WHILL Model A User manual

Model A User Manual

Model A User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................4
Welcome .............................................................................................................................................4 1.1
Manual Overview ...............................................................................................................................4 1.2
CAUTION: .........................................................................................................................................4 1.3
Notations .............................................................................................................................................4 1.4
ocument Guidelines .........................................................................................................................5 1.5
Illustrations .................................................................................................................................5 1.5.1
Product Specifications ................................................................................................................5 1.5.2
Errors and Omissions ..................................................................................................................5 1.5.3
2. Safety ......................................................................................................................................................5
Warnings .............................................................................................................................................5 2.1
Cautions ..............................................................................................................................................7 2.2
3. Product ....................................................................................................................................................8
Model A Components .........................................................................................................................8 3.1
Arm and Seat Positions.......................................................................................................................9 3.2
Cushions ...........................................................................................................................................10 3.3
Specifications ...................................................................................................................................10 3.4
4. Operation ..............................................................................................................................................11
Safety Check .....................................................................................................................................11 4.1
Moving into and out of Model A ......................................................................................................12 4.2
Lap Belt ............................................................................................................................................14 4.3
Power Switch ....................................................................................................................................15 4.4
Turning the Model A On ..................................................................................................................15 4.5
Turning Model A off ................................................................................................................16 4.5.1
Checking the Battery Charge Level ..................................................................................................16 4.6
Full battery charge ....................................................................................................................17 4.6.1
Partial battery charge ................................................................................................................17 4.6.2
Low battery indication ..............................................................................................................17 4.6.3
Error Codes .......................................................................................................................................18 4.7
Seat Mode .........................................................................................................................................19 4.8
Speed Control ...................................................................................................................................20 4.9
Speed Switch ............................................................................................................................20 4.9.1
Speed control through the directional controller ......................................................................21 4.9.2
irectional Controller ...................................................................................................................21 4.10

Model A User Manual
Safety check before driving ..........................................................................................................23 4.11
riving checklist for the Model A: ..........................................................................................23 4.11.1
riving Conditions .......................................................................................................................24 4.12
Stopping and Parking....................................................................................................................25 4.13
Sitting at a Table or esk .............................................................................................................25 4.14
5. WHILL iPhone App .............................................................................................................................26
Set Up: ..............................................................................................................................................26 5.1
Configure the Bluetooth Connection between the iPhone and Model A ........................................27 5.2
Start the App: ....................................................................................................................................28 5.3
Emergency Stop ................................................................................................................................28 5.4
Remote Control ................................................................................................................................29 5.5
Seat Slide ........................................................................................................................................29 5.6
Speed Setting ...................................................................................................................................30 5.7
Priority Setting ..................................................................................................................................30 5.8
Enable Automatic Key: ....................................................................................................................31 5.9
Log Out .........................................................................................................................................31 5.10
6. Brake Release Levers ...........................................................................................................................32
How to release the electromagnetic brakes ......................................................................................32 6.1
How to engage the electromagnetic brake(s) ....................................................................................34 6.2
7. Battery and Charging ............................................................................................................................34
Charger specifications for WHILL Model A....................................................................................35 7.1
Charging the battery .........................................................................................................................37 7.2
Battery service or replacement .........................................................................................................38 7.3
8. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) .....................................................................................................38
EMI Sources .....................................................................................................................................38 8.1
9. Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................39
10. Maintenance .........................................................................................................................................39
11. Transportation .......................................................................................................................................39
12. Customer Support .................................................................................................................................39

Model A User Manual
Page 4 of 40
1. Introduction
Welcome 1.1
Welcome to your new WHILL Model A! The Model A has amazing features that we hope will positively
change the way you live your daily life.
The following items are provided to you:
• WHILL Model A
• WHILL Model A charger
• User Manual (printed or digital copy of this manual)
Manual Overview 1.2
The User Manual instructs how to safely operate important features of the WHILL Model A. It also
provides basic service, troubleshooting, and maintenance information.
This manual is intended for users, dealers, resellers, salespersons, and others who wish to understand
important features of Model A in detail.
At WHILL, we care about your safety and experience. Please carefully read and follow all the instructions
in this manual.
CAUTION: 1.3
The WHILL Model A is intended for personal transportation and is not a wheelchair. Anyone who is
restricted to a sitting position should not use this product. The WHILL Model A is not considered a medical
device and has not been submitted to the Food and rug Administration for review or clearance.
Notations 1.4
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in property damage, minor injury, or both.
INFORMATION
Gives useful tips, recommendations and information for efficient, trouble-free use.

