WOK BCW Advantage User manual

0
User
Manual
Rev. 4.0 #8002
WHEELCHAIRS OF KANSAS
09.17.2013
User Manual
BCW Advantage™Wheelchair

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Table of Contents
Definition of Symbols..................................................................................................................... 3
Manual Definitions ..................................................................................................................... 3
Warnings and Cautions............................................................................................................... 3
Important Safety Instructions...................................................................................................... 4
Device Information......................................................................................................................... 7
Description of the BCW Advantage™ Wheelchair.................................................................... 7
Specifications.................................................................................................................................. 8
Unpacking and Set-Up Instructions................................................................................................ 9
Unpacking/Parts Breakdown ...................................................................................................... 9
Wheelchair Set-Up...................................................................................................................... 9
Operating Instructions................................................................................................................... 10
Folding and Unfolding the Wheelchair..................................................................................... 10
Proper Use of the Wheelchair....................................................................................................... 12
Center of Balance...................................................................................................................... 12
Curbs and Single Steps ............................................................................................................. 12
Doorways and Obstacles........................................................................................................... 13
Motor Vehicle Safety................................................................................................................ 14
Reaching or Leaning................................................................................................................. 14
Slopes........................................................................................................................................ 15
Streets and Roadways............................................................................................................... 15
Transfers ................................................................................................................................... 16
Features......................................................................................................................................... 17
Armrests.................................................................................................................................... 17
Casters and Pneumatic Tires..................................................................................................... 18
Footrests and Leg Rests............................................................................................................ 18
Elevating Leg Rest (optional)............................................................................................... 19
Rear Wheel Locks..................................................................................................................... 20
Positioning Belts....................................................................................................................... 21
Safety Tips.................................................................................................................................... 22
General Safety........................................................................................................................... 22
Transport................................................................................................................................... 22
Cleaning Instructions.................................................................................................................... 23
Maintenance.................................................................................................................................. 26
Fasteners ................................................................................................................................... 26

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Storage and Disposal................................................................................................................. 27
Parts and Assembly....................................................................................................................... 28
Warranty Information ................................................................................................................... 30
Rayes, Inc. dba Wheelchairs of Kansas™ (Wheelchairs of Kansas) Limited Warranty.......... 30
Manufacturer Disclaimer.......................................................................................................... 31
User Assistance Information......................................................................................................... 32

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Definition of Symbols
Manual Definitions
Throughout this manual different type fonts and icons are used to aid user readability and
understanding of the content. Below are some examples.
Standard Text Used for regular information.
Bold Face Text Emphasizes a word or phrase.
NOTE SETS APART SPECIAL INFORMATION OR IMPORTANT INSTRUCTION
CLARIFICATION.
Warnings and Cautions
Warnings/Cautions: This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating, maintenance or servicing instructions. Disregarding a
warning could result in user and/or user injury as well as damage to equipment.
Manufacture label for Wheelchairs of Kansas (WOK):
WARNING: The wheelchair is to be used in accordance with each facility’s
policies and procedures.
For user and patient safety, read and follow all warnings and instructions that apply to use of the
BCW Advantage™ Wheelchair.Before using this wheelchair, the user must know what to do to
ensure safety.
Put the user at ease. The care provider should communicate with the user by telling them what
they are planning to do.
Work with the user’s doctor, nurse or therapist to learn safe methods best suited to the care
provider’s abilities and those of the patient.
Always use good posture and proper body mechanics. When possible use assistive safe patient
handling devices, if necessary to manually lift or support the patient, bend knees slightly and
keep back as upright and straight as possible.

