progeo JOKER ENERGY User manual

JOKER ENERGY 1
JOKER
ENERGY
USER’S MANUAL
ENGLISH
REV.9 - O1.06.11/ENG

JOKER ENERGY 2

JOKER ENERGY 3
Index:
1.0 General information 4
1.1 Introduction 4
1.2 Guide to symbols 4
1.3 General characteristics of the wheelchair 4
1.4 Use 5
1.5 General advises 5
2.0 Safety 5
2.1 Movements: getting in and out of the wheelchair 5
2.2 Starting to use your wheelchair 7
2.3 Dealing with obstacles: stares and steps 7
2.4 Dealing with obstacles: slopes and inclines 10
2.5 Ensuring stability 11
2.6 Tyre pressure 12
2.7 Quick release axles 13
2.8 Backrest locking system 14
2.9 Footplate 14
2.10 Calf strap 16
2.11 Tubular armrest 16
2.12 Fasteners 16
2.13 Wheelchair lifetime 17
2.14 Avoiding accidents 17
3.0 Loading the wheelchair 18
4.0 General description of the wheelchair parts 21
5.0 Using the wheelchair 21
5.1 Use 21
5.2 Closing the backrest 21
5.3 Opening the backrest 22
5.4 Lifting the wheelchair 22
5.5 Quick release rear wheels 23
5.6 Using the brakes 24
5.7 Safety belt and harness 24
6.0 Adjustments 26
6.1 General 26
6.2 List of parts in standard set up 27
6.3 Backrest height adjustment 28
6.4 Front wheels replacement 29
6.5 Backrest angle adjustment 30
6.6 Brake adjustment 31
6.7 Backrest upholstery adjustment 32
6.8 Footplate adjustment 32
7.0 Accessories 34
7.1 Height adjustable removable swing away armrests
35
7.2 Transit wheels 35
7.3 Anti-tip wheels 36
7.4 Tipping aid 37
7.5 Crutches support 37
7.6 Other accessories 38
8.0 Maintenance 40
8.1 Replacements of worn parts 40
8.2 Inspection of components 41
8.3 Troubleshooting guide 41
9.0 Technical data 42
10.0 Warranty 43
11.0 Certification 44

JOKER ENERGY 4
1.0 General information
1.1 Introduction
At RehaTEAM® constant research into quality and creativity
are the cornerstone of our business. After many years in the
industry we remain genuinely focused on providing total
customer satisfaction while bringing innovative style and
design to every one of our high-quality wheelchairs.
We have become industry leaders by making excellence and
service our top priorities. All of our models are built from
carefully selected materials and provide multiple configurations
allowing full personalization. We perform continuous,
meticulous quality control and testing in order to offer the
highest possible quality combined with fast, reliable service.
We acknowledge that we owe our success to our clients as
well as to those who have believed in us and helped us quality
is the best differentiator.
.
1.2 Guidetosymbols
In this manual you will often see the following symbols which are
used to highlight points which are of particular interest or
importance:
This symbol indicates actions that must be avoided at
all times
This symbol indicates that particular care should be
taken about a procedure or note in order to avoid
causing harm to people or things, or breakages and
dangerous situations in general.
General information to improve usage of the
wheelchair by the user.
Essential tool: a flat screwdriver is necessary to
perform this procedure.
Essential tool: a pozidrive screwdriver is necessary to
perform this procedure.
Essential tool: a 6mm spanner is necessary to
perform this procedure.
Essential tool: a 6mm Allen key is necessary to
perform this procedure.
1.3 General characteristics of the wheelchair
The Progeo® JOKER ENERGY wheelchair presents a new
concept in active ultra light rigid frame wheelchairs.
A unique wheelchair available with extremely high resistant
aluminium alloy tubing frame to increase strength and rigidity.
JOKER ENERGY is a stylish wheelchair offering hi-tech
solutions for full personalisation and is ideal for both indoor
and outdoor use
The possibile adjustments after manufacturing this
models are very few, in fact the model Joker Energy
is made of a fully welded aluminium frame while the
model Noir is made of a monocoque carbon fiber
frame: both frames, therefore, are not modifiable.
6
6

