Mobility
The mobility products can be tricky to navigate as the industry seems to be split into two worlds: funded and retail. Luckily, for HME providers this can lead consumers to their stores in more ways than one.
The global wheelchair market is expected to reach $6.1 billion in 2022, according to market research and consulting firm Lucintel, because of a growing elderly population, increased spinal cord injuries and continuing wheelchair needs from other mobility patient groups. Lucintel predicts that power chairs will see the most of the growth, which is great for providers as standard power scooters and chairs are sold easily in their stores.
Medicare makes the process of funding mobility difficult and lengthy leading some consumers to fund their own independence. For instance, geriatric patients have largely accepted the fact Medicare won’t pay for mobility products beyond bottom-rung options, which means they are more willing to pay out of pocket for what they want, sometimes with the help of their family.
At the same time, CRT patient needs continue to grow and are require highly specified solutions. Manufacturers in that segment of the mobility market continues to expand in terms of the types of products that they offer to serve the needs of pediatric to adult patients.
Ultimately, this means that providers looking to sustain and hopefully grow their funded and cash revenues must stock a broad variety of mobility devices, as well as accessories for users who might need to enhance their funded or cash product. Display multiple chairs around your store so that you can easily provide comparisons for customers. Above all, train your staff to be knowledgeable experts on all the products offered.
Let’s take a look at some of the most recent items on the market:
Quantum Rehab
Stretto Power Chair
The Stretto is a narrow, maneuverable power base
offering an overall width of 20.47 inches with 12.5-inch
drive wheels. Featuring independent SRS (Smooth Ride
Suspension), the Stretto offers increased shock absorption.
The Stretto comes standard with a USB charger
port and front and rear LED fender lights. It is available
with 12.5-inch or 14-inch drive wheels and optional 12
inches of iLevel power adjustable seat height.
Dynarex
Dynarex Bari+Max HD Wheelchair with Elevating Leg Rest
The Dynarex Bari+Max HD Wheelchair with
Elevating Leg Rest is designed to provide
safe, effective mobility and support to
larger users—without sacrificing comfort.
This sturdy wheelchair features a 700-lb
weight capacity with heavy-duty steel frame
construction for optimal durability and dual
cross braces for improved support.
This premium-quality wheelchair
includes elevating leg rests with padded
calf pads and extra-wide foot plates for
enhanced comfort and security. Detachable
desk-length arms with padded armrests
provide added versatility and customization.
The wheelchair features a tool-free
design for easy maintenance and effortless
adjustments. Push-lock brakes provide
increased safety.
The Dynarex Bari+Max HD Wheelchair
with Elevating Leg Rest features a powder-coated
silver vein finish for long-lasting
protection and easy-to-clean nylon upholstery
for optimal hygiene and convenience.
A handy chart pocket on the backrest
provides convenient storage space for
personal items.
Pride Mobility Products
i-Go Travel Scooter
The new i-Go Travel Scooter features a foldable
seat with a removable base cushion and seat back.
It easily disassembles into two pieces with the
heaviest piece weighing 32.8 pounds. The i-Go is
less than 12 inches high when separated and the
seat back is removed. Other highlights include
removable storage with a carrying handle, storage in the base of
the scooter, an airline-compliant lithium-ion battery, LED headlight,
USB charging port in console, and more.
Pride Mobility Products
Jazzy Carbon Power Chair
Powerchair is built for easy transport
The Jazzy Carbon Power Chair power chair
uses light yet strong carbon fiber material
for its frame. The compact base folds and
unfolds in a few steps for easy transport. It
also features a lightweight, reliable airline-approved
lithium-ion battery. While it weighs
44 pounds, the Jazzy Carbon still provides
top speeds up to 3.7 miles per hour with a
weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Golden Technologies
BuzzAbout GP164 Power Wheelchair
Wheelchair combines comfort and performance features
The BuzzAbout GP164 Power Wheelchair
offers a captain’s seat with contoured
support and higher back for longer seating
tolerance and comfort. Other features
include motion-sensing LED running lights
on the footplate and rear handle. The
wheelchair offers a 300 lb. weight capacity,
offboard charging, and easy disassembly
for transport. The BuzzAbout offers a
combination of performance and maneuverability
for indoor and outdoor use.
WHILL
WHILL Model C2
Portable wheelchair offers four seat adjustments and customization
The portable WHILL Model C2 power wheelchair includes features and benefits
that allow users to enjoy all-day activities
and adventures with confidence and
comfort. Model C2 quickly disassembles
into three lightweight components,
is available in three seat widths with a
300 LB weight capacity, offers four seat
adjustments, is customizable with Stealth
Products seating and positioning options,
and much more!
Sunrise Medical (US) LLC
QUICKIE ACCESS
Knee pivot manual wheelchair adds benefits of tilt and recline
Sunrise Medical’s
QUICKIE ACCESS
is a knee pivot
manual wheelchair for independent
propelling that offers the benefits of tilt
and recline. Using a forward pivot location,
the chair provides low knee rise during tilt,
enabling easy foot propulsion and clearance
under tables for easier social engagement.
The ACCESS has adjustable tilt and recline,
providing alternative positions for pressure
management, meeting the recommended
angles of 25 degree
Sunrise Medical (US) LLC
QUICKIE Q200 R
Rear-wheel drive chair offers easily transportable, everyday performance
The QUICKIE Q200 R compact rear-wheel-drive power
wheelchair delivers top-tier traction, stability, and the
ability to climb three-inch curbs. The 23”
wide base provides great traction when
traveling up ramps, and oversized 9” front
casters offer better obstacle climbing than
typically seen in rear-wheel drive power
wheelchairs. Starting at just 216 lbs., the
Q200 R works with hoist and boom-style
vehicle lifts. With a fold-down back and
removable leg and arm supports, the
Q200 R will snugly fit in most SUVs or vans.
Seating options include both Rehab and
Captain-style seating systems.
Sunrise Medical (US) LLC
ZIPPIE Q300 M Mini
Chair brings pediatric power seating to Sunrise's most compact base
To give children the independence
to safely explore a wide variety of
environments, the ZIPPIE Q300 M Mini
features a patented, all-wheel independent
suspension; an ultra-narrow mid-wheel drive
base; a 17” turning radius; and a 17” seat-to-floor height. With optional C-Me seat
elevation, children can drive up to 3 MPH
while elevated up to 12”, without locking
out the suspension or needing to stop while
transitioning. Up to 50 degrees of power tilt,
with a wide range of JAY cushions and backs
and WHITMYER headrests are available to
address any seating needs.
Pride Mobility Products
Baja Wrangler 2 Scooter
Scooter packs in a variety of attention-getting features
The new Baja Wrangler 2 Scooter offers
various new features, including updated
suspension for a much smoother ride. A
steering dampener isolates the wheels from
the tiller to reduce vibrations in the hands
and arms. Other highlights include dual
drive off-road capabilities, speeds up to 11
miles per hour, independent traction and
torque, improved aesthetics, a 350-pound
weight capacity, 14.5-inch front and rear
tires, a strengthened heavy-duty seat post,
a full LED lighting package, an LCD console,
and a black vinyl memory foam high-back
seat with sliderse.