E-Walk User Manual

EU Declaration of Conformity

The undersigned, representing the manufacturer Decon Wheel AB (Org.No. 556618-9006, Södra Ekeryd 119, 314 91 Hyltebruk, Sweden), hereby declares that the product E-Walk, with the basic UDI-DI 735001014MCGB3 and references MCG4055, MCG4755, is in conformity with the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745 as a class 1 medical device based on Annex VIII.

Intended purpose: The device is an electric drive unit for manual wheelchairs intended to provide mobility and flexibility to persons unable to walk or with walking restrictions. It is designed for indoor and outdoor use and operated by an accompanying person.

This EU declaration of conformity is issued according to Annex IV in MDR and under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer.

Hyltebruk, 2024-10-01

Benny Andersson
COO

Table of Contents

• Safety (General regulations, Manuals for the visually impaired, Purpose and intended use, Not intended use, Markings, Symbols, Warnings)
• Warranty (Product safety and recall information)
• Product description (Technical data, Scope of delivery, Overview E-Walk)
• Using E-Walk (Mounting set, Width adjustment, Attaching the base unit to the wheelchair, Removing the base unit from wheelchair, Attachment of controller, Running E-Walk, Transport and storage of E-Walk, Battery and charger)
• Care (Cleaning, Corrosion, Repairs, Fuse replacement, Reuse, Waste disposal, User checks, Troubleshooting, Error codes)

Safety

General regulations

The user manual applies to E-Walk. It is written for users of E-Walk. Read the user manual and familiarize yourself with E-Walk before using it.

Manuals for the visually impaired

Contact your local dealer if you have difficulty reading this user manual. Your local dealer can supply a digital copy, allowing the manual to be enlarged or read aloud using screen reading software.

Purpose and intended use

E-Walk is an electric drive unit for manual wheelchairs, intended for both outdoor and indoor use. It is designed for transport with the assistance of another person. E-Walk aids the accompanying person in pushing and braking the wheelchair, enabling longer excursions. It is suitable when the wheelchair user cannot move independently and the accompanying person needs assistance with pushing. The companion must be intellectually and physically capable of handling E-Walk safely in all situations. For information on compatible wheelchair models, visit Decon's website: www.decon.se.

Not intended use

Any use not described in this user manual, including exceeding technical specifications such as maximum user weight or hill climbing ability.

Markings

Model plates are located on the top of the base unit under the cover.

Symbols on the E-Walk label:

• Observe the instructions for use! ℹ️
• Maximum weight of person: 150 kg
• Maximum speed of the device: 6 km/h
• MD: Medical device
• SN: Serial number of the device
• Indication of the date of manufacture
• Name and address of the manufacturer
• REF: Catalogue number of the device
• Recycled as electronic waste: E-Walk and its accessories are subject to the European WEEE Directive.

Symbols

• ⚠️ WARNING! Risk of serious injury or death. Incorrect operation can lead to injury to the operator or others.
• ❗ CAUTION! Risk of damage to property. Incorrect operation may lead to property damage.
• ℹ️ INFO Highly important or explanatory information.

Warnings

Before using E-Walk

• ⚠️ WARNING! Users must read and understand the user manual and controls of E-Walk.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Tipping guards must always be on the wheelchair and folded down when driving with E-Walk.
• ⚠️ WARNING! A mounting set, ordered separately, is required to attach E-Walk to a wheelchair. This set must be assembled by a trained technician.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Be careful not to pinch hands or fingers when using the handle to lower or raise the drive wheel. Hold the handle throughout the movement.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Wheelchair castor wheels must have a diameter of at least 150 mm to minimize strain.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Before the patient sits in or leaves the wheelchair, activate the wheelchair brakes and switch off E-Walk to prevent rolling.

Driving

• ⚠️ WARNING! E-Walk must never be controlled by the patient sitting in the wheelchair.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Practice driving E-Walk on level ground before attempting uphill or downhill driving.
• ❗ CAUTION! Advanced wheelchair tilt functions may be hindered by E-Walk. Use caution to avoid damaging E-Walk.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Start with a low speed that feels safe for both user and patient, then gradually increase to the desired walking speed.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Driving on slopes or ramps steeper than 6 degrees (11.5%) with a 150 kg user weight is prohibited.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Avoid driving on soft or uneven surfaces (sand, mud, snow, ice, deep puddles). E-Walk is recommended for smooth and firm ground only.
• ⚠️ WARNING! E-Walk wheels may slip on slippery surfaces or slopes.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Do not hang objects near the steering control, as they may contact the throttle and cause unintended movement.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Do not use E-Walk near strong radio wave sources. If abnormal operation occurs, turn off power immediately and move away. If using a mobile phone connected to the wheelchair, switch off E-Walk. E-Walk's electromagnetic waves may affect other electronic devices (e.g., automatic doors, anti-theft systems). Turn off E-Walk and drive manually in such cases.

