My Quantum 600 powered wheelchair, which has been my legs for almost 8 years, is gradually falling to pieces. I have patched it up no end with DIY repairs, and attempted to keep it going for as long as possible. But the electrics are now failing and so the chair is becoming unreliable. Consequently, I have no option but to start the search for a replacement.
As the wheelchair-users out there will know, this is never a simple task! It is a BIG decision, not least because wheelchairs are so ridiculously expensive. More so than a new car!
Throughout my life, I have had no choice but to privately fund all my wheelchairs – both manual and powered – since those offered by wheelchair services are wholly inadequate for my needs (and I suspect, most people’s).
So before committing to a purchase, I need to be absolutely certain that the wheelchair I opt for will be the right one for me.
My new wheelchair must:
– Have rise and tilt
– Be as compact as possible for indoor use
– Be durable outdoors as I live rurally
I have an appointment with my local wheelchair services on Friday 16th February. So I’m hoping they will be able to offer some useful advice and guidance, along with a voucher towards the cost.
A representative from Motus Medical has already visited my home to demo two mid-wheel drive (MWD) chairs:
– The Quickie Salsa M2 Mini
– The Quickie Jive M
I found the Quickie Salsa M2 Mini to be an ideal size (the base is only 52cm wide, with a turning circle of 110cm). However, when tested outdoors over gravel and uneven terrain, it did not perform particularly well.
The Quickie Jive M was too large for the contours of my home (overall width 62-66cm). Furthermore, I felt that it didn’t compare well with my current Quantum 600 in terms of outdoor ability.
So that’s two tried, tested and crossed off the list!
I will continue to keep you updated, following Friday’s appointment.
