Softwheel M series User manual

Number/Version: SW-00-0015/R18

USER MANUAL

English

SoftWheel Ltd.

www.softwheel.technology

Email: amya@softwheel.technology

Telephone: +1-202-749-8666

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.

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 
GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................ 1 
1. Information about the User Manual............................................................................................. 1 
2. Symbols ........................................................................................................................................ 1 
3 Intended Use ................................................................................................................................ 1 
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION..................................................................................................................... 2 
SAFETY 2 
1. General Safety Information .......................................................................................................... 2 
COMPONENTS........................................................................................................................................ 4 
1. Overview of Components ............................................................................................................. 4 
ACCESSORIES.......................................................................................................................................... 5 
1. Accessories Package ................................................................................................................... 5 
2. Tires .............................................................................................................................................. 5 
3. Inner Tubes................................................................................................................................... 5 
4. Valve Adapters.............................................................................................................................. 6 
5. Push Rim Spacers.......................................................................................................................... 6 
6 Push Rims…....................................................................................................................................6 
7. Axle pins ....................................................................................................................................... 6 
SOFTWHEEL SIZES: WHEELS AND BEARINGS.......................................................................................... 8 
1. Wheels.......................................................................................................................................... 8 

 
Number/Version: SW-00-0015/R18 
2. Bearings ........................................................................................................................................ 8 
ASSEMBLING ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR SOFTWHEEL.............................................................................. 9 
1. Push Rim Assembly....................................................................................................................... 9 
2. Tire Assembly ............................................................................................................................. 10 
CONNECTING SOFTWHEELS TO YOUR WHEELCHAIR ........................................................................... 11 
1. Safety Information...................................................................................................................... 11 
1. ASSEMBLING SOFTWHEELS TO YOUR WHEELCHAIR FOR THE FIRST TIME ................................. 11 
1. ASSEMBLING & REMOVING SOFTWHEELS IN EVERYDAY USE .................................................... 14 
SAFETY INFORMATION BEFORE USE .................................................................................................... 16 
1. Safety Information During Use ................................................................................................... 17 
2. Storage ....................................................................................................................................... 18 
MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL CONDITIONS ....................................................................................... 18 
AFTER USE (DISPOSAL) ......................................................................................................................... 21 
TECHNICAL INFORMATION................................................................................................................... 21 
1. SoftWheel Types:........................................................................................................................ 21 
1. Accessories: ................................................................................................................................ 23 
2. Environmental Conditions: ......................................................................................................... 23 
3. Stages: ........................................................................................................................................ 23 
4. General Dimensions: .................................................................................................................. 24 
5. WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................. 25 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2

•Do not use a metric axle pin with an imperial SoftWheel or an imperial wheelchair housing unit - it will cause a space of

0.7mm between the axle pin and the housing, leading to an uncomfortable ride and negative impact on your SoftWheel

riding experience.

•Verify that the axle pin is inserted fulling into the wheel when assembling the SoftWheel to the wheelchair.

Axle pin size:

Wheelchair axle pins are available in several sizes (lengths). The SoftWheel bearing-to-bearing length is 54mm, so you must

use an axle pin that is long enough to properly connect the SoftWheel to your wheelchair’s axle housing.

L1 = SoftWheel bearing-to-bearing length L1=54mm

L2 = Wheelchair’s axle housing length L2= specific to wheelchair

L = Axle pin length L = specific to axle pin length

Wheelchair axles are available in several lengths. You must choose the correct length of axle pin, so it

will be long enough to go through the SoftWheel hub into your wheelchair’s axle housing and engage it so that the wheel is

held firmly in place (see section 8).

Adjusting axle pin length to SoftWheels and the wheelchair:

1. Insert the axle pin to the wheelchair without the SoftWheels and measure the distance. It should be 54mm.

2. Adjust the length of the axle pin so that it is 54mm in the wheelchair without SoftWheels.

3. To adjust the length of the axle pin, turn the top nut of the axle pin while holding the

axle pin by the flat section (see illustration).

4. After adjusting the axle pin to the correct length, assemble the SoftWheels to the

wheelchair and make sure that the connection is complete. Verify there is no loose

movement by the axle pin –it should be completely secure and fully engaged.

5. If there is movement by the axle pin, adjust the axle pin again to make sure it is the correct length (see step 3 above).

Adjust the axel pin until there is no loose movement once it’s inserted into the SoftWheel and wheelchair.

Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2

There is a risk of serious injury from a tip or fall if the axle pin is not securely engaged.

Always ensure that the axle pins are fully engaged whenever you fit a wheel. It is recommended that you consult with your

authorized wheelchair supplier, therapist or medical professional to perform this activity.

6. SOFTWHEEL SIZES: WHEELS AND BEARINGS

6.1. Wheels

SoftWheels are available in two (2) wheel sizes:

24'' (ETRTO- 540mm) or 25'' (ETRTO- 559mm)

Check that you have the correct wheel size for your wheelchair.

If you do not know the wheel size that is suitable for your wheelchair,

please consult your wheelchair dealer, healthcare provider, therapist, or medical professional.

