Vermeiren RAPIDO User manual

Instruction Manual
Electric Wheelchair
RAPIDO
NV VERMEIREN BELGIUM
Vermeirenplein 1/15 • 2920 Kalmthout
Telefoon: [phone] • Telefax: [phone]

RAPIDO Instructions Manual
Status: April-03
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Note to the specialist dealer
This instruction manual must be handed over to the customer whenever a wheelchair is delivered.
1. First Edition 2003
All rights reserved, including translation. No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form whatsoever (print,
photocopy, microfilm or any other medium) without the written permission of the publisher, or processed,
duplicated or distributed by means of electronic systems.
©Vermeiren Belgium, 2003

RAPIDO Instructions Manual
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CONTENTS
Section Page
Contents ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Preface .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Technical details ................................................................................................................................ 4
General notes .................................................................................................................................... 5
Applicability........................................................................................................................................ 5
Contents of the consignment ............................................................................................................. 5
Serviceable parts ............................................................................................................................... 5
Sliding grips ....................................................................................................................................... 6
The back............................................................................................................................................ 6
The seat............................................................................................................................................. 6
Leg supports...................................................................................................................................... 7
Armrests ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Driving electronics ............................................................................................................................. 8
Batteries ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Removing and replacing batteries...................................................................................................... 11
Changing batteries............................................................................................................................. 12
Charging ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Changing tyres................................................................................................................................... 13
Set of tyres ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Transporting the wheelchair............................................................................................................... 14
Transporting by car............................................................................................................................ 15
Transporting on ramps....................................................................................................................... 15
Accessories ....................................................................................................................................... 16
•Individual headrests (L55) ........................................................................................................... 16
•Leg supports ............................................................................................................................... 17
•Securing persons (B58)............................................................................................................... 17
•Anti-tipping (B78)......................................................................................................................... 17
For your safety................................................................................................................................... 17
Servicing............................................................................................................................................ 18
Inspection .......................................................................................................................................... 18
Care................................................................................................................................................... 19
•Covers......................................................................................................................................... 19
•Plastic parts................................................................................................................................. 19
•Protective outer layer .................................................................................................................. 19
•Electronics................................................................................................................................... 20
Disinfection ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Warranty ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Statement of conformity..................................................................................................................... 23
Fault analysis (COMMANDO / SHARK)............................................................................................. 24
Service plan....................................................................................................................................... 29
Branch addresses.............................................................................................................................. 30

RAPIDO Instructions Manual
Status: April-03
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PREFACE
First of all we would like to express our thanks for your trust in us by choosing our wheelchair.
Vermeiren electric wheelchairs are the result of many years of study and experience. During the
development special attention was given to simplicity of operation and servicing.
The operational life of your vehicle depends essentially on the care with which you treat it. This
manual should help you to familiarise yourself with the operation of your wheelchair, provide advice on
keeping your electric wheelchair in a good running condition and expect a long working life.
This instruction manual reflects the latest in product development. The Vermeiren company reserves
the right to introduce changes without any obligation to adapt or replace models delivered previously.
Please remember that following our hints will keep your wheelchair in an excellent and perfect working
condition even after years of service.
If you have any further questions, please contact your dealer.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
(Reflecting the standard adjustments when delivered)
If any other leg supports or headrests are used, the given total length / height would differ correspondingly)
Length (without leg supports) 85 cm
Length (with leg supports) 105 cm
Height (incl. back rest) 98 cm
Width (depending on the seat width) 59 cm(39), 64 cm(44), 70 cm(50)
Depth of seat 44 cm
Height of seat 53 cm
Height of back 51 cm
Height of armrests (seat cushion) 20 - 25 cm
Height of armrests (bottom cushion) 71 -76 cm
Tolerance of measurements +/- 15 mm
Motors 2 x 200 W DC
Batteries 2 x Gel battery 12V / 38 Ah
Charging apparatus Exendis 5.38.124.0800
Steering A) COMMANDO (Dynamic Controls) /
Electromagnetic braking system
B) SHARK (Dynamic Controls) /
Electromagnetic braking system
Weight (incl. batteries) +/- 56 kg
Operating temperature (electronics) Between -20° and +40°Celsius, 30% - 75% r.F.
Thermal fuse 30 AMP
Rated load (max. load) 120 kg
Max. speed 6 km/h
Range of travel ca. 30 km per charge
Application class Class A
Set of tyres
Operational pressure front steering wheels 2.5 bar
Operational pressure rear driving wheels 2.5 bar
If other than the standard tyres are fitted, you should check the max. pressure as given on the tyres.
Driving properties
Turning circle ca. 140 cm
Max. climbing ability 10° (17%) in upright sitting position
Max. height of obstacles 40 mm Class A (in upright sitting position)

