Medtrade is making changes to attract more Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) exhibitors to its February 2025 event in Dallas. In an Aug. 28 news announcement, Medtrade said it’s created a new feature — CRT Live — to focus on seating and wheeled mobility manufacturers. Among the CRT exhibitors committing to Medtrade’s next show is Rifton,…
Medtrade 2025 to Launch ‘CRT Live’ Showcase for Complex Rehab
Briefly: ‘Solutions for Every Body’ Microsite Debuts; Ki Mobility to No Longer Offer Permobil Seating Products
Featuring Permobil and Ki Mobility.
Permobil Debuts ‘Solutions for Every Body’ Microsite Permobil’s new “Solutions for Every Body” microsite turns the spotlight on the manufacturer’s seating and positioning solutions. This portion of Permobil’s website focuses on the ROHO and Comfort Company brands of wheelchair seat cushions and backrests. The microsite also provides education on cushion media (foam, air, hybrid designs)…
Permobil Updates SmartDrive Firmware, Software
The power-assist system update can be downloaded via the SmartDrive wearable app or PushTracker app.
Permobil has released a firmware/software update for its SmartDrive power-assist system for self-propelled manual wheelchairs. In a July 31 announcement, the manufacturer said the update “is now available for download via the PushTracker mobile app or the SmartDrive MX2+ wearable apps. “SmartDrive Firmware v3.3 introduces wire control detect and decreases the default power assist timeout.…
Briefly: TiLite Celebrates Silver Anniversary; Germany’s Sesame Street Introduces Muppet in Wheelchair
Featuring Permobil, TiLite, and Sesame Street.
TiLite Celebrates 25th Anniversary TiLite, Permobil’s brand of ultralightweight wheelchairs, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. TiLite wheelchairs, under the TiSport manufacturer name, went on sale in 1999. In 2014, the company was acquired by Permobil. Permobil currently offers TiLite frames in aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. TiLite chairs, known for their custom configurability, are available…
Permobil CR1 Wins Design Awards
Principal Product Manager Doug Garven designed the ultralightweight wheelchair over a five-year period.
Permobil’s TiLite CR1 ultralightweight wheelchair and its designer, Permobil Principal Product Manager Doug Garven, have won two international awards. In a June 11 news announcement, Permobil said Garven and the CR1 won gold in the A’Design Award & Competition’s 2023-2024 Product Engineering and Technical Design Award category. The A’Design Award is described as “an international,…
Briefly: Permobil Launches Power Standing Functional Guide; ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Turns 10
Featuring Permobil and the ALS Association.
Permobil Launches Functional Guide on Power Standing Permobil has introduced a functional guide that combines the clinical benefits of power wheelchair standing with real-life feedback from power standing clients. The new Functional Guide to Power Standing Evidence, the manufacturer said in a May 8 bulletin, “offers a quick glance on the impact of standing on…
Briefly: United Airlines Debuts a Cushion Program; OT Becomes First Woman to Qualify for USAWR Team
Featuring United Airlines, Permobil, and USA Wheelchair Rugby.
United Airlines Testing Permobil Cushion at Houston Intercontinental United Airlines is testing a Permobil wheelchair seat cushion at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, its hub in Houston. In a March 28 press release, United detailed several ways it’s attempting to improve travel experiences for people who use wheelchairs, including those whose wheelchairs are damaged during transit…
Permobil Releases SmartDrive Firmware, Software Updates
The updates can be made via the SmartDrive mobile app.
Permobil has launched updates for its SmartDrive power-assist firmware and software, now available for download via the PushTracker mobile app or the SmartDrive MX2+ wearable apps. In an April 30 announcement, Permobil said, “SmartDrive Firmware v3.2 expands the zero position for the SpeedControl Dial, resulting in a larger window for a successful and smooth stop…
United Spinal Announces Wheelchair Securement Project
The new SecureRide coalition is working on a new wheelchair securement standard.
United Spinal is working on a new wheelchair securement standard designed for “safer, more accessible, and seamless independent travel in the future.” In a Nov. 20 announcement, United Spinal launched the SecureRide coalition with the mission of “developing a wheelchair securement standard that can be applied to personal vehicles, rideshares, public transit, as well…
Briefly: A Happy Birthday; Unhappy Events at the Gym
Featuring ROHO, Permobil, the Permobil Foundation, and United Spinal Association.
ROHO Celebrates Golden Anniversary Happy 50th birthday to ROHO, whose “dry floatation” technology was created by Robert H. Graebe in 1973. The milestone was celebrated at the ROHO facility in Belleville, Ill., on Sept. 23. According to Permobil, who acquired ROHO in 2015, the event included factory tours, music, children’s activities, food, and prize giveaways.…