Vela Blues 100 User manual

www.vela.eU

User manUal

VELA Blues 100UK-3

VELA · Goeteborgvej 12 · 9200 Aalborg SV · Denmark · Tel.: +45 96 34 76 00 · mail@vela.dk · www.vela.eu

7.0. TRANSPORT

LASHING RING (OPTIONAL)

The chair can be ﬁtted with a lashing ring which is used if the chair is to be transported by car, bus or

train. The lashing rings can only be mounted if the chair is conﬁgured with a C-proﬁle seat frame.

(Contact VELA for further information)

PASSENGER SEAT (OPTIONAL)

VELA Blues 100 can be conﬁgured for use as the passenger seat of a car. The chair must be

constructed as below, and the work must be carried out by a VELA technician or suitably trained

personnel.

CONFIGURATAION FOR USE AS A PASSENGER SEAT

For the VELA Blues 100 – 200 – 300 to be used as the passenger seat in a car, the chair must be

conﬁgured as shown below: (in case of doubt please contact VELA)

- SW seat and back system (width 40 – 45 – 50 cm)

- WB headrest

- Folding or ﬁxed armrest

- Electric or manual chair back

- Electrically operated leg support or E-leg support + swivel footrest

POSITIONING THE 3-POINT SEAT BELT ON THE USER

IMPORTANT: The 3-point seat belt must not be tightened across

sharp edges.

The drawing illustrates the incorrect positioning of a 3-point

seat belt. The seatbelts must not be held away from the body

by parts of the wheelchair, such as armrests, wheels, etc.

THESE TWO DRAWINGS ILLUSTRATE THE CORRECT POSITIONING OF A 3-POINT SEATBELT

The seatbelt must have full contact with the shoulder, chest and hips.

The lap belt must be positioned as close as possible to the hips.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR VELA BLUES 100.......................... 3

1.0. OPERATION .......................................................... 4

1.1. BEFORE OPERATION.............................................. 4

1.2. OPERATION...................................................... 5

2.0. SAFETY POINTS ...................................................... 8

3.0. SET-UP ............................................................... 9

4.0. BATTERIES AND RECHARGING ........................................ 11

5.0. MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ............................ 13

6.0. TECHNICAL DATA..................................................... 14

7.0. TRANSPORT .......................................................... 16

CONTENTS

TECHNICAL DATA

VELA Blues 100

Drive motors 2 x 24V

Locking brake 24V DC Electromagnetic

Batteries 2 x 24 Ah

Electronics VR2

Force to manage the joystick

Forward/backward: 1.3 Nm

Sideways: 1.0 Nm

Effect box: PG VR2 60A-2akt.

Charger 220-230 24V/Power charger 8A classic

Drive wheels 200 x 50 mm solid

Swivel wheels, front 175 x 40 mm solid

Seat size 35 x 45 cm, 40 x 50 cm, 44 x 44 cm,

45 x 50 cm, 47 x 49 cm, 50 x 50 cm

Sitting height 50-70 cm

Seat height front edge, no-load 50 cm

Height without seat 40 cm

Back size 37 x 30 cm, 43 x 45 cm, 35 x 38/43 cm, 40 x 50/60 cm,

45 x 50/60 cm, 50 x 50/60 cm

Back tilt, manual -15˚ /+12˚

Back tilt, electric 20˚ (95˚-115˚)

Clearance 3,5 cm

Frame, width 56 cm

Max. load 110 kg

Weight 65 kg

Max. speed 4.3 km/h

Range 19 km

Max. gradient 12°

Obstacles, max. 3.5 cm

Turning radius 65 cm

Turning width 100 cm

14 3

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR VELA BLUES 100

Your new VELA Blues 100 powerchair is designed to make your life easier. We have developed an

extremely compact powerchair for indoor use. VELA Blues 100 is designed for simple and logical

operation indoors.

When you move about indoors, you will appreciate being able to raise the seat to reach across a table

or take something down from a shelf. The seat lift is operated from the powerchair’s control box

or – depending on the individual construction of the chair – from a separate tilt switch.

