So I am getting a new powerchair, and hopefully this one will actually fit me. I have an Quantum 600 that I ended up barely using, since it actually caused me *more* pain.
Here is some background. I am 5'1" tall, and weigh 110 lbs. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and fibro as well as a whole host of associated conditions.
My biggest thing is I need the smoothest ride possible. Part of the problem with my Quantum is that I weighed too little for the suspension on the chair. It is really designed for an average-sized adult (i.e. between 150-200lbs) and someone much taller. We had to drill extra holes to even make the footplate high enough. Also, the small front casters did not help.
I bounced all over the place. The chair actually ended up hurting me more, so I ended up not using it much.
I am now at the point I can no longer avoid using a powerchair, so I need one that is actually designed for people like me.
I have heard front wheel drive chairs are better than mid wheel drive when it comes to dealing with bumps and vibrations. Anyone had this experience?
Also, has anyone had the experience of making a chair for adults actually handle the weight of a smaller person? Switching out the springs of the suspension, maybe?
I do fit in the weight bracket for the pediatric chairs Permobil makes, but they have more limited power functions. I absolutely need power tilt and lift, and I will likely be getting elevating leg rests and recline. I may also get the anterior tilt option, which does not seem to be on peds chairs.
TIA
ETA: I need a chair that can handle rough terrain and outdoors a lot - I live near Disney World and I am probably going to start working there soon. I need something that can handle ground like you find in Animal Kingdom without being vibrated out of my seat.
Here is some background. I am 5'1" tall, and weigh 110 lbs. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and fibro as well as a whole host of associated conditions.
My biggest thing is I need the smoothest ride possible. Part of the problem with my Quantum is that I weighed too little for the suspension on the chair. It is really designed for an average-sized adult (i.e. between 150-200lbs) and someone much taller. We had to drill extra holes to even make the footplate high enough. Also, the small front casters did not help.
I bounced all over the place. The chair actually ended up hurting me more, so I ended up not using it much.
I am now at the point I can no longer avoid using a powerchair, so I need one that is actually designed for people like me.
I have heard front wheel drive chairs are better than mid wheel drive when it comes to dealing with bumps and vibrations. Anyone had this experience?
Also, has anyone had the experience of making a chair for adults actually handle the weight of a smaller person? Switching out the springs of the suspension, maybe?
I do fit in the weight bracket for the pediatric chairs Permobil makes, but they have more limited power functions. I absolutely need power tilt and lift, and I will likely be getting elevating leg rests and recline. I may also get the anterior tilt option, which does not seem to be on peds chairs.
TIA
ETA: I need a chair that can handle rough terrain and outdoors a lot - I live near Disney World and I am probably going to start working there soon. I need something that can handle ground like you find in Animal Kingdom without being vibrated out of my seat.