6.2. Bearings

SoftWheels are available in two (2) bearing sizes:

Metric: d= 12mm

Imperial: d= 0.5'' (12.7mm)

(d= internal diameter of the bearing)

•

•You must choose the correct bearing diameter that will match the diameter of your wheelchair’s axle housing unit.

•The axle pin must match both the SoftWheel bearing diameter and the diameter of your wheelchair’s axle housing unit.

See section 5.7 for advice on axle diameters and lengths.

If you do not know the diameter of the axle housing unit of your wheelchair, please consult your

wheelchair dealer, healthcare provider, therapist or medical professional.

Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2

7. ASSEMBLING ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR SOFTWHEEL

If you purchased SoftWheels with accessories, you will receive your SoftWheels ready for use with the accessories already

assembled (you will only need to inflate your tires).

If you purchased SoftWheels without accessories, you must follow these instructions to assemble your accessories onto your

SoftWheels.

If you haven’t assembled accessories to your wheelchair by yourself or if you don’t feel 100%

comfortable with this assembly, contact your authorized dealer, therapist or medical professional.

Assembly Instructions:

7.1. Push Rim Assembly

•Apply a drop of LOCTITE 243 on the pin threads (part #3 in diagram below).

•Insert the push rim screw using an appropriate screwdriver; do not tighten it with the screwdriver

•To tighten the push rim screw, use a torque-meter to 1[Nm] torque

Use 55mm length screws.

Do not over-tighten the push rims! Push rims should be

tightened with a torque meter to 1[Nm]

Part

QTY (per wheel)

SoftWheel

Push Rim

Screw

Spacer

Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2

7.2. Tire Assembly

1. Inflate the inner tube slightly until it becomes round

2. Insert the inner tube into the tire

3. Screw the Valve Adapter into the valve

4. Put the tire onto the SoftWheel - the direction of the tire treads should be aligned with the rotation direction of the

wheel (see figure)

5. Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure of the tire manufacture

The tire pressure needs to be maintained at the recommended level in both wheels to maintain driving comfort, to keep

the wheel locks on your chair working properly, and to ease propelling of the wheels and your wheelchair.

For an explanation about the difference between Right and Left wheels, see section 8.2

•To assemble the tire onto the SoftWheel, use a bicycle tire lever.

Do not use a metal tire lever - it can cause damage to your SoftWheels.

The size of the tire and the size of the inner tube must fit the size of your SoftWheel (see section 13).

Recommendation: Remove the Valve Adapter after inflation (connect it only when you need to inflate the tire).

Parts

QTY (per wheel)

SoftWheel

Inner tube

Tire

Valve Adapter

Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2

8. CONNECTING SOFTWHEELS TO YOUR WHEELCHAIR

8.1. Safety Information

•Before using SoftWheels, check their general condition (see section 10)

•Ensure that you are using the correct SoftWheel size that matches your wheelchair specifications! (see section 6.1)

•Ensure that you are using the correct stage on your SoftWheel. If you don’t know which stage is the correct fit for you,

contact your authorized dealer, therapist or medical professional. (see section 12.4). 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.

•Ensure there is a clearance of at least 32 mm (1.2 inches) between the upper tire edge and the chair’s mudguard (see

section 3.1). If this clearance is not maintained, there is a risk of sudden braking that can cause a tip or fall.

Once assembly is complete, ensure that the removable axle pins are fully engaged and check that your SoftWheels are locked to

the wheelchair’s housing unit. If the pins aren’t fully engaged or the SoftWheels aren’t locked to your wheelchair housing unit,

there is a risk of a tip or fall that could potentially lead to risk of injury.

SoftWheels must not be mounted at a camber angle that exceeds 12 degrees.

8.1. ASSEMBLING SOFTWHEELS TO YOUR WHEELCHAIR FOR THE FIRST TIME

If you purchased SoftWheels ready for use, your dealer will explain the main functions of the wheel and will assemble

and fit the SoftWheels to your wheelchair.

If you purchased SoftWheels without the wheels being fitted to your chair, and you are assembling SoftWheels to your

wheelchair independently, you must follow the instructions below.

Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2

The difference between LEFT / RIGHT wheels:

Each wheel is marked with an “L” or “R” to indicate whether it is a LEFT wheel or a RIGHT wheel. This is indicated with a letter on

the hub, on the back side of the wheel.

The difference between the FRONT / BACK of the wheel:

The FRONT of the wheel is the side of the wheel that faces out from your wheelchair.

The BACK of the wheel is the side of the wheel that faces towards your wheelchair.

Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2

You must sit somewhere other than in your wheelchair to remove your old wheels and to

assemble your SoftWheels!

1. Release the wheel lock. If your wheel lock is engaged, you won't be able to remove your old

wheel.

2. Hold your wheelchair upright with one hand. Ensure that you are holding your wheelchair

properly.

3. With your second hand, remove your old wheel from the wheelchair by pressing on the

quick release axle pin and pulling the wheel out.

4. Remove the axle pin from your old wheel.

5. Insert the axle pin into your new SoftWheel by pushing the axle pin into the SoftWheel

hub.