We hope that your are happy with your VELA Blues 100. By taking a few minutes to read this

manual, you will quickly gain an overview of the construction and possibilities of the

VELA Blues 100.

IMPORTANT: THE POWERCHAIR MUST CHARGE 12 HOURS BEFORE USE.

This user manual covers useful information on set-up, operation, maintenance, technical data etc.

Please read this manual carefully and keep it for later reference. It must always be available to the user.

This user manual must always be kept on the chair.

The manual is also available on VELA’s website: www.vela.eu

If you have any questions, please contact our customer service department: VELA, Goeteborgvej 12,

9200 Aalborg, Denmark. Tel. +45 9634 7600.

SAFETYThis chair carries the CE mark, and complies with all current EU regulations.

RECYCLING

Some of the materials in this chair can be recycled, so please return the chair to VELA or to your local

recycling centre. Batteries and electronic parts must be returned to VELA or to your local recycling

centre.

GUARANTEE AND SERVICE

Your VELA Blues 100 is covered by VELA’s 24-month right of return for any problems that can be

attributed to material or fabrication defects. The guarantee does not cover parts that suffer wear,

such as tyres, batteries, seat cover etc. VELA provides service on weekdays.

Enjoy your VELA Blues 100.

Vermund Larsen A/S

VELA

Goeteborgvej 12

9200 Aalborg

Denmark

VELA reserves the right make changes to this document.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your VELA Blues 100 should stop working, check the following ﬁrst:

CHAIR DOES NOT START

Speed indicator is blinking: Check that both connection handles

above the motor are set at

CHAIR LOSES POWER

• Check that the charging unit is connected correctly.

• Check that the charging functions normally (read LED lights on front panel of charger).

• Call a service technician to have the condition/age of batteries checked.

• Call a service technician to have the wiring to batteries checked.

6.0. TECHNICAL DATA

CHAIR IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The serial number is found on the chassis between the swivel wheels.

DRIVE MOTORS

• Electronic disc brakes.

BATTERIES

Two 12V-24Ah vapour-tight and maintenance-free powerchair batteries.

Dimensions: 126 x 167 x 176mm

Charging time approx. 8 hours with the battery charging unit.

ELECTRONICS

Power network: 24VDC analogue wiring

PG drivers powerchair electronics VR2

Electric seat lift: Aktuator VELA MBL

CHARGER: Automatisk Power Charger Classic 8A / 230 VAC

413

I/O = On and Off

Speed up

Seat tilt

Joystick

Electric seat lift

Speed down

Alarm horn

1.0. OPERATION

This powerchair is a class A (EN 12184) electric wheelchair. The ﬁrst attempts to

operate the chair should be made in an area with plenty of ﬂoor space.

Choose a low operating speed (press the “down button” a few times) until you have

become accustomed to the chair.

JOYSTICK

1.1. BEFORE OPERATION

Before starting the powerchair, you should check the following:

• The footrest is in place and both feet are placed properly on the footplate.

• The electric lift (seat lift) is in the lowest position.

• The electric tilt (seat tilt) is in neutral position.

• Both motors are connected. The arrow points to:.

• The powerchair is turned on by pressing the I/O button.

ENTERING AND EXITING

Always turn off the power before entering or exiting the chair (the I/0 button).

FOOTRESTS

Any footrests should be swivelled to the side or the footplate should be folded up

before exiting the chair.

Warning! Do not stand on the footplate or footrests – the chair can tip and you may

loose your balance.

PART MAINTENANCE

CARRIED OUT BY

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

WHEELS User

Check that the tyres are not worn and that

stones or other objects are not sitting in

the tread.

If the wheels are pneumatic, check the air

pressure, which must be between 2.20-3.5

Kilo Pascal.

The wheel can be inﬂated with either a car

pump or at a service station.

Once a

month,

depending

on use

CHANGING

WHEELS VELA Contact VELA

CONTROL BOX User

The control box and the rubber seal

around the joystick must always be kept

clean. Once a week, you should check that

the joystick returns to its original position

and that the rubber seal has not been

damaged. If this is not the case, contact

VELA.