RAPIDO Instructions Manual
Status: April-03
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GENERAL NOTES
With the RAPIDO you have acquired an electric wheelchair that has been developed entirely for your
comfort. The RAPIDO model is intended exclusively for individual use by disabled and handicapped
persons for indoor transport by themselves or by aids and also in certain limited outdoor areas (level,
without obstacles). Please read the instruction manual carefully to familiarise yourself with your
wheelchair.
APPLICABILITY
The many kinds of furnishings and accessories as well as the modular construction allow it to be used
by persons disabled or handicapped as a result of
•Paralysis
•Loss of limbs (e.g. amputation of a leg)
•Defects or deformation of limbs
•inflexible or damaged joints
•Illnesses like heart and circulatory defects, disturbance of balance or Kachexie, as well as the
aged.
For individual care the following should also be considered
•Body size and weight (max. load 120 kg)
•Physical and psychological condition
•Living circumstances
•Environment.
This Class A product provides indoor mobility or for short, level outdoor routes. Lights should be
installed for outdoor driving.
A guarantee is only acceptable if the product is used under the prescribed conditions and for
the intended purposes.
CONTENTS OF A CONSIGNMENT
•Framework including driving motors
•Footrests (standard B06; removable, can be turned)
•Backrest pipes incl. cushioned anatomical back
•Cushioned anatomical seat
•2 x Batteries (gel) incl. battery cases
•Charging apparatus
•Driving electronics
•Tools (Allen keys)
•Instruction Manual
THE SERVICEABLE PARTS
The electric wheelchair is delivered fully assembled. Only the footrests, seat, and backrest must be
installed.
Your specialist dealer delivers the wheelchair fully assembled and indicates the separate serviceable
parts and their use. For your own safety we once more describe the separate structural parts.

