Technology Series
In the Spotlight: Announcing the 2022 Mobility Product Award Winners
SENSOR TECHNOLOGY
Braze Blind Spot Sensors for Wheelchairs
These patent-pending Blind Spot Sensors can
be added to any power or manual wheelchair
to transform it into a “smart” wheelchair. Braze
Mobility’s system provides feedback to the user
regarding location and proximity to obstacles
through intuitive lights, sounds, and vibrations.
This affordable solution (starting at $1,850 MSRP) helps the user maintain
dignity and independence, reduces caregiver stress, decreases property
damage, and increases safety, not only for the user, but others in the environment
as well.
Braze Mobility
brazemobility.com/blind-spot-sensor-systems/
ACCESSORIES, WHEELCHAIR
Swing-Away Anti-Tipper
This retractable and adjustable Swing-Away Anti-Tipper
with integrated tip assist is the solution for freer and
safer movement without compromises and undesired
tipping. It helps wheelchair users to stay secure and
stable when facing obstructions, while helping caregivers
to transition over curbs and raised doorways. The
beauty of the Swing-Away Anti-Tippers is that they can
easily be rotated horizontally under the chair by the user or the caregiver at
any moment… so no need to remove them when they’re not in use.
Motion Composites
www.motioncomposites.com
BACKS: PLANAR BACKS & LATERALS
NXT Armadillo Multi-Adjustable
Postural Back Support
The NXT Armadillo Back Support is
a multi-adjustable postural support
back that features a three-section
modular shell with smartGEL Infused
Visco Technology back cushion. Combined with NXT’s smartx3D fabric,
Armadillo provides the ultimate breathability, durability, comfort and support.
It’s designed to adjust to fit the unique contour of the user’s spine and to
accommodate users with kyphosis and other unique spinal positioning needs.
Motion Composites
www.dynamichcs.com/nxt-armadillo-back-support/
ACCESSORIES, WHEELCHAIR
Maxx Resolve Swing-Away Joystick
Mount
The smooth, effortless mount uses a dual
ball-and-socket joint mounting mechanism
for customized positioning of the joystick.
This maximizes users’ comfort and flexibility,
making driving, getting closer to things,
and forward transfers much easier. The
mount offers up to 4" (2" up or 2" down) of vertical travel relative to the arm
pad, while the dual ball-and-socket joint design enables rotation and angle
adjustability. Users with limited hand/wrist/finger function can now position
the joystick in the best orientation for their needs.
Motion Concepts
www.motionconcepts.com
SKIN PROTECTION, ADJUSTABLE
Axiom AS Cushion
With the new Axiom AS, getting the
optimum fit the first time is as easy as
sitting, thanks to a patented, self-adjusting
fluid system that uses a rider’s body weight
and physical characteristics to control
immersion and envelopment. Femurs,
trochanters, and ischia are all independently loaded, creating optimal pressure
distribution and maximum stability. Once the desired fitting is achieved,
the adjustment can be locked in. The fitting can be readjusted if needed, but
refitting solely for maintenance is unnecessary.
Ki Mobility
www.kimobility.com/Product.action?productName=Axiom+ASP
CUSHIONS, SKIN PROTECTION & POSITIONING
Matrx PSP HD Cushion
The PSP (Posture Seat Polymer) cushion combines
lightweight stability and support of the PS foam
base with a polymer overlay for superior protection,
positioning and shear reduction. The inner cover
and reversible outer cover (available on stock sizes)
offer an additional moisture barrier to prevent
fluids or contaminants from reaching the foam.
In-stock sizes include 22", 24", 26" widths and 18", 20", 22" depths with weight
capacities up to 600 lbs., but check with your Motion Concepts rep regarding
additional sizes.
