Ki Mobility has added the PRATIKO automatic braking system to its Catalyst line of manual wheelchairs.
In a July 15 bulletin, Ki Mobility said, “We know safety is paramount. We’re excited to introduce the PRATIKO Anti-Rollback System, now available across the Catalyst range. This innovative system automatically locks the wheels when the user stands, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.”
Ki Mobility Catalyst order forms now include the PRATIKO system. If the system is selected on a Catalyst order form, the anti-rollback system will arrive pre-installed on the new chair.
Pratiko Inc. — headquartered in Danville, Quebec, with an American office in Lyndonville, Vermont — said the system is installed under a wheelchair’s “hammock or fabric” seat, with blocking disks mounted on the inside of the wheels. “Pins located near the blocking disks are driven by the detection systems and extend to block wheels when [the] user stands up,” the Pratiko website said.
The system does not impact a wheelchair’s foldability. Pratiko said the target demographic for its automatic braking system includes wheelchair riders — such as those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, or those with neurological injuries — who often forget to lock their wheelchairs before transferring in or out. The system can also lower the risk of falls and could be especially helpful for wheelchair riders — such as those with osteoporosis — more susceptible to significant injuries, or for riders more susceptible to falls due to balance issues or partial paralysis.
The PRATIKO system is compatible with a large number of manual wheelchair brands and models, including pediatric wheelchairs; heavy-duty wheelchairs; adjustable; and folding or fixed-frame wheelchairs.
A wheelchair rider weight of 15 lbs. (approximately 7 kg) or more on the seat is required to activate the PRATIKO system. A release lever can be installed on one of the wheelchair’s push handles to enable a caregiver or attendant to deactivate the system.
The PRATIKO system adds 10 lbs. (approximately 4.5 kg) to the wheelchair’s weight. The company estimated that wheelchair technicians familiar with the system can complete an installation in about 45 minutes.