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SLIDING GRIPS
The sliding grips are situated at the top end of the backrest tubes. The backrest tubes must be in
position before your helper can use the grips (see the Section “Back”).
THE BACK
The backrest has been designed to be removable for
transportation purposes. Loosen the lever screws (1) and
remove the back together with the backrest tubes. Then you
can easily push the wheelchair into a car by using a ramp for
example. For driving, the backrest tubes must be inserted
smoothly and fully into the frame sockets. Then fully retighten
the lever screws (1).
Before use you should check that the back is fixed tightly to
the backrest tubes. If not, you must tighten the fixing screws
(2) properly for securely joining the back with the backrest
tubes.
ÎTake care that the backrest tubes do not tilt or jam in the sockets. To avoid putting strain on
the back, the tubes should be inserted correctly. Avoid deformations that could endanger the
safety of the wheelchair and its user.
ÎTake care that the fixing screws (1) are properly tightened before using the wheelchair.
Otherwise the back can be detached and cause damage to the wheelchair and injure the user.
ÎTake care that no extra loads are placed on the back (e.g. a rucksack), since it may disturb the
balance and cause the wheelchair to tip over backwards.
If the back or some of its components are marred by wear and tear or other factors, kindly
contact your dealer. He shall gladly be of further assistance.
THE SEAT
The seat is anatomical and cushioned and has suspension hooks fixed to its underside by means of
which it is placed on the framework. These hooks lock the seat in position between the side members
of the collapsible framework. To remove the seat, simply lift it out of the framework. The imitation
leather cover is washable. We can supply a SOFT version of the seat to patients who are pressure
sensitive at certain points (dekubitusprophylaxe).
Your wheelchair is primarily fitted with a standard
cushioned seat. It must be placed snugly on the
folded-open tube frame and the suspension hooks
must engage the structure evenly.
The inclination of the seat can be changed by
adjusting the front and rear suspension hooks
separately.
When the wheelchair is to be folded, simply lift the
seat out.
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ÎThere must be no obstacles or body parts between the seat and the folding frame.
ÎBefore using the wheelchair, take care that the suspension hooks of the seat fit tightly on the
frame to prevent any slippage.
ÎBecause of the danger of body pressure points (dekubitus) the wheelchair must not be used
without the seat.
If the functional suitability of the seat is impaired by wear and tear or other factors, kindly contact your
dealer. He shall gladly be of further assistance.
LEG SUPPORTS
To mount the leg supports place them sideways with
the inserts (1) in the socket of the frame tube (2).
Then turn the leg supports slowly inwards until the
locking block (3) slides over the suspension block (4).
The toggle lever (5) locks automatically when the end
position is reached. If lever (5) does not engage
properly, push it lightly in the direction of the frame
tube.
To unbolt the leg supports, press the toggle lever (5)
lightly downwards and turn the leg supports outwards
or inwards as the case may be.
ÎMake sure that the leg supports are securely in position before using the wheelchair.
•Adjustment of the footplates
The footplates (6) can be set at different positions. Unscrew the bolts on the footplate. Now shift the
plates 3 cm backwards or forwards. Then retighten the fixing screws of the plates. Depending on the
steering wheel configuration, the plate cannot be moved rearwards in some cases, since it could foul
the steering wheel.
•The length below the thigh
To adjust the length of the leg supports, remove the fixing screw (7) and pull or push the inner tube (8)
to the desired position, then retighten screw (7). Before using the wheelchair, make sure that all
screws are securely fixed.
Contact your dealer about the correct adjustment of your leg supports. He shall gladly be of further
assistance and also advise you about other versions of the leg supports.
ÎMake sure that the leg supports are securely in position before using the wheelchair.
ÎNever grasp the leg supports of the wheelchair for picking it up. It must only be handled by
taking hold of solid and fixed parts of the framework (also refer to the Chapter “For your
safety”).
ÎMake sure that the footrests have a free height of at least 6 cm to avoid scraping the ground
when driving. That could cause damage to the wheelchair and endanger its operational safety.
The patient could also be injured.
ÎDo not stand on the footplates, they are only designed to be footrests.
ÎWhen the leg supports are adjusted, no obstacles or persons should be within reach of their
turning arc, otherwise they could be injured and/or the objects or the chair could be damaged.
In the case of certain diseases or handicaps where the legs might not tolerate resting constantly on
the leg supports, you could fix other available leg supports. Direct queries to your dealer.
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ARMRESTS
The height of the armrests can be adjusted by loosening
handle (1) and pulling it up or pushing it down.
To adjust the width between the armrests, loosen screw (2)
and push it to the desired position. Then retighten the screw.
ÎBefore using the wheelchair, make sure that all
screws are tightened properly to prevent injury and/or
damage.
ÎAdjustments should be carried out in such a way that
the stability of the armrests is not endangered.
ÎNever pick the wheelchair up by grasping the armrests. Only solid and fixed parts of the
framework should be used for transport.
The armrest containing the driving electronics can only be removed if the electronic unit has been
removed (see the Section “Driving electronics”).
ÎThe armrests may only be lowered or removed when you are quite sure that the user of
the wheelchair is secured against tipping over sideways.
If you detect damage or wear in the armrest supports, contact your dealer who can correct these
deficiencies.
ÎTo avoid endangering your own safety, do not use the wheelchair when changes, damage, or
wear are noticed in the suspensions.
ÎAny changes made to the armrests and or armrest supports are at your own responsibility.
Your warranty claim then expires immediately.
DRIVING ELECTRONICS
When the motors are activated, you can set the wheelchair in motion by means of the steering (see
Figure A).
Figure A To release the motors, turn the motor lever (1)
outwards on each side.
The wheelchair can only be driven if the motor lever
(1) points backwards. Before use the lever should be
turned to the desired position.
ÎFor electronic driving Æconnect the motors.
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Refer to Figures B+C: Press lightly on the on-off button (1) to activate it. All the diodes of the charge
indicator (2) briefly light up to show the battery condition.
If this is sufficient for your intended journey, you can let the wheelchair move in the desired direction
by means of the steering lever (3).
ÎIf you are not familiar with a joystick, first practise on a free, level surface to teach yourself
about the driving and steering properties of the wheelchair.
Beneath the operating unit (for SHARK steering: at the front) you will find the socket for
plugging in the charging apparatus. The connection for the programming unit is also located
here, but this may only be used by trained staff programmers.
ÎTake care that all plugs (charger and, on occasion, the programming unit) are removed before
setting the wheelchair in motion.
O/I
O/I
1
2
3
4
5 6
7
88
COMMANDO Control
1 = On/off button
2 = Loading condition display
3 = Joystick
4 = Program forward switch
5 = Program backward switch
6 = Display of selected drive program
7 = Electronic system status display
8 = Horn button
Buttons 4 + 5 (program 1 to 5 = slow to
fast) allows you effortless selection of your
wheelchair drive program.
Fig. B
SHARK
–
control
1 = On/off button
2 = Loading condition display
3 = Joystick
4 = Horn button
5 = Speed control
Variable transformer (5) allows
you easy speed setting
4
3
2
1
5
Fig. C

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ÎCheck that the steering lever is in the neutral central position when you push the on/off button,
since the electronics are inactive otherwise. You can eliminate this barrier by switching the
steering off and then on again.
ÎYour speed should be adapted to environmental conditions.
Adjust the driving electronics
to the length of your forearm.
Loosen the fixing screw (1)
beneath the armrest support
where your steering is
located. Pull the steering to
the desired position and lock
it again.
LOCKING-UNLOCKING SHARK CONTROLLER
1
Unlocking the Shark Controlle
r
(repeat the complete procedure in case you did not finish it
before the countdown)
Locking the Shark
Controller
While the power is on, press
and hold the power button
for two seconds. The display
will turn off immediatly.
After two seconds all LED’s
will flash briefly and the horn
will sound a short beep.
The wheelchair is
turned off.
While the shark controller is
locked, press the power
button to turn the shark
controller on.
All LED’s will flash briefly.
The LED’s wil then perform
a slow right-to-left
countdown.
(approx. 10 sec.)
Press the horn button twice
before the countdown
is completed
(approx. 10 sec.)
The batterycharge will then
be displayed and the
wheelchair is ready for
normal operation.