From: Pandora.Nigh@p0.f554.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Pandora Nigh)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Permobil and Chair-man?
Date: 6 Oct 92 21:02:09 GMT
Reply-To: Pandora.Nigh@p0.f554.n157.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:157/554.0 - Analytical Engine B, Willoughby OH
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 24654

 -=> Quoting Gordon Gillesby to Pandora Nigh <=-

 GG> chairs.  While I still have some limited mobility, I'm going to need
 GG> one very soon -- at least for going anywhere out of my house.  I WAS
 GG> wondering just what kind of design could justify such a price tag!

    Hi Gordon, there are several things to consider when getting a power
vehicle. You say you have some mobility and need a vehicle for outside the
home. If you have good upper torso control then maybe a tri-cart would be
a better solution for you. There are several good tri-carts out there, like
the Sierra or Fortress, that will give you more terrain options than power
chairs.

 GG> Doesn't ANYBODY make a well-designed, reasonably priced electric
 GG> wheelchair that reflects some taste and comfort as well?  Or am I just
 GG> looking in all the wrong places?

     There are a lot of basic power chairs out there that don't cost a fortune.
I don't know what your disAbility is but my necessatated getting what is refered
to as a specialty chair. Unfortunately for me,Permobil is the only one that
makes a chair that has an electronicaly operated footrest and back as well as
being able to go 180 degrees flat. I need to move my leg postition and hips
often to prevent them from locking up and keep the edema down, but I can't do
it by myself manually, don't have the strength. By going 180 degrees flat I
can transfer out of bed by myself by rolling onto the chair, then having the
motorized chair back put me into a seated postition. Now if you don't need
options like that than you can save a heck of a lot of money and your Insurance
will help pay for the chair.
  Tricarts range from about $2500 - $4000. Power Chairs range from about $4,000
up. You can get some powerchairs with manual legrest and a manual back drop,but
again this will really add to the price.And if you don't need it why pay for it.
  Some of the things you need to consider when you start looking at chairs and
tri-carts; where am I going to go with this, How long at a time will I be
spending sitting in the seat ( if you have bad back muscles looking for some-
thing with good back support is a must), do I need as short a turning radius as
possible, how will I transport it if neccessary (can it fit into a car,or do you
 have to get a van and a lift), is there good local support and repair available
what type of control mechanism does it use and if you have a progressive
disorder, can alternate controls be easily added on.
  Does it have or allow the easy attachment of something to carry things, this
may not seem like a biggy, until you get a chair with an off the wall arm style
that you can't get any of the manufactured cup holders, saddle bags or such to
fit your chair and have to find someone to custom make something, and more than
likely you will need to cart around something with you. Also concerning arms and
height of the chair, can it fit up close to a table at a restraunt or desk.
Speaking about fitting, you also have to consider the doorways and crumy store
aisles that you have to maneuver around. With all this said, don't worry there
are alot of chairs out there that will fit your need. If you have a dealer near
you it's a good idea to go there and take a test ride on several different makes
and models.
   Good luck Gordon on getting your vehicle, if I can be of anymore help or
you have anyother questions drop my a line.
                                                Pandora

... All power corrupts, but we need electricity.

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