Yamaha Motor Corp. will launch a new power unit to fit manual wheelchairs starting in January 2025. In an Oct. 31 news announcement, Yamaha said the JWG-1 will be “the first full model change of a wheelchair electric power unit in 10 years, since the JWX-1 PLUS+ and the Joy Unit X PLUS+ in 2015.”…
Yamaha to Launch JWG-1 Power Unit in 2025
Invacare Corp. Wins WebAwards for Move for Mobility Campaign
The campaign was on behalf of Free Wheelchair Mission.
Invacare Corp.’s Move for Mobility campaign is now an award winner. The Move for Mobility project — held in May in collaboration with Free Wheelchair Mission — won two 2024 WebAwards in the categories of “Medical Standard of Excellence” and “Nonprofit Standard of Excellence.” In total, the 425 Invacare employees participating in Move for Mobility…
Ki Mobility Adds PRATIKO Automatic Braking System to Catalyst Line
The anti-rollback system is installed under the wheelchair’s seat.
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…
Briefly: Ki Mobility Expands Color Choices; ISS 2025 Calls for Abstracts
Featuring Ki Mobility and the International Seating Symposium.
Ki Mobility Updates Color Options for Manual Wheelchairs Ki Mobility has “refreshed” its series of color options for its manual wheelchairs. In a July 15 announcement, Ki Mobility described the new colors as “ultra-durable,” diverse and sophisticated “to suit all tastes.” For a limited time, the manufacturer is offering to add an optional accent color…
DME MACs to Allow More Flexibility for MWC Home Assessments
Starting in July, “indirect” home assessments will be allowed for Medicare manual wheelchair claims.
The Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) have revised their home assessment requirement for manual wheelchairs provided to Medicare beneficiaries. Starting July 1, 2024, the DME MACs will allow home assessments to be “indirectly” obtained by the supplier who is providing the manual wheelchair. The DME MACs plan to remove the following from…
Reporter’s Notebook: 5 ‘First Looks’ at Abilities Expo L.A.
Editor Laurie Watanabe on new seating and wheeled mobility for 2024.
As much as I appreciate a great product demonstration video — and there are some excellent ones out there — Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) is a kick-the-tires sort of industry. Nothing replaces the ability to personally lay hands on seating and wheeled mobility: to lift an ultralightweight frame, to fold a folding wheelchair, to swing…
Etac Launches Convaid Coaster
Seating teams can choose from three fixed tilt and four fixed recline options.
Etac has launched the Convaid Coaster, described in a Feb. 15 announcement as “perfect for adventurous families on the move” and “combining style, support, and comfort in one compact package.” The Coaster offers adjustable fixed tilt and recline so the seating team can choose the configuration best for children and families. Clinicians can select from…
Top Trends & Headlines for Complex Rehab Technology in 2024
Building on successes and addressing unfinished business.
With every new year come new possibilities, and 2024 seems especially full of promise for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT), which looks to build on a landmark Medicare funding win last year. Still, the year will bring challenges as well, and plenty of unfinished business. Funding for seat elevation gets underway In May 2023, the formal…
Mobility Management’s MWC eBook Is Hot Off the Press
The latest issue focuses on dependently and independently propelled manual wheelchairs.
Mobility Management’s latest digital edition focuses on manual wheelchairs — from manual tilt-in-space to the potential impact that H.R. 5371 could have on consumers’ future freedom of choice. Stories in the issue include creating optimal seating assessments for clients using dependent wheeled mobility, and examining how H.R. 5371 — the Choices for Increased Mobility Act…
Permobil Launches Carbon Fiber CR1
New ultralightweight wheelchair is TiLite's lightest ever.
Permobil has officially introduced its lightest-ever TiLite ultralightweight wheelchair. In an Oct. 2 news release, Permobil launched the CR1 (Carbon Rigid 1), which uses “a unique production method” that “redefines mobility with its combination of user-first design, configurability, durability, and ultra-light weight.” The transport weight of the CR1 is 9 lbs., with seat widths of…