rifton X320 Adaptive Tricycle Owner’s Manual

rifton X320 Adaptive Tricycle

Product Information

The Rifton Tricycle (models X320, X330, and X340) is a Class 1 medical device designed for therapeutic reciprocal exercise and recreational purposes for children and adolescents with disabilities. It features a belt drive system from the pedals to the rear wheel, offering advantages in maintaining range of motion and strength. The tricycle is equipped with various components such as seat, backrest, trunk support system, handlebars, handbrake, front basket, abductor, adductor, pelvic harness, and more.

Safety messages

WARNING

• Thoroughly read and understand the information in this product manual before attempting to use this product. If the procedures and instructions in this product manual are not followed, serious injury or death could occur.
• A qualified professional must assess the appropriateness and safety of all equipment for each user.
• This product is intended for use by clients of unreliable judgment. Adult supervision is required at all times.
• To prevent falls and injuries:
  • Do not use this product on rough and uneven terrain, around swimming pools, or near stairways.
  • Ensure the appropriate use of straps and supports at all times. Straps and supports are provided for the safety of the user and must be carefully adjusted for comfort and security.
  • Tighten all adjustment knobs before use and immediately after making any adjustments.
  • Fasten all safety belts.
  • Do not use the Rifton Tricycle for clients with strong involuntary movements, poor body balance, or limited head control.
  • To prevent injury, user should always wear footwear and a protective helmet.
  • Keep hands away from sprockets, pedal crank and drive belt when user is on trike.
• To prevent falls, strangulation, head entrapment or other injuries:
  • Always use seat belt or pelvic harness when the butterfly harness, chest strap, or headrest are in use.
• Do not use this product for clients outside the height and weight limits specified in this manual.
• To prevent structural failure, which may result in serious injury or death:
  • Inspect this product and components regularly for loose or missing screws, metal fatigue, cracks, broken welds, missing attachments, general instability or other signs of excessive wear.
  • Immediately remove this product from use when any condition develops that might make operation unsafe.
  • Do not use Rifton components or products for any purpose other than their intended use.

Recommended use
The Rifton Tricycle is a Class 1 medical device. It can be used for therapeutic reciprocal exercise for maintaining range of motion and strength, or for recreational purposes for children and adolescents with disabilities. The belt drive from the pedals to the rear wheel offers the following advantages:

• Pedaling is slightly forward of the seat instead of at the front wheel as with many other tricycles. This provides a more efficient, comfortable and natural posture.
• Steering is separate from pedaling, reducing the coordination needed to pedal and steer the tricycle.

User and item dimensions

IMPORTANT
Please save this product manual for future reference. Additional copies are available at www.rifton.com/customer-service/product- manuals.

Key for users
Use this key to determine which sections of this product manual apply to you.

• Technical Users For professionals who order and set up Rifton products.
  Home Users For caregivers who use Rifton products on a regular basis.

• Maintenance Personnel For anyone who is responsible for service or re-ordering of Rifton products and parts.

Check your order
Tricycle main frame, front end assembly, seat, backrest assembly, components, and this product manual ship together. You may not have ordered all of the available components, but use the diagrams that follow to confirm that your order is complete. If your shipment is incomplete or in any way damaged on arrival, please call Customer Service, 800.571.8198.

Initial assembly instructions

**Parts included in hardware kit***

1. 1. Two quick release pins (not in small Trike hardware kit)
   2. Two 3/16″ hex keys
   3. One bolt
   4. One nut

*One 5/16″ hex key included with small Trikes for seat depth adjustment (see p. 13)

Scan the QR code or visit
www.rifton.com/trikeassemblyvideo to watch the trike assembly video.

Attaching rear wheels
(medium and large Trikes only)

WARNING To prevent tipping,  pins are fully inserted with buttons extended. Check to make sure each wheel is secure before using tricycle.
Note: Before installing or removing the rear wheels, ensure that the parking brake is fully released (variable resistance set to zero).

Installing rear wheels

• Figure 6a: Slide both rear wheels onto axle. Push inward on both wheels to ensure axles extend to outside of wheel hubs as shown in Figure 6b before installing quick release pins.

Installing quick release pins

• Figure 6b: Match flat side (A) of quick release pin (provided in hardware kit) to flattened tab in the axle (B) and then install quick release pin. Repeat on the opposite wheel.
• Figure 6b: Axle ends must be flush with the wheel hubs.
• Figure 6c: Quick release pins must be fully inserted with buttons popped out.