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Important Safety Instructions
The wheelchair is to be used in accordance with each facility’s policies and procedures.
Specifications
Exceeding the weight capacity and/or safe working load listed in the specifications could
result in user injury as well as damage to equipment or other property.
Unpacking and Set-Up Instructions
Failure to follow the set-up instructions could result in user injury as well as damage to
equipment or other property.
Operating Instructions
Keep fingers and arms away from rotating parts when mechanisms are moving.
Operating this wheelchair with any part of the body in the frame can result in injury.
DO NOT use the wheelchair near an open flame or an extreme heat source.
Use only parts, accessories and adapters authorized by the manufacturer.
DO NOT use the wheelchair with any missing or abnormal parts.
Never take the wheelchair on an escalator, even with an attendant. Doing so is likely to
cause the wheelchair to tip and injure the user, attendant or others.
Never let a person’s fingers come between moving parts when wheelchair is being
opened or closed. Doing so may cause a pinch or crush type injury.
Proper Use of the Wheelchair
The point where the wheelchair will tip forward, tip backward or to the side depends on
the center of balance and stability. Follow the instructions in regard to center of balance
to avoid a fall or injury to the user and/or care provider.
The impact from dropping down from a curb or step can damage the frame or other
wheelchair parts and may loosen fasteners. Check for damage to the wheelchair or loose
fasteners before each use to avoid a fall or injury to the user and/or care provider.
Wheelchairs of Kansas wheelchairs do not meet federal standards for motor vehicle
seating. Follow the instructions for motor vehicle safety to avoid a fall or injury to the
user and/or care provider.
Wheelchairs of Kansas does not endorse or recommend the use of this wheelchair on
streets or roadways. Other means of transportation must be used under these conditions.
Reaching or leaning affects the user’s center of balance. Follow the instructions for users
reaching or leaning from the wheelchair to avoid a fall or injury to the user and/or care
provider.
Going up or down a slope will change the center of balance of the wheelchair. Follow the
instructions in regard to slopes to avoid a fall or injury to the user and/or care provider.
In most states, wheelchairs are not legal for use on public roads. Be alert to the dangers of
motor vehicle traffic on roads or in parking lots.
Follow the instructions for transferring users to avoid a fall or injury to the user and/or
care provider.

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Features
Never try to lift the wheelchair by its armrests. They may come loose or break. If this
occurs, the wheelchair may fall and cause injury to the user or others and could damage
the wheelchair. Lift the wheelchair only by non-detachable parts of the main frame.
They are not designed to bear the weight of the wheelchair.
If items, such as string or hair, become entangled between the caster and the axle bolt the
wheelchair may become hard to steer and roll. Check monthly and clean if needed.
Never try to lift the wheelchair by its footrest. They may come loose or break. If this
occurs, the wheelchair may fall and cause injury to the user or others and could damage
the wheelchair. Lift the wheelchair only by non-detachable parts of the main frame. The
footrests are not designed to bear the weight of the wheelchair.
The lowest point of the footrest should be at least 2-1/2 inches above the ground level on
a flat surface. If set too low, they may “hang up” on the types of obstacles you can
expect to find in normal use. This may cause the wheelchair to stop suddenly and tip
forward.
Rear wheel locks are not designed to slow or stop a moving wheelchair. The wheelchair
may veer out of control or tip over. They should only be used to keep the rear wheels
from turning when the wheelchair is at a complete stop. Failure to do so could result in
user injury as well as damage to equipment or other property.
Improper use of positioning belts may cause injury or death to the user and/or care
provider
Safety Tips
The wheelchair is to be used in accordance with each facility’s policies and procedures.
Replace worn or torn fabric immediately. Failure to do so could result in user injury as
well as damage to equipment or other property.
Installing a power drive on this wheelchair is an alteration to the frame and voids the
warranty. DO NOT mount a power drive on any Wheelchairs of Kansas wheelchair. It
will affect the center of balance of your chair and may cause a tip over and severe injury
to you. See your WHEELCHAIRS OF KANSAS dealer for power wheelchair options.
Use of a seating system not approved by Wheelchairs of Kansas may alter the center of
balance of the wheelchair. This may cause the wheelchair to tip over and result in severe
injury to you. DO NOT make a change to the seating system of your wheelchair unless
you consult your authorized Wheelchairs of Kansas dealer first.
Wheelchairs of Kansas does not endorse or recommend the lifting of the chair, with a
person in it. Other means of transport must be used to carry a person over stairs or
obstructions in the pathway if no ramp or other means is provided to properly roll the
chair around or over the stairs or obstructions.
During transport, use caution so the wheelchair does not tip or overbalance. Failure to do
so could result in user injury as well as damage to equipment or other property.

