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I am C5/6 tetraplegic. In 21 years, I have owned three electrically powered wheelchairs. In hindsight, the first one, a Myra was totally unsuitable, the second one, a Cheetah was mediocre, the third one, a Permobil is absolutely perfect. If you have never had an electric wheelchair but are thinking about getting one, take my advice, take your time choosing one, don't rush into it. It is vitally important that you choose the correct electric power chair to suit your needs. A lot of these chairs cost many thousands of pounds. The last thing you want to do is rush into buying one only to find out a year later you have made a terrible mistake. Believe me, it's very easy to do, I've done it myself. I really don't think that some of the wheelchair manufactures have put enough thought into who is going to be using their products. I have lost count of the times that I've seen wheelchairs fitted with Recaro rally seats.These are car seats, originally manufactured for use in rally cars. This type of seat is unsuitable for the majority of people who need to use a wheelchair. Most people who sit in a wheelchair for long periods of time need a suitable cushion to prevent pressure sores. Rally seats are not really designed to be used with cushions; they are designed to support your body so as to make a comfortable ride when traveling at speed in a sports car. Putting a cushion in one, makes a mockery out of what they were originally designed for. One of my first wheelchairs had a rally seat fitted on it, the only way we could fit the Roho cushion successfully, was to carve out a space for it, not an easy task believe me. Even then, I found it incredibly uncomfortable to sit in. If you're looking at buying a new electric wheelchair, steer well clear of rally seats. I have included some photographs of the permobil. you can see the different positions the chair can be set at. I myself use a Permobil chairman electric wheelchair. This type of wheelchair is ideal for people who spend a lot, or even all of their time in an electric wheelchair. This chair is also suitable for use indoors as it is very maneuverable. Photographs of the permobil tilting electric wheelchairWe all know that equipment for disabled people costs a lot. Sadly, the Permobil isn't an exception. It obviously depends on how much money you want to spend. There are various models available that will do different tasks. There is a one model that will stand you up, which is beneficial for lots of disabled people. When I'm in my wheelchair, I am able to electrically control the backrest; foot rests and even tilt the whole seat back. I can also raise the seat so that I am at eye level with a person of average height. This function is most satisfying when down the pub. I'm sure that you can sympathize with me when I say that looking up at people all time can get to be a bit tiresome. Pressure sore prevention should be a very high priority. The permobil is ideal for people who cannot carry out pressure relieving lifts. What you can do is tilt and recline the chair seat back which will relieve the pressure on the vulnerable parts of your backside. It is worth mentioning a few points that should be addressed when thinking about purchasing one of these chairs. If you are at all vulnerable to pressure sores, you should look at the Permobil seating very carefully. Like most other wheelchairs, the Permobil comes with its own seating. This seating is not suitable for the majority of wheelchair wheelchairs and will have to be replaced with a suitable cushion. Thankfully, Permobil have made the seating so it can be removed easily. You will then be able to put in your own choice of cushion. Pay very close attention to the back upholstery. It stops a few inches from the base of the wheelchair. I found that when I put in my roho cushion, the ridge of the back pressed into my sacral area. It caused some quite bad pressure areas which had to be looked at very carefully. I had to get Permobil to make me a new back that had more padding. After they did this for me, I didn't have any more problems with pressure in my lower back. Take my advice and get all these issues looked at before purchasing a chair. Getting things changed after can be somewhat troublesome at the best of times. Believe me, I've been here before, these big companies really dig their heels in once they have got your money As I have already mentioned, a Permobil wheelchair is a very expensive piece of kit. Also, any additions and add-ons are also going to be quite pricey. My advice would be to take insurance out on this type of chair. Make sure you get the motors covered as well. A new motor will set you back over £700. And remember, there are two of them. A set of good batteries will cost around £300. Having said all this, I am extremely happy that I bought this chair, it does everything I want it to do. If you to purchase one, I don't think you will be disappointed with it at all. If you are in the United Kingdom and are looking for insurance for your wheelchair then why not contact Fish insurance. they specialise in insuring disabled people. Fish insure my van so I can vouch that they are extremely reasonable when it comes to how much they charge Wheelchair images courtesy of Permobil
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