POWER TO THE PEOPLE

The world’s earliest powered wheelchairs – developed in the 1940s to allow independent movement for those unable to physically propel a manual chair – were literally just standard wheelchairs with an electric motor attached. Today’s power chairs, however, are designed from the bottom up to ensure they meet the needs of 21st century users – hence the diversity in drive systems (rear, centre, front or four-wheel), seating, controls and whether the models are designed specifically for indoor and/or outdoor usage.

Power chairs, for the most part, must be bought privately as there is no equivalent to the NHS Wheelchair Service. However, if you are in receipt of either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, then you will be able to hire or buy a suitable power chair through Motability (with any mobility allowance not used continued to be paid to you). For more information on either option, contact the Motability Wheelchair and Scooter scheme on 0845 607 6260, www.motability.co.uk.

IBIS XP POWERCHAIR

The Handicare Ibis XP Powerchair is fitted with the Sedo seating system as standard, providing highly adjustable and comfortable seating tailored to your exact needs as your requirements change over time. The Ibix XP is available as front or rear wheel drive, and is easy to use thanks to its compact design. Ideal for hospital use and around the home, it provides a smooth, highly manoeuvrable ride. The total weight of the Handicare Ibis XP electric wheelchair is 60kg (132lbs), with a range of  24km (15 miles), and maximum weight capacity of 150kg (25.2 stone).

Price: £2,595
From: www.scootamart.com

PRIDE JAZZY SELECT

Loaded with performance and convenience features, including Active-Trac Suspension and a battery charger that can be used on or off-board, the Jazzy Select is as easy to enjoy as it is to use. The highly manoeuvrable Jazzy Select delivers the advantages of an all-new, highly efficient motor design providing a 136kg (21 stone) weight capacity, enhanced per-charge range, longer battery life and increased power to navigate inclines and uneven terrain.

Available in Red or Blue
Maximum speed: 6kmph (4mph)
Max user weight: 136kg (21 stone)
Maximum range: 24km (15 miles)
Price: £1,595
From: www.Independentlivingtoday.co.uk

F280 POWERCHAIR: THE ANSWER TO SUSI ROGERS-HARTLEY’S HORSE RIDING SUCCESS

Thanks to her recently purchased F280 Powerchair, Susi Rogers-Hartley is back in the saddle and currently enjoying show jumping success with her horse Weston.

Susi fell in love with riding at the age of four, with her passion leading her to work with racehorses and polo ponies. Susi later joined the Royal Navy; during assault course training, a spinal injury left her paralysed from the waist down and dependant on a wheelchair to get around.

Thanks to her involvement in physical activities organised by spinal cord injury charity the Back-Up Trust,  Susi began to regain confidence and became the owner of a F280 Powerchair, developed by Balder (now Etac UK Limited). This was around the same time she was encouraged to get back into the saddle. “Riding has given me back my independence and is the reason I get out of bed each day,” she told us. “This could only have been possible with the help of my F280.” Susi’s chair is able to elevate her upwards in a seated position so she can saddle up and mount her horse Weston with relative ease. The F280 is also engineered with robust, reliable components and provides excellent traction for Susi as she travels across fields and paddocks.

The F280 has all the advanced features required to get the most out of life including front wheel drive (for easy handling and high elevation), flip up arm rests allowing effortless transferring in and out of the seat, and an optional swing-away arm for the controller. Seat, back, foot rests and leg rests can all be adjusted independently ensuring Susi benefits from maximum functionality. The Balder F280 not only has an impressive turning circle of 128.5cm (4’ 2”), it can also take you higher and lower than other electric wheelchairs and allows you to tilt 45° back and 15° forward. Batteries last approximately 34km (21 miles) before needing to be recharged

Susi’s ultimate dream is to compete in the Paralympics if show jumping becomes an official event. “After my accident, having the chance to compete again is amazing,” she added. “I’ve discovered that whatever happens, you have to find a way to do what you want and having a powerchair with so much capability means there’s always a way.”

More Info: www.balder.co.uk
British Para Show jumping Association: www.bpsja.co.uk

Note: Following the acquisition of Balder UK Limited by the Swedish Etac Group in 2006, and the recent retirement of the original UK Directors, Balder UK will be rebranded as Etac UK Limited from January 2009.

OTTO BOCK B600 POWERCHAIR RISES TO THE OCCASION

Otto Bock’s top of the range B600 electric wheelchair has advanced engineering incorporated in the design, offering a truly comfortable seating unit that is almost limitlessly adjustable. This enables a high degree of manoeuvrability and the option of controls that can be operated by hand, chin, foot, attendant or even breath. The B600’s telescoping chassis can adjust the centre of gravity allowing peace of mind even on uneven surfaces; also it offers the choice and freedom to raise the user’s position – for example – to sit comfortably at a high table or to reach a book off a shelf.

With a carrying capacity of 160kgs, a contoured backrest designed with flexibility in mind, and electric controls (for footrests, seat height, and whole seat angle), it’s easy to adapt the B600 to an individual’s needs. A myriad of optional extras range from practical engineering – such as locking and spring suspension on the front wheels with kerb climbing aids – to the likes of SATELLITE area control enabling you to operate items like your TV or midi system.

The gel batteries, which are easily changed without dismantling the chair, give a range of around 35 kilometres under normal conditions and a maximum degree of climb of 22%. Even aesthetics have been considered; the B600 has discreetly streamlined styling, a high quality of finish and a choice of frame colours that include metallic and sparkling tints.

This new Otto Bock chair harnesses modern technology to give a combination of comfort and power, offering users independence and quality of life.

More Info: www.ottobock.co.uk

RASCAL 330 COMPASS

The innovative articulating chassis of the Rascal 330 Compass provides outstanding stability and enhanced performance when negotiating ramps, while the centre wheel drive design means it can turn in its own space for total confidence and control. Standard features include padded seat (18” x 18”, upgradable to 20” x 18”); also available with a flat base to accept pressure cushions. Upgrade options include footboard extension, oxygen bottle holder, and swing away or elevating leg rests.

Maximum range: up to 19km (12 miles) depending on terrain, temperature, rider weight and battery type.
Maximum rider weight: 21 stone
Price: £1,495.00

From: www.regentmobility.co.uk

TURNABOUT 312 POWERCHAIR

The Electric Mobility TurnAbout 312 Powerchair offers great versatility – able to change from front wheel drive (great for tight turns and indoor use) to rear wheel drive (when you need that additional traction outdoors) in just seconds. Adjustable arms, a seatbelt and a programmable swing-away joystick are supplied as standard, with the luxurious high back Captain seat ensuring comfort all day long. The battery pack is easy to remove to make recharging easy. A powered seat lift and elevating leg rest are also available as optional extras.

Price: £1,775
From: www.scootamart.com

QUANTUM 1420 POWERCHAIR

Part of the company’s 1400 series, the 1420 offers unlimited rehabilitation options; the mid wheel drive configuration provides versatile performance both indoors and outdoors –
with a turning circle of just 57cm (22.5”) – while the oversized pneumatic tyres and Mag wheels provide a comfortable and smooth ride. The on board battery charger and Pilot Plus controller add to your convenience, while the high back seat provides additional comfort and support as standard. Additional options include a Synergy seat, elevating leg rests, lap belt, cup holder, oxygen tank holder and a powered elevating seat.

Maximum speed: 6kmph (4mph)
Maximum range: 40km (25 miles), depending on model.
Price: £3,195
From: www.scootamart.com