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Maintenance
The wheelchair requires regular maintenance to uphold performance and avoid premature
wear, damage and injury.
Many of the screws and bolts used in the wheelchair are special high-strength fasteners.
Contact an authorized Wheelchairs of Kansas technician to assist if finding the correct
fasteners. If improper fasteners are used, they could result in patient and/or user injury as
well as damage to equipment or other property.
The wheelchair needs to be stored, transported and operated in a temperature range of
-5°C to 45°C (23°F to 113°F).
DO NOT expose the wheelchair to humidity greater than 95%.

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Device Information
Description of the BCW Advantage™ Wheelchair
The BCW Advantage™ Wheelchair is designed with the needs of the bariatric patient in mind.
One Size Does Not Fit All™ which is why the BCW Advantage™ Wheelchair is available from
24” (61 cm) wide up to 34” (86.5 cm) wide. Designed and engineered for bariatric individuals,
this chair can hold up to 850 lbs. (385 kg). This chair has seat height adjustability by changing
the placement of the axle bolt and raising or lowering the casters. Standard accessories are also
offered, such as removable desk-length, height adjustable armrests and swing away footrests.
Armrests
Rear Wheels
Swing Away
Footrests
Casters

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Specifications
Overall Width - 24” / 61 cm .............................................................................31” / 79 cm
26” / 66 cm .............................................................................33” / 84 cm
28” / 71 cm .............................................................................35” / 89 cm
30” / 76 cm .............................................................................37” / 94 cm
32” / 81.5 cm ..........................................................................39” / 99 cm
34” / 86.5 cm ..........................................................................41”/104 cm
Overall Depth - 24” - 32” / 61 cm - 81.5 cm (Seat Width)..............................32”/81.5 cm
30” - 34” / 76 cm - 86.5 cm (Seat Width) ..............................33” / 84 cm
Overall Height - 24” - 28” / 61 cm - 71 cm (Seat Width)……....................40.5” / 103 cm
30” - 34” / 76 cm - 86.5 cm (Seat Width)……. ...............42.5” / 108 cm
Seat Depth……...................................................................................................20” / 51 cm
Seat Height - (From floor to seat)
24” - 28” / 61 cm - 71 cm (Seat Width)…….19”-20.5” / 48.5 cm - 52 cm
30” - 34” / 76 cm - 86.5 cm (Seat Width)…….20.5”-22” / 52 cm - 56 cm
Back Height….... ................................................................................................17” / 43 cm
Weight Capacity..........................................................................................850 lbs. / 385 kg
(Exceeding this limit will void the warranty)
WARNING: Exceeding the weight capacity and/or safe working load listed in
the specifications could result in user injury as well as damage to equipment or
other property.

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Unpacking and Set-Up Instructions
Unpacking/Parts Breakdown
Inspect for any signs of freight damage. If obvious damage is detected, contact the freight
company and file a damage complaint. It may be necessary to take pictures of the damage.
After visual inspection make sure all of the proper components have been received.
Determining if assembly is required will depend on the method of shipping. The wheelchair is
shipped two different ways. The wheelchair ships completely assembled or the casters and
wheels must be bolted on after delivery.
Items enclosed in the boxes:
Chair Frame w/ upholstery
Rear Wheels
Front Casters
Front Caster Bolts
Rear Wheel Bolts
Leg Rests
Tools required for assembly:
2 - 1/2” Open End Wrench
2 - 15/16” Open End Wrench
Wheelchair Set-Up
The Advantage wheelchair has two adjustments for the seat to floor height, determine which
height is suitable for your situation. If the top hole is used on the casters, be sure to use the top
hole on the wheels.
To bolt on the back wheels, slide the bolt through the wheels and then add the spacer. Attach
wheel assembly through the frame and secure the nut with a 15/16” wrench. Be sure to put the
bolt through the same (top or bottom) hole on both sides.
Slide the caster up into the frame of the chair, slide bolt in through the pre-drilled hole. Attach
nut with a 1/2”wrench. Be sure to put the bolt through the same (top or bottom) hole on both
sides.
DO NOT discard any packing material until all components are accounted for and are in good
condition.
WARNING: Failure to follow the set-up instructions could result in user injury
as well as damage to equipment or other property.