Storage and transport

• ❗ CAUTION! At landings and high curbs (>8cm), switch off and fold up E-Walk. For lower steps/curbs, reduce speed and tilt the chair up before driving.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Do not store E-Walk where it may get wet from rain or in high humidity.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Avoid storage in direct sunlight or high temperatures.
• ⚠️ WARNING! E-Walk can be transported attached to the wheelchair. Use marked load securing points to secure E-Walk during transport. Secure the wheelchair using its own points, referring to the manufacturer's instructions.

Cleaning

• ❗ CAUTION! Never rinse E-Walk with a water hose or high-pressure washer. Do not use a steam cleaner, as electronic devices can be damaged, leading to serious malfunctions.
• ❗ CAUTION! Do not clean with solvents like benzine or thinner, as this can damage paintwork and plastic parts.
• ℹ️ INFO A cloth and alcohol-based sanitiser is suitable for disinfecting E-Walk.

Warranty

The warranty period for E-Walk is 2 years from the date of purchase. Defects in material or manufacturing will be replaced or repaired free of charge. The warranty covers the base unit, controller, and charger. Consumable parts like batteries and tires are excluded.

The warranty does not cover faults due to intentional misuse, careless use, use other than specified in the manual, unit modification, or continuous use under non-specified conditions (e.g., exceeding maximum weight). Scratches, matting, and dirt from normal use are not covered.

For warranty repairs, contact the retailer where the device was purchased. The expected lifetime of the complete product (excluding wearing parts) is 5 years from the date of sale.

Product safety and recall information

Contact the retailer or manufacturer of E-Walk for information on product safety and possible recalls.

Product description

Technical data

1. Maximum speed is set via controller.
2. With LiFePO4 battery. Driving style, surface, and user weight affect maximum driving distance.
3. Maximum gradient can be affected by the surface on which E-Walk is driven.

Scope of delivery

The delivery of E-Walk includes:

• A: E-Walk base unit
• B: E-Walk controller
• C: User manual
• D: Charger incl. cables

Mounting set: A mounting set is required to attach E-Walk to a wheelchair and is ordered separately. It is not included in the standard delivery of E-Walk.

Overview E-Walk

Diagram showing the E-Walk components:

• E: Battery
• F: S-Drive motor controller
• G: Battery cover
• H: Front pair of wheels
• I: Drive wheel
• J: Front attachment
• K: Rear attachment
• L: Anchor point during transport
• M: Release pedal
• N: Controller socket
• O: Allen key
• P: Charging socket
• Q: Lower handle
• R: Upper handle
• S: Throttle
• T: Main switch
• U: Speed regulator
• V: Battery indication
• W: Fastening clamp
• X: Controller connector

Using E-Walk

Mounting set

A mounting set is required to attach E-Walk to the wheelchair. The set includes two side plates with fastening material. Pins on the side plates ([AA] and [AB]) attach to the base unit. Follow the assembly instructions for the specific mounting set. Information on compatible wheelchair models is available on Decon's website: www.decon.se.

⚠️ WARNING! A mounting set, ordered separately, is required to attach E-Walk to a wheelchair. This set must be assembled by a trained technician.

Width adjustment

E-Walk's base unit can be adapted to different wheelchair widths using the Allen key [O]. Loosen the set screws [Y] with the Allen key [O] to adjust the side pieces [Z]. Place the E-Walk base unit between the wheelchair's side plates and adjust the side pieces [Z] to rest against them. Ensure the base unit is centered, then tighten all set screws [Y].

Available side pieces [Z] for width adjustment:

• Mounting dimensions: 292-440mm (Article number: 350165A)
• Mounting dimensions: 407-560mm (Article number: 350165B)
• Mounting dimensions: 527-680mm (Article number: 350165C)
• Mounting dimensions: 256.5-416mm (Article number: 391165)
• Mounting dimensions: 254-416mm* (Article number: 391165)

* To achieve attachment dimensions of 254mm, the front attachment pin [AB] must not be longer than 9mm.

ℹ️ INFO The attachment dimension is calculated by taking the seat width of the wheelchair minus 90mm.