Attaching front end
(medium and large Trikes only)
WARNING To prevent injury to  the rider or damage to the product, ensure quick release pin is fully inserted with the button extended prior to use.
Note: Adjust the handlebar to the upper end of its range, and set the brake to PARK (see page 11) before attaching front end.

• Figures 7a and 7b: Align the holes in the front end assembly with the holes in the head tube, push the button (A), and install the release pin through the bottom plate of the front end assembly, ensuring that it goes all the way in. You many need to lift on the handlebar to align the holes properly.
• Figure 7b: Button on quick release pin (A) must pop out to latch.

Attaching seat and back
(medium and large Trikes only)

• Figure 7c: Lift the backrest and insert the backrest recline adjustment stamping (B) into the plastic slot as shown. Raise the adjustment pin (C) and make sure the pin inserts into one of the holes in the stamping.
• Figure 7d: Slide the seat and backrest assembly onto the height adjustment track and carefully lower it fully by pressing the seat height adjustment trigger (D on Figure 7c).

Tip: Make sure the black plastic glides (E on Figure 7d) are pushed to the outside of the seat bracket before sliding the assembly onto the seat adjustment track.

Rear end cap (all Trike sizes)
Must be installed if no rear handle is selected at purchase:

WARNING To prevent falls, component must be installed with nut and bolt tightened to a hard stop before use.
Attaching (Use the hardware and tools provided in the included kit.) Figure 8a:

1. Insert the rear end cap (A) into the tube as shown.
2. Insert the bolt through hole (B), insert the nut in the opposite hole, and tighten the nut using the hex keys provided. Be sure to fully tighten nut and bolt to a hard stop.

Push handle (all Trike sizes)
If selected at time of purchase

WARNING To prevent falls, component must be installed with nut and bolt tightened to a hard stop before use.
Attaching (Use the hardware and tools provided in the included kit.) Figure 8b:

1. Insert handle into the tube as shown.
2. Insert the bolt through hole (C), insert the nut in the opposite hole, and tighten the nut using the hex keys provided. Be sure to fully tighten nut and bolt to a hard stop.

Rear steering handle (all Trike sizes)
If selected at time of purchase
WARNING To prevent falls,  component must be installed with nut and bolt tightened to a hard stop before use.
Attaching (Use the hardware and tools provided in the included kit.) Figure 9a:

1. Insert handle into the tube as shown.
2. Insert the bolt through hole (A), insert the nut in the opposite hole, and tighten the nut using the hex keys provided. Be sure to fully tighten nut and bolt to a hard stop.

Rear steer rod attaching

• For large and medium Trikes only:

1.  **Figure 9b:** Slide the locking collar down, and connect the front socket joint (B) onto the front ball joint.  

For all Trike sizes:

2.  **Figure 9c:** Slide the locking collar down, and connect the rear socket joint (C) onto the rear ball joint. **  

For large and small Trikes only:**

3.  **Figure 9d:** Use the pin (D) to attach the straight section of the rod (E) to the rear slot in the steering linkage under the seat.

Caregiver brake (all Trike sizes)
If selected at time of purchase

• Attaching the cable

1. Set the parking brake in the PARK position.
2. Figures 10a and 10b: Hook the ball end of the cable into the slotted metal bracket (A) within the parking brake housing, and lift the cable conduit up into the pocket in the brake housing (B) as shown. 

Basic item

Parking brake
Figure 11a: The parking brake locks the rear wheels to hold the tricycle in place. It is for use on level surfaces only. To activate the brake, pull the brake handle (A) all the way up to align the indicator (B) with the PARK position. To release the brake, press the white button (C) and lower the handle.

Variable pedal resistance
Figure 11a: The variable resistance feature allows drivetrain resistance to be increased. To raise the resistance, lift the brake handle (A) to align the indicator (B) with the desired resistance level. To lower or release the resistance, press the white button (C) and lower the handle.

Adjusting the variable resistance and parking brake
Figure 11a: To increase the variable resistance and parking brake force, turn the adjusters (D) out (counterclockwise). To reduce the variable resistance and parking brake force, turn the adjusters in (clockwise). For best results, both adjusters should be adjusted a similar distance from the parking brake assembly. Both wheels should spin freely when the parking brake lever is set to zero and keep the tricycle stationary when the lever is set to PARK.

