Operator Safety

Content Source: MY19 GEM e2 / e4 / e6 / eL XD (9929175 R02) > Safety Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Operator Safety

WARNING

Serious injury or death can result if you do not follow these instructions and procedures, which are outlined in further detail within your owner's manual.

Read this manual and all labels carefully. Follow the operating procedures described.
Never allow anyone under age 16 to operate this vehicle and never allow anyone without a valid driver's license to operate this vehicle.
Never permit a guest to operate this vehicle unless the guest has read this manual and all product labels.
Always make sure the seat belts are secured for operator and all passengers before operating.
Never exceed the maximum occupant capacity of your vehicle:

GEM e2	2 occupants
GEM e4	4 occupants
GEM eL XD	2 occupants
GEM e6®	6 occupants

Never exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your vehicle.
The cab frame is not designed or intended to provide rollover protection. Avoid situations that could result in a rollover.
Always be sure there are no obstacles or people behind your vehicle when operating in reverse. When it’s safe to proceed in reverse, move slowly. Avoid turning at sharp angles in reverse.
Always use the proper size and type of tires and always maintain proper tire pressure as specified in this manual and on safety labels.
Never modify this vehicle through improper installation or use of accessories.
Always set the park brake and remove the key when leaving the vehicle unattended.
The voltage in the battery pack is sufficient to cause death by electrocution. With the exception of battery inspections and refilling the water in flooded type batteries, never attempt to perform service on the electric drive system, including the battery pack, unless you are properly trained to work on electrical systems. Your authorized GEM dealer can provide battery-related service.
Do not carry a passenger until you have at least two hours of driving experience with this vehicle.
Always keep arms and legs inside the cab frame while the vehicle is in motion.
Always keep both hands on the steering wheel and both feet on the floorboards of the vehicle during operation.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this vehicle.
Never operate at excessive speeds. Always travel at a speed proper for the traffic, visibility and operating conditions, and your experience.
Never attempt jumps, doughnuts or other stunts.
Always inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure it's in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in this manual.
Never operate on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain.
Always follow proper procedures for turning. Practice turning at slow speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds. Never turn at excessive speeds.
Always have this vehicle inspected by an authorized service dealer if it has been involved in an accident.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

WARNING

Exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating of your vehicle can reduce stability and handling and could cause loss of control. NEVER exceed the GVWR of your vehicle.

The maximum payload capacity of your vehicle is the maximum weight you may add to your vehicle without exceeding the GVWR. This capacity is determined by calculating the difference between your vehicle’s GVWR and wet weight.

Refer to the specification section of this manual or the Manufacturer’s Label on the vehicle for model-specific information.

When determining the weight, you will be adding to your vehicle, and to ensure you do not exceed the maximum payload capacity, include the following:

operator body weight
passenger body weight
weight of all occupants’ apparel and items in or on apparel
weight of any options or accessories and their contents
weight of any additional cargo on the vehicle

Equipment Modifications

Never install any accessory that grounds to the vehicle chassis. The chassis is a floating ground to protect against electrical short circuits and hazards.

Do not install any non-GEM-approved accessory or modify the vehicle for the purpose of increasing speed or power. Any modifications or installation of non-GEM-approved accessories could create a substantial safety hazard and increase the risk of bodily injury.

The warranty on your GEM vehicle will be terminated if any non-GEM-approved equipment and/or modifications have been added to the vehicle that increase speed or power.

The addition of certain accessories, including (but not limited to) mowers, blades, tires, sprayers, or large racks, may change the handling characteristics of the vehicle. Use only GEM-approved accessories, and familiarize yourself with their function and effect on the vehicle.

Noise and Vibration

This vehicle’s A-weighted emission sound pressure level at workstations does not exceed 70 db(A). This vehicle’s vibration total value to which the hand-arm system is subjected does not exceed 2.5 m/s 2. This vehicle’s highest root mean square value of weighted acceleration to which the whole body is subjected does not exceed 0.5 m/s2.

WARNING

Failure to operate this vehicle properly can result in a collision, loss of control, accident or overturn, which may result in serious injury or death. Heed all safety warnings outlined in this section of the owner’s manual. See the OPERATION section of the owner’s manual for proper operating procedures.

Age Restrictions

This vehicle is an ADULT VEHICLE ONLY. NEVER operate this vehicle if you are under age 16 and NEVER operate without a valid driver’s license.

Seat Belts

Riding in this vehicle without wearing the seat belt increases the risk of serious injury in the event of an accident or sudden stop. Occupants must wear seat belts at all times. Always make sure the seat belts are secured for operator and all passengers before operating. See Seat Belts.