Motion Concepts
www.motionconcepts.com
ACCESSORIES, WHEELCHAIR
O2 FRESH Nasal Cannula Cover
Here’s a creative solution for wheelchair users
who use supplemental oxygen. When not in
use, the nasal cannula is stored securely within
reach of the wheelchair user. The Cover is
hygienic and prevents the cannula from falling
to the floor or out of the patient’s reach. The
Cover’s handle can be attached to the wheelchair
with a variety of keychains, straps, or hook-and-loop fasteners. The O2
FRESH Nasal Cannula Cover can also hold the oxygen tubing that typically
connects a nasal cannula to a home oxygen concentrator.
Hartfiel Medical
www.hartfielmedical.com
WALKING AIDS, DYNAMIC ADJUSTABILITY
Roami Walker
This walker goes where traditional walkers can’t, including
inclines, declines, and stairs. A patented cam-lock
mechanism allows frame and legs to articulate angularly
for inclines/declines and going up or down stairs, thus
keeping the user’s body perpendicular at all times. Roami
is made of glass-filled polypropylene and reinforced
anodized aluminum to support up to 300 lbs. Retractable
wheels easily change Roami from a walker to a wheeled walker. Roami is
height-adjustable and collapsible for easy storage.
Mobilate
www.roamiwalkers.com
POWER-ASSIST SYSTEMS
Companion Q
Cheelcare’s latest model features cutting-edge
controls to unlock the freedom of power assist
for anyone who has limited hand dexterity. The
user applies downward force to the handlebars to
accelerate, releases to stop, and pushes forward on
the handlebars to brake. This replaces the gripping,
twisting, or squeezing required by a standard twist
throttle or squeeze brake. It’s a game-changing,
front-mount solution, perfect for children, those with
quadriplegia, and those affected by Parkinson’s or stroke.
Cheelcare
cheelcare.com/companion
POWER-ASSIST SYSTEMS
Alber e-motion M25
Add e-motion drive wheels to almost any wheelchair
using two discrete adapters. While in motion,
sensors built into the pushrims measure drive movement
and provide the wheelchair rider with the
desired power. This allows riders to move, steer and
brake their wheelchairs with very little effort. With a
weight of only 17 lbs. per drive wheel, the e-motion
is one of the lightest active add-on drives available.
Alber USA
www.alber-usa.com/us/products/active-drives/e-motion/
POWER WHEELCHAIRS, GROUP 3, SINGLE POWER
POWER WHEELCHAIRS, GROUP 3, STANDARD
ZIPPIE Q300 M Mini
With a patented, all-wheel independent suspension,
the narrowest true mid-wheel-drive base available,
an ultra-small 17" turning radius, and a 17" seat-to-floor
height, the ZIPPIE Q300 M Mini offers children
the independence to safely explore a wide variety
of environments. With optional C-Me seat elevation,
children can drive up to 3 mph while elevated up to
12", without locking out the suspension or needing
to stop while transitioning. The ZIPPIE MINI offers
up to 50° of power tilt, with a wide range of JAY cushions and backs and
WHITMYER headrests available to address any seating needs. Components
such as footplates, leg supports, back height, seat width and seat depth can
grow with the child and be adjusted individually. The ZIPPIE Mini can be
personalized with seven striking accent colors or a wide variety of painted
shrouds for an expressive, individual look. Or choose from a wide array of
painted shroud colors for a bit more color.
Sunrise Medical
www.sunrisemedical.com
CUSHIONS, SKIN PROTECTION, ADJUSTABLE
CUSHIONS, SKIN PROTECTION & POSITIONING, ADJUSTABLE
Axiom ASP Cushion
The ASP has all the benefits of the Axiom
AS cushion, but with added height and
contours for even more stability and better
positioning for the rider. The ASP’s patented,
self-adjusting fluid system uses a rider’s body
weight and physical characteristics to control immersion and envelopment.