Balancing the rear brake system
Figure 11b: If one brake is rubbing while the other is free, the resistance and parking brake system needs to be re-balanced. Simply set the handle all the way to PARK as shown and then release the lever to the zero position. If this does not balance the system, loosen by turning in (clockwise) the adjuster (E) on the cable connected to the brake that is providing unwanted resistance as described on previous page. Then repeat this balancing procedure.
Note: The drive wheel may seem to have more resistance because it is connected to the front crankset through the sprockets and drive belt. This is normal and does not require balancing the system.

Pedals / Sandals
Figure 12a: Sandals and leveling rope

• (A) can be completely removed, leaving a conventional bike pedal underneath. Unhook the leveling rope loops from the backs of both pedals, pull them through the holes in the sandals, and unclip the quick release pulley from the metal loop at the base of the seat track. Remove knobs
• (B) and pull the sandals off.

To reattach the sandals, clip the quick release pulley to the metal loop at the base of the seat track, then thread the leveling rope through the hole in the back of the sandal and hook it onto the back of the pedal. Line up the holes in the pedal with the slots in the sandal and insert the bolts. Thread the knobs onto the bolts, adjust the sandal to the correct position, and tighten the knobs securely.

Sandal adjustments
Figure 12a: Loosen knobs (B) to slide
the sandal forward and backward on its pivot point for adjusting the sandal heel stop and foot length. Moving the sandal back compensates for plantar flexion. The leveling rope (A) compensates for dorsiflexion.
Figure 12b: Sandal straps can be unsnapped and moved to any position around the pedal, or removed completely.

Seat
CAUTION To avoid back injury, use caution when adjusting the seat height with a user on the seat.

• Seat height
  Figure 13a: Brace your foot on the gray bar between the back wheels of the trike. With both hands on the handle, press trigger (A), and move the handle up or down to adjust the seat height. Only adjust the seat height with a user on the seat if you can safely support their weight.

• Seat depth
  Figure 13b: Loosen knob (B) to adjust the position of the seat forward or backward to change the distance relative to the backrest pad.
  Note: Adjusting the seat depth on a small Trike requires a 5/16″ hex key.

Backrest tilt
Figure 13c: Pull up on knob (C) to adjust the backrest angle to 0°, 7½°, or 15°.
Note that the backrest can also be released fully and folded forward for transport.

Components

Trunk support system
WARNING To prevent falls, strangulation, head entrapment or other injuries:

• Always use the seat belt or pelvic harness when the butterfly harness or chest strap is in use.
• Ensure correct adjustment and positioning of the butterfly harness at each use.
• Tighten the lower straps of the butterfly harness before tightening the upper straps.

Recommended use
The trunk support system aids users who have difficulty remaining upright while sitting. It provides the attachment points for the butterfly harness, laterals, and headrest options, which help the user maintain head control, posture, and good positioning.

Attaching trunk support
Figure 14a:

1. Loosen the knob (A).
2. Rotate the clamp (B) to pass between the tubes (C) in the position shown.
3. Rotate the clamp again to align the cradles with the tubes, adjust to the desired height, and tighten the knob securely.

Butterfly harness
Figure 14b: Clip on butterfly harness using the ring attachment points. The small rings (D) clip into the top slots, and the large rings (E) clip into the bottom slots. Adjust the lower straps first, followed by the upper straps.

Note: Refer to page 13 for seat height and depth adjustments, and backrest tilt adjustment.

Laterals
Figure 15a:

1. Loosen the knob (A) and insert the metal key into the slot (B) behind backrest. Adjust the height, width, and angle of the lateral, then tighten knob securely.
2. Push the lateral release button (C) and swing lateral out or in.

Headrests

• Attaching: Figure 15b: Four headrests are available for use with the trunk support system only: winged, contoured-adjustable, flat and contoured-simple.
• Attaching: Figure 15c: Press white oval button (D) and insert metal headrest bar into slot. Release the white button to set headrest height.
• Adjusting: Figure 15c: Press white oval button (D) and raise or lower headrest. Release button to engage and click into place. To adjust depth and angle of headrest, loosen both black knobs (E). Move headrest to desired position and tighten both knobs securely.

Backrest pad

• Attaching: Figure 15d: Loosen the knob (F).

1. Rotate the clamp (G) to pass between the tubes (H).
2. Rotate the clamp again to align the cradles with the tubes, adjust to the desired height, and tighten the knob securely.

Handlebars
Figures 16a and 16b: A conventional handlebar or loop handlebar can be used with your Rifton tricycle.

• Adjusting the handlebars:
  Figure 16a: The handlebar height adjusts with knob (A). Rotate the handlebar toward or away from the rider by loosening the knob (B).