JOKER ENERGY 5
1.4 Use
The JOKER ENERGY wheelchair is self propelled which
means that it can be moved manually by using the hand
rims on the rear wheels. It can be used in rehab as well
as in more active situations and is ideal for a wide range
of users with different kinds of pathologies.
It is used to guarantee either fully independent or
assisted (with an attendant) movement for a person with
reduced or fully impaired movement in one or more parts
of the body. As it has such a large range of accessories
and configurations the wheelchair can be used in full
safety both inside and outside.
Where the user is affected by particularly severe
pathologies or with people who are unable to move at all
on their own, an attendant is always advisable. We also
discourage use over hilly, particularly soft, sandy or
uneven ground, slopes exceeding the recommended
gradient and acid environments.
Its compact size and structure make the JOKER
ENERGY wheelchair ideal for use by both teenagers
and adults.
1.5 General advises
Before using the wheelchair we recommend that you
carefully read Chapter 2.0 “Safety” and Chapter 5.0
“Using the wheelchair,” which are essential for safe use
of the wheelchair.
2.0 Safety
The Progeo® JOKER ENERGY wheelchair is a
medical device and therefore it should not be lent to
other users even for short periods of time.
Making any unauthorised modifications or using un-
approved parts may change the wheelchair structure
and create unsafe condition as well as possible harm
to the chair and occupant is forbidden.
T H E M A N U FA C T U R E R W I L L A C C E P T
NO R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y I N C A S E S O F
N O N - COMPLIANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS
OR RECOMMENDATIONS AS SET OUT IN THIS
MANUAL AND ANY SUCH ACTIVITY WILL RESULT IN
THE IMMEDIATE CANCELLATION OF THE
MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY .
2.1 Movements: getting in and out of the wheelchair
While getting into or out of the wheelchair do not place
your feet on the footplate. This could result in the
wheelchair tipping up, possibly causing harm both to the
chair and to the occupant.
Getting in and out of the wheelchair must always be done with
extreme care and caution, even by experienced users, and must be
performed only after receiving instruction from specialised and fully
trained personnel
If getting in and out of the wheelchair is difficult an attendant should
be present. All of these actions should in any case be performed
based on your particular pathology and therefore on your own level
of independence

JOKER ENERGY 6
The general rules to respect while getting in or out of the
wheelchair safely are:
Ensure the wheelchair is parked on a solid, flat or regular
surface. Do not get in or out of the wheelchair while on hills or
uneven ground which could render the wheelchair unstable
and cause the occupant to fall and/or the wheelchair to
overbalance.
The brakes should be engaged (see chapter 5.6 “Using the
brakes”)
Get your feet off the footplate (see chapter 2.9 “Footplate”)
when getting out, and bring them close to the footplate when
getting in.
Lean on the wheelchair and where possible on a stable object
nearby. Use the force of your arms to raise and move your
body (see fig. 1) In cases where the occupant is not able to
perform this movement alone, or if the movement is to be
performed on an uneven surface, an attendant should be
present (see fig. 2)
While getting in or out of the wheelchair never lean or
sit on the clothes protector. It could bend or break,
possibly resulting in injury.
If your wheelchair is equipped with swing away of the
chair is recommended to be swung backward (see
chapter 7.1 “Height adjustment removable swing away
armrests”)
Fig. 1
Fig.2