Attaching the base unit to the wheelchair

The base unit can be attached without tools in a few simple steps:

1. Activate the wheelchair's parking brakes.
2. Grasp the upper handle [R] and roll the base assembly's front wheels [H] under the wheelchair, ensuring the front attachment [J] passes the rear pins [AA] of the mounting plates.
3. Ensure the front attachment [J] grips the front pins [AB] of the mounting plates. Lower the base unit over the rear pins [AA] until the rear attachment [K] grips the pins [AA] with an audible click.
4. Lower the base unit drive wheel [I] by grasping the lower handle [Q] and folding it down.

⚠️ WARNING! Be careful not to pinch hands or fingers when using the handle to lower or raise the drive wheel. Hold the handle throughout the movement.

Removing the base unit from wheelchair

The base unit can be detached without tools:

1. Activate the wheelchair parking brakes.
2. Raise the base unit drive wheel [I] by grasping the lower handle [Q] and lifting it up.
3. Depress one of the release pedals [M] and lift the base unit using the upper handle [R] to detach it from the rear pin [AA] of the mounting plate.
4. Pull the base unit out of its bracket from the wheelchair.

⚠️ WARNING! Be careful not to pinch hands or fingers when using the handle to lower or raise the drive wheel. Hold the handle throughout the movement.

Attachment of controller

General

The controller can be mounted on the wheelchair's handle or frame without tools. The clamp [W] opens and closes by rotating the handle [AC]. To tighten the clamp [W] on the driving handle, rotate the handle [AC] clockwise and pull it outwards to the desired position.

The clamp [W] can be mounted upwards or downwards, depending on wheelchair features like a brake handle. By default, the controller is mounted on the wheelchair's right side handle.

Adjustment

The controller's position can be adjusted in angle and side to suit the wheelchair model and user. Loosen screws [AD] on the underside of the controller using the Allen key [O] for adjustment. Tighten screws after adjustment.

⚠️ WARNING! When installing the steering control, ensure its throttle operates freely and does not touch any part of the wheelchair. Contact could cause the throttle to stick, leading to an accident.

Running E-Walk

To drive E-Walk, first attach the base unit to the wheelchair and mount the controller as described previously.

1. Activate the wheelchair's parking brakes.
2. Plug the controller into the base unit socket [N]. The connector's recess [AE] should point downwards.
3. Press the main switch [T] on the controller. The main switch light and battery indicator [V] will illuminate.
4. Maximum speed is adjusted using the speed regulator [U]: turn towards "+" to increase, towards "-" to decrease.

⚠️ WARNING! Start with a low speed that feels safe for both you and the patient. Gradually increase the speed to the desired walking speed.

Driving forward: Turn/press the throttle [S] clockwise. Two points on the throttle can be used individually or simultaneously.

Driving backwards: Turn/press the throttle [S] counterclockwise on the rear part of the throttle.

⚠️ WARNING! Do not hang objects near the steering control; they might interfere with the throttle and cause unintended movement.

⚠️ WARNING! Do not drive E-Walk on slopes or ramps steeper than 6 degrees (11.5%) with a 150 kg user weight.

⚠️ WARNING! Avoid driving on soft or uneven surfaces (sand, mud, snow, ice, deep puddles). Use on smooth, firm ground is recommended.

⚠️ WARNING! E-Walk wheels may slip on slippery surfaces or slopes.

⚠️ WARNING! Do not use E-Walk near strong radio wave sources. If abnormal operation occurs, turn off power immediately and move away. If a mobile phone is used near the wheelchair, switch off E-Walk. E-Walk's electromagnetic waves may affect other electronic devices (e.g., automatic doors, anti-theft systems). Turn off E-Walk and drive manually in such cases.

Transport and storage of E-Walk

⚠️ WARNING! E-Walk can be transported attached to the wheelchair using marked load securing points. Secure the wheelchair using its own points, referring to the manufacturer's instructions.

Transport of E-Walk

1. Turn off the power to E-Walk.
2. Remove the battery to prevent accidental power-on during storage or transport.
3. Load E-Walk into a car. Lift using the upper handle [R] and front wheels [H]. Be careful not to damage the base unit.
4. Secure E-Walk in its transport brackets [L] to prevent movement and contact with surrounding objects.

Tips for transport

• The product contains sensitive electronic parts. Avoid strong, directed shocks or blows.
• Load as upright as possible.
• If loading E-Walk lying down, ensure parts of the base unit are protected from damage before securing.
• Secure E-Walk with straps and use shock-absorbing material under and around it.

