Updated 25-Oct-11
Whirlwind Wheelchair http://whirlwindwheelchair.org
Updated 25-Oct-11
Whirlwind Wheelchair http://whirlwindwheelchair.org Updated 25-Oct-11
Whirlwind Wheelchair http://whirlwindwheelchair.org
RoughRiderTM Service Quickstart: Fitting
Cushion
Check Sensation Level. (See Whirlwind Service Guide.) Riders without full sensation at seat
surface should use a pressure relief cushion. e cushion should be about 1/2” wider than the seat
width, to hold the cushion in place in the chair. e rider should sit on their cushion for the next
tting steps.
Seat Width
Check that the seat width is appropriate for the rider (no more than Grade 1 pressure on the hips,
see Whirlwind’s Cushion Fitting Guide).
Seat Depth
Check that the front of the seat fabric is not pressing on the back of the rider’s legs, when the legs
are tucked back as far as they will be allowed (check the calf strap). Look for a minimum of 1/2”
gap (1 1/4” is preferable). e 14” seat depth can be adjusted to 16” with a seat depth extension
accessory, and the 16” seat depth can be adjusted to 18”. See Support site for more information.
One philips screwdriver and one 10mm wrench needed
Footrest Height
With the rider sitting in the chair wearing the footwear they will be using in the chair, place one
hand under the lower thigh (closer to the knee) on the cushion and one hand holding the sole of
the foot with the footrest ipped out of the way. Find the optimal height of the foot where there
is moderate pressure under the thigh, where the foot is not hanging, and both foot and thigh
bear approximately equal amounts of weight. Adjust the footrest height by loosening the footrest
clamp bolt and raise or lower the footrest until the weight of the foot and lower thigh on your
hands are equal. If the footrests can’t be adjusted low enough, add extra foam under the cushion
after considering the drawbacks (see Service Guide).
Two 13mm wrenches needed
Backrest Height
Check that the backrest supports the rider’s back, rst supporting the rider’s trunk, and secondly
allowing pushing on the handrims. Check the backrest height again later if cushion height is
changed in the tting process. e 2010 RoughRider backrest height can be adjusted to 14”, 16”,
and 18” from the seat surface. See Support site for more information.
Two 13mm wrenches needed
Pressure Relief Cushion Adjustment (if needed)
Evaluate pressure on seat surface, and add additional cutout layers under the cushion or carve
away foam where needed. See cushion tting guide on the following pages.
Rear Wheel Axle Adjustment
Adjust the position of the rear wheels to meet the rider’s needs; a forward position increases the
rearward tippiness of the chair, but makes the chair easier to push and use in rough terrain. Ad-
just the brakes to match the Axle position.
One 19mm socket, one 19mm wrnech, and one 13mm wrench needed
Rider Orientation to Wheelchair
A wheelchair rider should train new riders and attendants in independent and assisted skills in-
cluding moving in the chair, the use of parking brakes, transfers, pressure management, wheelies
and leaning for rough terrain, and managing curbs and steps. Additional topics are maintenance,
cleaning, repairs, and wheelchair adjustments including footrest and rear axle position. A game of
“follow the leader” over mixed terrain helps riders learn and teach each other riding skills.
Check Comfort
Ask about comfort and feel for high pressure grades after a half hour of use, and make adjust-
ments if needed. is is a critical tting step.
For support on tting the RoughRider see www.whirlwindwheelchair.org/support