Make sure that the axle pin is the correct size & type for your new

SoftWheel (See section 5.7). You may need to use a new axle pin for your SoftWheel.

- Make sure that you insert the axle pin into the front of the SoftWheel.

(The front of the wheel is the side of the wheel that faces out from your wheelchair;

the back of the wheel is the side of the wheel that faces into your wheelchair)

6. Assemble the left or right SoftWheel(with the inserted axle pin) into the axle housing

unit on your wheelchair.

Make sure that the LEFT SoftWheels connected to the LEFT side

of the wheelchair and the RIGHT SoftWheels connected to the RIGHT side of the

wheelchair.

7. Ensure that the axle pin is fully engaged in the axle housing unit of the wheelchair.

Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2

To check whether the SoftWheel is fully engaged, it’s recommended that you try to pull it out with

moderate force. The SoftWheel should not move out at all, if it’s properly engaged.

8. Rotate the wheel slowly and ensure that there are no ‘touches’ or ‘rubs’ between the SoftWheel and the wheelchair frame or

wheel lock. A minimum clearance of 10mm is recommended.

If you have a mudguard on your wheelchair, there must be a clearance of at least 32mm between the tire and the mudguard.

9. Repeat steps 1-8 with the second wheel.

10.Check that the wheel locks are functioning properly with your new SoftWheels.

You might need to adjust the wheel locks to the wheel. It is recommended that you consult with your authorized wheelchair

dealer, therapist or medical professional to perform this activity and to avoid potential injury.

In case the wheel lock needs to be adjusted:

1. Loosen the screws on the track of the wheel lock

2. Adjust the wheel lock’s position so that it applies moderate pressure on the tire when it is engaged

3. Tighten the screws on the track of the wheel lock

4. Verify the appropriate pressure of the wheel lock on the tire by sitting on the wheelchair and locking both locks.

If the wheel locks do not function properly, consult your authorized wheelchair supplier, therapist or medical professional on re-

positioning the wheel locks and to avoid potential injury. You can also refer to the user manual for your wheelchair as a reference

for setting up the wheel locks properly.

8.1. ASSEMBLING & REMOVING SOFTWHEELS IN EVERYDAY USE

In the course of everyday use, you may assemble and remove your SoftWheels, as needed. See below for directions for

assembling and removing your SoftWheels in daily use.

Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2

You must sit somewhere other than in your wheelchair to assemble or remove your SoftWheels, to avoid

risk of injury.

Assembling SoftWheels to your wheelchair:

1. Release the wheel locks.

If your wheel locks are engaged, you won't be able to remove your wheels.

2. Hold your wheelchair upright with one hand.

3. Ensure that you are holding your wheelchair properly.

4. Insert the axle pin into your left or right SoftWheel by pushing the axle pin into the SoftWheel hub.

Make sure that the front side of the wheel is directed to you.

5. Assemble the left or right SoftWheel (with the inserted axle pin) into the axle housing unit on your wheelchair.

Make sure that the LEFT SoftWheels connected to the LEFT side of the wheelchair and the RIGHT

SoftWheels connected to the RIGHT side of the wheelchair.

6. Ensure that the axle pin is fully engaged in the axle housing unit of the wheelchair.

To check whether the SoftWheel is fully engaged, it’s recommended

that you try to pull it out with moderate force. The SoftWheel should not move out

at all if it’s properly engaged.

7. Rotate the wheel slowly and ensure that there are no ‘touches’ or ‘rubs’ between

the SoftWheel and the wheelchair frame or wheel lock; improper positioning could

lead to potential injuries. A minimum clearance of 10mm is recommended.

If you have a mudguard on your wheelchair, there must be a clearance of at least 32mm between the tire and the

mudguard.

8. Repeat steps 1-6 with the second wheel.

9. Check that the wheel locks are functioning properly with your SoftWheels.

Number/Version: SW-00-0105/R2

If the wheel locks do not function properly, consult with your wheelchair supplier, therapist or medical

professional on re-positioning the wheel locks. Improper positioning of the wheel locks could lead to potential injuries.

Removing SoftWheels:

1. Release the wheel locks.

If your wheel locks are engaged, you won't be able to remove your

wheels.

2. Hold your wheelchair upright with one hand.

Ensure that you are holding your wheelchair properly.

3. With your second hand, remove your left or right SoftWheel from the wheelchair by pressing on the quick release axle

pin and pulling the wheel out (see diagram below).

4. Repeat steps 1-3 with the second wheel.

9. SAFETY INFORMATION BEFORE USE

Every time you assemble SoftWheels to your wheelchair, check their

general condition (see section 11).

•Ensure there is a clearance of at least 32 mm (1.2 inches) between the upper tire edge and the chair’s mudguard (see

section 3.1). If this clearance is not maintained, there is a risk of sudden braking that can cause a tip or fall.

•Ensure that the wheel locks are functioning properly with your SoftWheels. If the wheel locks do not function properly,

consult with your wheelchair supplier, therapist or medical professional on re-positioning the wheel locks. Improper

functioning of the wheel locks could lead to potential risk of injury.

This manual suits for next models

Table of contents

SoftWheel M Series User manual