Drive Mode
Scewo BRO drives and balances itself on a single axle. By activating drive mode the tracks and support system are raised automatically. In doing so, the unevenness of the surface is automatically compensated for as much as possible. The user should always remain seated in a relaxed position and lean against the back support. The primary steering is not based on shifting the user’s weight, but on the integrated joystick.
Never lean far forward
Leaning forward too far can result in the maximum permissible speed being exceeded. If the maximum speed is exceeded, a loud warning signal is emitted and a visual warning is also displayed on the control panel. If you do not lean back immediately, the wheelchair may go into an emergency stop. This can cause the wheelchair to tip forward and come to such an abrupt stop that the user may be thrown off.
Calibrate the center of gravity when using drive mode
When using drive mode, it is mandatory to recalibrate the center of gravity before the first drive (see Calibrating the Center of Gravity). Recalibrating has to be done again in the event of significant changes to the center of gravity, e.g. as a result of an additional load. If the calibration is not carried out correctly, performance in drive mode may be hazardous and the braking distance may increase significantly.
Adjust your speed to the conditions around you
Always adjust your speed to the conditions and your abilities! The braking distance may be considerably longer on slopes, slippery surfaces or other environmental conditions. Do not make abrupt steering movements, especially on loose surfaces such as snow or gravel. This may cause the device to go into an emergency shutdown.
Steep inclines and slopes
When in drive mode, do not go up or down a slope greater than the value specified in the data sheet, otherwise there is a risk of the wheelchair tipping over.
Changing the center of gravity in drive mode
If something heavy is picked up or loaded into the backpack when the wheelchair is in drive mode (balancing), this can affect the wheelchair’s ability to balance itself, move and brake. You need to recalibrate your center of gravity immediately (see Section Calibrating the Center of Gravity)
Keep a safe distance from drop-offs (cliffs)
In drive mode, always keep a safe distance from drop-off/cliffs (such as stairs) and high steps. Never accelerate sharply towards a drop-off. You could underestimate the braking distance or the wheelchair could move in an unexpected way. There is a danger that you could tumble over the edge and die.
Automatic emergency stop if the wheelchair moves in a direction other than that specified by the joystick
The wheelchair may move slowly in the opposite direction to the one you have indicated with the joystick because of insufficient ground clearance or an incorrectly calibrated center of gravity. This could occur for example, if you want to come to a stop on a ramp that is too steep, but the tracks come to rest on the ground at the back. An acoustic warning (beeping) sound will be emitted, which will get increasingly faster. Nothing will happen if you release the joystick during the warning (the wheelchair will still try to stop and may even accelerate slightly). If you continue to pull the joystick in the opposite direction, the wheelchair will go into an emergency shutdown after no more than 5 seconds, come to an abrupt stop and automatically switch to park mode. This can be very bumpy and it may not be possible to switch back to drive mode afterwards (see also Emergency Shutdown). Try to return to park mode and then exit the situation in track mode. If the ground is too uneven or if you cannot manage, call for help.
Do not use the wheelchair on moving walkways
Never use the wheelchair on moving walkways (travelators), such as those found in train stations and airports. When moving from the fixed floor to the moving walkway conveyor belt, the wheelchair could tip over at high speeds.
Always use the pelvic belt while in drive mode
Not using the pelvic belt or not using it correctly when you are in drive mode could result in serious injuries should the wheelchair go into an emergency shutdown. You could fall out of the wheelchair.
Never get in or out of the wheelchair while in drive mode
Always use park mode to get in or out of the wheelchair. The weight shifts that occur when getting in and out of the wheelchair when it is in drive mode could cause it to move uncontrollably and may cause injury to you or bystanders.
Do not activate drive mode without a seated occupant
Drive mode must not be activated without somebody sitting in the wheelchair. Since the center of gravity alters significantly if there is nobody sitting in the wheelchair, a stable driving behavior cannot be guaranteed.
The device or joystick may not be handled by third parties while in drive mode
Inform third parties about the wheelchair’s self-balancing technology and ask them not to touch it or the joystick. The wheelchair can make unintentional movements or go into an emergency shutdown as a result of external interference. If possible, protect the joystick from accidental operation by other people.
Automatic limitation of the maximum speed
The maximum speed may be limited automatically by the system on a steep slope or if the battery is low.