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Wheelchair users spend much of their time in their motorized wheelchair. It’s not only important that the wheelchair meets a user’s medical needs, but the wheelchair should also help maximise independence and quality of life. Manufacturers offer a range of accessory options to enhance a user’s lifestyle.

Standard accessories for improved visibility and connectivity

For example, the Edge 3 Stretto Power Chair comes standard with LED front and rear fender lights. These lights are ultra-bright, long-lasting and integrated above each drive wheel for compactness and durability. They help users see and be seen when crossing streets or parking lots at night and are also useful at home when visibility is low. LED fender lights are also standard on other models such as iLevel, Edge 3 and the 4Front 2.

A USB charger comes standard on some power chairs, allowing users to charge electronic devices while on the go by plugging directly into the controller of the chair.

Custom accessories for seating systems

Other accessories are available when selecting a specific seating system, for example the TRU-Balance 3 or TRU-Balance 3 HD. A complimentary cup holder is included with these seating systems. Additional medically-based accessories include a vent tray for portable ventilators, transfer bars, or an oxygen holder.

For storage and convenience, other accessories include a glove box, backpack, personal item hook, rear accessory bar, tablet holder and phone holder. These allow users to personalise the chair and keep essential items accessible.

Why accessories matter

Accessories let you tailor the wheelchair to your lifestyle and daily activities. Whether you need added visibility, storage, mobile device charging, medical equipment support or extra holding options, the right accessories enhance comfort, safety and independence.

Key takeaway

A power wheelchair is more than its base model. Accessories transform it into a personalised mobility solution. By selecting the right accessories for your daily routines and needs, the chair supports your life, not just your mobility.

With so many power wheelchairs available today, choosing the right electric wheelchair can feel overwhelming. The key is to focus on the chairs and features that best suit your needs.

Start with an evaluation

The first step is to request an in-person evaluation with a therapist. The therapist works with an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) from an accredited complex rehab technology company. Together, they determine which electric wheelchair and components will provide the most benefit for your medical and quality-of-life needs.

Selecting a power base

The first decision is choosing a power base. Two important factors are drive wheel configuration and weight capacity. Available configurations include front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel drive.

Seating and positioning

Next, seating and positioning needs are discussed. Some users may only require a standard captain’s seat, while others may benefit from single power or multiple power options.
Highly adjustable TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems include features such as:

• Power tilt

• Power recline

• iLevel® power elevating seat

• Power articulating foot platform

TRU-Balance 3 supports pressure relief, increased sitting tolerance, and independent positioning and repositioning.

Electronics and controls

The Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls system is highly customisable and expandable, helping users maximize independence. It includes Bluetooth functionality, allowing operation of smartphones or tablets directly from the Q-Logic 3 screen.

Cushions and comfort

Your ATP may recommend a cushion from Stealth Products®. Cushions support comfort, skin protection, and positioning. For example, the TRU-Comfort 2 cushion combines pressure relief and positioning with CoolCore®technology for added comfort.

Communication and support

When choosing an electric wheelchair, clear communication with your therapist and ATP ensures the chair fits your needs. From drive base and seating system to electronics and cushions, each component should match your lifestyle, medical requirements, and daily activities.

Key takeaway

Choosing the right electric wheelchair involves careful evaluation of your needs, drive base, seating, controls, and accessories. Quantum Rehab designs its complex rehab power wheelchairs to meet medical and quality-of-life needs, giving users independence, comfort, and advanced technology tailored to their lifestyle.

When selecting a complex rehab motorised wheelchair, one of the key factors to consider is the drive wheel configuration. Among front‑, mid‑ and rear‑wheel drive bases, a mid‑wheel drive configuration offers several distinct advantages.

What is mid‑wheel drive?

In a mid‑wheel configuration the drive wheels are positioned roughly under the user’s centre of gravity. The base typically has six wheels on the ground: two drive wheels plus four caster wheels (front and rear) which enhances stability. The user’s turning radius is the tightest in this configuration.

Key advantages

• Because the drive wheels are under the user’s centre of gravity, the turning radius is very small. The user can perform a full 360‑degree turn, which is particularly beneficial indoors, for example when navigating doorways and narrow spaces.

• The six‑wheel configuration provides excellent stability: having caster wheels both in front and behind the drive wheels helps prevent tipping forward or backward.

• Mid‑wheel drive chairs offer good traction on many surfaces, including inclines and side slopes, and they handle small obstacles or curbs well.

• The design is intuitive and often has a shorter learning curve, making it a strong choice especially for first‑time power wheelchair users.

• Because of its attributes, mid‑wheel drive is often an excellent fit for users who primarily use their chair indoors, where manoeuvrability and tight turns matter most.

Practical considerations

If your therapist and ATP believe mid‑wheel drive is the right match for your needs, then you may want to explore models that are built around this configuration and that offer compatible seating, positioning and control options.

Key takeaway

A mid‑wheel drive power wheelchair is a great choice when indoor manoeuvrability, tight turning radius and maximum stability matter. By choosing the right drive wheel configuration in consultation with your therapist and ATP, you increase your chance of finding a chair that truly supports your independence and daily life.

Power chairs with elevating seat technology are becoming increasingly popular across Europe, providing users with greater independence and functionality in everyday life. Quantum Rehab’s iLevel® series offers a unique solution, allowing users to elevate to eye level while maintaining mobility. This blog explains how the iLevel® works, its key benefits, and what European users should consider.

What is the iLevel® Power Chair?

The iLevel® is an advanced power chair featuring an electric seat‑elevating mechanism that allows the user to raise the seat while driving. This capability enables users to reach shelves, counters, and other high surfaces that would otherwise be out of reach.

One of the key innovations is Quantum Rehab’s Extra Stability Technology®, which ensures that the chair remains stable and safe, even at maximum seat elevation. This is crucial for performing daily tasks such as reaching, transferring, or interacting with others at eye level.

Key Benefits for Users

• Extended reach: With the seat elevated, users can comfortably access kitchen counters, cabinets, shop shelves, or participate in meetings without assistance.

• Improved daily functionality: Everyday activities such as cooking, grooming, and dressing become more accessible.

• Greater independence: Unlike standard power chairs, the iLevel® empowers users to interact with their environment on their own terms.

• Enhanced safety: Extra Stability Technology® ensures that driving at elevated positions remains safe and stable.

Considerations for European Users

While the iLevel® offers remarkable benefits, European users should keep a few points in mind:

• Regulations and classification: In most EU countries, advanced power chairs may be classified as medical devices or special-purpose vehicles. It is important to check that the chair complies with EU standards such as the Medical Device Regulation (MDR).

• Options and adaptations: Depending on local regulations and individual needs, users may require specific safety accessories, such as lights or reflective elements, for outdoor use.

• Training and familiarization: Although formal training is not mandatory, learning to safely operate an elevating power chair is highly recommended. Local mobility suppliers or rehabilitation centres often offer orientation sessions.

Where Can You Use an iLevel® Power Chair?

• Indoors: Perfect for homes, offices, and public buildings. EU accessibility laws require public spaces to accommodate mobility devices, so elevated access can improve interaction and independence.

• Outdoors: European users should verify local road and pavement regulations for power chairs, especially when driving at elevated positions. Some countries limit use to pedestrian zones or require speed restrictions.

Conclusion

The iLevel® power chair offers an innovative way to enhance independence, extend reach, and improve daily functionality. For European users, understanding local regulations, using the chair safely, and exploring training opportunities ensures that you can fully benefit from this advanced mobility technology.