Front handbrake

• Adjusting   Figure 16c: The front handbrake allows the user to slow and stop the tricycle. It is equipped with a brake lock. Squeeze the brake handle (C), and press the button (D) in to lock the brake. Squeeze the brake handle to unlock.
• Adjusting Figure 16c: To move the handbrake position, loosen the attachment clamp (E) using a 5 mm hex key. The handbrake can be rotated, or moved to a right or left-handed position.

Hand anchor Figures 16d and 16e:
Note: The hand anchor works best with the loop handlebar.

Attaching:

1. Secure one end of the hand anchor around the user’s wrist.
2. Place user’s hand on the handlebar.
3. Wrap the hand anchor securely around the handlebar and the user’s hand.
4. Secure the other end around the user’s wrist.

Front guide bar
CAUTION Remove the front guide bar from the trike when not in use.

• Attaching: Figure 17a: The front guide bar allows the caregiver to guide and move the tricycle from the front.
• Attaching: Figure 17a: Raise the handlebar from its lowest position.

1. Loosen knob (A) as far as it goes to open the clamp.
2. Attach the front guide bar to the handlebar as shown.
3. Tighten knob (A).

Mounting bar Figure 17b:
The mounting bar is compatible with most standard bicycle handlebar device holders.

• Attaching:

1. Loosen knob (B) and engage the mounting bar with the slots (C) at the top of the handlebar pivot as shown, then tighten knob.  

Note: The mounting bar can be oriented with the bar centered between the handlebars as shown or pointing to the left or right, as desired by the user.

2. Rotate to desired position by loosening knob (B).

Front basket
Figure 17c: To attach the front basket, slide the basket hooks over the upper headset crossbar (D) as shown.
Note: Adjust the handlebar up from lowest position prior to attaching the basket.

Abductor

• Recommended use:
  The abductor is for clients who require knee separation or abduction.

• Attaching:
  Figure 18a: Slide the abductor support tube (A) into the end of the seat support tube, then tighten knob (B).
  Note: The tube has indexed markings. Ensure that the abductor bar does not exceed the highest number on the abductor support tube before tightening the knob.

Abductor with adduction straps

• Recommended use:
  Figure 18b: The abductor with adduction straps limits lateral movement of the user’s knees, providing a comfortable lateral boundary.
  Attaching:
  Figure 18b: Slide the abductor support tube (A) into the end of the seat support tube, then tighten knob (B).
  Note: The tube has indexed markings. Ensure that the abductor bar does not exceed the highest number on the abductor support tube before tightening the knob. Adduction straps clip onto the rods (C). Attach the straps around the client’s thighs and adjust them to fit.

Pelvic harness

WARNING To prevent falls,  strangulation, head entrapment or other injuries, always use seat belt or pelvic harness when the butterfly harness is in use. The pelvic harness may be used in place of a seat belt as the primary means of securing a user in the trike. This alternative to the more typical seat belt gives a stable base for developing sitting postural control. The pelvic harness firmly positions the user’s pelvis by securing hips and upper thighs without putting pressure on the abdomen.

• Attaching
  Note: the small seat has only one slot and ring per side. If both seat belt and pelvic harness are in use, the single slot and ring should be shared by both.

1. Figure 19a: To attach the pelvic harness, place it on the seat with the wide ends towards the back of the seat and the strap attachment pointing down.
2. Thread the triangular clips (A) through the outer slots (B) at the back of the seat.
3. Clip them to the outer attachment rings (C) under the seat and screw the rotating nuts to close the clips.

• Adjusting
  Figure 19b: With the harness pad flat on the seat, position the client. Pull each end of the pad up between the client’s legs and over the near leg (e.g., left pad end over the left leg). Secure the buckles (D). Tighten the straps as necessary.

Stationary stand
WARNING To prevent falls and  injury, always use the correct notch depending on the size of the trike.

• Recommended use:
  Figure 20a: The stationary stand converts your tricycle into a stationary trainer for learning the basic motions of pedaling.
  Tip: The variable resistance feature works well with the stationary stand.

• Attaching Figure 20a:

1. Place the stands (A) on the floor in the desired location.
2. Lift the rear end of the tricycle and place the gray protrusions (B) into the correct notch on the stands. Use the lowest position for the X320 (small), the middle for the X330 (medium), and the highest for the X340 (large) Rifton Tricycle.