Once a

week

TESTING

CONTROL BOX

FUNCTIONS

User

1. Check the on-off switch.

2. Check the horn.

3. Check the speed – try accelerating and

decelerating.

4. Check the seat lift – raise and lower the

seat to its full extent.

5. Check the seat tilt – tilt the seat all the

way backwards and all the way forwards.

If any of the functions do not work or if

anything feels different to normal, contact

VELA.

Once a

month

BATTERIES VELA

Batteries must be replaced by VELA.

If the batteries are leaking, avoid touching

them as the contents are corrosive.

In the event

of ﬂat or

defective

batteries

ACCESSORIES User All accessories such as footrests, armrests

and body supports must be adjusted using

the tools supplied.

Once a

month

1.2. OPERATION

VR2 CONTROL BOX

VELA Blues 100 will normally be equipped with a VR2 control box.

The powerchair is turned on and off with the I/0 button.

To operate a function, press the left button = electric seat lift. To

operate a function, push the joystick forwards (up) or backwards

(down).

The ‘speed up’ button increases operating speed: Press the button

repeatedly and you will see the indicator light move up.

The ‘speed down’ button reduces operating speed: Press the button

repeatedly and you will see the indicator light move down.

Two of the powerchair’s functions are controlled from the control box

(normally lift and tilt). Choose one of the functions by pressing the

function button, pushing the joystick forwards to move forwards or

backwards to move backwards. (It is possible to change between the

two functions by moving the joystick to the side). The control box has

a signal horn.

STEERING WITH THE JOYSTICK

Move the joystick in the direction you want the chair to move.

Acceleration and speed are controlled by moving the joystick:

Large movement = fast acceleration and high speed.

Small movement = slow acceleration and low speed.

It is not possible for the user to reprogram the control box.

Warning! Do not subject the joystick and control box to vertical

pressure and do not push hard on the joystick as this can damage

parts in the box!

WHAT TO DO

1. Park the chair and turn off the power (press the I/0 button).

2. Plug the charging unit into the socket on the front of the

underside of the control box. NOTE! The chair cannot be

turned on when the charging unit is connected.

3. Plug the charging unit to the mains power (230 V) and turn it

on. The yellow light on the front panel of the charger shows

that the batteries are being charged.

4. When the batteries are fully charged, the “completed” light on

the front panel of the charger will be green.

NOTE! For extended periods of disuse (days/weeks/months)

the battery charger should be connected to ensure optimum

power when your VELA Blues 100 is used again.

NOTE! In some cases, batteries that have been run down too far

(ﬂat) cannot be recharged by the charging unit. This is for your

own safety, because dangerous vapours can develop when ﬂat

batteries are recharged. Call your VELA service technician.

5.0. MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING

CLEANING

Wipe/wash the wheels as needed using mild soap and water. Wipe

the protective motor cover with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive

sponges or brushes.

Clean the seat and back with a vacuum cleaner or a brush. The

fabric is a standard polyester type, which has been chosen for opti-

mum comfort. It is not recommended that the seat cover be washed

as it may shrink. Dry-cleaning recommended.

The control box can be cleaned with a damp cloth and a little

washing-up liquid if necessary. The armrests can be wiped off with

a damp cloth and warm soapy water if necessary.

MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance can be carried out by the user. Repairs and

servicing must be carried out by trained service staff or by VELA´s

service technicians. It is recommended that the powerchair is ser-

viced once a year by VELA´s service technicians when

all moving parts will be lubricated and checked for wear.

I/O = On and Off

Speed up

Seat tilt

Joystick

Electric seat lift

Speed down

Alarm horn

4.0. BATTERIES AND CHARGING

BATTERIES

The VELA Blues 100 is equipped with two 12V-24 Ah maintenance-

free and vapour-free batteries. Good quality new batteries provide

the equivalent of three hours of continuous operation. Experience

shows that this covers the daily needs of most users. The batteries

are dimensioned to be fully run down 200 times. Their lifetime will

be extended signiﬁcantly if they are only partially run down before

charging. Defective batteries must be replaced with batteries of

the same type. We recommend that battery replacement be car-

ried out by a service technician.