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Document Guidelines 1.5
INFORMATION
THE INFORMATION CONTAINE IN THIS OCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT
NOTICE.
Illustrations 1.5.1
The illustrations provided in this manual are for demonstration and conceptual visualization purposes only.
Your actual product might vary from the illustrations in the following ways:
• The directional controller (joystick) may be on either the left or the right arm.
• There are different designs for the directional controller.
Product Specifications 1.5.2
All specifications and descriptions contained in this manual are verified to be accurate at the time of
printing.
Errors and Omissions 1.5.3
Let us know at [email protected] if you notice any inaccuracies or omissions in this manual!
2. Safety
Warnings 2.1
WARNING
Model A Operation
• o not operate the Model A without reading this user manual. Please pay close attention to
all safety information and warnings. Contact customer support if you need clarification on
sections that are unclear. Failure to read and understand how to safely operate the Model A
may result in damage and/or injury.
• The weight capacity of the Model A is 220 lbs. To avoid injury or Model A failure, do not
exceed this weight.
• o not operate the Model A on any streets, roads, or highways. Before crossing the street,
make sure that drivers are able to see you.
• o not use the Model A if it has been exposed to excessive water, is damaged in any way, or
requires service. Contact your dealer or WHILL for service.
• To prevent injury and/or damage, do not use the Model A in heavy snow or icy conditions.

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• o not drive the Model A through water deeper than 1”.
• o not operate the Model A on soft surfaces such as sand or mud.
• o not use the Model A on slopes greater than 17%. The Model A has been tested for
stability on 17% slopes (10 degrees) and should only be used on slopes less than 17%. For
reference, standard ramps in front of most buildings (with railing) have an 8.3% slope.
• The Model A is designed and tested for stability on obstacles less than 3”. o not use the
Model A to navigate over objects that are greater than 3” in height.
• Use extreme caution when driving on uneven surfaces or slopes. In these conditions, it is
recommended to have a spotter to stabilize the Model A if necessary.
• The Model A is not designed to be used as a dynamic seat during weight training or other
exercise.
• For your safety, always fasten your lap belt when you are in the Model A.
• To prevent injury to your legs or knees, inspect underneath tables or other objects before
sliding the seat forward.
• Ensure tail lamps are working properly before operating the Model A at night or in low
visibility conditions.
• It is not safe to operate the Model A with the footplate in an up (vertical) position. Make sure
the footplate is down before moving.
• Make sure your hands, arms, elbows and feet are inside the Model A when moving.
Brake lock release
• Only disengage the brake locks (put the Model A in freewheel mode) for emergency and
short-term use.
• To prevent unintended movement, the Model A must be powered off whenever the brake
locks are being engaged or disengaged.
• o not use the Model A on a slope when the brake locks are disengaged (in freewheel mode).
Because the Model A has no brakes in this mode, controlling or stopping the Model A will be
difficult and could result in serious injury.
Service
• The Model A contains no user-serviceable parts. o not attempt to replace or repair any parts
(including the batteries) on your own. Any service must be done by a WHILL-authorized
service representative.
• o not spray water to clean off the Model A. Excessive moisture may damage Model A
components and make it inoperable.
• o not attempt to adjust or modify the Model A. oing so may make the Model A less stable
or impact its performance.
Transportation
• The Model A has not been tested for transportability and is not intended to be used as a seat
during transportation. You should transfer to a regular vehicle seat during transportation.
Battery Charging
• Only use the original battery charger provided with the Model A. Use of any other charger
may cause damage or injury and will void the product’s warranty. Please contact customer
support if you need a replacement battery charger.
• Battery charging should only be performed indoors. The battery charger should not be
exposed to any moisture, water, or other elements.

