Need a different power wheelchair. Anyone have recommendations?
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).
"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
These chairs also come in 3 and 4 wheels. The 3 wheelers can tip
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.
"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.