SoftWheel M Series User manual

Number/Version: SW-00-0015/R18
USER MANUAL
English
SoftWheel Ltd.
www.softwheel.technology
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]

Number/Version: SW-00-0015/R18
Thank you for choosing this SoftWheel product.
Please review this manual before using the product.
Dealers: this manual must be given to the user of the product
This product complies with Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices. The launch date of this product is stated in the CE
declaration of conformity.
© 2018 SoftWheel Ltd.
All rights reserved. Republication, duplication or modification in whole or in part is prohibited without prewritten
permission from SoftWheel Ltd.
The name SoftWheelTM and the SoftWheelTM logo are registered trademarks owned by SoftWheel Ltd.
The information in this manual may be subject to change without notice.

Number/Version: SW-00-0015/R18
Contents
1. GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1. Information about the User Manual............................................................................................. 1
1.2. Symbols ........................................................................................................................................ 1
1.3 Intended Use ................................................................................................................................ 1
2. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION..................................................................................................................... 2
3. SAFETY 2
3.1. General Safety Information .......................................................................................................... 2
4. COMPONENTS........................................................................................................................................ 4
4.1. Overview of Components ............................................................................................................. 4
5. ACCESSORIES.......................................................................................................................................... 5
5.1. Accessories Package ................................................................................................................... 5
5.2. Tires .............................................................................................................................................. 5
5.3. Inner Tubes................................................................................................................................... 5
5.4. Valve Adapters.............................................................................................................................. 6
5.5. Push Rim Spacers.......................................................................................................................... 6
5.6 Push Rims…....................................................................................................................................6
5.7. Axle pins ....................................................................................................................................... 6
6. SOFTWHEEL SIZES: WHEELS AND BEARINGS.......................................................................................... 8
6.1. Wheels.......................................................................................................................................... 8

Number/Version: SW-00-0015/R18
6.2. Bearings ........................................................................................................................................ 8
7. ASSEMBLING ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR SOFTWHEEL.............................................................................. 9
7.1. Push Rim Assembly....................................................................................................................... 9
7.2. Tire Assembly ............................................................................................................................. 10
8. CONNECTING SOFTWHEELS TO YOUR WHEELCHAIR ........................................................................... 11
8.1. Safety Information...................................................................................................................... 11
8.1. ASSEMBLING SOFTWHEELS TO YOUR WHEELCHAIR FOR THE FIRST TIME ................................. 11
8.1. ASSEMBLING & REMOVING SOFTWHEELS IN EVERYDAY USE .................................................... 14
9. SAFETY INFORMATION BEFORE USE .................................................................................................... 16
9.1. Safety Information During Use ................................................................................................... 17
9.2. Storage ....................................................................................................................................... 18
10. MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL CONDITIONS ....................................................................................... 18
11. AFTER USE (DISPOSAL) ......................................................................................................................... 21
12. TECHNICAL INFORMATION................................................................................................................... 21
12.1. SoftWheel Types:........................................................................................................................ 21
12.1. Accessories: ................................................................................................................................ 23
12.2. Environmental Conditions: ......................................................................................................... 23
12.3. Stages: ........................................................................................................................................ 23
12.4. General Dimensions: .................................................................................................................. 24
12.5. WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................. 25

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Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2
1. GENERAL
1.1. Information about the User Manual
Thank you for choosing SoftWheel. The user manual contains important information about your new wheels; please review
carefully and follow the safety information to ensure your safety and prevent damage to the product. This information will
also help you avoid invalidating your product warranty and maintaining product quality.
1.2. Symbols
Symbols that are used in this User Manual:
WARNING
WARNING: indicates a hazardous situation that could result
in serious injury or death if it is not avoided.
CAUTION
CAUTION: indicates a hazardous situation that could result
in minor or slight injury if it is not avoided.
IMPORTANT: indicates a situation that could result in
damage to property if it is not avoided.
TIP
TIP: Useful tips, recommendations or information for
trouble-free use.
CE: This product complies with Directive 93/42/EEC
concerning medical devices.
This product is a class I 510(k) exempt products. The establishment is registered, and the device is listed according to 21 CFR820 Part 807.
1.3 Intended Use
Indications: SoftWheels are indicated for adolescents and adults who weigh 38-136 kg (85-300 lbs.) and who use a
wheelchair.
Contra-indications: There are no contra-indications associated with proper use.
Suitable wheelchairs include those designed for active and semi-active use, and wheelchairs designed to be pushed by an
assistant.

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Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2
2. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
2.1. Each box comes with an identification label that includes data for wheel model, wheel dimensions, axle diameter, stage, and
wheel serial numbers.
2.2. Each wheel comes with four (4) UNREMOVEABLE identification labels:
•One (1) Serial No. label, located inside the wheel rim (underneath the tire). The Serial No. label includes the wheel serial
number, model, and rim dimension. Under no circumstances should this unique identifier label be removed from the
wheel rim. Removal of labels will void the product warranty.
•Three (3) Stage labels, located on each cylinder. The Stage label indicates the preload of the suspension mechanisms.
Under no circumstances should any of these 3 stage labels be removed from the cylinders.
Removal of any of these four (4) stickers will void the product warranty.
3. SAFETY
3.1. General Safety Information
General safety advice for using a wheelchair applies. We recognize that people use their wheelchairs to suite their personal
needs and lifestyles, and we believe that people should continue to do what works best for them. Standard precautions
should be applied for general safety. Several precautions, however, should be made for the protection of the wheelchair user
or assistant. For information about product safety notices and product recalls, please see www.softwheel.technology.