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• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, extension cords should not be used with the
battery charger.
• To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not leave the Model A plugged in and
continuously charging for more than one week.
Electromagnetic Interference
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from external sources can impact braking and control of
the Model A. Unintended brake release or Model A movement could result in serious injury.
To prevent this:
o o not operate hand-held transceivers (transmitters/receivers), such as citizens band
(CB) radios, or turn ON personal communication devices, such as cellular phones,
while the powered Model A is turned ON.
o Be aware of nearby transmitters, such as radio or TV stations, and try to avoid
coming close to them.
o If unintended movement or brake release occurs, turn the powered Model A OFF as
soon as it is safe.
o Be aware that adding accessories or components, or modifying the powered Model
A, may make it more susceptible to EMI.
o Report all incidents of unintended movement or brake release to the powered Model
A manufacturer, and note whether there is a source of EMI nearby.
Section 6 of this user manual contains more information on EMI and how it can affect the Model A. To
properly understand EMI, please read Section 6.
CAUTION
Cautions 2.2
• Be sure to charge the batteries before initial use of the Model A. Failing to charge new batteries may
reduce battery life.
• To prevent the battery from draining completely, charge the Model A at least once per month. If the
battery drains completely, do not use the Model A; have the battery replaced as soon as possible.
• Check around you for loose clothing or other material that may snag on the product before moving
the seat backwards. Be sure to gather any objects up and move them out of the way before moving the
seat backward.
• Reaching or leaning can affect the stability and balance of the Model A. Always exercise caution
when shifting your weight or balance in the Model A. When in doubt, ask for help when reaching for
inaccessible objects.

Model A User Manual
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3. Product
Model A Components 3.1
Figure 1. Model A Components
Back cover removed by
hand to expose circuit breaker
Circuit Breaker

Model A User Manual
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Side view Top view
Arm and Seat ositions 3.2
The Model A arms and seat can each be in two different positions (Figure 2).
Arm own Position Arm Up/Seat Back Position Arm Up/Seat Forward Position
To drive the Model A, the arms
must be locked in the down
position
Creates space to free your arms Allows you to get closer to the
edge of a table
Figure 2. Model A Seat and Arm Positions
Mode Switch/
Power Switch
Battery Indicator

Model A User Manual
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Cushions 3.3
The WHILL Model A is provided with a seat cushion. The seat base is compatible with seat cushions 16”
wide and 16” to 20” long.
Specifications 3.4
There is only one model of the wheelchair and specifications are listed below.
Table 1. Model A Specifications
Item Specification
rive System 4 Wheel rive
Controller Mouse or Joystick Controlling System
Seat Sliding (electric) 5.9" (150mm)
Chair Width 23.6" (600mm)
Chair Length (5 positions) 35", 36”, 37”, 38”, 39” (889mm, 914mm,
940mm, 965mm, 990mm)
Chair Ground Clearance 3.5" (89mm)
Chair Weight 250 lb (114kg)
Maximum Speed 5.5 MPH (8.9 km/h)
Speed Settings High, Mid, Low Speed
Braking System Electromagnetic Brake
Turning Radius 28" (711mm)
Maximum Obstacle Height 3" (75mm)
Incline Capability 10 degrees
riving Range (full battery
charge) 10.6 - 12 miles (19.3 – 17.0 km)
Maximum Weight Capacity 220lb (100kg)
Arm Angle (down position) 45, 50, 56, 62 degrees
Seat Angle (4 positions) 1, 4, 7, 10 degrees
Seat Length (5 positions) 16", 17”, 18", 19”, 20" (406mm, 432mm,
457mm 483mm, 508mm)
Seat to Floor Height (3 positions) 20.2", 21.2”, 22.2” (425mm, 445mm, 465mm)
Front Wheel iameter 9.8” (249mm)
Rear Wheel iameter 12.5” (317 mm)
Tail lamps (2) Red lights
Battery 12V 50Ah (per battery; 2 total batteries)
Charger 6A_Charger
Charging time: 8 – 9 hours