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Folding
Operating Instructions
WARNING: Keep fingers and arms away from rotating parts when mechanisms
are moving.
Operating this wheelchair with any part of the body in the frame can result in
injury.
DO NOT use the wheelchair near an open flame or an extreme heat source.
Use only parts, accessories and adapters authorized by the manufacturer.
DO NOT use the wheelchair with any missing or abnormal parts.
Never take the wheelchair on an escalator, even with an attendant. Doing so is
likely to cause the wheelchair to tip and injure the user, attendant or others.
Start slowly with an easy, fluid motion. If the user is familiar with a different wheelchair, he or
she may use too much force and the wheelchair may tip over.
Have someone help the user until he or she knows what can cause a tip over and how to avoid
doing so. The user should never try a new maneuver alone until they are sure they can do it
safely.
The wheelchair is most stable when it is moving forward. The user should be very careful when
the wheelchair is moving backward. The user may lose control or tip over if one of the rear
wheels hits an object and stops rolling.
Folding and Unfolding the Wheelchair
WARNING: Never let a person’s fingers come between moving parts when
wheelchair is being opened or closed. Doing so may cause a pinch or crush type
injury.
NOTE: To prevent damage to the armrest upholstery, always remove the armrest before folding
or unfolding the wheelchair.
To fold the wheelchair:
Fold the foot plates up, grasp the center of the seat upholstery
at the front and the rear, and lift up in a straight line.

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Unfolding
To unfold the wheelchair:
Place one hand on the seat rail that the upholstery is bolted
to. Place the other hand on the rear wheel on the opposite
side of the wheelchair. Simultaneously push down on the seat
rail and pull out on the wheel until the seat is down. In some
instances it may be necessary to wiggle the side to line up the
telescope tubes.

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Proper Use of the Wheelchair
Center of Balance
WARNING: The point where the wheelchair will tip forward, tip backward or to
the side depends on the center of balance and stability. Follow the instructions in
regard to center of balance to avoid a fall or injury to the user and/or care
provider.
To avoid a fall or tip over, the user should have someone help them until they know the balance
points of the wheelchair and how to avoid a tip over.
The center of balance and stability of your wheelchair are affected by:
1. A shift in the user’s body position, posture or weight distribution.
2. Using the wheelchair on a sloped surface.
Curbs and Single Steps
CAUTION: The impact from dropping down from a curb or step can damage the
frame or other wheelchair parts and may loosen fasteners. Check for damage to
the wheelchair or loose fasteners before each use to avoid a fall or injury to the
user and/or care provider.
The user should never try to climb or descend a curb or a step alone unless they are a skilled user
and have the upper body strength needed to do so.
The user should not try to climb a high curb or step (more than 4 inches high) unless they have
help. The wheelchair may exceed its balance point and tip over.
When there is a care provider, make sure that he or she uses the push handles. The care provider
must have secure points to hold the rear of the wheelchair.
Tips for Descending a Curb or Single Step with Help from a Care Provider
To help the user descend a curb or single step in a backward direction:
1. Always descend a curb or a single step in a backward direction.
2. Check to make sure that the handle grips will not rotate or slip off.
3. Always stay behind the wheelchair.
4. Several feet before the wheelchair reaches the edge of the curb or step, turn the
wheelchair around and pull it backward.
5. While looking over your shoulder, carefully step back until you are off the curb or stair
and standing on the lower level.