NOTE! When installing batteries, extreme care must be taken to

connect + / - correctly. Red wire to the + pole. Incorrect connec-

tion can damage the powerchair’s electronics.

NOTE! Batteries must not be disposed of with ordinary household

rubbish. Used batteries and other electrical equipment must be

deposited at an approved recycling centre according to the marking

on the product.

BATTERY CHARGE INDICATOR

The control box has a built in battery indicator. For fully-charged

batteries, three groups of coloured LEDs light up. During use, the

voltage in the batteries falls and the row of lights decreases: one at

a time each light goes off.

• Green signal = DRIVE

• Yellow signal = Recharging needed soon

• Red signal = Recharging needed immediately

The battery indicator will ﬂash to call attention to low battery

power.

BATTERY CHARGING UNIT

Batteries are charged using the accompanying charging unit (e.g.

Classic 8A). The charging time is approx. 8 hours, depending on

the condition of the battery. It is recommended that the batteries

be charged every night. The charging unit is fully automatic and

controls the power and voltage during the charging. When the

batteries are fully charged, power consumption will be minimal, so

you can safely continue to allow the charging unit to be connected

until the next time you use your VELA Blues 100.

CONTROLLING THE POWERCHAIR

Pushing the joystick forwards, activates both wheels synchronously and the chair moves forwards.

Pushing the joystick backwards, activates both wheels synchronously and the chair moves in the

opposite direction. If the joystick is pushed diagonally in one direction, the speed is distributed

between the two wheels asynchronously (and in some cases in separate directions). This will cause

the chair to move on a path in the right direction.

NOTE! When changing directions, the chair’s swivel wheels should change position: they will swing

on the axel of the front fork until the wheels are pointing in the direction you wish to go. When the

powerchair is standing still before changing direction in this way, a large amount of motor power is

needed to drive the wheels. This power can cause a jolt to the front end (leg supports) or back end

(if the chair is front-wheel drive) of the chair. The effects of this jolt can be minimised by increasing

power gradually and moderately (small movements of the joystick).

Warning! Despite an approved EMC test, we make no guarantee that the powerchair is not

affected by electromagnetic ﬁelds from e.g. mobile phones and radio transmitters, or that the

powerchair does not transmit electromagnetic ﬁelds that can affect its surroundings, such as e.g.

shop security systems.

NEGOTIATING OBSTACLES

The VELA Blues 100 can handle a difference in surface level of up to 3.5 cm, which makes it possible

to cross e.g. doorsteps and many types of ramps. Always drive as straight as possible when negoti-

ating such obstacles. For abrupt changes in level, it helps to increase the length and speed of your

approach.

Warning! The electric seat lift must be lowered to the lowest position before negotiating obstacles

as a raised seat reduces stability and can cause the chair to tip over!

NEGOTIATING SLOPING SURFACES

The powerchair has enough traction to negotiate standard household ramps.

(Max. gradient with load of 75 kg: 12°). When moving down ramps, the chair must always move

perpendicular to the sloping surface and at a slow speed.

Warning! The electric seat lift must always be lowered to the lowest position before negotiating

sloping surfaces as a raised seat reduces stability and can cause the chair to tip over!

Warning! The chair must never be driven diagonally or sideways across a sloping surface as this

can cause the chair to tip over!

BRAKING

To stop the powerchair, return the joystick to the central position or let go of it.

The VELA Blues 100 is equipped with an electric brake that is activated automatically moments after

the drive motors stop. This brake ensures that the chair is fully locked when entering and exiting,

parking on ramps etc.

FOOTRESTS

E-FOOTRESTS, STANDARD

The VELA Blues 100 has, as standard equipment, e-footrests. The

VELA Blues 100 can also be equipped with a set of adjustable

footrests attached to the seat frame. The footrest can be moved

out of the way when entering and exiting the chair by lifting the

bar approx. 3 cm up and swinging the footrest around the side at

the same time. The depth of the footrest can be adjusted using the

tool for adjusting the sliding bar in the seat frame either forwards

or backwards. The footrest can be adjusted to suit leg length by

regulating the length bar in its hollow tube. The foot angle can be

adjusted using the tool in the swivel part of the footplate.

