Power wheelchair drive-wheel configuration can have an enormous impact on the power chair rider’s overall mobility experience, from ease of maneuverability in tighter spaces to the ability to access a range of indoor and outdoor environments.
In Mobility Management’s latest podcast, John Domanick, Merits USA’s vice president of sales, discusses the importance of drive-wheel configuration in meeting clients’ goals, and also provides updates on Merits USA’s recent projects, including the launches of the manufacturer’s front-wheel-drive AXCEL and AXCEL Narrow power chairs.
“The AXCEL Narrow came about really to allow us to provide a more compact front-wheel-drive base,” Domanick said in the podcast. “That narrow design really allows us to provide that stability, but also narrow that base to give consumers more access to more places in their particular home environments.”
Domanick also discussed the historical differences — including strengths and weaknesses — of front-, mid-, and rear-wheel drive configurations. “There are really only two ways to make transitions over obstacles or over incline transitions,” he noted. “One is speed, one is power.”
Listen to this podcast or browse the Mobility Management podcast library for additional episodes.