Product Solutions: Power Chairs

A round-up of some of the latest power wheelchair offerings.

• By Laura Swift
• Dec 01, 2009

Power chairs provide mobility to a wide variety of patient groups, from individuals with temporary injuries to those with long-term disabilities, like ALS, muscular dystrophy and MS. Despite being beneficial to many patients, the power chair industry has had to battle funding cuts and legislative regulation.

The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee recently discussed reforming the first-month purchase option. The subcommittee suggested that patients rent power chairs up until the 13th month and then make the choice whether or not to buy them. This reform could negatively impact business and inhibit cash flow, so providers proposed an alternative that would allow patients to purchase chairs in the first month if a physician says one is needed for more than 13 months. Additionally, the rebid of round one of competitive bidding is set to begin in January 2011. Before this takes place, providers and lobbyists are trying to reinstate the previous 9.5-percent payment cut for Group 3 complex rehab chairs, which won’t be subject to competitive bidding.

Despite future uncertainty and legislative changes, providers should see a boost in cash flow from Baby Boomers who need power chairs. Providers can offer chairs that have new features designed to benefit and enhance the lives of patients. Here are some of the latest models:

Stable and Powerful

Pronto M41 Power Wheelchair

• SureStep suspension, a center-wheel drive platform, and a compact frame provide stability and maneuverability.
• High-efficiency in-line motors offer fast speed and long battery range.
• Has a semi-recline van seat with widthand height-adjustable arms and a Dynamic A-series controller built into the joystick.

Invacare
(800) 333-6900
www.invacare.com

Variety of Seat Options

FDX Wheelchair

• The front-wheel drive power wheelchair is equipped with a single stage motor, low seat-to-floor height and two speed packages in five or seven mph.
• The unit features a wide footplate for foot position flexibility and indoor and outdoor operation.
• Available with a rehab seat, tilt, tilt/recline, tilt/recline/elevate and tilt/ elevate positions.

Invacare
(800) 333-6900
www.invacare.com

Great Performance and Sleek Design

Jazzy 614 and 614HD

• Dual enhanced in-line motors are designed to provide efficiency, torque, range and a greater performance.
• The chairs are equipped with 6" castors on the front and rear, Active-Trac ATX Suspension and a depth-adjustable foot platform.
• The 614 features a 300-lb. weight capacity and the 614HD provides a 450-lb. weight capacity.

Pride Mobility Products Corp.
(800) 800-8586
www.pridemobility.com

Off-road Capabilities

X5 Frontier

• Mid-wheel pediatric power wheelchair offers off-road maneuverability with two 1,300-watt, four-pole motors.
• Power seating options include a 50- degree tilt-in-space angle, a 12" seat elevator, power elevated leg rests and non-shearing power recline.
• Features a computer-assisted driving system, mid-wheel knobby tires, a passive steering system and a 400-lb. weight capacity.

Innovation In Motion
(800) 327-0681
mobility-usa.com

Rehab Seating System

Fantasy RT P17RT

• Aluminum-framed pediatric power wheelchair is available with adjustable seat depths and widths.
• Equipped with a rehab seating system, a power tilt seat, an anti-tipper rear caster and a 220-lb. weight capacity.
• Operates at a maximum speed of 3.8 mph, with a 4,600-rpm motor and VSI 50-amp controller.

IMC-Heartway
(239) 275-6767
imc-heartway.com

Stylish and Functional

Q600 Power Chair

• Compatible with TRU-Balance Power Positioning Systems and Q-Logic Drive Controls.
• Designed for climbing and transitioning capabilities, with enhanced speed and torque.
• Features a 20” turning radius, 14” pneumatic drive wheels, a large variety of color options and a 300-lb. weight capacity (a 400-lb. upgrade is available).

Quantum Rehab-Pride Mobility Products Corp.
(866) 800-2002
www.quantumrehab.com

This article originally appeared in the December 2009 issue of HME Business.