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Power wheelchair reliability experiences

Gimpa50
0 Recommendations

I am in need of a new power wheelchair. I have been in an Invacare TDX 5 for the last five years. I have had numerous failures of their potentiometer's (for tilt control), control box, and Tac box (also for tilt control). I have heard good things about Permobil, but during a recent wheelchair evaluation the technician and therapist tried to steer me away from them. Saying there could be long lead times on parts and that I may not be happy with the frontwheel drive versus my existing center wheel drive. They recommended Pride Quantum or another Invacare TDX. Can anyone provide their feedback as to experiences good or bad with these three types of power wheelchairs?

4 replies

Ralf

Hi, Bob got it right. Don't let the tech tell you what you want. It's your money your spending so get it the way you want and need it. I did the same as he did I had to fight with them but I got the chair "I" wanted not what he wanted to sell. I now have a 4000R and so far I am very pleased with it. The tech is a little put out but so am I that I had to go through this so we are even. (lol) good luck and "GO FOR IT".

Twisted

In 28+ years I've had - in order - 2 Everest & Jennings (USA), 2 Fortress (Canadian), and I'm now in my 4th Permobile Chairman (Swiss). I've always been very tough on my wheelchairs and expected them to keep up with me and not hold me back. Permobiles have come closest, but no wheelchair has lasted me more than 4-5 years. Parts and repairs are a reality of living as a cyborg regardless of your transport. However, no therapist tells me what my ride should be. I test-drove an iBot a year ago, nice concept, clunky ride.

Jerre

I was injured in 1995. My first chair was a Permobile Chairman. I have only had 2 chairs in my 14 years as a quad. I have had my current chair since 2003. I have not needed any repair work done except one flat tire. I am still using the original batteries and charger. I would highly recommend Permobile with no hesitation. Fight for the chair you want!

yeti

Hi,

Don't let your tech steer you into their chair of choice. I fought to get my Permobil 350 and it was the best choice I could have made. I had a Pride and they don't even make good boat anchors! I spent five years in a Wheelchairs of Kansas XL and was happy. It is a tank and can handle anything I care to tackle. I moved to the Permobil because I needed tilt/recline capabilities. I chose the Permobil because of their reputation. I've never had any trouble with it and when I needed an adjustment made service was here within a week. I ended up waiting six months to clear Medicares hurdles because of the expense of the Permobil but they finally came through. A tech who believed that the client deserves to get the equipment they want helped the most. Good luck and if you decide on the Permobil again I believe you'll be happy.

Bob

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