The cushion allows femurs, trochanters, and ischia to be independently
loaded, creating optimal pressure distribution and maximum stability. Once
the desired fitting is achieved, the adjustment can be locked in. The fitting
can be readjusted if needs change, but refitting solely for maintenance is
unnecessary. The lightweight Hydrolite fluid is less sensitive to temperature
to maintain performance consistency regardless of climate. Surface tension
is significantly reduced by Ki’s super four-way-stretch Lycra outer cover for
better immersion. The design features a dense layer of reticulated foam
under a layer of spacer fabric for superior airflow and moisture control. The
result is an easily adjustable cushion with an ideal fit and a cooler, drier skin
interface for the rider.
Ki Mobility
www.kimobility.com
SOFTWARE
ATLAS Clinical Evals Software (ACES)
ATLAS Clinical Evals Software improves
E2D, revenue cycles, and annual revenues
for providers. ATPs can use ACES to prepare
integrated patient mobility and home evaluations and refer them seamlessly
to therapists’ secured ACES portal. Therapists can use ACES for clinical evaluations
in person or remotely. ACES manages the therapist’s report and other
necessary information to ensure the documentation to support a patient’s
mobility equipment is complete and accurate.
ATLAS Technology Group
www.acesevals.com
POWER WHEELCHAIRS, TRAVEL, WITH POSITIONING
WHILL C2
WHILL is known for its innovative designs and
use of technology to boost users’ confidence —
in themselves and in their device — while
improving their quality of life. The latest addition
to the portfolio is the C2, an FDA-cleared
portable power wheelchair. With a wealth of
features and benefits to address a number of
challenges active users face with Group 1 and 2 power chairs, the Model C2 is
designed to be the most versatile power chair in its class.
WHILL
whill.inc/us/whill-model-ci2/
SMART TECHNOLOGY
LUCI Air
LUCI Air is a smart air cushion pressure monitor that
informs riders if their seat cushion is properly inflated,
as well as how much time they spend sitting, and how
often they are off-loading from their cushion. Through
the MyLuci app, riders can view the data they need to manage their skin,
create offloading targets, set reminders, and track their progress. Today, this
patent-pending technology is the first of its kind to offer accurate, effortless
cushion pressure monitoring for power wheelchair users.
LUCI
https://luci.com/2022/01/introducing-luciair/
POSITIONING, TRUNK
Strapparatus
The Strapparatus makes shoulder harness mounting
easy. It provides versatile mounting options for
shoulder harness buckles and can also act as a strap
guide. With height and width adjustment, shoulder
harness straps can be positioned exactly where they
need to be. The slim mounting bracket can attach
to Symmetric Designs’ round, 1/2" or 15mm square
headrest hardware.
Symmetric Designs
www.symmetric-designs.com/headrest-mounting-hardware
SENSOR TECHNOLOGY
LUCI View
LUCI View is a software that offers users
a bird’s-eye view of their wheelchair’s
surroundings, pinpointing obstacles and
drop-offs as detected. This wheelchair technology
is the first of its kind and based on
the same principles and design of the driver-assistance systems in a Tesla or BMW. LUCI View allows users to drive more
confidently, even while going backwards or in difficult spaces to navigate.
LUCI
mobilitymgmt.com/articles/2022/04/19/luci-view-launch.aspx
ULTRALIGHTWEIGHT WHEELCHAIRS
QUICKIE Nitrum Hybrid & Active Rigid
Packed with new features and a new frame design, the
QUICKIE Nitrum has become a global phenomenon.
A new dual-tube Hybrid Frame offers the highest
rigidity and strength, and the new fixed Active Rigid
option offers the lightest weight possible in a Nitrum
configuration. Combined with its patented caster link,
Twist-Lock backrest, and ovalized ShapeLoc frame
technologies, the Nitrum Hybrid offers an ultra-rigid,
dual-tube frame, while still weighing only 12.8 lbs. with an increased user
weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Sunrise Medical
www.sunrisemedical.com
PERSONAL MOBILITY DEVICES
Jazzy EVO 613Li Power Chair
Pride Mobility describes the Jazzy EVO 613Li as a reinvention
of the Group 2 power chair, thanks to a design
loaded with new features. This FDA Class II Medical Device
is lithium enabled, with a 25-percent faster charging time
and has a 300-percent longer battery life cycle vs. other
Jazzys. The battery maintains maximum speed throughout
the entire discharge cycle. With a base width of just 22",
the Jazzy EVO 613Li has a depth-adjustable, limited-recline,
comfort-style memory foam seat that swivels for greater access.
