7. Safety
Safety Checklist
▫A helmet and safety belt is recommended.
▫ALWAYS engage the Wheel Locks on your wheelchair before attaching or
detaching the handcycle.
▫ALWAYS check to make sure that your latches are fully engaged before
operating your handcycle.
▫Check to make sure all nuts and bolts are tight and all latches are secured.
▫Make sure the hand brakes work properly before riding your handcycle.
▫Do not add any parts or accessories not authorized by Rio Mobility to your
handcycle, this could be unsafe and you will void your warranty.
Before You Ride
Make sure that your Firefly
TM
is installed, adjusted, and maintained properly. Do not use the
Firefly
TM
until you and your health care professional determine that you have the ability to use
it in an uncontrolled environment.
Use your wheelchair as described in your wheelchair manual and use the Firefly
TM
in the
same safe manner that you would your wheelchair with pushrims. Follow all additional
warnings and instructions for the Firefly
TM
in this manual.
Outdoor Use
Always watch out for traffic and pedestrians when riding on the road and sidewalk – follow
traffic regulations. Follow any and all local regulations which apply to this device.
The Firefly is water resistant, not water proof. We recommend to cover the battery and
controller with a plastic bag if caught in the rain.
Turning Stability
Always mind your speed, especially when turning. You should have full control of your
wheelchair at all times. Do not exceed the maximum allowable speed recommended by your
wheelchair manufacturer.
Three wheeled vehicles are less stable in turns compared to wheelchairs alone, so be
careful to keep all three wheels on the ground and moderate your speed when approaching
curves.
Be very careful when reaching and leaning left or right from your wheelchair with your
handcycle attached – the longer wheelbase makes it less stable in sideways leans than your
normal wheelchair. Narrow wheelchairs are less stable, so be extra careful if your wheelchair
is particularly narrow."