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6. Pull the wheelchair toward you until the rear wheels reach the edge of the curb or step.
Then allow the rear wheels to slowly roll down onto the lower level.
7. When the rear wheels are safely on the lower level, tilt the wheelchair back to its balance
point. This will lift the front casters off the curb or step.
8. Keep the balance position and take small steps backward. Turn the wheelchair around
and carefully lower the front casters to the ground.
Tips for Climbing a Curb or Single Step with Help from a Care Provider
To help a user ascend a curb or single step in a forward direction:
1. Always stay behind the wheelchair.
2. Face the curb and tilt the wheelchair up on the rear wheels so that the front casters clear
the curb or step.
3. Move forward, placing the front casters on the upper level as soon as you are sure that
you are past the edge.
4. Continue forward until the rear wheels contact the face of the curb or step. Lift and roll
the rear wheels to the upper level.
Doorways and Obstacles
Make sure the floor area where this wheelchair will be used is level and free of obstacles. The
user and/or care provider may need to remove or cover threshold strips between doors. A ramp
may need to be installed at some doors.
The user needs to keep both hands on the hand rims. If he or she fails to do so, they may lose
control of the wheelchair and tip over.
When the user is maneuvering the wheelchair they should not propel the wheelchair by pushing
or pulling on an object. He or she should make sure to never pull themselves though a doorway
by grabbing the doorjambs with one or both hands.
To help correct the center of balance of the wheelchair the user should lean his or her upper body
forward slightly as the wheelchair goes up and over an obstacle or press his or her upper body
backward as the wheelchair declines from a higher to a lower level.

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Front Casters in
Forward Position
Motor Vehicle Safety
WARNING: Wheelchairs of Kansas wheelchairs do not meet federal standards
for motor vehicle seating. Follow the instructions for motor vehicle safety to
avoid a fall or injury to the user and/or care provider.
Wheelchairs of Kansas does not endorse or recommend the use of this wheelchair
on streets or roadways. Other means of transportation must be used under these
conditions.
Never permit anyone to sit in this wheelchair while he or she is in a moving vehicle. The user
may be thrown from the wheelchair in an accident or a sudden stop. Wheelchair positioning
belts will not prevent this.
Always move the user to an approved vehicle seat. Secure the user with proper motor vehicle
restraints.
Never transport this wheelchair in the front seat of a vehicle. It may shift and interfere with the
driver. Always secure this wheelchair so that it cannot roll or shift.
Reaching or Leaning
WARNING: Reaching or leaning affects the user’s center of balance. Follow the
instructions for users reaching or leaning from the wheelchair to avoid a fall or
injury to the user and/or care provider.
The user should avoid reaching or leaning if he or she must shift their weight to do so. Ask for
help or use a device to extend the user’s reach.
The user should never try to reach an object if he or she must move forward in their seat to do so.
This may cause the wheelchair to tip forward. Always keep one’s buttocks in contact with the
backrest.
The user should never reach with both hands. If the user does so, he or she may not be able to
catch themselves to prevent a fall if the wheelchair tips.
Never lean backward to reach an object
If the user must reach or lean from the wheelchair he or she should
make sure to follow the instructions below:
1. Rotate the front casters to the forward position. To do this, the
user must move the wheelchair past the object, and then back
up alongside it. Backing up will rotate the casters to their
forward position.

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2. The user should place the wheelchair as close as they can to the object they wish to reach.
3. The user should steady oneself by firmly grasping a rear wheel, or an armrest with one
hand.
4. Make sure the user avoids putting pressure on the footrest while reaching. This may
cause the wheelchair to tip forward and cause injury to the user and/or care provider.
5. DO NOT lock the rear wheels. This creates a tipping point and makes a fall or tip over
more likely
Slopes
WARNING: Going up or down a slope will change the center of balance of the
wheelchair. Follow the instructions in regard to slopes to avoid a fall or injury to
the user and/or care provider.
1. Lean or press your body uphill to help correct the change in the center of balance.
2. Avoid turning on a slope, as a tip over is likely. Always go as straight up and straight
down as you can.
3. Be very careful if you must climb a slope greater than 10%. (A 10% slope means: One
foot of elevation for every ten feet in length of the slope.) Ask for help if the slope may
be beyond your ability.
4. Always control your speed when going downhill. If you go too fast, you may not be able
to control your chair. Ask for help if the slopes may be beyond your ability.
You can control your speed by keeping constant pressure on the rear wheels.
If equipped with rear wheel locks, never use the rear wheel locks to try to slow or stop
your chair. Doing so is likely to cause you to veer out of control or tip over.
Streets and Roadways
WARNING: In most states, wheelchairs are not legal for use on public roads. Be
alert to the dangers of motor vehicle traffic on roads or in parking lots.
At night, or when lighting is poor, use reflective tape on your wheelchair and clothing to make it
easier for drivers to see you.
Due to low position, it may be hard for drivers to see you. Make eye contact with drivers before
you go forward. When in doubt, yield until you are sure it is safe.

