Otis Singleton
Electric wheelchairs have come a long way in recent years, with features like Bluetooth and remote connectivity. However, it is important to know the basics, such as how to put your electric wheelchair into neutral. This is a necessary step if you need to move your wheelchair manually, for example, to transport it. To put your electric wheelchair into neutral, you need to locate the freewheel levers, which are usually yellow and found on each motor. You will need to turn off the power and then push the levers down to disengage the drive motors. This will allow you to push the chair manually, but remember that the braking system is disengaged in this mode, so be careful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric wheelchair preparation | Ensure the charger is disconnected from the chair. |
| Power | Turn the power on. |
| Horn | Push the horn button twice in a row, within ten seconds of starting the Joystick. |
| Motors | Check if both motors are in the parked position. |
| Lever | Place the lever in the drive position. |
| Manual freewheel lever | Push down on both manual freewheel levers to put the chair in freewheel mode. |
| Drive motor | The drive motor is now disengaged, and you can manually push or move the chair. |
| Safety | Stand on one side of the power chair, not directly in front or behind it. |
| Lever force | Do not apply excessive force to the levers. |
| Water | Avoid exposing the wheelchair to water. |
| Proportional drive control | The driving action (speed, direction) is relative to the amount of deflection of the joystick away from neutral. |
| Deadband | The "neutral zone" is the amount of joystick deflection from neutral required before driving commences. |
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What You'll Learn
Ensure the power is off before disengaging the drive motors
Electric wheelchairs are a convenient mode of transportation, but they do require some care and attention to keep them in good working order. One important aspect is knowing how to put your electric wheelchair into neutral so that you can push it manually if needed. This process involves disengaging the drive motors, which requires a few important steps to be followed.
Firstly, it is imperative to ensure that the power of the electric wheelchair is turned off before attempting to disengage the drive motors. Failing to do so may result in an error message appearing on your controller. This error code can be cleared by turning off the controller, but it is best to prevent it in the first place by always powering down first.
When you are certain that the power is off, you can then locate the freewheel levers. These are usually identifiable by their bright yellow colour and are mounted on each drive motor. You will need to bend down to reach them and may require assistance if you have limited mobility. Once located, gently push down on both levers simultaneously to disengage the drive motors and activate "freewheel mode". This will allow you to push the chair manually.
It is important to exercise caution when engaging or disengaging the freewheel levers. Always stand to the side of the power chair, rather than directly in front or behind it. Additionally, avoid using excessive force or your feet to move the levers, as this could potentially damage the levers, motors or brakes. By following these steps and treating your electric wheelchair with care, you can help ensure it remains in good working order.
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Locate the yellow freewheel levers
To locate the yellow freewheel levers, start by identifying the two levers attached to the motors of your electric wheelchair. These levers are typically bright yellow or have yellow tips, making them easy to spot. They are also often located on the back of the chair.
Once you've found the yellow freewheel levers, it's important to ensure that the power to the wheelchair is turned off before attempting to engage or disengage the levers. This is to prevent any error messages or issues with the controller.
When you are sure the power is off, you can then gently push down on both yellow levers simultaneously to activate freewheel mode. This will disengage the drive motors, allowing you to manually push or move the wheelchair. Remember to be cautious when engaging or disengaging the levers, as applying excessive force can harm the levers, motors, and brakes. Additionally, always stand to the side of the wheelchair, rather than in front or behind it, for your safety.
If you need further assistance, you can refer to the owner's manual of your specific wheelchair model, which should provide detailed instructions on using the freewheel levers and pushing the wheelchair manually.
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Push down on both levers to put the chair in freewheel mode
To put your electric wheelchair in neutral, you must first ensure that the power is turned off. This is important because if you skip this step, you may get an error message on your controller. Once the power is off, identify the two freewheel levers attached to the motors. These levers are usually bright yellow and are mounted on each motor. When you've located them, gently push down on both levers simultaneously to disengage the drive motors and activate freewheel mode. This will allow you to manually push or move your wheelchair.
It's worth noting that when your wheelchair is in freewheel mode, the braking system is disengaged. For safety, always stand to the side of the wheelchair when engaging or disengaging the freewheel levers, rather than standing in front or behind it. Additionally, avoid using excessive force or your feet to move the levers, as this could damage the levers, motors, or brakes.
In some cases, you may need assistance with the freewheel levers, especially if bending down or pushing and pulling the levers is challenging. Don't hesitate to ask a caregiver or loved one for help in operating the levers and pushing the chair if needed.
Remember, while a motorized wheelchair offers electronic control, there may be times when you need to move it manually, such as when transporting it. By following the steps outlined above and treating your wheelchair with care, you can ensure that your wheelchair remains in good condition and avoid potential damage.
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Be gentle with the levers to avoid damaging the chair
Electric wheelchairs are equipped with manual freewheel levers mounted on each motor. These levers are identifiable by their bright yellow tips. The levers allow you to disengage the drive motors so that you can push the chair manually. However, it is important to be gentle with the levers to avoid damaging the chair.
When disengaging or re-engaging the freewheel levers, it is important to stand to the side of the power chair, rather than in front or behind it. Applying excessive force to the levers could harm the power chair's freewheel levers, motors, and brakes. This includes not using your feet to move the levers or standing on top of them.
The freewheel lever handles should also not be used as tie-down points, as this can damage the levers or the chair's brakes or motors. Before disengaging the drive motors, it is also important to turn the electric wheelchair's power off, or you may get an error message on your controller.
To put your chair in freewheel mode, identify the yellow freewheel levers and ensure the chair's power is off. Then, push down on both levers gently. This will disengage the drive motor, allowing you to manually push or move the chair.
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Do not push the chair with a vehicle
To put an electric wheelchair in neutral, it is important to first turn the power off. This is because, if the power is on, the onboard computer will sense an overspeed in the neutral condition and start emergency braking. Once the power is off, you can then identify the yellow freewheel levers on each motor and push them down to put the chair in freewheel mode. This disengages the drive motor and allows you to push the chair manually.
However, it is important to never push an electric wheelchair with a vehicle. This is because, even if the chair is off, the onboard computer will sense an overspeed and start emergency braking. Instead, if you need to push the chair, do so manually and at a normal walking pace. Be sure to stand to the side of the chair when pushing it, rather than directly in front or behind it. This is for your safety, in case the chair moves unexpectedly.
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