What`s New in Power Scooters, Wheelchairs, Walkers, Crutches and

UPDATE: 2004
What’s New in Power Scooters,
Wheelchairs, Walkers,
Crutches and Canes?
by Beverly Klinck
In the last couple of years, the everexpanding industry committed to
the development of mobility aids for
people with disabilities has grown
significantly. Among the products
launched, improved and added to are
power vehicles capable of standing up,
climbing stairs, and supplementing the
user’s natural efforts. Others fold by
their own power, and some have interchangeable parts. There are swivel
seats for automobiles, walkers compatible with all terrains, wheelchairs that
fit into a travel bag, and crutches and
canes in a variety of colors.
Power
In August 2003, Independence Technology, a Johnson & Johnson Company,
announced that the iBOT 3000 Mobility System was approved by the United
States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) and is now available.
The invention of Dean Kamen of DKEA
Research and Development, with
whom Johnson & Johnson partnered
for its development, the iBOT 3000 is a
multifunctional mobility system powered
by rechargeable batteries. The system
integrates electrons, sensors, and software
components, which work together to
mimic the principles of human balance.
This balance system is programmed and
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inMotion Volume 14, Issue 2 March/April 2004
to be driven into a sport utility
vehicle (SUV) or van for easy
transport.
Even with the required prescription, not everyone will be eligible to
use this product, however. In some
rehabilitation facilities, potential
clients are screened by healthcare
professionals to determine if they
have the full range of abilities
required to operate it.
iBOT
calibrated to each user’s center of gravity,
enabling the device to realign and adjust
its wheel positions and seat orientation to
stabilize the user.
In addition to functioning as
a traditional power chair at
up to 6 miles per hour, the
iBOT 3000 can elevate the
user and enable him or her to
move backward and forward,
turn around while at eye level,
and reach high places. It can
also climb and go down stairs,
navigate 4-inch curbs, and
travel over grass, gravel, sand,
and other uneven terrain. Its
remote even allows the device
Independence Technology is
actively working with private insurance carriers, the Veterans Health
Administration, and the Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services
to pursue appropriate reimbursement.
Earlier in 2003, Independence Technology launched iGLIDE, the first integrated
manual assist wheelchair system. Though
iGLIDE
the casual observer will perceive little
difference between a regular manual
wheelchair and the iGLIDE, users can
tell the difference. When the system is
on, the user simply pushes the handrails.
Sensors and microprocessors tucked away
under the seat adjust to changes in the
terrain, while the user’s effort remains
virtually the same. With the power off,
the iGLIDE operates like a manual
wheelchair.
More Power
In late 2002, Electric Mobility, the maker
of Rascal scooters, formed a new division,
and the Quantum Dynamo and Dynamo
ATS pediatric power chairs.
Invacare’s HMV (highly maneuverable
vehicle) combines outdoor performance
and indoor maneuverability in a single
Rascal ConvertAble
Series, which allows users the opportunity
to create a new scooter by purchasing an
additional front section and adding it to
the initial universal rear section. This can
be done without tools at a fraction of the
cost of an entire power vehicle.
While continuing to add to its Jazzy line,
one of which is the Jazzy 1103 Ultra with
a standard power elevating seat, Pride
Invacare HMV
vehicle by using the power wheelchair
technology of center-wheel drive, which
provides a much tighter turning radius. It
also has scooter-style joystick controls.
Jazzy 1103 Ultra
Along with their new PWC 3300 power
chair and Typhoon™ scooter, Bruno
now has a unique transportation mobility system, TAS™ (Turning Automotive
Seating™). Designed to meet a variety of
lifestyle needs, Bruno TAS products can
be installed in minivans, sedans, full-size
vans/SUVs/pickups, and more, offering
physically challenged individuals an easier
method of entering and exiting their
vehicles.
AutoGo
UltraLite Vehicles, to handle the demand
for lightweight transportable scooters.
Among these is the AutoGo 550, which
has a motor that automatically power
folds the frame, footrest, and seat to
travel or storage size with the touch of a
finger and without bending or lifting.
Other features of the AutoGo are its
power walking capability, a removable
battery pack, a lightweight aluminum
frame, its 300-pound weight capacity, flatfree tires, and a security key lock. Available accessories include the AutoRack,
AutoLift and AutoRamp.
Other big news at Electric Mobility is the
recent addition of several models (600F,
600C, 600T) to the Rascal ConvertAble
Mobility also recently introduced the GoGo – an easily disassembled power travel
vehicle – and a new line of power lift
chairs. The company also formed a new
division called Quantum Rehab.
Pride Casual Line lift chairs are available
in two- and three-position models with
overstuffed fiber-filled backs. They are
available in a variety of colors.
Among Quantum Rehab’s products are
the Quantum Blast power chairs designed
for users accustomed to rear-wheel drive,
the Synergy manual- and power-positioning seating systems and specialty cushions,
Bruno Turnout™
To support the ACA or to become a member, call 1-888/267-5669
45
providing stability and more
comfort for the user.