JOKER ENERGY 7
2.2 Starting to use your wheelchair
Finding the centre of gravity - the point at which the
wheelchair will tip back
Your ability to control and safely tip the wheelchair depends
mainly on your seating position and the location of the centre of
gravity in respect to the rear wheels.
The JOKER ENERGY model does not allow any adjustment the
rear wheels due to its welded frame.
The correct position of the rear wheels depends on many
factors, among them: the occupant's weight, type of
disability and ability to manoeuvre the wheelchair.
The manufacturer will supply the wheelchair with the rear
wheels positioned according to instructions given on the
original order form. The wheelchair’s setting can not
be modified after manufacturing.
Finding the point at which the chair will safely tip
back requires the presence of an attendant who must
be standing behind the wheelchair ready to prevent it
from overbalancing.
In order to find the point at which the chair will easily tip back
and, consequently, the range within which it is safe to
manoeuvre the chair, proceed in the follows (see fig. 3):
You are sitting on your chair. hold the hand rims on the rear
wheels firmly.
Then, move the hand rims slightly backwards and while
moving your weight backwards, push the hand rims forward
with a jerk and the front of the chair will rise.
At this point, by moving your body gently backwards and
forwards while moving the rear wheel backwards and forwards
using the hand rims, it will be possible to find the centre of
gravity and the point at which the chair will safely be
controlled.
IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE WHEELCHAIR FROM
OVERBALANCING DURING NORMAL USE WE
RECOMMEND MOUNTING ANTI TIPPER WHEELS
WHICH ARE SUPPLIED AS AN ACCESSORY TO
THIS MODEL.
(see chapter 7.3“Anti-tip wheels”)
2.3 Dealing with obstacles: stairs and steps
While getting over obstacles such as stairs and steps,
approach the obstacle at a moderate speed
Fig.3

JOKER ENERGY 8
Never attempt to go over steps or other obstacles
that are over 20cm (6 inches) height.
If particularly difficult obstacles are encountered an
attendant should always be present at the back of
the wheelchair in order to ensure complete safety.
Going over obstacles alone
Before attempting to go down a step or over any kind of
general obstacle alone (without the presence of an
attendant), you will need to have control over your
wheelchair and know how to tip it while maintaining your
balance over the rear wheels (see chapter 2.2 “Starting
to use your wheelchair”).
Going down steps on your own (see fig. 4)
Bring the wheelchair right up to the leading edge of the
obstacle .
Raise the front wheels by tilting the wheelchair while
maintaining balance.
Move the rear wheels carefully down to the obstacle; during
this phase hold the handrails to control the descent .
Once the rear wheels have descended the obstacle, tilt the
wheelchair forward until the front wheels touch the ground
again.
Going up a step alone
(see fig. 5)
Bring the wheelchair right up to the leading edge of the
obstacle .
Raise the front wheels and tip the chair back while
maintaining balance
Using the handrails, carefully move the rear wheels forwards
until they touch the edge of the step.
Tip the wheelchair forward until the front wheels are on top of
Fig.4
Fig.5

JOKER ENERGY 9
the obstacle.
Lean forward in the chair so that the rear of the chair is
lighter.
Hold the handrails tightly and move the rear wheels forwards
bringing them over the top of the obstacle.
Going down stairs with an attendant
(see fig. 6)
Take the wheelchair right up to the obstacle so that the front
wheels are as close as possible to it.
Grip the rear handles tightly and push down in order to raise
the front of the wheelchair.
Keep the wheelchair in this position and accompany it down
the stairs one step at a time. The occupant seated in the
chair can assist the attendant by using the hand rims.
At the end of the descent, tip the chair forward so that the
front wheels are once again touching the ground.
In order to help the attendant to tilt the chair we
advise the use of the tip-back assistance device
which is supplied as an accessory to this model (see
chapter 7.4 “Tipping aid”).
Going up steps with an attendant (see fig. 6)
Move backwards towards the step so that the rear wheels of
the wheelchair touch it .
Grip the rear handles of the wheelchair tightly and pull hard
while keeping the wheelchair tilted (with the front wheels
raised in order to prevent the occupant from slipping out of
the chair) until the rear wheels are over the step.
Keeping the wheelchair tilted, pull it away from the step
enough to allow the front wheels to touch the same level
ground
Fig.6

JOKER ENERGY 10
2.4 Dealing with obstacles: slopes or inclines
Going uphill
(see fig. 7)
Moving up any kind of slope should be done with extreme care. The
occupant must move at speed by generating force on the rear
wheel while at the same time maintaining control over the
wheelchair.
Werecommend that occupants who have not yet completely
mastered safe use of the chair should mount the anti-tip
system which is supplied as an accessory to this model and
which is useful for preventing the chair from tipping over
backwards (see chapter 7.3 “anti-tip wheels”).
Lean forwards and keep your weight forward in the chair in
order to prevent the wheelchair from tipping over backwards.
Hold the rear hand rims tightly.
Move the wheelchair hard up the slope whilst ensuring that
you move smoothly and fluidly. Do not move your upper body
backwards and forwards in the chair.
The maximum gradient that can be attempted in
complete safety is 6% (3°).
Going downhill (see fig.8)
In order to go downhill safely, the occupant has to keep constant,
controlled speed and direction over the entire slope.
Fig.7 Fig.8