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Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2
SAFETY GUIDELINES:
•At high speeds, you could lose control of your wheelchair and tip or fall.
•When you use SoftWheels, control your speed and only ride as appropriate for the given ground conditions. By maintaining a
prudent speed, you will avoid unnecessary risks that could cause a tip or fall. In order to avoid serious injury, always maintain
control, safe speed, and stability while using SoftWheels.
•Maximum recommended speeds:
o6 km/h on the street, pavement, and pedestrian areas (approximately 3.5 mph)
o12 km/h in cycle lanes (approximately 7 mph)
Wheelchairs equipped with a wheel-lock that is positioned below the wheel’s axle (see figure below) might
experience a momentary disengagement of the wheel from the wheel-lock, when sufficient downward force to activate the
Softwheel occurs while the wheel-lock is engaged. The chair may move slightly during this disengagement. This may happen, for
example, when dropping into the wheelchair during a transfer. It is recommended that the wheel lock be placed above the wheel
axle whenever possible. If it is not possible, you should check that your use does not result in an unintended disengagement by
performing any activities that may cause this, while someone stands behind the wheelchair holding the push handles to prevent
the chair from moving.

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Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2
•Adjust your riding style to suit relevant conditions: weather, surface, obstacles, individual
ability, experience, etc. There is a risk of skidding on wet surfaces, gravel, or uneven terrain.
Avoid collisions in general.
•To allow the SoftWheel suspension technology to function correctly and avoid unexpected
wheel-braking that could cause injuries, you must allow at least 32 mm clearance (1.2
inches) between the upper tire edge and the wheelchair mudguard. See diagram.
Fingers, arms, or items of clothing may get caught in the moving wheel,
between the wheel and the chair, or in the movable & removable parts of the wheel, such as
the axle. When fitting and using SoftWheels, take caution to make sure that nothing gets
caught.
•Ensure that you are using the correct stage on your SoftWheel. If you don’t know which stage fits for you, contact your
authorized dealer, therapist or medical professional. (See section 15.4). An unsuitable stage will lead to an uncomfortable ride
and could negatively impact your SoftWheel riding experience.
•Do not use a metric axle pin with an imperial SoftWheel or imperial wheelchair housing unit.
4. COMPONENTS
4.1. Overview of Components
Each SoftWheel contains two (2) bearings that are fixed into the hub.

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Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2
5. ACCESSORIES
5.1. Accessories Package
Recommended accessories for the standard SoftWheel sizes (24” or 25”):
Tires: ETRTO 25-540 or 24 x 1'' or ETRTO 25-559 or 25 x 1''
Inner Tubes: ETRTO 25-540 or ETRTO 25-559
Push rims: 24'' or 25''
Push rim spacers
If SoftWheels are not purchased together with accessories, please see below for recommendations for accessory parts (sections 5.2 –5.6).
5.2. Tires
24” SoftWheel: ETRTO 25-540 or 25” SoftWheel: ETRTO 25-559
•In case of a tire puncture, consult a suitable workshop (e.g. bike repair shop or a bicycle or mobility equipment dealer) to
have the tube replaced by a skilled professional.
•The size of the tire is marked on the side of the tire.
•The tire pressure needs to be maintained at the recommended level in both wheels to avoid potential decrease in rider
comfort; to keep the wheel lock working properly; and to ease wheel use & propelling.
See section 11 for recommended maintenance schedule.
5.3. Inner Tubes
Inner tubes with minimum 35mm valve length are recommended for use with SoftWheels.
24” SoftWheel: inner tube size ETRTO 25-540
25” SoftWheel: inner tube size ETRTO 20/25-559

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Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2
5.4. Valve Adapters
A valve adapter is needed for tire inflation.
Two (2) standard valve adapters are included with your SoftWheels.
Recommendation: for easy inflation, screw the valve adapter in by
hand. Do not overtighten the valve adapter.
5.5. Push Rim Spacers
It is recommended to use spacers that are bigger than the width of your fingers to avoid the risk of trapping
your fingers in the rim/push rim gap.
5.6. Push Rims
Use a standard, equally spaced 6-point push rim.
5.7. Axle pins
SoftWheels are fitted to a wheelchair by using a removable, quick-release axle pin designated for wheelchairs. Axle pins come
in different types (diameter) and sizes (length). See below for guidance re. appropriate type and size.
Axle pin type: Wheelchair axle pins are available in two types (diameters):
Metric: D= 12mm
Imperial: D= 0.5'' (12.7mm)
(D = Diameter)
You must use the axle pin type that matches the specification of your wheelchair.
•You must choose the correct axle pin diameter that matches both the internal diameter of the SoftWheel bearing and the
diameter of the wheelchair’s axle housing unit.