Pedal raise kit

• Attaching:

1. Figure 20b: Take off the sandal by removing the two knobs (C) underneath.
2. Figure 20c: Remove the bolts from the sandal and install the longer bolts provided in the pedal raise kit.
3. Figure 20c: Slide one or two of the pedal raise blocks (D) onto the bolts on the sandal. Each block raises the pedal by ½” (1 cm).
4. Figure 20d: Re-install the sandal onto the pedal and tighten the knobs underneath.

Operation

Adjust seat height so that the distance from seat to foot pedal approximates the key user dimension of the client’s inside leg length. The client’s extended leg should reach comfortably from seat to pedal when both feet and torso are strapped into place. Approximate the height of the trunk support system so it is appropriate for client’s seat to shoulder height (or adjust backrest height if used). Approximate the best position for the handlebar, and make sure the handlebar is out of the way prior to transfer. Make sure the straps on the foot pedals are open and ready for feet placement. Set the brake in the PARK position. Assist client to transfer to a seated position on the tricycle seat, and secure the seat belt immediately when client is seated. Finalize positioning adjustments for trunk support system and handlebar. Add and adjust further components as needed: i.e., the support laterals and butterfly harness of the trunk support system (or backrest pad strap if used), the headrest, the abductor, and sandal straps.

Maintenance

This product is designed and tested for an expected life of 5 years when used and maintained in accordance with this manual. At all times, users must ensure that the product remains in a safe and useable condition, including regular maintenance and inspections as specified in this manual. The parking brake is factory adjusted for optimum performance when new. It may need periodic adjustment to compensate for system wear. See page 11 for instructions. To prevent structural failure, which may result in serious injury or death:

• Inspect this product and components regularly for loose or missing screws, metal fatigue, cracks, broken welds, missing attachments, general instability or other signs of excessive wear.
• Immediately remove this product from use when any condition develops that might make operation unsafe.
• Do not use Rifton components or products for any purpose other than their intended use.
• Replace or repair components or products that are damaged or appear to be unstable.
• Use only Rifton authorized replacement parts. Order information for replacement parts is provided on the back of this product manual.

Cleaning
The trike can be cleaned with disinfectant wipes or a solution of up to 10% bleach. Do not use excessive amounts of water. This includes metal parts, upholstery, harness, and padded straps. You may also use a commercial cleaning agent suitable for imitation leather for the upholstery. Do not machine wash harness or padded straps. The sandal straps, seat belt and chest belt may be machine washed. Engage the hook and loop closures before washing. The adduction straps and hand anchors may be machine washed with cold water and air dried. Do not iron.

Warranty statement

If a Rifton product breaks or fails in service during the first year, we will replace it free of charge.

Materials

• Steel hardware items (nuts, bolts, screws, etc.) are typically zinc or nickel plated, or stainless steel.
• Upholstery items (abductor, headrests) are polyurethane foam with a fire-retardant cover.
• Seat pads and other padded supports are made of polyethylene foam.
• Frames are typically steel or aluminum tubing, welded together, and coated with a baked-on paint finish. Some frame components may also be stainless steel.
• Tires are tubeless, filled with polyurethane foam, and do not require inflation.
• Straps are typically made of polypropylene or nylon webbing.
• Plastic components are typically injection molded from a variety of industrial resins.

All materials are latex, lead and phthalates free.

User modifications
WARNING To prevent serious injury or death, do not modify or alter Rifton products or components, or use Rifton products or components in conjunction with products from other manufacturers. Rifton does not accept responsibility for any modifications or alterations made to our components or products after they leave our premises. Customers modifying or altering our components or products, or using them in conjunction with products from other manufacturers, do so at their own risk.

Rifton Contact Information

• Email [email protected]

• Mail
  Rifton Equipment
  PO Box 260
  Rifton NY 12471– 0260

• Onlinewww.Rifton.com

• Phone
  800.571.8198
  9–5 EST

• Fax 800.865.4674

To order replacement parts

1. Locate the ID number of the product on the small white label.
2. Have this number available when you call 800.571.8198 for your customer service representative.

Use only replacement parts supplied by Rifton Equipment.
We are glad to supply replacement parts. Although Rifton makes every effort to supply correct parts and instructions for repairing or refurbishing your equipment, you are responsible to make sure that the repairs or modifications are correctly and safely completed.

Find letters of medical necessity and informative articles at: www.rifton.com/trike

References

• Rifton | Product manual listing
• Rifton | Rifton Adaptive Tricycles are modified trikes that provide exercise and recreation for children and youth with special needs.
• YouTube

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