Operating Without Instruction

Operating this vehicle without proper instruction increases the risk of an accident. The operator must understand how to operate the vehicle properly in different situations and on different types of terrain. All operators must read and understand the Owner's Manual and all warning and instruction labels before operating the vehicle.

Ventilation When Charging Batteries

Failure to provide adequate ventilation while charging batteries can result in an explosion. Volatile hydrogen gas is emitted during charging and may accumulate in pockets at the ceiling.

Always ensure a minimum of 5 air changes per hour in the charging area.
Always remove any storage covers from the vehicle and open any cab doors (if equipped) before charging.
Reset the charger (interrupt AC power for 15 seconds).

Failure to Inspect Before Operating

Failure to inspect and verify that the vehicle is in safe operating condition before operating increases the risk of an accident. Always inspect the vehicle before each use to make sure it's in safe operating condition. Always follow all inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the owner's manual.

Using Alcohol or Drugs

Operating the vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs could adversely affect operator judgment, reaction time, balance and perception.

Never drink alcohol or use drugs or medications before or while operating this vehicle.

Operating a Damaged Vehicle

Operating a damaged vehicle can result in an accident. After any overturn or accident, have qualified service dealer inspect the entire machine for possible damage, including (but not limited to) brakes, accelerator, steering system and electrical system.

Operating at Excessive Speeds

Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds increases the operator's risk of losing control. Always operate at a speed that's appropriate for your skills and the traffic, visibility and operating conditions.

Exhibition Driving

Exhibition driving increases the risk of an accident or overturn. Never attempt wheelies, jumps, doughnuts or other stunts. Avoid exhibition driving.

Turning Improperly

Turning improperly could cause loss of traction, loss of control, accident or overturn. Always follow proper procedures for turning. Never turn abruptly or at sharp angles. Never turn at high speeds. Practice turning at slow speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds.

Vehicle Rollover

Vehicle rollover could cause serious injury or death. The cab frame is not designed or intended to provide rollover protection. Always make sure the seat belts are secured for operator and all passengers before operating. Avoid situations that could result in a rollover. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt steering maneuvers.

Carrying Cargo

Carrying loads on the roof could damage the roof and affect vehicle handling, which could result in an accident or overturn. Never carry loads on the roof of the vehicle.

Never exceed the stated load capacity for this vehicle. Cargo should be properly distributed and securely attached.

Reduce speed and follow the instructions on cargo warning labels for hauling cargo. Allow a greater distance for braking.

Improper Tire Maintenance

Operating this vehicle with improper tires or with improper or uneven tire pressure could cause loss of control or accident. Always use the size and type of tires specified for your vehicle.

Always maintain proper tire pressure as described in the owner's manual and on safety labels.

Unauthorized Use of the Vehicle

Leaving the keys in the vehicle can lead to unauthorized use of the vehicle by someone under the age of 16, without a driver’s license, or without proper training. This could result in an accident or rollover. Always remove the key when the vehicle is not in use.

Hot Drive Systems

The motor and controller are very hot during and after use of the vehicle. Hot components can cause burns and fire. Do not touch hot drive system components. Always keep combustible materials away from the drive system. Use caution when traveling through tall grass, especially dry grass. Always inspect areas near the drive system after driving through tall grass, weeds, brush and other tall ground cover. Promptly remove any grass or debris clinging to the vehicle.

Precautions During Maintenance

DANGER

The voltage in the battery pack is sufficient to cause death by electrocution. With the exception of battery inspections and refilling the water in flooded type batteries, never attempt to perform service on the electric drive system, including the battery pack, unless you are properly trained to work on electrical systems.

Your authorized GEM dealer can provide battery- related service.

WARNING

Do not work in or near the battery compartment or on any other electrical component of the vehicle while charging the batteries.

WARNING

Before servicing the vehicle’s electrical system, always disconnect the main power connector first, then disconnect any electrical accessory connections, then disconnect the negative cable from the 12-volt battery (if equipped), then disconnect the negative terminal from the main battery pack. For more information about disconnecting the main power connector, see the Main Power Connector section for details.

Always follow all safety instructions in the maintenance portion of this owner’s manual, as well as the following:

Make sure the vehicle is properly immobilized before beginning any maintenance.
Always block the chassis securely before working under the vehicle.
Turn the key off and remove it from the vehicle.
Insulate any tools used within the battery area to prevent sparks or battery explosion caused by shorting the battery terminals or wiring. Remove the batteries, or cover the exposed terminals with an insulating material.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SAFETY PLEASE CONTACT GEM CUSTOMER SERVICE.