HEEL STOPS

It is possible to ﬁt heel stops to the footrests.

FOLDING S-FOOTREST WITH PLATE (OPTIONAL)

The footplate saves space and follows the height of the seat when

the electric seat lift function is used. The length of the footrest is

regulated by loosening the six-sided bolt on the bar down by the

footplate. The desired position for the footplate is selected and the

six-sided bolt is tightened again. The s-footplate can be folded up

when entering and exiting the chair.

ADJUSTMENT OF CHAIR BACK/SEAT DEPTH

The chair back is released by loosening the fastener on the chair

back bar located in the back under the seat (A). The chair back is

placed in the desired position and then tightened again.

The chair back bar is equipped with a pull stop to ensure that the

chair back bar is correctly anchored in the chair back holder.

Destruction of the pull stop and extreme pressure on the chair

back bar can cause damage to the chair back holder.

The back angle is adjusted by pulling the lever (B), and locking

simply by removing your grip on the lever.

HIP STRAP

It is also possible to ﬁt a hip strap.

PLACEMENT OF CONTROL BOX

PARALLEL FITTINGS

The control box is mounted on either the right or the left side

according to customer speciﬁcations. The VELA Blues 100 is

delivered with parallel ﬁttings as standard, making it possible to

slide the control box along the armrest so that the chair can e.g.

come all the way up to a table. Be careful with your ﬁngers when

sliding the control box back/forward using the parallel ﬁtting.

EMERGENCY BRAKE

The powerchair can be stopped immediately by turning it off:

Press the I/0 button.

Warning! When the powerchair is turned off, the electric brake is

activated immediately. This will cause a very sudden stop. The chair

must therefore only in emergencies be turned off while it is still

moving. There is a risk of the user falling out of the chair and/or of

the chair tipping over!

RELEASE

Should it be necessary to manoeuvre the chair manually, the electric

brake and motor can be released by turning the two handles

located on top of the motor blocks clockwise to

Note! It is not possible to operate the VELA Blues 100 powerchair

electrically when the release function is in use. Turn the two

handles back to immediately after manoeuvring the chair.

Warning! Do not attempt to manoeuvre the chair manually when

the motor is still in gear, when the chair is on a sloping surface, on

a landing or in a similar situation where the chair might start rolling

or lose control.

STANDING STILL AND PARKING

Always use the I/0 button to turn the powerchair off as soon as

you no longer want to drive it.

NOTE! When the chair is turned on, power is consumed from the

batteries. It is therefore a good idea to turn off the chair when it is

parked.

HALTED RELEASED

8 9

2.0. SAFETY POINTS

For your safety, the following should always be observed:

•The VELA Blues 100 is for indoor use only. It should only be operated on level surfaces in places where

the user feels conﬁdent.

• Always turn the VELA Blues 100 off before entering or exiting the chair, as moving the joystick

inadvertently can cause the chair to move.

•Never stand on the footplates when entering or exiting the chair as this can cause the chair to tip

over.

•Always lower the electric seat lift to the lowest position before negotiating obstacles and before

moving at high speeds.

•Always lower the electric seat lift to the lowest position before negotiating sloping surfaces.

•Never drive sideways or diagonally on a sloping surface as this can cause the chair to tip over.

•The chair must never be subjected to rain or extreme moisture as moisture can damage the

electronics.

•Never cover the battery charging unit during recharging as it produces heat. The battery charging unit

must be placed on a ﬁrm, well-ventilated surface.

•Electric wheelchairs must not be charged in a wet or damp environment.

•When moving backwards and when operating the electric functions, make sure that other people are

well out of the way.

•The wheelchair can be conﬁgured for use as a passenger seat during transport, but only as a specially

conﬁgured version (see item 7 re. transport)

Warning! The VELA Blues 100 is not approved as a passenger seat for use in cars, buses or trains.

The chair is not designed to be lifted during transport.

