iCONNECT WC01010023 EDGE Wheelchair User Manual

iCONNECT WC01010023 EDGE Wheelchair

Product Information

• Product Name: iCONNECT EDGE Wheelchair
• Product Codes: WC01010023 | WC02010017
• Manufacturer: CareCo (UK) Limited
• Website: www.CareCo.co.uk
• Contact Number: 0333 015 5000

INTRODUCTION

Dear Customer,
Congratulations on purchasing your iCONNECT EDGE Wheelchair. This product has been carefully designed to provide you with maximum comfort whilst increasing independence in your daily life. Your iCONNECT EDGE wheelchair is foldable, includes detachable components for quick assembly and disassembly, and is equipped with ergonomic handles, meaning an attendant can push your wheelchair with ease.

READ BEFORE USE:
Before you begin using your wheelchair, please ensure you, and any persons that may assist you in its use, take the time to read, understand and follow the instructions given within this manual carefully. We recommend that you keep this user manual in a safe place for future reference.
Please note: We are continuously improving the quality and reliability of our products and therefore reserve the right to amend this user manual without notice. If you have any questions about wheelchair use, maintenance, or safety, please contact
CareCo:
CareCo (UK) Limited, 1 Turing Court, Tel: 0333 015 5000
Great Notley, Braintree , CM77 7AT, www.CareCo.co.uk
Thank you for choosing CareCo.

ATTENTION!
In this user manual you will find warnings and suggestions. These can be clearly identified by the following symbols.

WARNING!
The warnings mentioned in this user manual must be followed at all times to avoid damage to the wheelchair as well as personal injury.

Suggestion
The suggestions provided in this user manual contain helpful information and advice for getting the most out of your wheelchair.

SAFETY REGULATIONS

The construction of this wheelchair has been developed to provide maximum safety. Failure to follow instructions within this user manual may result in damage to the wheelchair or injury to the user. When used correctly, this wheelchair is a safe and stable product. CareCo is not responsible for personal injury or property damage resulting from failure to comply with any laws or ordinances. Unauthorised modification or use of parts not supplied by CareCo may void the warranty, damage the wheelchair, or cause injury to the user. The level of resistance to ignition on upholstered parts of this product have been tested in accordance with the horizontal test as detailed in EN 16840-10:2021 and passed.

GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
It is recommended to perform regular inspections, correct adjustments, and prompt replacements of defective or worn parts. Checking your wheelchair regularly will protect and increase its durability.

WARNING!

• Dangerous situations can occur when a part of your wheelchair malfunctions. To guarantee safe use, ensure your wheelchair is in good working condition by checking it regularly.
• This product is not for the intended use of the visually impaired. Should a user be visually impaired, please ensure that an attendant is present to read and understand all of these instructions fully and present at all times during use of the product
• This product has been manufactured for the use of anyone who has limited mobility and would like to maintain the ability to get around both indoors and outdoors. The transit option of this product is designed for an attendant to assist with the transportation of a user. The self-propelled can be used by the user on their own, without the assistance of another individual.
• Please refer to the Product Specifications table on page 15 to confirm maximum occupant mass details.

WARNINGS FOR SAFE USE

WARNING!

• When using the product for the first time, it is recommended to practice using the wheelchair on a flat surface.
• Do not exceed the maximum user weight indicated on the frame label.
• Do not stand on the wheelchair or the footrests at any time.
• Place the wheelchair on a stable, level surface before getting in and out of the wheelchair.
• Ensure the wheelchair castors face forward before getting in and out of the wheelchair.
• Apply the brakes when using the wheelchair in an elevator, wheelchair lift and when getting in and out of the wheelchair.
• Do not lean over or reach out of the wheelchair as this may cause instability.
• Do not ascend or descend gradients greater than 10 degrees without assistance from an attendant.
• When ascending/descending stairs, ensure the attendant holds on to secured parts only.
• Potholes and unevenness in the ground can cause the wheelchair to tip over
• Ensure tyres have sufficient tread
• If the wheelchair is exposed to direct sunlight/ cold temperature for a long time, the wheelchair parts can become hot or cold.
• Avoid travelling on roads and use pavements whenever possible.
• Do not use the wheelchair if any of the parts or elements of the wheelchair are not functioning correctly or are damaged.
• This wheelchair is not suitable as a seat in a motor vehicle.
• A sudden change of direction may cause the wheelchair to tip over
• Do not attach anything to the wheels. This can damage the wheelchair, affect the balance of the wheelchair and cause injury to the user.
• Take notice of the maximum weight capacity (refer to product specification)
• When transporting the wheelchair, it is recommended to use a certified fastening system suitable for the situation.
• Do not let more than one person use the wheelchair at the same time.
• Surface temperatures can increase when the wheelchair is exposed to external sources of heat (e.g. sunlight)

