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:
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
Titan AXS Mid Wheel Drive Powerchair
Turn on a dime in mid-wheel powerchair
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare has announced the addition of the Titan AXS Mid-Wheel Drive Powerchair to its Power Mobility Product Line. The mid-wheel design allows the user to turn on a dime while the unique frame design keeps all six wheels on the ground at all times to provide stability and maneuverability. Equipped with the latest technology, the Titan AXS combines true U1 batters with Bluetooth in a programmable controller for easy troubleshooting and service.
R82
Wombat Living
Activity wheelchair updated to include new sizes, colors, configurations
R82 announces the Wombat Living by R82, a best-in-class daily tilt-in-space activity chair, is an improved and updated version of the original Wombat. The Wombat Living comes in three sizes, two fresh new colors, multiple configurations, and offers improved features and functions. The Wombat Living seating unit tilts from -20 to 15 degrees to accommodate both relaxed and active sitting postures and offers ample adjustment for growth. The angle adjustable push brace can be positioned out of the way when not in use. Some of the small features that make a big difference in the Wombat Living include new cushions made of thick, comfortable foam with breathable covering that add a layer in the knee area.
Quantum Rehab
Q-Logic 3 Advanced
New features allow for increased accessibility
Quantum Rehab has announced four notable additions to its Q-Logic 3 Advanced drive controls including infrared remote-control capabilities that allow for household appliance such as TVs, lighting and ceiling fans to be operated through the power chair electronics, mouse dwell feature that allows the mouse emulator to automatically switch from movement to clicks when positioned over a spot for certain amount of time and an awake feature that is now programmable so that the user can select the joystick or Mode button sequence that’s personally preferred to awaken the power chair.
Quantum Rehab
LED Fender Lights
Wheelchair enhancements include LED fender lights
Quantum Rehab is launching enhancements to its iLevel technology, including 12” of lift and LED fender lights to further increase users’ independence. iLevel on the Q6 Edge 2.0 will now have 12” of vertical lift, 2” taller than the previous version. A key to the 12” iLevel enhancement is its patented Extra Stability Technology™ that mechanically stabilizes the power base when elevated, allowing walking speeds over varied terrain up to 3.5mph. Additionally, LED headlights and tail lights integrated into the fenders will now be standard when ordered with iLevel technology on the Q6 Edge 2.0 to enhance visibility during active outdoor use.
R82
Kudu
Rigid frame, tilt-in-space, reclining pediatric wheelchair
The Kudu is a practical indoor and outdoor wheelchair which
combines form and functionality to provide the right fit and
support a comfortable posture. It comes in 4 sizes and has
many features that are adjustable as the child grows. Kudu has
been designed to offer exceptional adjustability. Backrest
height and seat depth can be extended without having
to change cushions. A significant feature on the Kudu is
the new self-centering tilt-in-space that
provides effortless tilting of the seat
while maintaining optimum balance.
Kudu remains stable with the back
reclined and the self-centering tilt-in-space activated.
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
Panther
Heavy-duty 4-wheel scooter
The Panther offers a number of features to provide the user with a
smooth and comfortable driving experience, including front
and rear suspension with pneumatic tires, easy
free-wheel mode, one-touch tiller positioning
adjustment and ergonomic delta control
handles for easy steering and throttle control.
For optimal comfort, the Panther’s customizable
features include height-adjustable
captain’s seat with a fold-down, reclining backrest,
adjustable headrest, and flip-back,
angle adjustable armrests.
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
Cruiser II Wheelchair
Patient safety through anti-tippers, wheel lock extensions and seat belt
The Cruiser II Wheelchair puts the
patient’s safety and comfort first through
an array of accessories including antitippers,
wheel lock extensions and a
seat belt. These accessories fall under
separate HCPCS codes that are billable
upon delivery of the wheelchair,
thereby maximizing reimbursement
for the provider while maximizing safety
for the patient. Other features include
a patented on-chair seat depth extension from 16”
– 18”, swing-away or elevating leg rests and adjustable-height, flip-back and
detachable desk length arm rests. The carbon steel frame is lightweight.
Numotion
SoftWheel
Digital infrared thermometers provide clinical accuracy
SoftWheel is a unique in-wheel suspension technology
that enhances user-ride capabilities,
providing extraordinary rigidity and stability for
manual wheelchair users, effectively reducing
the level of daily pain and discomfort that
can result from wheelchair use. SoftWheel’s
innovative in-wheel suspension system
absorbs bumps and vibrations from uneven
terrain and surfaces so the user doesn’t,
resulting in a smoother more comfortable ride.
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
ZooMe Flex
Flexible folding design for transport and storage
- The ZooMee Flex Folding Travel Scooter
is an option for on the go lifestyles by
combining an ultra—lightweight design
and its “flex” feature for single motion
folding and unfolding for transport.
- The ZooMe Flex comes with an angle
adjustable delta tiller to position the
controls in the ideal driving position, and
provide easy throttle control for users with
limited dexterity.
- Features auto-folding seat with passed,
adjustable armrests and fold down back
as well as flat-free, non-marking tires for
worry-free travel.
Stars N Stripes Scooters
Stars N Stripes Scooters
Scooters Focus on Safety and Design
- Stars N Stripes Scooters come in two
models: Lite, which is for traveling, and the
Deluxe, which is a luxury model scooter for
when you are closer to home.
- Safety features for both include anti-tippers,
rear view mirrors, LED lights and an adjustable
steering column.
- The Lite model disassembles into four
parts for easy transport, while upgrading
to the Deluxe gives you a higher-performance
scooter.