Quantum Rehab
Edge 3 with SRS Technology
Quantum Rehab’s new Edge 3 power wheelchair builds on the manufacturer’s Edge 2, but adds Smooth Ride Suspension (SRS) technology as well as standard fender lights, standard USB device charger and standard drive-wheel accents that correspond with new shroud color choices.
The SRS advancements are in response to consumers wanting a softer ride, which can facilitate the use of specialty driving controls and also reduce incidents of spasticity. The Edge 3’s options include iLevel power adjustable seating, and the ability to drive up to 4.5 mph with the seat elevated — helpful, for instance, when crossing busy streets. Quantum says other features, including the USB port and fender lights, are responses to consumer, provider and clinician input.
Merits Health Products, Inc.
Vision Ultra
This new single power option, Group 2 power wheelchair can be an ideal solution for many clients who may not qualify for a Group 3 power chair. The Vision Ultra is compact and versatile, with six wheels on the ground for enhanced stability and the built-in durability to withstand the test of time (not to mention active clients). This unit features 14" drive wheels, a 300-lb. weight capacity and a seat-to-floor height starting at 16.5". The Vision Ultra can be ordered with three different seating systems to accommodate the needs of a wide range of users.
Amylior
Alltrack M3
This mid-wheel-drive power chair has a standard weight capacity of 300 lbs. (136 kg) with a heavy-duty option of up to 450 lbs. (205 kg). It is ideal for active users splitting time between indoor and outdoor activities. The Alltrack M3 allows users to easily maneuver over day-to-day obstacles while providing unsurpassed stability from its suspension and exclusive 8" (205 mm) front casters (optional). It features a short turning radius, adjustable rehab seating, low seat-to-floor height down to 15.75" (400 mm), PG Drives electronics and 4-pole 5.9-mph (9.5 km/h) or 6.5-mph (10.5 km/h) high-speed German motors.
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
Trident
The Trident power wheelchair features a shroudless design to give techs easy access to internal components and batteries. For added client comfort and greater customization opportunities, the headrest adjusts to three heights and two depths; the captain’s seat is available in 18" or 20" widths, and the padded armrests are adjustable and removable. Other Trident features include a programmable controller; a flip-up footplate with rubber bumper; flat-free, non-marking wheels; easy free-wheel operation; and large, anti-tip wheels with suspension for a safer and smoother ride.
Shoprider Mobility Products
XLR14
Available as a K0835 (sling/solid seat/back) or a K0836 (captain’s seat), the Group 2 single power option XLR boasts extra-long battery range, a 14" mid-wheel drive with suspension system, and independently suspended front and rear casters. Achieve 50° of tilt via the power tilting system (and a manual semi-recline back can further help with positioning). The XLR14’s compact footprint and four shrouds (red, blue, pewter and black) are classic Group 2 power chair features, but the longer battery life and significant tilt capacity anticipate the needs of more involved clients.
Motion Concepts
ROVI X3
With a mid-wheel-drive configuration, a turning radius of 20" and a width of just 23.25", the ROVI X3 power base offers great maneuverability in tight spaces. New highspeed motors increase the X3’s top speed to 6.2 mph and offer faster acceleration. An Active Ride Control independent suspension system and powerful 4-pole motors work together to provide superior climbing ability and uncompromised stability with a smooth, powerful ride. The new OnTraxx Enhanced Driving Module enhances drive response and directional control for the driver when going over uneven or sloping terrain.
WHILL
Model Ci
The newest vehicle from WHILL is the Model Ci, which quickly disassembles into three lightweight components for easy transport. Model Ci includes Bluetooth and mobile data connectivity, and has a range of up to 10 minutes with a top speed of 5 mph. Thanks to two powerful motors, a compact size and the manufacturer’s patented Omni wheels, Model Ci is able to maneuver nimbly in tight spaces inside while also handling outdoor terrains.
Permobil
M1 Power Chair
Permobil
Permobil Connect
Permobil Connect comprehensively connects its power chairs to their users and providers. It uses an internal SIM card to communicate to the My Permobil user app and with the provider’s Fleet Management web portal, and has integrated Bluetooth to communicate with the Virtual Seating Coach app. Clients use smartphones or tablets and the My Permobil app to check on info such as battery charge and how far they’ve traveled. Providers use Permobil Connect’s maintenance feature to be proactive on service issues. Permobil Connect is standard on the M3 Corpus, M5 Corpus, F3 Corpus, F5 Corpus and F5 Corpus VS.
An ATP & Clinician Best Pick of 2018:
The addition of Connect to Permobil chairs is a real improvement. First, the fact that part of the system does not rely on a smartphone or Bluetooth is great, as many users do not have that technology. Many manufacturers have the ability to look at chair function remotely now, but most require Bluetooth to do so.
So, the ability to do this without Bluetooth opens up the functionality to everyone who uses a wheelchair. Additionally, the fact that Virtual Seating Coach (VSC) is now free for individuals who do have smartphones or tablets is great. So many clients forget to use their power features, and they say they wish they had a reminder. This is exactly that!
Plus, for my clients who I want to drive slightly tilted to help with seating, the VSC can show them they are tilted the 10-15° I’ve recommended. VSC has been around for a while, but it was always an upcharge feature that most of my clients could not afford. So, this is a real step forward.
— Lauren Rosen, PT, MPT, MSMS, ATP/SMS, Program Coordinator, Motion Analysis Center, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa
Permobil
M3 Corpus
An ATP & Clinician Best Pick of 2018:
The anterior tilt packages and Connected chair features are one of a kind, and the chair overall is unmatched in terms of quality, durability and positioning.
— Chris Bittner, ATP, Numotion
An ATP & Clinician Best Pick of 2017:
The integrated mouse/Bluetooth module allows mounting to the rear, which allows alternate drive clients to interact with their environment when funding sources are limited. The caster wheels’ new shape allows changing direction without a lot of unintended movement, which is crucial for an alternate drive client.
— Jeff Decker, ATP/SMS, CRTS, National Seating & Mobility
M3 is a great progression of Permobil’s mid-wheel-drive chair that users find very appealing functionally and aesthetically. The anterior tilt Active Reach options are changing the way we can view transfer solutions, and it also allows users to accomplish activities of daily living in a safer and easier way, including reaching into high cabinets and beyond obstruction.
— Robert Houston, ATP, Numotion