Hello Peter is thinking of getting a lightweight electric chair for outdoor use. He walks indoors with aids but needs a chair outdoors. Currently we have a manual one which I push (he can wheel himself a bit but his shoulders aren't up to self propelling far). We thought it would be nice to have an electric w/c so we can go for "walks" side by side rather than me lean over the back of the chair to talk to him and also gives him some independence. I have been researching - but am going down a rabbit hole - so many out there! We need something that's foldable, reasonably light so I can lift into the boot of the car and comfortable for Peter to sit in . Does anyone have any recommendations? We are in the UK. Thank you
I didn't actually buy it, he was given the item from govt funding, though if you need to buy it out of pocket, they aren't that expensive yet make a world of difference.
Thanks nathanau, - Firefly looks interesting! I watched the video at the end and was surprised how easy it is to attach and un attach too - and even goes in the car boot. Here in the UK we get funding for an electric w/c only if needed full time and can't walk even a few steps. But we do get a manual one supplied (you have no choice about which one) which is great and this would turn it into an electric one. Could be a life changer and give Peter some more independence outdoors. Will investigate further.
There is also the Triride and the Batec which are like the firefly but a bit more heavy duty. Reverse is really useful with this type of attachment. I’m not sure if the Firefly has reverse. Because the wheel is out the front you get a lot of wheel spin. A couple of times I have gotten stuck in the mud but putting it in reverse gives much better traction and I’ve been able to roll straight back out.
The other option is the Benoit light drive. It attaches under the seat so does not increase the footprint of the wheelchair which is great. Downside is that the castors are still on the ground so it’s better suited to concrete paths. Although I have heard of people using this with a freewheel when going off-road.
Yes, nathanau I have a paralegal degree and I will begin drawing up the papers. When you receive the papers, just check the box that says “grandmother”, where it asks “in what capacity?” , and mail those back before the end of next month.
Thanks noone, I have looked at the Batec but will also do my homework on the others you mention. I am trying to find somewhere reasonably local to me where I can get a demo. Not sure from your post which one you have? Are they as easy to attach and unattached as the videos suggest? Peter is a bit concerned that he will feel unstable as the chair is tipped back a bit.
moco, I have a Triride. There is a bit of a learning curve with attaching it, You need to ensure it is straight so the two arms slide through the clamps together. But once you have done it a dozen or so times it’s pretty easy. The Batec only has one arm so that attaches really easily. The flip side of that is it is bulkier and heavier than the triride which has a detachable frame. Triride have drastically improved their braking system recently which I’m a bit envious of. On my one the brake is quite sever, just like locking the front brake of a bicycle. But it sounds like they have solved that issue. Unstable as in he feels like he might tip over backwards? There is a lot of weight added to the front of the chair so it feels quite stable.
You should definitely demo them before you decide though. Good luck