3.0. SET-UP

ASSISTANCE WHEN EXITING THE CHAIR

The electric seat lift can help in connection with entering and

exiting the chair.

For instance, the electric seat lift can be placed in the highest

position before sliding out over the front edge of the seat with

legs as stretched out as possible.

The reverse procedure can be followed when entering the

chair.

The self-locking conical guideways in the armrest bars ensure

that the armrests cannot be pushed down unintentionally.

Thus, it is safe to use the armrests as support when entering

and exiting the chair.

SITTING POSITIONS

A correct sitting position is achieved when the chair back is

placed with approx. three ﬁngers of space between the front

edge of the seat and the hollows of the knees. The chair back

can be moved (using tools) forwards and backwards above the

seat to adjust for seat depth. The armrests are in the correct

position when the user is sitting up straight with elbows in

to the body and arms resting comfortably without lifting the

shoulder blades.

ARMREST ADJUSTMENT

The height of the armrests can be adjusted by loosening the

hand screw in the armrest bar.

The distance between the armrest can be adjusted by loosen-

ing the hand screw under the seat.

Remember to tighten the hand screws again.

SEAT LIFT

The VELA Blues 100 has, as standard equipment, a seat lift. It

is operated by pressing the bottom left function button.

To raise the seat, press the left function button while pushing

the joystick forwards.

To lower the seat, press the left function button while pushing

the joystick backwards.

8 9

2.0. SAFETY POINTS

For your safety, the following should always be observed:

•The VELA Blues 100 is for indoor use only. It should only be operated on level surfaces in places where

the user feels conﬁdent.

• Always turn the VELA Blues 100 off before entering or exiting the chair, as moving the joystick

inadvertently can cause the chair to move.

•Never stand on the footplates when entering or exiting the chair as this can cause the chair to tip

over.

•Always lower the electric seat lift to the lowest position before negotiating obstacles and before

moving at high speeds.

•Always lower the electric seat lift to the lowest position before negotiating sloping surfaces.

•Never drive sideways or diagonally on a sloping surface as this can cause the chair to tip over.

•The chair must never be subjected to rain or extreme moisture as moisture can damage the

electronics.

•Never cover the battery charging unit during recharging as it produces heat. The battery charging unit

must be placed on a ﬁrm, well-ventilated surface.

•Electric wheelchairs must not be charged in a wet or damp environment.

•When moving backwards and when operating the electric functions, make sure that other people are

well out of the way.

•The wheelchair can be conﬁgured for use as a passenger seat during transport, but only as a specially

conﬁgured version (see item 7 re. transport)

Warning! The VELA Blues 100 is not approved as a passenger seat for use in cars, buses or trains.

The chair is not designed to be lifted during transport.

3.0. SET-UP

ASSISTANCE WHEN EXITING THE CHAIR

The electric seat lift can help in connection with entering and

exiting the chair.

For instance, the electric seat lift can be placed in the highest

position before sliding out over the front edge of the seat with

legs as stretched out as possible.

The reverse procedure can be followed when entering the

chair.

The self-locking conical guideways in the armrest bars ensure

that the armrests cannot be pushed down unintentionally.

Thus, it is safe to use the armrests as support when entering

and exiting the chair.

SITTING POSITIONS

A correct sitting position is achieved when the chair back is

placed with approx. three ﬁngers of space between the front

edge of the seat and the hollows of the knees. The chair back

can be moved (using tools) forwards and backwards above the

seat to adjust for seat depth. The armrests are in the correct

position when the user is sitting up straight with elbows in

to the body and arms resting comfortably without lifting the

shoulder blades.

ARMREST ADJUSTMENT

The height of the armrests can be adjusted by loosening the

hand screw in the armrest bar.

The distance between the armrest can be adjusted by loosen-

ing the hand screw under the seat.

Remember to tighten the hand screws again.

SEAT LIFT

The VELA Blues 100 has, as standard equipment, a seat lift. It

is operated by pressing the bottom left function button.

To raise the seat, press the left function button while pushing

the joystick forwards.

To lower the seat, press the left function button while pushing

the joystick backwards.