JOKER ENERGY 11
Approach the slope at a moderate speed
Keep your weight backwards in the chair to avoid slipping out.
Hold on to the hand rims on the rear wheels and allow them to
slide slowly through your hands.
The occupant should be able to stop the wheelchair at any
time simply by blocking the motion of the handrail.
2.5 Ensuring stability
You will encounter situations which will require you to lean out of
the wheelchair. These apparently simple movements could, if not
performed with care, result in a loss of stability and in possible
overbalancing of the chair.
In order to gain the maximum control over your wheelchair the
following list of common situations is reported. We ask you to pay
particular attention to these guidelines so as to maintain balance
and stability
Leaning forwards (see fig. 9)
Ensure that the front wheels of the chair are pointing forwards.
In order to do this, move the chair forwards and then
backwards.
Put on the brakes in order to prevent the chair from moving
suddenly during the movement.
Lean forward in such a way that your upper body does not
move beyond the front wheels at any time. Moving the weight
of the body excessively forward may cause the wheelchair to
tip up onto the front wheels and overbalance possibly causing
harm both to the chair and the occupant.
In order to ensure greater stability the occupant should hold
on to the wheelchair with his or her free hand.
Do not lean too far forward; you may fall out of the
chair
Do not move forward by sliding your pelvis across the
seat cushion in order to reach objects that are too far
away.Thechaircouldoverbalance.
Never hold on to the backrest in order to ensure the
stability or to help your movement The backrest could
close and cause severe damages to the end user.
Fig.9

JOKER ENERGY 12
Leaning backwards (see fig.10)
Ensure that the front wheels of the chair are pointing forward
move the wheelchair forwards and then backwards.
do not engage the brakes.
lean backwards without changing your sitting position.
Do not lean too far back over the backrest, the
wheelchair could overbalance
Leaning out sideward (see fig. 11)
Do not move your upper body beyond the rear wheel as the
wheelchair could overbalance .
With your free hand, for greater safety and stability, hold on to
the wheelchair
2.6 Tyre pressure
In order to guarantee consistent, precise running and braking, it is
necessary to ensure that the tyres are correctly inflated.
Remove the plastic valve cover on the valve that is found on
the rim of the rear wheel (see fig.12)
Use a compressor to bring the pressure to the correct level
(see table 1)
Screw up the plastic valve cover.
Fig.10
Fig.11

JOKER ENERGY 13
Fig. 12
Check the tyre pressures weekly using “table 1” as a
guide.
Incorrect inflation of the tyres (especially if too low)
causes incorrect functioning of the brakes and the
wheelchair may not stop (see chapter 6.6 “Brake
adjustment”).
A correct tyre pressure makes the wheelchair
much more fluent and easier to move and control
To inflate the tyres always use a compressor with a
gauge.
Do not use hand pumps or other systems.
Do not exceed the pressure indicated in the pressure
table as the inner tube or the tyre may get damaged.
Pay particular attention to type of tyre fitted, as
shown in “table 1”.
Table1Rear Wheel Tyre Pressure
TYRE PRESSURE
High Pressure 7 BAR
High pressure profile 7 BAR
Marathon Plus 10 BAR
Anti puncture Does not require inflation
The anti puncture tyres does not require inflation. This
type of tyre needs less maintenance and eliminates the
costs and inconvenience due to repair or replacement of
the inner tube.
However, during normal use, they are less fluent than
traditional tyres or tubulars
2.7 Quick release axles
After each procedure carried out on the rear wheels, ensure that
the quick release axles are well inserted (see fig.13)(seechapter
5.5“Quick release rear wheels).
A check up of the quick release axles is a periodic
procedure the user should carry out .