PRODUCT COMPONENTS

Your wheelchair is equipped with various parts and components. Before proceeding with this user manual, you should familiarise yourself with the various elements that make up your wheelchair.

1. Push Handle
2. Half-Folding Back Mechanism
3. Attendant Brake (Transit)
4. Armrest
5. Brake (Self Propelled)
6. Leg Rest
7. Rear Wheel (Self Propelled)
8. Rear Wheel (Transit)
9. Front Castor
10. Footplate

Please note: Designs and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

USER INSTRUCTIONS

GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE WHEELCHAIR

Getting into your wheelchair:
Before getting into the wheelchair, ensure the following points are met.

• The brakes are applied
• The footplates are folded sideways
• The wheelchair is on a flat surface
• The castors are facing forwards

Support your body by using the armrests, before lowering into the wheelchair.

Suggestion
Ensure you are as close to the wheelchair as possible before transferring to the wheelchair.

Getting out of your wheelchair:
Before getting out of the wheelchair, ensure the following points are met.

• The brakes are applied
• The footplates are folded sideways
• The wheelchair is on a flat surface
• The castors are facing forwards

Support your body by using the armrests. Place your feet on the ground before pushing upwards to leave the wheelchair.

Suggestion
Bring your body weight towards the front of the seat when leaving the wheelchair.

WARNING!
Do not stand on the footplates of the wheelchair. Doing so may cause the wheelchair to tip.

BENDING OR REACHING
To reach an object while sitting in your wheelchair, get as close to the object as possible, make sure the front castors are facing forward and the brakes are applied to prevent you from falling out of your wheelchair.

GRADIENTS & THRESHOLDS

• Ascending Gradients & Thresholds
  Tilt your upper body forward when going up gradients & thresholds.

• Descending Gradients & Thresholds
  Tilt your upper body back when going down gradients & thresholds.

If required, ask for assistance from an attendant when ascending & descending thresholds.

WARNING!

• Do not go up or down slopes diagonally.
• Potholes and unevenness in the ground can cause the wheelchair to tip over, especially when going up and down slopes.

ASCENDING AND DESCENDING STAIRS
Ascending and descending stairs should only be completed with the help of an attendant.

Suggestion
Use ramps and lifts whenever possible.

OPERATING THE WHEELCHAIR

FOLDING AND UNFOLDING THE WHEELCHAIR

• Unfolding
  To unfold the wheelchair, press the seat tubes on both sides of the seat cover to open the wheelchair. Push the seat tubes as far as they will go to ensure the chair is properly unfolded. Fold down the footrests down. Flip the backrest up until you hear the half folding back mechanism click into place .

• Folding
  Press on the half-folding back mechanism to fold the backrest down. Fold up the footrests. Hold the front and rear of the seat canvas pulling upwards so the wheelchair begins to fold Push the armrests on either side to fully fold the wheelchair.
  WARNING! Take care of trapping hazards or pinch points when adjusting any settings or folding and unfolding the product.

LEG RESTS

• Folding / unfolding the footplate
  • Lift upwards on the footplate to fold it away.
  • Press downwards on the footplate to fold it down.
• Removing the leg rests
  • Lift the black lever upwards to release the leg rest as shown below.
  • Rotate the leg rest 90 degrees away from the wheelchair (A).
  • Remove the leg rest by lifting at the frame connection point as shown (B).
• Attaching the leg rests
  • Place the leg rest onto the frame connection point at a 90 degree angle as shown (C).
  • Rotate the leg rest inwards (D) until securely in place. An audible “click” will confirm the leg rest is locked into position.

ADJUSTING THE FOOTREST HEIGHT
To adjust the height of the footplate, remove the leg rest and use an Allen key to adjust the height from one of five height adjustment holes.

