Long term PWC under 400 lbs

[MandellFam]

my PALS is looking into power wheelchairs that can help him long term. We live in a 3 floor house and are currently installing an elevator with a weight limit of 580 pounds. He is 160lb so we are looking for a wheelchair that has tilt / recline / transfer features for 400lb or less. We keep hearing this is possible but NuMotion says it's not (we would have to forego those features). Does anyone have any recommendations? Thank you.

 

[lgelb]

Presuming by "transfer features" you mean anterior tilt aka "Active Reach"?

I see the M3 Corpus's weight listed up to 405# with that and the seat elevator. Even presuming that's up to date (the weights are usually going up), once you add in whatever he might go out with, like a portable BiPAP, and accessories such as an aftermarket headrest, if applicable and any other optional postural supports, it's close. Not sure what model your home/lifestyle calls for, but that's an example.

Maybe you could ask the elevator installer how much wiggle room they think there is. They can't put anything in writing but might have some experience from other jobs.

Also presuming you have already gone to the top at your local branch, your ATP or their manager should be able to discuss this with the local Permobil rep, who in turn can verify with Nashville what the wheelchair as spec'd would weigh, since that's where they're built. It's a build from inventory, after all. Permobil is normally attentive to PALS' needs and at least you should get an informed answer. Sometimes it's easier to talk with the Permobil rep directly; they may also be accessible through your clinic. You do need to have an order written up for the number to be accurate.

DM me if none of this works, and I can suggest other avenues.

 

[swalker]

This will be quite a challenge.

Picking a power wheelchair with rehab seating (leg lift, recline, tilt, elevate) is hard enough without constraining the weight of the wheelchair. I can't imagine doing so with the kind of weight limit you referred to.

I have had 7 wheelchairs, 6 of which have been Permobil. All those Permobil wheelchairs have weighed over 400 pounds.

My only wheelchair that weighs less than 400 pounds is one without rehab seating.

But, even if the wheelchair is less than 400 pounds, how much equipment will it need to carry. I carry a backpack with various supplies and often have my Resmed Astral 150 bipap (ventilator) on the back. I use special seat cushions, lateral thoracic supports, lateral thigh supports, and headrest, which can add additional weight.

Besides the weight limit, you should also carefully investigate the dimensions of the elevator. I have been in two houses with residential style elevators. My wheelchair barely fit (physically) in one and did not fit in the other. I did not think to inquire about weight restrictions in either situation.

Of course I don't know what drove the decision to get an elevator with a 580 pound capacity, but to me the best solution would be to pick a different elevator with a higher capacity. I am guessing that is easier said than done.

With that said, there are ways to reduce the weight of a wheelchair. Many wheelchairs use a pair of group 24 lead acid batteries. These are large and heavy. Quite a few of those wheelchairs will allow a lighter pair of group 36 batteries instead of the group 24 batteries. Of course, the wheelchair will have a substantially shorter range if that is done. That range reduction would be unacceptable to me.

It is also possible to replace the heavy lead acid batteries with substantially lighter lithium batteries (specifically, Lithium Ferrous Phosphate). These will be lighter, but require advanced skills to assemble and maintain. I have put lithiums in one of my wheelchairs. It was a fun project, but was fraught with adventure, risk, and cost. I don't recommend this for the typical wheelchair user. I don't know of any practical off-the-shelf options for lithium batteries for the type power wheelchairs your PALS will need.

What I would not do is to overload the elevator. In fact, I would want to stay well below the limit allowed by the manufacturer.

Steve