JOKER ENERGY 14
Check the correct functioning
of the quick release axle
without any person sitting on
the chair.
Disengage the brakes
With one hand on the
backrest tube, lift the chair a
few centimetres on the side
where the rear wheel will be
removed.
Take hold of the wheel hub
with your fingers laced
through one or two spokes
and pull and push hard (as
indicated by the arrow) in
order to ensure that the
wheel is properly fastened
If the axles are not correctly placed and
fastened they may work loose during normal
use and could result in the wheelchair
overbalancing and possibly causing injury.
2.8 Backrest locking system
After opening the backrest (see chapter 5.3 “Opening the
backrest”) always check carefully that the bolt “A” is properly
inserted in the hole of the fixing plate “S” on both sides.
An audible click indicates that the backrest has been successfully
and securely opened (see fig.14).
2.9 Footplate
Fig.13
Fig.14
Fig. 15 Fig. 16

JOKER ENERGY 15
For the model JOKER ENERGY the footplate is fixed, thus no
adjustments are possible. However the footplate inclination is set
so as to offer an adequate feet position. A plastic plate that
increases the grip and thus reduces the risk for the feet to slip
frontward, can be mounted on the tubular aluminium footplate
(figure 15).
However, as accessory (figure 16) and thus to be requested on
the order form at purchase, it is available the option “adjustable
footplate” with three kind of footplates available :
•aluminium footplate (std.) adjustable in angle (fig.17);
•carbon fibre footplate adjustable in angle (fig. 18);
•carbon fibre footplate with fixed inclination (fig19).
When moving in and out of the wheelchair it is
recommended not to keep your feet on the
footplate; an excessive weight on the footplate may
result in it breaking and could in turn cause harm to
the user.
The two screws “A” at the bottom of the carbon
fibre footplate (see fig. 19) allow its adjustment (see
chapter 6.8 “Footplate adjustment”) and prevent the
carbon fibre plate from possible damages caused
bycontactwiththeground.
We recommend periodic inspection of the two
screws “A”; if they are worn-out they should be
replaced.
On their upper part all these footplates are particularly designed to
offer greater rigidness and, at the same time, to reduce and
control the possible sliding off of the feet guiding them towards the
middle of the footplate so as to keep them close to each other.
To prevent the feet from sliding off backwards, we
recommend the use of the calf strap provided as
standard in this model (see chapter 2.10“Calf strap”).

JOKER ENERGY 16
2.10 Calf strap
In some cases, depending on the diameter of the front wheels and
the width of the wheelchair, the front wheel, as it rotates for turns etc
maycomeintocontactwiththeoccupant'sheel.
In order to avoid any such contact (which could result in the chair
overbalancing), the chair is supplied with a calf restraining belt
which should be adjusted so that the occupant's feet do not
come into contact with the front wheels of the chair at
any time (see fig.20).
The use of the calf restraints on the JOKER ENERGY model is
important to prevent the user’s feet from slipping backwards.
2.11 Tubular armrests
The model JOKER ENERGY can be provided with tubular
armrests (fig.21).
.
The armrests are considered as accessory and must
therefore be ordered separately. They are particularly
useful for people with reduced mobility of their hands or
arms and for those with limited upper body movement
who require better stability when sitting on the wheelchair
The armrests must not be used to carry the
wheelchairorasa support.
The tubular armrests are only locked when they are in
their standard position for use (facing forwards and
parallel with the sides of the wheelchair) (see fig. 21). In
all other positions they can turn and for this reason
always ensure that they are correctly positioned
before use (see chapter 7.1 “Height adjustable,
removable,swing awayarmrests”).
If this instruction is ignored the wheelchair or the
user may overbalance.
Fig.20
Fig. 21