Boarding an aircraft

When booking a flight, inform the airline in advance about bringing an electric drive unit for a wheelchair and follow their instructions. Provide detailed information at booking. For flights, the Lead (Gel) battery must be used with the following specifications:

• Name: Blybatteri E-Walk
• Article number: MCG201-1
• Voltage: 24 V (2x12V)
• Capacity: 12 Ah (288 Wh)
• Type: Gel

Storage of E-Walk

1. Turn off the power to E-Walk.
2. Store E-Walk in a place with normal indoor temperature and low humidity.
3. Wipe off dirt or stains with a tightly wrung-out towel before storage.

If E-Walk is not used for an extended period, check its functionality monthly. After storage, check and perform the following before use:

• Battery status; charge if needed.

⚠️ WARNING! Do not store E-Walk where it may get wet from rain or in high humidity.

⚠️ WARNING! Avoid storage in direct sunlight or high temperatures.

Battery and charger

E-Walk is equipped with a LiFePO4 24V/15Ah battery as standard. An alternative is a maintenance-free gel-type lead battery 24V/12Ah (2x12V).

Ambient temperatures for the battery

• When used on E-Walk: -15°C - 40°C
• For storage, removed from E-Walk: 10°C - 25°C
• When charging: 5°C - 30°C

Charging takes place with the battery in the base unit. The charger has an indicator light: green on the wall socket connection, red when charging the battery. A fully charged battery shows a green light. A fully discharged battery may take up to 4 hours to charge.

Charging E-Walk battery

1. Connect the charger to a wall outlet.
2. Check that the charger's lamp shows green.
3. Open the charging socket cover on the base unit and connect the charger. Ensure the cable connector tab [AF] fits the socket groove.

ℹ️ INFO Check that the charger light is red, indicating charging is in progress.

4. When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from E-Walk and the wall outlet.

Battery storage

Store batteries in a cool, dry place (10-25°C optimal). If not using E-Walk for a month or more, charge the battery to six bars on the controller's indicator [V] before storing. Check every 3 months for voltage drop. Recharge to six bars if one or no bars are displayed.

⚠️ WARNING! Avoid storage in direct sunlight or high temperatures.

Care

Cleaning

For normal dirt, clean E-Walk with a damp, tightly wrung-out towel. For heavy soiling, use a towel and a neutral detergent, ensuring no detergent residue remains.

❗ CAUTION! Never rinse E-Walk with a water hose or high-pressure washer. Do not use a steam cleaner, as electronic devices can be damaged, leading to serious malfunctions.

❗ CAUTION! Do not clean with solvents like benzine or thinner, as this can damage paintwork and plastic parts.

ℹ️ INFO A cloth and alcohol-based sanitiser is suitable for disinfecting E-Walk.

Corrosion

E-Walk parts exposed to corrosion are made of aluminum, stainless steel, or steel. Surface treatment minimizes corrosion risk. Always wipe wet or damp surfaces with a cloth after use.

Repairs

• Users must not repair or service E-Walk themselves.
• Do not personally remove and send parts to the dealer for repair.
• For necessary repairs, contact your dealer, even for minor faults.
• If parts are damaged or missing, contact your dealer immediately and return E-Walk for replacement or repair.
• For normal maintenance, repair, or service, always contact the dealer. Improper repair or assembly can cause injury.
• Dealers use service manuals, spare parts catalogs, and other documentation for repairs, which are not available to the public.

Fuse replacement

E-Walk has two replaceable fuses: a 25A main fuse near the battery connector (under battery cover [G]) and a 2A fuse for the controller on top of the S-drive motor control [F].

Reuse

When transferring E-Walk to a new user, all technical documentation must be provided. The product must be professionally cleaned, disinfected, and serviced.

Waste disposal

When E-Walk reaches its end of life, contact local authorities for recycling information and instructions. Alternatively, contact your dealer for recycling of the used E-Walk and battery.

User checks

• Check tires for damage before each ride; ensure at least 1mm tread depth. Replace defective or worn tires via the dealer.
• Check the base unit monthly for play or wear in the lower handle [Q] and its mechanism. Replace worn parts via the dealer.
• Check base unit screws and nuts at least annually or as needed, and tighten if loose.
• Lubricate joints and wheel axles with suitable grease at least annually or as needed.

Troubleshooting

If the system is not responding:

1. Check that the controller connector is correctly mounted in the base unit.
2. Check the On/Off button.
3. Check that the battery is charged.
4. Check the fuses.

Error codes

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Contact Information

Decon Wheel AB

Södra Ekeryd 119, 314 91 Hyltebruk

Tel: +46 (0)345 40880

Fax: +46 (0)345 40895

E-mail: info@decon.se