The Chameleon
In addition to its popular pediatric
chairs including the Zippie TS
Invacare Spree XT
folding model featured in the July/
Manual
August 2002 issue of inMotion, Sunrise
Two of Invacare’s recent additions to their
Medical recently introduced several new
manual wheelchair line are the Spree XT
models to its Quickie line, including the
for some pediatric consumers and the
Chameleon and the IRIS.
Compass SPT for adults. The Spree XT is
a lightweight folding tilt wheelchair that
Like its name
can be adjusted as the child grows. It
suggests, the
offers Quick Fit Washers that snap onto
Chameleon,
the frame and make adjustment faster
the latest
and easier and includes Transport Ready
member of
Brackets for safer travel.
the manual
folding
The Compass SPT is both a standard and
wheelchair
self-propelling tilt-in-space wheelchair.
line, adapts
It features front-wheel drive for easy
to multiple
self-propulsion and can be tilted up to 45
demands of
degrees.
the user and
provider by
using interchangeable parts
and adjustable
seating.
Invacare Compass SPT
The IRIS (Intelligent Rotation
in Space) uses a
newly designed
rotational tilt
system that
eliminates significant movement
during tilting,
The Landeez
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inMotion Volume 14, Issue 2 March/April 2004
The Landeez, the all-terrain and beach wheelchair
described in the July/August
2002 issue of inMotion, was
designed by Natural Access
to bring amputees and other
individuals with disabilities
closer to nature. A kit containing interchangeable street
wheels and a kit to convert the original
Landeez into the new “Dune-Buster” for
larger adults can also be purchased. The
Landeez can be easily disassembled and
fits into an optional travel bag.
The IRIS
ATV 250
model described
in the November/
December 2002
issue of inMotion,
the ATV is adaptable to either leg
and is equipped
with foam cushions
and brakes. (This
later model is not
available on a rental
plan.)
Crutches and
Canes
Continuing its
efforts toward perfecting forearm and
underarm crutches
and canes for adults
and children by
embracing lighter
materials, easy
adjustment mechanisms, enhanced
ergonomics and aesthetic design, Walk
Easy has extended
its product line to
Standing
The newest Roll-A-Bout is the
ATV (all-terrain vehicle) 250,
which is better-suited for the athletically inclined and others needing
to move across difficult terrain
(i.e., grass, uneven sidewalks, etc.).
This all-terrain capability required
that changes be made in the size
and configuration of the tires. The
ATV tires are pneumatic instead of
rubber, the two front tires have been
increased to l2 inches in diameter
by 2-l/2 inches in width (from 8
inches by 1 inch), and each wheel
has two sets of precision ball bearings, decreasing the energy required
from the driver. Like the standard
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inMotion Volume 14, Issue 2 March/April 2004
Walk Easy crutches
include a comprehensive selection of
ambulatory aids and accessories, including
crutch covers and holders and cane and
crutch tips.
Keen Mobility is offering to replace
handles on older models of their crutches
with newly designed ones such as those
on the latest Keen Navigator crutch,
which is still available in three sizes and
three different colors.
Also new at Keen is the Keen Adventure
tip for crutches and canes and a family
of flat and contour pressure-relieving
wheelchair cushions to increase comfort
and prevent pressure sores. Soon to come
are pressure relieving beds, bed overlays,
and heel cushions.
From Abroad
New from the United Kingdom is the
Rural Pursuit Vehicle (RPV), an all-terrain vehicle with a front-loading system
that can carry a person in a wheelchair
in it. Pressing an electric button on the
RPV lowers a platform hydraulically,
allowing a manual or small-wheel power
chair to be reversed onto it. The platform
is then raised and the chair is automatically clamped into position readying the
RPV to access public and private areas
not normally available to people with
disabilities. The RPV is controlled by a
joystick similar to that on a conventional
power chair.
The Future
On July 24, 2003, the New Scientist
reported that severely disabled individuals
unable to operate a power chair may one
day be able to steer a wheelchair using
only their thoughts.
Unlike previous devices, this system does
not use surgical implants, a chin-operated
joystick, or a thin tube that is blown into
to make it operate. Instead a skullcap
peppered with electrodes monitors the
electrical activity of the user’s brain to
make it work.
Today, people with disabilities have many
options to choose from in mobility aids.
Fortunately, with so many innovative
individuals and companies working on
new products, they can look forward to an
even brighter future. 
Sources
www.independencenow.com
www.ultralite.biz
www.sunrisemedical.com
www.landeez.com
www.walkeasy.com
www.invacare.com
www.roll-a-bout.com
www.pridemobility.com
www.bruno.com
www.keenmobility.com
www.rpv.org.uk
www.newscientist.com/news/news
Also Coopers of England has a wide range
of walking sticks in a variety of woods,
orthopedic canes, and folding travel
canes.
To support the ACA or to become a member, call 1-888/267-5669
49