Suggestion
Raise the footplates before getting in and out of the wheelchair.
WARNING! Ensure both leg rests are securely attached to the wheelchair to avoid injury to the user.

SELF-PROPELLED HAND RIMS
The hand rims have been ergonomically designed to improve the users grip. This design makes propelling yourself forward more comfortable and safer.

WARNING!
Do not use the push handles to lift the full weight of the wheelchair.

ARMRESTS
Adjust the armrest height by opening the armrest bracket clasp (A). Press and hold the adjustment button (B) whilst simultaneously raising or lowering the armrest. When the handle is at the desired height, release the button. Lock the armrest in place by closing the armrest bracket clasp.

SELF PROPELLED HAND BRAKE
The wheelchair is equipped with a left and right hand brake. To apply the hand brake, push the brake lever forwards. To release the hand brake, pull the brake lever backwards..

Suggestion
Only use the hand brake when the wheelchair is stationary.

WARNING!
Usage of the handbrake whilst the wheelchair is moving may cause injury to the user.

TRANSIT ATTENDANT BRAKE
The wheelchair is equipped with a left and right attendant brake .

Suggestion
Operate the two brakes simultaneously to ensure directional control.

WARNING!

• Worn tyres and poorly adjusted brakes can reduce braking power.
• The handbrakes must always be engaged during short or long stops.

QUICK RELEASE WHEELS (SELF-PROPELLED)
The Self-Propelled version of the wheelchair is equipped with quick-release rear wheels.

• Removing the Quick-Release Rear Wheels
  To remove the rear wheels from the frame, press the button in the middle of the wheel and pull away from the wheelchair frame as shown.

• Attaching the Quick-Release Rear Wheels
  To attach the rear wheels, insert the quick release axle into the axle sleeve on the frame. Push the wheel towards the frame until secured.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SELF-PROPELLED

• Seat Width 18″
• Height (mm) 940
• Length (mm) 1100
• Width (mm) 650
• Folded Height (mm) 780
• Folded Length (mm) 810
• Folded Width (mm) 380
• Seat Height (mm) 490
• Seat Width (mm) 460
• Seat Depth (mm) 400
• Backrest Height (mm) 400
• Armrest Height (mm) 700-795
• Front Wheel Size 6“
• Rear Wheel Size 22“
• Outer Carton Size (mm) 785x310x770
• Maximum User Weight (kg) 120
• Frame Material Aluminium
• Wheel Material PU
• Handle Material Aluminium
• Half Folding Back Yes
• Quick Release Wheels Yes
• Tyre Type PU Solid Tyre
• Max slope for parking brakes 7°
• Pivot Width (mm) 780
• Total Weight (kg) 10.4
• **Carry Weight (kg)*** 8
• Cushion Weight (kg) 1.1
• Leg rests Weight (kg) 1.1
• Rear wheels Weight (kg) 1.3

TRANSIT

• Seat Width 18″
• Height (mm) 940
• Length (mm) 1020
• Width (mm) 620
• Folded Height (mm) 750
• Folded Length (mm) 680
• Folded Width (mm) 320
• Seat Height (mm) 490
• Seat Width (mm) 460
• Seat Depth (mm) 400
• Backrest Height (mm) 400
• Armrest Height (mm) 700-795
• Front Wheel Size 6“
• Rear Wheel Size 12“
• Outer Carton Size (mm) 680x290x770
• Maximum User Weight (kg) 120
• Frame Material Aluminium
• Wheel Material PU
• Handle Material Aluminium
• Half Folding Back Yes
• Quick Release Wheels No
• Tyre Type PU Solid Tyre
• Max slope for parking brakes 7°
• Pivot Width (mm) 740
• Total Weight (kg) 8.3
• **Carry Weight (kg)*** 6.6
• Cushion Weight (kg) 1.1
• Leg rests Weight (kg) 1.1
• Rear wheels Weight (kg) 0.6

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

There are many things the user can do to keep the wheelchair in optimal condition. By regularly checking the wheelchair and performing simple maintenance, the user can extend the life of the wheelchair and make it more comfortable to use. Preventative maintenance is very important. Most of this can easily be done by the user or the attendant. Below are maintenance tasks that the user can complete:

• Checking tyre pressure (if applicable)
• Checking tyre tread
• Checking upholstery for wear
• Checking brakes
• Checking nuts, bolts & screws are tightened correctly – tighten if necessary
• Checking wheels move freely
• Checking removable parts are securely fastened

CLEANING & HYGIENE
The user / attendant should clean the wheelchair on a regular basis. The upholstery, chassis and plastic parts can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners as this can damage the wheelchair. The user / attendant should dry the wheelchair after cleaning and after going out in bad weather.
PLEASE NOTE: The expected life of the product is 5 years.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problems that could occur when using the wheelchair are listed below. If the user experiences an issue not listed, please contact CareCo

• The wheelchair is pulling to one side
  • Ensure wheels have same tyre pressure (if applicable)
  • Ensure wheels turn freely
  • Ensure front castors are at the correct angle
  • Ensure both front castors are contacting the ground
• The front castors are wobbly
  • Ensure front castors are at the correct angle
  • Ensure all bolts are securely fastened
  • Ensure both front castors are contacting the ground
• The wheelchair makes unusual noises
  • Ensure all bolts are securely fastened
  • Ensure moving parts are lubricated and move freely
• The wheelchair is unstable
  • Ensure wheels have same tyre pressure (if applicable)
  • Ensure front castors are at the correct angle
  • Ensure both front castors are contacting the ground
  • Ensure rear wheels are contacting the ground

WARRANTY

If a component requires repair or replacement due to a specific manufacturing or material defect within its warranty period, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge by CareCo.

Lifetime frame warranty
DURABLE PARTS: 1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Consumables are not covered under normal warranty circumstances unless they have clearly suffered excessive wear or damage as a direct result of a manufacturing defect. These items include upholstery, tyres, inner tubes, and other similar parts. The guarantee for the wheelchair is not transferable. Parts that have been previously replaced that require subsequent repair or replacement due to manufacturing defects will be honoured for the remainder of the wheelchair’s warranty period. Parts that have been purchased by the end user after the original warranty period has expired have a warranty period of 12 months. CareCo is not responsible if the wheelchair requires repair or replacement as a direct result of:

• Changes or modifications made to the product that fall outside of the manufacturer’s specifications
• The product not being serviced or maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations contained in this user manual.
• Negligence, Accidental Damage, and Improper use
• Repairs attempted before CareCo have been notified
• Lack of maintenance
• The product being purposely damaged or mistreated

In the unlikely event that this product is needed to be recalled, we will contact you to make you aware therefore, please ensure that we have your up to date contact information.

IDENTIFICATION
The identification sticker can be found underneath the wheelchair.

WHEELCHAIR RECYCLING & DISPOSAL

Disposal or recycling of the wheelchair should be completed through an approved distributor or disposal facility. (Local disposal & recycling regulations may apply) Alternatively, contact CareCo for advice on disposal.

Materials:

• Wheelchair Packaging: Cardboard Box, Low-Density polyethylene bag
• Wheelchair Upholstery: Expanded combustion modified foam, Polyester including PVC coating
• Plastic: Arm Pads, Castor Wheels, Forks, Footplates, Hand Grips, Transit Wheels, Tube Plugs, Tyres
• Aluminium: Armrests, Frame, Leg Rests, Push Handles, Self-Propelled Wheels
• Steel: Bearings, Fasteners, Quick Release Axle

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

ATTACHING A SEAT BELT

1. How to attach a seat belt:
2. Remove the side panel rear Velcro.
3. Use a hex wrench to remove the lower backrest canvas retaining bolt.
4. Insert the seat belt eyelet between the backrest canvas and the frame.
5. Reinstall the lower backrest canvas retaining bolt using a hex wrench.
6. Reattach the side panel rear Velcro.
7. Repeat on the other side.

USING A SEAT BELT

• How to fasten the seat belt:
  Firmly insert the male buckle into the female buckle.

• How to release the seat belt:
  Press the exposed side of the female buckle and push toward the centre while separating the male and female buckles.

No more than the palm of the hand should be able to be inserted between the seat belt and the user.

Suggestion
Regularly check the fitment of the seat belt and adjust if required.

CareCo (UK) Limited, 1 Turing Court,
Great Notley, Braintree, CM77 7AT, England

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