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Front Casters in
Forward Position
Transfers
WARNING: Follow the instructions for transferring users to avoid a fall or injury
to the user and/or care provider.
1. Transfers require good balance and agility and are very dangerous. Be aware that there is
a point during each transfer when the chair seat is not below you.
2. If equipped with wheel locks, always lock the wheels before you transfer. Make sure to
keep pneumatic tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure may allow the rear wheel locks
to slip.
3. Locking the rear wheels will not keep your chair from sliding
away from you or tipping. To avoid a fall, you should:
a. Learn how to position your body and how to support
yourself during a transfer.
b. Work with your doctor, nurse or therapist to learn safe
transfer methods.
c. Have someone help you until you are sure you can
perform safe transfers on your own.
4. Rotate the front casters forward to make the chair more stable.
5. Be careful of the footrests. To avoid a trip or fall when you transfer, you should:
a. Make sure your feet do not “hang up” or get caught in the space between the
footrests.
b. Avoid putting weight on the footrests as the chair may tip forwards.
c. If you can, remove or swing the footrests out of the way.
6. Removing the armrest may be helpful.

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Features
Armrests
WARNING: Never try to lift the wheelchair by its armrests. They may come
loose or break. If this occurs, the wheelchair may fall and cause injury to the user
or others and could damage the wheelchair. Lift the wheelchair only by non-
detachable parts of the main frame. They are not designed to bear the weight of
the wheelchair.
To mount:
1. Mount the armrest by sliding it into the
frame as shown (start the front of the
armrest first).
2. You may need to compress the lock pin
to allow the armrest to completely slide
into place. Make sure that the pin clicks
into places. The armrest design
reinforces the back by connecting the
front of the seat frame and the back
together.
To remove:
Compress the lock pin and then slide the armrest out of the frame.
To adjust the height:
1. Hold down the lock pin located on the inner part of the armrest.
2. Pull the armrest up to the desired height.
3. Release the pin back into the aligning hole of the armrest.
Lock Pin

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Casters and Pneumatic Tires
WARNING: If items, such as string or hair, become entangled between the caster
and the axle bolt the wheelchair may become hard to steer and roll. Check
monthly and clean if needed.
Proper inflation extends the life of the tires and makes the wheelchair easier to operate.
Do not use this wheelchair if any of the tires are under or over inflated. Proper inflation level is
listed on the tire sidewall.
Low pressure in any of the tires may cause the wheelchair to veer to one side and may result in
loss of control.
Over-inflated tires may burst.
Footrests and Leg Rests
WARNING: Never try to lift the wheelchair by its footrest. They may come
loose or break. If this occurs, the wheelchair may fall and cause injury to the user
or others and could damage the wheelchair. Lift the wheelchair only by non-
detachable parts of the main frame. The footrests are not designed to bear the
weight of the wheelchair.
The lowest point of the footrest should be at least 2-1/2” (6.35 cm) inches above
the ground level on a flat surface. If set too low, they may “hang up” on the types
of obstacles you can expect to find in normal use. This may cause the wheelchair
to stop suddenly and tip forward.
The footrests are detachable.
Mounting the footrest:
1. Place the footrest (A) on the hanger pins (B) at an
angle to the wheelchair.
2. Swing the footrest into position and latch into
places.
3. Repeat for the other footrest.
A
B

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C
Removing the footrest:
1. Pull the footrest latch (C).
2. Swing the footrest out to an angle from the
wheelchair and lift off the pins.
3. Repeat for the other footrest.
Adjusting the footrest height:
1. Loosen the bolt (D) at bottom of the footrest.
2. Slide the footrest to the desired height and tighten
the bolt.
Elevating Leg Rest (optional)
To raise the leg rest:
Lift the footrest to the desired elevation. The mechanism is self-locking.
To lower the leg rest:
1. Push lever (A) down and lower the footrest to the
desired elevation.
2. Release the lever to lock.
To adjust the calf pad:
1. Rotate the calf pad out of the locating notch (B) and
adjust to the desired height.
2. Rotate the calf pad into the new locating notch.
D