Etac User Manual

Contents Overview

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the safe and effective use of Etac wheelchairs, including:

• Car Transport
• Handling
• Sitting Comfort
• Transfer Procedures
• Handling Techniques
• Maintenance
• Troubleshooting

Explanation of Symbols

• ⚠️ Important Safety Information
• Do not lift the chair using the legrests.
• Do not lift the chair using the armrests.
• ⚠️ Risk of tipping: Always have the anti-tip stabilisers down when moving.

Vehicle Transport

Mobility service bus

Etac wheelchairs are crash-tested and approved in accordance with ISO-7176-19 and ISO 10542, featuring attachment points and three-point belts from Unwin. Etac recommends the following order for vehicle transport:

1. The user transfers to a vehicle seat and uses the vehicle's 3-point belt. The wheelchair is then placed in the boot or safely in the back seat to prevent overturning or rolling.
2. The wheelchair is secured facing forwards in the vehicle as per this manual. The user uses a separate 3-point belt secured in the vehicle. This method aligns with the ISO-standard for crash testing of wheelchairs in vehicles.
3. As per directive 2001/85/EC, appendix VII, point 3.8.3, specially marked wheelchair locations in vehicles allow transport facing the direction of travel. If this method is used, the user/carer must be prepared for sudden movements and maintain a safe sitting position throughout the journey. The user's disabilities must not prevent them from holding onto vehicle handles during changes in speed or direction.

In conjunction with points 2 and 3, the following must be used:

• A positioning belt
• A correctly adjusted headrest
• The backrest must be level with or above the user's shoulders
• The parking brake must be used
• The anti-tip stabilisers must be lowered

[Diagram showing wheelchair tie-down system labelled 'Tie-down', 'Cross back mod. 2']

[Diagram showing wheelchair tie-down system labelled 'Cross back 3A']

Car/taxi

• Ideally, the wheelchair should be placed in the boot.
• If the chair is placed in the back seat, ensure it cannot tip over or move.
• Secure it, if possible, using the vehicle's seat belts.

Unfolding and Folding

Unfolding

[Diagram illustrating wheelchair unfolding process]

• Push one of the seat bars downwards with your entire hand on top of the seat.
• ⚠️ Do not keep hold of the seat bar during unfolding, as there is a risk of trapping your fingers.
• Lower the footrests.

Folding

[Diagram illustrating wheelchair folding process]

• Remove/unsnap bow handle (if any) and/or cross-brace, if applicable.
• Flip up the footrests.
• Lift the seat upwards.

Rear Wheel and Anti-tip Feature

Rear wheel with quick release

[Diagram of rear wheel with quick release mechanism]

When assembling, always check that the rear wheel is correctly positioned. The button in the hub must spring out properly.

Anti-tip feature

[Diagram showing wheelchair tipping test with measurements 3-4cm and 3-7cm]

• Test how far back you would like the wheelchair to be able to tip.
• You must be able to move easily, yet still feel secure.

Seat and Cushion Adjustments

Back cover

[Diagram showing back cover placement]

• Place the back cover far enough back on the seat for a fold to be formed between the backrest and seat.
• It is important to always place the back cover on the seat in this way, as it affects user comfort when seated.

Seat cushion

[Diagram showing seat cushion placement]

• Place the cushion far enough back on the seat so that the rounded corners are between the back tubes.
• Trim the cushion to suit seat depth.
• If using a comfort wedge, place it in the pocket of the cover under the cushion.

Footrests

[Diagram of footrest adjustment]

• Adjust the height until you are sure that your feet are supported and your thighs are resting on the cushion.
• Adjust the footrest angle, so the ankles are at 90°.

Calf/Heel strap

[Diagram of calf/heel strap adjustment]

• Adjust the length so that your insteps rest on the footrests.

Brake Operation

[Diagram of brake levers labelled A and B]

• To operate the drum brake, pull the brake handle upwards.
• To operate the parking brake, pull the brake handle upwards. Hold the handle in the braked position and press button (A) down. The chair is now braked. Pull the handle upwards to release the parking brake.

Back Upholstery and Armrest Adjustments

Back upholstery

[Diagram of back upholstery straps]

• Loosen all back straps.
• Tighten the strap just below the curve of the back.
• Adjust the other straps to allow space for the bottom and follow the natural curve of the back.

Backrest angle

[Diagram showing backrest angle adjustment]

• The backrest angle may need to be adjusted when adjusting the shape of the back upholstery.

Armrest

[Diagram of armrest height adjustment]

• Slide the side plate up or down to the required height.
• Reattach the screw to the side plate.

The high position of the armrests supports and relieves pressure on the back better than a lower position.

Comfort and Push Handles

Comfort

Good comfort when seated requires a well-shaped seat that provides:

• Pressure distribution.
• Stability.
• Freedom of movement.

Push handles

[Diagram showing push handle button placement]

• Place the button below the handle bracket.

Transferring to/from Wheelchair

Sideways Transfer

[Diagram illustrating sideways transfer]

• Back the wheelchair up 5-10 cm before stopping so that the castors are facing forwards.
• The wheelchair should be close to the transfer point.
• Lock the brakes.
• Remove/raise the armrest/siderest and legrest on the transfer side.

Front Transfer

[Diagram illustrating front transfer]

• Back the wheelchair up 5-10 cm so that the castors are facing forwards.
• The wheelchair should be close to the transfer point.
• Lock the brakes and swivel the legrests in or out under the seat.
• ⚠️ Do not stand on the footrests; risk of tipping!

Parking and Lifting

Parking

[Diagram of parking the wheelchair]

• Increase the support area of the wheelchair by backing up 10 cm so that the castors are facing forwards.

Lifting the wheelchair

[Diagram illustrating lifting the wheelchair]

• Check that the height-adjustable push handles are properly tightened.
• Non-lockable legrests should be swung under the seat, and the wheelchair lifted by the upper front section of the frame.
• Helper: Lock the brakes and ensure that the anti-tip stabilisers are lowered.

Navigating Obstacles

Stairs

[Diagram illustrating transfer on stairs]

Always ask for help. We recommend using two carers for this transfer. One carer walks behind and holds the push handle, while the other walks in front and holds the frame (or legrests if lockable).

• Flip up the anti-tip stabilisers.
• Ascending: With the wheelchair facing backwards.
• Descending: With the wheelchair facing forwards.
• Never use an escalator, even with a helper present.

Kerbs

[Diagram illustrating navigating kerbs]

• Flip up the anti-tip stabilisers.
• If you are unsure, ask for help.
• Up/Low kerb: Back up, take a strong grip and lean your upper body over your thighs.
• Down/Low kerb: Back up carefully and lean your upper body over your thighs.

Travelling on Inclines

Travelling uphill

[Diagram illustrating travelling uphill]

• Lean your body forwards to correct the centre of gravity.

Travelling downhill

[Diagram illustrating travelling downhill]

• Lean your body back to correct the centre of gravity.

General guidance for inclines:

• Control your speed using the handrims, not the brakes!
• Always travel up/down as directly as possible.
• If you are unsure, ask for help.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and safety of your wheelchair.

• Rear wheels: Clean quick release axles as required.
• Tyre pressure: Check the tyre pressure monthly.
• Castors: Clean castor wheel axles as required.
• Chassis: Clean the chassis with a non-abrasive detergent (pH value 5-9) or a 70% disinfectant solution. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Upholstery: Wash according to labels on each item.

⚠️ If necessary, lubricate moving parts/joints with cycle oil or similar.

In the event of problems, contact your dealer or Technical Aids Centre.

Troubleshooting Table