JOKER ENERGY 17
Do not use the armrest as hand hold to raise the
wheelchair; this may cause the armrests to come off
from their supports and in turn cause harm to the
user and to the wheelchair
Do not use the armrest as supports when making
transfer .We indeed recommend to swing the armrest
away on the side of the transfer so as to help the
operation.
2.12 Fasteners
After each maintenance cycle ensure that all nuts, bolts and screws
are correctly tightened as they may loosenduringnormaldailyuse.
We recommend checking that all hardware is
correctly tightened at least once a month.
If necessary consult an authorized PROGEO dealer
or technician.
2.13 Wheelchair lifetime
Under normal daily use the PROGEO
®
wheelchair has a lifetime of 5
years provided that it receives careful maintenance at the correct
intervals.
The lifetime will considerably increased if the wheelchair is used
only indoors or not on a daily basis.
2.14 Avoiding accidents
Movements
Avoid sudden, jerky movements during use of the wheelchair
asthiscouldcauseitto overbalance.
If obstacles are run into, avoid sudden movements (such as
abruptbraking).
The risk of skidding increase on irregular or damp ground.
Going over obstacles as steps and ramps has to be done
carefully (ask an assistant for help ).
For greater safety, when moving across inclined or potentially
dangerous terrains it is recommended the presence of an
attendant behind the wheelchair.
Speed
Always adjust your speed with relation to the type of terrain and
conditions. As a general rule, we advise a constant, regular speed
avoidingsuddenaccelerationsorchangesindirection.
Using the brakes
The parking brakes have been designed to hold the wheelchair
stablewhenitisstationary.
For safety reasons we do not recommend using the
parking brakes while the wheelchair is in motion(see
chapter 6.6 “Brake adjustment”)
When using the brakes a great care should be taken
to avoidinjurytothehandsorfingers.

JOKER ENERGY 18
3.0 Loading the wheelchair
There is no single best way to load the wheelchair in a vehicle.
The kind and level of the patient disability (his/her ability to control
his/her upper body, arm and hand movements),physical strength
(for an old person or a child the operation may result too hard) and
the kind of vehicle that will be used are all factors.
It is clear that all these factors are too many to give a single precise
procedure to fit all cases , therefore this information has to be taken
as general advices.
Perform all car loading activities with extreme care
and only after receiving instruction from specialised
servicepersonnel with our authorised dealers.
If these procedures seem to be unsafe or difficult we
recommend asking an attendant for help.
Never transport in a vehicle an occupant sitted on the
wheelchair as these wheelchairs are not designed for
thiskindof use.
If the occupant has to be transported while seated in
the chair you are reminded that the wheelchair in its
standard configuration is not supplied with seatbelts.
Any safety belts for vehicle transport must be
installedbyspecialised personnel.
Transport with an attendant
(seefig.22, 23, 24, 25)
In cases where the physical limitations of the occupant prevent
him/her from moving and loading the wheelchair into the car on
his/herown,thehelpofanattendantwillberequired.
This semi folding wheelchair has specifically been designed to be
lightweight and manageable in order to guarantee ease of
movementeven for thosewithlimitedstrengthand mobility.
Release the brakes and pull the rear wheels out (see Chapter
5.5“Quickreleaserearwheels”)(seefig.22).
Fig. 22

JOKER ENERGY 19
Fold the backrest (see chapter 5.2 “Closing the backrest”).
Take hold of the chair with one hand on the front frame and the
other hand on the backrest handle so as to balance the
weight of the wheelchair andmakelifting it easier.
Load the wheelchair into the car. Then load the rear wheels
(seefig.23).
The reduced size of the folded chair allows it to be loaded into
the boot of the car (fig. 24) or between the front and rear seats
(seefig.25).
Loading the wheelchair without assistance
(seefig. 26-27-28)
The following actions have been designed for people with good
control of their upper body, arms and hands as well as sufficient
strengthtoperformthemovementsincomplete safety.
Open the door on the side where you will get into the car from
(eg. the driver's door), after that move the chair as close as
possibletotheseat.
Engage the brakes and get into the car (see chapter 2.1
“Movements: getting into and out of the wheelchair”) (see
fig.26).
Once you are inside the car, release the wheelchair brakes
and pull out the rear wheels (see chapter 5.5 “Quick release
rearwheels”).
Fig. 23
Fig.24 Fig.25

JOKER ENERGY 20
Fold the backrest (see chapter 5.2 “Closing the backrest”)
(seefig.27).
Take hold of the chair with one hand on the front frame and
the other hand on the backrest handle so as to balance
the weight of the wheelchair and make lifting it easier.
Load the chair and the rear wheelsintothecar. (Seefig.28)
Fig.26
Fig.27 Fig.28