Pride Mobility Products
www.pridemobility.com/jazzy-power-chairs/jazzy-evo-613-li/
ULTRALIGHTWEIGHT WHEELCHAIRS
HELIO C2
The HELIO C2 folding wheelchair is Motion
Composites’ flagship model. The result of a
series of innovations, it features revolutionary
components, an impeccable finish, and all the
advantages carbon fiber offers. Every detail was
designed to improve performance and reduce
weight, to lessen the energy required to propel.
With its innovative materials and advanced
engineering, the HELIO C2 is one of the lightest,
most technologically advanced wheelchairs in its category.
Motion Composites
www.motioncomposites.com
WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT
Q’STRAINT ONE
Q’STRAINT ONE is an all-in-one wheelchair
securement station that replaces the many
parts and obstacles of traditional 4-point
securement with a simplified, single-platform
system. Securement is now straightforward,
with visible indicators, audible feedback,
and push-button operation. The all-in-one design reduces the guesswork
associated with properly anchoring securement into the vehicle floor, as well
as concerns about missing parts and storing system components.
Q’STRAINT
www.qstraint.com/one/
POWER WHEELCHAIRS, GROUP 3, SINGLE POWER
POWER WHEELCHAIRS, GROUP 3, MULTIPLE POWER
AVIVA RX Rear-Wheel-Drive with Ultra Low Maxx
The Invacare AVIVA RX power wheelchair was developed
with the customer experience in mind and brings new
features to enhance the user, provider and clinician experience.
It’s an innovative leap forward in rear-wheel-drive
power wheelchairs. Targeted for users who travel outdoors
but also need maneuverability for indoors, AVIVA STORM
RX is intuitive to drive and is an easy transition for people
who move from a manual wheelchair to a power wheelchair.
A compact base design offers better maneuverability,
while SureGrip suspension increases traction going
over obstacles. Front caster bushings decrease vibrations the user feels and thus
helps reduce fatigue. Front casters are moved outboard to allow use of a center-mount
front rigging to help improve the comfort of the user. The center mount
front rigging can tuck under up to 7˚. AVIVA RX comes with Motion Concepts’
Ultra Low Maxx seating system and LiNX electronic controls.
Invacare Corp.
rehab.invacare.com
POSITIONING, HEAD
Matrx Loxx Headrest Hardware
Crash-tested Matrx Loxx Headrest Hardware offers
easy and intuitive, tool-free lever adjustment of
pad position in all directions. Its patent-pending
design helps ensure hold in the locked position.
Dual pivot balls and slide bar provide optimal
pad orientation, while the curved vertical post
facilitates lateral or forward mounting positions.
Standard (15") or Mini (11") vertical posts are available.
Motion Concepts
www.motionconcepts.com
POWER WHEELCHAIRS, GROUP 3, MULTIPLE POWER
4Front 2 HD
The heavy-duty edition of the front-wheel-drive 4Front 2
has 4-pole motors and a 450-lb. weight capacity, with Smart
Traction Control (STC) integrated into Q-Logic controls. STC,
along with Smooth Ride Suspension, provides stability for
smooth transitions and great driving performance. Also new:
redesigned caster arms with greater durability and reduced
weight. Positioning options: tilt, recline, seat elevation to 10" at speeds up to 2.7 mph (weight capacity reduced to 400
lbs.), and an articulating foot platform.
Quantum Rehab
www.quantumrehab.com/quantum-power-bases/4front-2-hd.asp
This article originally appeared in the Jul/Aug 2022 issue of Mobility Management.