4
Safety Guidelines and Operating Conditions
Speed and Turning: THE MOVINGSTAR REQUIRES MORE SPACE TO TURN AS SPEED
INCREASES. For this reason it is necessary to slow down before making turns. If you hear the tire skid
as you attempt a turn you are going too fast. See on page 10 the section beginning with “Do Not Skid the
Wheels”.
Ramps and Hills: DESCENDING GRADES REDUCES THE STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY
OF THE MOVINGSTAR - DECEND GRADES SLOWLY KEEPING BOTH BRAKES APPLIED. The
MovingStar can climb up to an 8%incline, but whenever possible you should avoid ramps steeper than
5% (10 inches vertical change per 10 feet distance). As a general reference ADA compliant wheelchair
ramps are 5% or less.
Plan to take hills in a straight line. Increase and decrease braking pressure to keep your direction straight
and speed low on descent. Keep your speed below 3 km/h (slow walking pace) on descent. By use of
the brakes, never let your MovingStar build speed on descent. Avoid making turns on grades. If there is
a sharp turn on the hill, find an alternate route or walk the MovingStar. Do not attempt any grade in wet
conditions. If you are uncertain about the terrain, get up and walk behind your MovingStar by pushing on
the Seat Back Bar. In this manner, your MovingStar actually works very well as a rolling walker.
AVOID STOPPING ON HILLS OR RAMPS, including sidewalk ramps. Instead stop on the level
sidewalk before the ramp and keep both hands pulling on the Control Levers at all times while waiting to
cross. The MovingStar provides light resistance to rolling when the motor is off, but it does not have
parking brakes, so whenever possible keep both hands on the Control Levers. If you are stopped on
level ground in a safe area away from ramps or hills, you may swing the Foot Plate back with your heels
then place both feet firmly on the ground before removing your hands from the Control Levers.
Surfaces and Conditions: The MovingStar operates best in dry conditions on level pavement. AVOID
WET CONDITIONS; WETNESS WILL COMPROMISE CONTROLLABILITY. IF WET, USE MORE
FORCE ON THE LEVERS FOR CONTROL AND BRAKE WELL IN ADVANCE. If wet conditions are
unavoidable: minimize your route, use Medium speed range, and apply extra force on the levers. When
safe, occasionally test your ability to stop and turn. If it seems questionable, get off and push the
MovingStar.
While dry mowed grass is an acceptable surface to operate your MovingStar, performance will feel very
different. You will need to use more force on the levers because your MovingStar is doing more work to
move you. Wet grass is not advised.
THE MOVINGSTAR IS NOT A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE, OFF ROAD VEHICLE, OR A TOY.
The MovingStar is not intended for rough terrain, sand, snow, or otherwise difficult conditions. If you are
uncertain about the conditions that you might encounter, select an alternate from of transportation. The
MovingStar is also NOT intended for sports, stunts, or tricks of any kind. Always operate in a mature,
cautious manner keeping in mind that the MovingStar is a mobility device, and not a toy.
NEVER DRIVE THE MOVINGSTAR ON A ROADWAY, ROADSIDE OR BUSY PARKING LOT like
bicycles often do. Always use sidewalks and official pedestrian crossings. When seated in the
MovingStar, like any power-chair, you sit very low so that cars may not see or expect you. Always use
extra caution at crossings or whenever you are exposed to traffic. Only cross at official pedestrian
crossings. DO NOT DRIVE THE MOVINGSTAR UNNECESSARILY CLOSE TO A SIDEWALK EDGE
OR DROP OFF OF ANY KIND.
