Invacare 9XT Owners Manual - Page 26

3 SAFETY Coping With Everyday Obstacles Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be alleviated somewhat by learning how to manage your wheelchair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to maintain stability and balance. Tipping ƽ WARNING DO NOT tip the wheelchair without assistance. When lowering the front casters of the wheelchair, Do not let the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to the occupant and/or damage to the wheelchair. When tipping the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp the back of the wheelchair on a non-removable (non-detachable) part. Inform the wheelchair occupant before tipping the wheelchair and remind him/her to lean back. Be sure the occupant's feet and hands are clear of all wheels and/or pinch points. After mastering the techniques of tipping the wheelchair, use one of the following methods to tackle curbs, short stairs, etc. Method 1 - Wheelchair With Step Tubes Place foot on the step tube and begin to tilt the wheelchair toward you. Apply a continuous downward motion until the balance point is achieved and the front casters clear the curb. At this point, the assistant will feel a difference in the weight distribution. Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the front of the wheelchair in one continuous movement onto the sidewalk. Push the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels roll up and over the curb. Step Tube FIGURE 2 Method 1 - Wheelchair With Step Tubes Invacare® 9000 Series Wheelchair 26 Part No. 1056953