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My mom (through medicare and medicaid) got a Permobil wheelchair like this one: https://buildmywheelchair.com/permobil-m3-power-wheelchair-three-power-function/


Here's the thing though. She's fallen out of it twice! Both times because it tipped forward. It is difficult to drive. You always have to make sure you're balanced perfectly in it on inclines and declines (which is hard when you're not able to adjust yourself). it's high centered and not stiff so car rides are a wobbly bouncy adventure. She always feels like she's going to tip sideways out of it because it leans a bit on turns. She's always complaining her butt hurts. And the battery is already bad after only 1 year and moderate use.


I am irate with how much this chair promised and how little it delivered.


Anyways, we are looking for something with less bells and whistles, strong stability, and an adjustable backrest. Something like this maybe? https://quicknmobile.com/product/eagle-falcon-power-reclinable-folding-wheelchair/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlPWgBhDHARIsAH2xdNcgG1vVkXB0saYYEqT4FE31Gg-bk7ybF9ErTMhrpwqJ-RcHHepOkHgaAtUDEALw_wcB


If anyone has experience with these types of power wheelchairs, we'd love to hear it. I am also in contact with the company we got her current chair from with our complaints, but at this point my mom has FAR too much anxiety from this stupid chair. She needs something that is very simple to use and is rock solid stable. (I also hate driving it and it's tipped forward on me too going down an incline, and I even had it tilted back a little. So I hate driving it too).

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aj6044: Per your profile, as your mother unfortunately suffers from dementia and has the working use of one arm, perhaps she is better suited for a Rollator. Maybe she also requires memory care facility living.
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How do I stop my wheelchair from tipping forward?


"Pair of easy to attach extensions prevent the wheelchair from tipping forwards, increasing wheelchair safety. Front Anti-tippers are recommended for wheelchair users who exert excessive forward leaning force causing the chair to tilt forward while seated in, standing from or sitting into the wheelchair."

Prevent front tipping:
https://www.graylinemedical.com/products/med-line-universal-fit-adjustable-anti-tippers?variant=19503727738937
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michelle7728 Apr 2023
This looks like a great solution! I hope AJ6044 has seen your post. I don't see any other posts from them....
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Hubby has a Quantum Edge 3 tilt but no lift. It is very stable but it looks like he sits back a little farther than your picture. I know Medicare will only pay for a new chair after 5-7 years so hopefully you can work something out. Are you working with a company that provides complete care? We had a meeting with the physical therapist and the wheelchair company to find the best fit for hubby. They have many adjustments they can make. But this one has been great and is stable even going down a steep incline. I put a 3" latex pillow in the seat for him too. They're sitting for long periods of time and need something cushy.
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My daughter is an OT who used to determine if patients were safe in many kinds of chairs. As you describe the falling, this is not a good fit. Did she have an evaluation?
These chairs also come in 3 and 4 wheels. The 3 wheelers can tip
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This wheelchair is not safe for your mother. Definitely fight the manufacturer to get her money refunded. You mentioned dementia and Alzheimer's conditions in your profile, so your mother should be in memory care. With her conditions, I doubt that she can learn how to safely operate equipment. Age 66 is so young in longevity and sorry to learn this.
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aj6044 May 2023
Aging care doesn't provide her specific type of dementia..she is nowhere near needing memory care
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Certain items, Medicare/Medicaid will only purchase one per lifetime. I agree with others keep pursuing the company. They may offer a trade-in if you are persistent and too much time has not passed... however if you were not the original purchaser they may insist on working only with Medicare/Medicaid which may open up a lot more frustrations.
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Just curious....
Since this chair is designed to tilt and lift I can see where it might be a bit "tipsy" if it is not at the proper position.
Was your mother offered complete instruction on how the chair operates? And another silly question was there an instruction book that goes with the chair on how to safely operate it?
Or did a family member offer to read and instruct mom on how to operate the chair safely?
Given the instability have you contacted the manufacturer? or the place of sale?
Have they offered an alternate? If they are offering a solution and a choice of another of their products talk to a PT and or an OT and see what their suggestion is given your moms needs and ability.

Also wondering if the instability has anything to do with the distribution of weight on the device.
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Did ur Mom pay 20k for that chair? I would have been b***hing long ago and asking for my money back. What's the warranty on it? The battery is probably not warrantied because they didn't manufacture it so call the battery company about it not working.

"Electric scooter batteries will last between 2 to 4 years and between 3000 to 5000 miles depending on storage, use conditions, and battery capacity. If you use your scooter more or store it improperly, the battery life will be shorter."

I am with Willie. See if you can get a physical therapist to help you choose based on Moms needs.
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KPWCSC Apr 2023
When I went to the website it shows a price of $2,987.00
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I suggest you find a few that have price point and features you want and then ask an OT to work with you to help find a chair customized to her needs.
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