare parts & accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Warranty & service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Product approval. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23
Design and function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Seat lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Reflectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Electrical system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Control panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Tool bag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Releasing the brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Driving rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Charging the batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Transporting by air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Maintenance and repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Important information (only for the US market) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Owner´s manual Koala Contents

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Owner´s manual Koala Important information about the Owner´s Manual
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.
It is also possible to obtain information concerning our products from our home
page on the Internet. You can find us at www.permobil.com.
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. 201182-US-0.

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Owner´s manual Koala Technical support, warranty, etc.
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.
Spare parts and accessories must be ordered through your dealer.
In the event of technical problems, you should contact your dealer or Permobil
Inc USA at 1-800-736-0925.
Always state the chassis serial number when contacting Permobil to ensure
that the correct information is provided.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
SPARE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
WARRANTY
Contact Permobil Inc. for information about scrapping agreements in force.
SCRAPPING THE WHEELCHAIR

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
Safety Instructions - General
A power wheelchair is a motorized vehicle and special care must therefore be
taken when it is used. Please read and follow all instructions and warnings in this
manual before operating your Permobil powered wheelchair. Incorrect use may
both injure the user and damage the chair. In order to reduce these risks, you
should read the Owner’s Manual carefully, in particular the safety instructions
and their warning texts.
Throughout this manual the following symbol will be used to note items that have
significant importance to safety concerns:
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 power 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.
Please use caution where this symbol appears.
Please use extreme caution where this warning symbol appears. Failure to
observe warnings can lead to personal injury and property damage, including
damage to the wheelchair.
NOTE
WARNING

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
Safety Instructions - General
Your wheelchair was configured specifically for your needs as prescribed by your
healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider before changing the seat
position or making any other adjustment. Some adjustments may reduce your
wheelchair’s performance or safety or may not be appropriate for your needs.
It is also of the utmost importance that you devote sufficient time to become
acquainted with the different buttons, the function and steering controls, the dif-
ferent adjustment possibilities of the seat, etc. of your wheelchair and its acces-
sories before you begin using it.
Do not undertake your own first test drive without making sure that you have
assistance in the immediate vicinity if you should need help.
In order to make sure that nothing happened to the wheelchair while it was
being shipped to you, you should check the following items before beginning to
use it:
• that all products ordered are included in the delivery, incuding operating
instructions and possible other documentation. If you suspect that something is
missing, then contact your supplier or Permobil for more information as soon
as possible.
• that no transport-related or other damages have occurred to the wheelchair
and its accessories. If you discover that something has been damaged or in
some other manner appears to be incorrect, then contact your supplier or
Permobil for more information as soon as possible before you continue the
checks.
We recommend that you charge your wheelchair's batteries before you begin
using it. The chapter titled ”Charging the Batteries” describes how to do this.
Always be sure that tires are inflated properly before driving.
If you experience that the wheelchair in any manner is not behaving as expected
or if you suspect that something is wrong: abort the test drive as soon as
possible, shut off the wheelchair and get in touch with your service contact or
Permobil for more information.

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
Safety Instructions
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 con-
sult with your physician about your physical limitations and medications.
NOTE
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 sur-
face 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.
WARNING

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
Safety Instructions
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.
NOTE
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.
WARNING

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
Safety Instructions
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. Be sure to keep all recommended positioning belts
securely fastened at all times.
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 diffi-
cult 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.
NOTE

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
Safety Instructions
Operation - Inclines
Do not drive the wheelchair where the sideways gradient is more than indicated
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 protection
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 tip-
ping 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.
WARNING

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
Safety Instructions
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 the wheelchair 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.
WARNING

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
Safety Instructions
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 car-
peting, 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.
NOTE

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
Safety Instructions
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/ back-
rest 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 functions
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/backrest
• 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. This will cause the wheelchair to
stop abruptly and may cause personal injury.
Fixed Seat Post
Adjusting the seat height may only be performed by an authorized service
provider. See the Service Manual for more information.
WARNING

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
Positioning Belt
Permobil positioning belts are designed to position the user only and will not
protect you in an accident. You may even receive further injury from the belts.
Support Wheels
If your wheelchair is equipped with support wheels, they must always be mounted
when the wheelchair is being driven.
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
overexert, lose balance, or fall.
Permobil recommends that users transfer in the presence of or with the
assistance 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.
WARNING
Safety Instructions

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
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 caused the chair to short-circuit,
catch fire and cause personal injury or property damage. Do not operate your
wheelchair 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.
NOTE:
Extreme care should be exercised when using oxygen in close prox-
imity to electric circuits and other combustible materials. Contact your oxygen
supplier for instruction in use of oxygen.
WARNING
Safety Instructions

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
Transport
The wheelchair must be transported in or with transport solutions that have
been approved for this purpose.
Check that the wheelchair is properly secured and that the wheel locks are not
disengaged. The wheelchair can be locked into position by running fastening
straps through the brackets at the front and back. Also check that the fasten-
ing points on the transport vehicle are well-anchored.
A defectively fastened chair can cause serious injury to persons in the vehicle
and serious damage to the vehicle.
Use Prohibited 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 wheelchair
configuration, has secured the wheelchair using a Permolock C, 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. The only wheelchair trans-
portation system Permobil recommends is a Permolock C used in combination
with an approved Permobil wheelchair.
Unless using a Permolock C with an 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 positioning belts are designed to position the user only and will not
protect you in your vehicle if you are in an accident.
WARNING
Safety Instructions

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Owner´s manual Koala Safety instructions
Maintenance and Service
Carry out only the service and maintenance which are stated in the Owner’s
Manual. All other service and maintenance must be performed by a qualified
service technician authorized by Permobil to perform such service on Permobil
products
During all work on the electrical system of the wheelchair, the Circuit Breaker
must always be in OFF position. To avoid the risk of electric shock, use
extreme caution when using metal objects while working on the batteries.
Short-circuiting can easily cause an explosion. Never perform service on the
wheelchair without using protective gloves and goggles. Failure to do so can
lead to personal injury.
Do not use parts or accessories not authorized by Permobil. Use of unap-
proved ”aftermarket” accessories and parts may cause changes in the wheel-
chair, which may make the wheelchair unstable or uncontrollable. Such use
may also void the warranty on the wheelchair.
Connecting any unapproved electrical or electronic devices to the wheelchair’s
electrical system can cause damage to the chair and caused the chair to
become uncontrollable or drive erratically. Such use may also void the warranty.
The wheelchair is heavy and contains many moving parts, which means that
the risk of being caught between them is always present.
Charging of Batteries
Charging must be done in a well-ventilated room, not in a wardrobe or closet.
Charging must not be done in a bathroom or wet room. Only chargers with a
max 10 A charging current (average value) may be used (the RMS value of the
charging current must not exceed 12A). When the charger is connected,
the chair must not and cannot be driven.
WARNING
Safety Instructions