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Item Specification
Foot Support Angle 0o – 10o (continuous, from horizontal plane)
Foot Support Height from Ground
(5 positions)
4”, 5”, 6”, 7”, 8” (103mm, 127mm, 152mm,
178mm, 203mm)
Foot Support Extension (5
positions)
0”, 1", 2", 3", 4" (0mm, 25mm, 50mm, 75mm,
100mm)
Back Cushion Support Angle (4
positions) 94o, 96o, 98o, 100o (from horizontal plane)
Compatible Back Support Custom WHILL back support
Compatible Seat Cushion 16" wide, from 16” to 20” deep
Operating Conditions -13o F to 122o F (-25o C to 50o C)
Storage Conditions -40o F to 149o F (-40o C to 65o C)
Rear tire options Solid
. Operation
WARNING
• o not operate the Model A without first reading this user manual. Please pay attention to all
safety information and warnings and contact customer support if you need clarification.
Failure to read and understand how to safely operate the Model A may result in damage
and/or injury.
• o not use the Model A if it has been exposed to excessive water, is damaged in any way, or
requires service. Contact your dealer or WHILL for service.
Safety Check 4.1
INFORMATION
● Practice and get to know the feel of your Model A and its capabilities. Perform the safety checks listed
below before each use to ensure your Model A operates smoothly and safely.
Perform the following inspections before turning on the chair:
● Ensure the charger is unplugged from the Model A and that the battery charger is safely stored away.
● o not damage or entangle the charger cable/connector. Failure to comply may cause severe injury.
● Check the rear tires for signs of wear or damage. There should be no visible deformation or flat spots.
● Check the omni-wheels for signs of wear or damage. The rubber thickness on the rollers should not be
less than 3mm. The tire should not be susceptible to unusual noise or vibration when it rotates.
● Check Model A for physical damage such as dents, scratches, or corrosion. Awareness of the condition
of your Model A will help improve its life and safety.
● Check the control arms to ensure they are locked in the “down” position.
● If you have any concerns about service or maintenance of your product and its accessories, please do
not hesitate to contact WHILL customer support.

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Moving into and out of Model A 4.2
WARNING
• The weight capacity of the chair is 220 lbs. To avoid injury or chair failure, do not exceed
this weight.
CAUTION
• Check around you for loose clothing or other material before moving the seat backwards. Be sure to
gather any objects up and move them out of the way before moving the seat backward.
INFORMATION
● Moving into or out of your Model A requires agility, awareness and caution. Practice safe loading
and unloading techniques and ask for assistance if you cannot safely accomplish them on your own.
The Model A has been designed to make it easy to move into and out of the chair. The figures below
demonstrate features that may make moving into and out of the chair easier:
Figure 3. Chair in the driving position. Figure . Turn on unit in the seat mode.
Neutral switch position,
Also known as “seat” mode
Pull back to this position and
hold briefly before releasing
switch.

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Figure 5. Slide seat forward using directional controller
and seat slide mode.
Figure 6. Lift/rotate control arms up and backward.
Figure 7. Sit down in the chair. Pivot the footplate up
out of the way if desired.
Figure 8. Lower the control arms to the down position.

Model A User Manual
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Figure 9. If footplate was pivoted up, return it to the
horizontal position.
Figure 10. Slide the seat backward using the directional
controller & seat slide mode.
Lap Belt 4.3
WARNING
For your safety, always fasten the lap belt when you are in the chair.

Model A User Manual
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ower Switch 4.4
This switch is used to turn on and off the chair. It is a round hub on the arm that does not house the
directional controller. There is a spring-loaded switch that can be pulled back to the power position, held
momentarily, and released. When the power is on, the logo will light up.
Figure 11. Power Switch Figure 12. Power ON state
ON : Logo light is ON, battery
level indicators are on
Figure 13. Power OFF state
OFF: Logo light is OFF, battery
level indicators are off
Turning the Model A On 4.5
• To turn on the Model A, pull back and release the Power Switch once. The battery indicator
blue light(s) should turn on for a second and the logo light should turn on and stay on.
• Around the power switch are multiple lights that indicate the amount of charge left in the
battery. To understand the battery charge indicators, see section entitled “Checking the
Battery Charge Level” on the following page.
After turning on the Model A, but before moving:
• Check the battery charge level: make sure there is enough charge to conduct your planned
activities.
• Check that both rear tail lamps are on.
Neutral switch position,
Also known as “seat” mode
Pull back to this position and
hold briefly before releasing
switch.

