Power wheelchairs have come a long way. New technologies have made them more adaptive to the individual user, depending on his or her abilities and limitations. There is no perfect wheelchair, explains Ernie Chavez of Western Medical in Tucson, Arizona. “If there was, I wouldn’t have a job.”

According to Chavez, each chair is as individual as its user. Different advances in technology appeal to different people, who have diverse needs based on their individual disability. It is Chavez’s job to evaluate wheelchair users, their typical surroundings and daily routines and their physical attributes and limitations. Taking this information into account, Chavez must “tailor [the chair] to each individual,” finding the perfect match for each person’s particular needs and expectations.

“You have to evaluate each person’s environment,” Chavez says of the proper way to match users with new power wheelchairs, “and build the chair to that environment.” Assisting in this task are power wheelchairs that have the dial-in technology, used to program the chair to fit an individual’s distinct needs.

Chavez notes that new technologies in power wheelchairs offer standard options such as center-wheel drive, which is a common feature used for maneuvering tight spaces. Perfect for small older houses that are not wheelchair friendly, the center-wheel option allows for a small turning radius because the wheels are placed directly under the person’s weight. This new technology may not be ideal for everyone, Chavez warns, explaining that a chair will begin to twitch when going in a straight line at high speeds. People with accurate hand mobility are the ones that will benefit from having chairs with center-wheel drive.

Two wheelchairs that utilize the center-wheel drive technology are the Quantum Jazzy 1133 and the Xterra GT.

Wheelchair users on the run who also want the added maneuverability of a center-wheel drive chair choose the Quantum Jazzy 1133 from Pride Mobility. It is a full-size chair that can be disassembled into five manageable pieces. This feature simplifies travel, making it easy to show off the Quantum’s patented high-performance design and sporty appearance. The Quantum Jazzy starts at around $5,495.

Available to the Quantum Jazzy 1133 is the new tilt/recline option, also called SmartSeat. This advanced technology decreases respiratory, blood pressure and positioning problems, says Chavez. Remarkably, this seating option has programming capabilities to individualize the chair to its user.

Another center-wheel drive power wheelchair is the Xterra GT by Invacare. This model combines styling and speed with power and maneuverability. Starting at $6,218, the Xterra GT gives its users capabilities for intuitive drive performance and highs speed up to 7.5 miles per hour. Made for the active customer, this chair is ideal for handling uneven surfaces. Four-pole motors make it possible for the Xterra GT to get over rougher terrain with little or no difficulty.

Like the Quantum Jazzy 1133, the Xterra GT has remarkable programmability options and can be fit with the tilt/recline seating system.

New technologies in power wheelchairs have been developed to help improve the lives of people with disabilities. The Chairman2kStander from Permobil is a full-sized adult wheelchair with a powered seating system that allows its user to go from sitting to an upright standing position in seconds. The advantages of this standing feature are endless. The C2K makes it more convenient to take part in daily activities—both work and play. It makes it possible to be able to hold eye-level conversations with standing individuals. The improvements in circulation are one of the stander’s most valuable aspects.

The C2K has powerful front wheel drive with full independent suspension for each wheel and dual-direction suspension for the rear wheels, making it a highly maneuverable and accurate. Extremely programmable through the electronically advanced P&G Pilot+ controller, this chair has the option of adding alternative drive switches. Pricing for the C2K is approximately $20,000-30,000.

For those who won’t be tied down by rules and limits, the Extreme 4x4 from Vestal is an indoor/outdoor power wheelchair that allows drivers to forge through all types of surfaces and terrain. Drivers of the Extreme 4x4 enjoy the freedom of being able to visit locations not available to other wheelchair users strictly because of the passive steering system.

With large tires and no barriers, the Extreme 4x4 can travel over soft and uneven surfaces and drive with maximum maneuverability on sand, soft, wet ground or even slippery surfaces. It can even climb curbs up to 6 inches high. Prices range from $9,500 to $10,500, depending on added seating options, features and accessories.

For those who crave more power, the Quickie S-646 SE, by Sunrise Medical, has a full feature rehab power base with added power capabilities. Starting at $8,995, it can travel up to 8.5 miles per hour due to its extra power performance package, which includes a four-pole motor. The Quickie S-646, which starts at $8,595, has a two-pole motor, allowing the chair to reach maximum speeds of 7 miles per hour. Both models are the latest and most advanced power chairs from Quickie.

The Quickie S-646 and Quickie S-646 SE can be set up with the tilt/recline option. Both chairs feature center-wheel drive and a rock solid drive train, which adds to their strength, durability and maneuverability. Power does not come at the expense of comfort, though. New PosiDrive technologies and Rock Shox suspensions combine with Qtronix electronics to provide an enjoyable and stable ride.

Improvements in suspension front casters make it easy to get around on uneven terrain and greatly reduce annoying jarring motions that can cause pain and discomfort. These innovative power wheelchairs from Quickie have been examined closely and passed numerous quality tests to ensure safety, reliability and overall excellence for the user.

The INDEPENDENCE IBOT, created by Johnson & Johnson, should be available in the summer of 2003, pending approval by the FDA. This sophisticated mobility aid can simulate balance based on a person’s center of gravity by using a complicated system of electronics, sensors and gyroscopes.

New technology allows the IBOT to maneuver over curbs with ease, balance on two wheels to elevate its user to a “standing” position and climb up and down stairs while the occupant’s seat stays level. The IBOT’s “standing” feature, quite similar in theory to the Chairman2kStander, allows for face-to-face conversations with others and makes it possible for its user to reach high shelves, cupboards and other spaces beyond the grasp of traditional wheelchair users.

Priced at approximately $29,000, the IBOT uses the very latest technology to offer greater freedom to individuals with disabilities. The IBOT uses its four wheels to cross rough and uneven terrain, even sand, and is narrower and more compact than conventional wheelchairs.

With all of the newest technologies at their fingertips, how do wheelchair users decide among the many different types of chairs? While choosing a power wheelchair, says Chavez, it is extremely important to try out different chairs and put them through the trials of your daily routine.

Many factors are at work to determine which chair is most suitable for purchase. The decision may be ruled by the person’s financial situation, or the size of his or her living quarters may make a center-wheel drive chair necessary.

According to Chavez, Invacare and Quickie are the best-selling power wheelchairs due to many different factors. Name recognition plays a major part in what brands are in demand, as does a person’s desire for speed, durability, comfort or style.