Model A User Manual
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INFORMATION
You should not touch the directional controller or have the controller arm lifted when you first turn on the
Model A. The unit has a short initialization cycle that will be interrupted if you move the directional controller
when it is starting up. oing so will result in an error code. If this occurs, turn off the unit and then turn it back
on, making sure not to touch the directional controller.
Turning Model A off 4.5.1
To power off the Model A, pull back and release the Power Switch once and the unit will shut down.
If the Power Switch does not behave as expected, refer to the Battery Charge section of this manual or
contact WHILL customer support for help.
Checking the Battery Charge Level 4.6
The battery charge is designed to last approximately 12 miles depending on conditions, such as tires, road,
driving conditions, temperature/humidity, payload and inclines. For more details see section entitled Battery
Maintenance.
There are 5 lights indicating the battery charge level. These lights will also indicate error conditions (see
Troubleshooting Section).
● If the unit is losing charge too quickly, or if the lights indicate a wrong charge level, please contact
WHILL customer support immediately.
● If the battery charge lasts significantly less than 10.6 miles, contact WHILL customer support
immediately.
Figure 1 . Battery charge levels
Fully charged Low charge

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Full batter charge 4.6.1
When Model A is on, all 5 blue LE s will illuminate to demonstrate full charge.
Figure 15. Lights indicating full battery charge
Partial batter charge 4.6.2
When Model A is on, some blue LE s will illuminate to demonstrate partial charge.
Figure 16. Lights showing intermediate charge
Low batter indication 4.6.3
A low battery level (less than 37%) is indicated by one remaining blue light. If the one blue battery light
changes to red, this means the unit is on reserve battery charge (less than 20%) and you should charge the unit
immediately.
Figure 17. Lights demonstrating low and reserve battery charge levels
Low battery level (Flashing) Reserve battery level
If the unit stops due to a dead battery and there is no immediate charging available, refer to section 5, How
to release the electromagnetic brakes, for directions on how to move the unit without power.

Model A User Manual
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Flashing
INFORMATION
A red light and blue light simultaneously or alternatively flashing indicate an error code.
Error Codes 4.7
Alternating flashing blue and red
Simultaneous flashing
Figure 18. Model A is charging
Figure 19. Directional controller is moved during “powering-on” procedure
Figure 20. One or both motor brake levers are released (freewheel mode)

Model A User Manual
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Simultaneous flashing
Seat Mode 4.8
The seat slide function of the Model A is utilized through the mode switch and directional controller.
Ensure the mode switch is on the “seat mode” setting and move the directional controller to slide your seat
forwards and backwards. This functionality can be used to facilitate getting into and out of the unit, or to bring
you closer to the edge of a table.
+
Figure 21. Directional controller arm is not fully locked (e.g. in the up position)
Figure 22. Seat mode demonstration

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INFORMATION
Model A driving capability will be disabled if the seat is even slightly forward, for safety concerns
regarding balance and increased unit footprint. That is, you must fully retract the seat before the unit will be able
to move. If your seat is forward, the WHILL LE logo will be flashing:
Speed Control 4.9
The maximum operating speeds are controlled by the speed switch. Moving the directional controller will
accelerate the Model A from a standstill to a maximum given speed for each switch setting. Please see below for
these limits.
Speed Switch 4.9.1
There are 3 settings for the speed switch, which controls overall speed of the unit:
Fast (~ 5.5 MPH / 8.9 KPH)
Medium (~ 3.5 MPH / 5.6 KPH)
Slow (~ 1.5 MPH / 2.4 KPH)
Figure 23. WHILL LED logo flashes when seat is forward
Figure 2 . Speed switch controls