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:
American Ventures
EZ-Walk
Cane and crutch pad makes it easier to walk on sand, uneven terrain
The EZ-Walk pad is designed to provide a wider base of stability than normal crutch, cane or walker tips. A universally adaptable product designed for standard sized crutches and canes, the EZ-Walk has a 3-inch flat bottom offering parallel usage on flat surfaces. To prevent sand and water from settling on the top, the pad has beveled triangular drainage vents that reduce the product’s weight and provide smoother, uninterrupted movement. Canes that are less than one inch in diameter, users can wrap a pre-sized tape insert around the end of their cane to increase diameter before attaching the EZ-Walk. The pad can accommodate users up to 300 lbs. in weight.
WHILL
Model Ci
Power wheelchair connects with Bluetooth app to drive remotely, manage speed
Driving across rough terrain is not a problem
for the WHILL Model Ci power wheelchair,
equipped with large wheels and two powerful
motors that make for smoother rides. The
wheelchair is also connected to mobile devices
through Bluetooth app controls that allow the rider to drive remotely, lock and
unlock and manage speed settings from their phone. Users can also quickly
disassemble the chair into three components (seat, front driver base and rear
driver base) that can easily fit into a car trunk. Accessories include smart keys, lap
belts, footrest adapters, and spare batteries.
Merits Health Products, Inc.
Rehab and Pilot
Merits shines spotlight on products, plus two new divisions
In addition to its line of power wheelchairs, scooters,
manual wheelchairs and beds, Merits Health Products
items will showcase its two new divisions, Avid Rehab and Pilot. Avid Rehab is focused on developing high-end
complex rehab products. Pilot is Merits’ home
access division, which is focused on making patients’
homes accessible. Also on display will be recent offerings
from the core brand, such as its single power
option, Group 2 power wheelchair, the Vision Ultra.
Dynarex
DynaRide
New wheelchair duo offers comfort, support
Dynarex has launched two new wheelchairs: the DynaRide Series 1 & DynaRide Series 4. The Series 1 model comes with a steel frame powder-coated silver vein. The Series 4 model comes with carbon steel frame powder-coated silver vein. Both wheelchairs have black padded nylon upholstery and padded arms. They also have “push to lock brakes” and have precision sealed wheel and caster bearings. An added feature to the DynaRide Series 4 offers a seat that can be expanded from 16 in. to 18 in. and are extra lightweight for easy transporting.
Sunrise Medical
Switch-It Cool Cube with Pro Spot Proportional Switches
A new level in customizable power wheelchair speed, direction
The Switch-It Cool Cube with Pro Spot Proportional Switches system is designed to give power wheelchair users flexibility in switch management and performance. The Cool Cube central hub input ports interface with multiple types of switches and sensors, and when combined with Pro Spot proportional switches, users have control of their power wheelchair’s speed and direction. Pro Spot proportional switches offer full and continuous range of speed and direction. The percentage of programmed speed is directly proportional to the pressure the user applies on the switch. In addition, each switch correlates with an auditory tone to inform users of which switch they are using.
EasyWheelz LLC
Safe Transfer Kit
New kit provides safe, efficient transfer in and out of a wheelchair
The Safe Transfer Kit is designed to that resolves the issue of feet getting entangled in the footrests of standard wheelchairs. The kit’s rotator levers allow for a clean manipulation of the footrests, and it includes two swing-away leg extensions with torsion springs that default the footrests into the up position. Two levers mounted to the leg extensions let the passenger or transporter move the footrests into the down position as necessary. In addition, the kit includes a detachable push bar that mounts across the existing handle bars of a wheelchair, which allows for one-handed maneuvering.
Pride Mobility Products
Jazzy Zero Turn
Four-wheel scooter features three-wheel turn radius
- Four-wheel scooter with a three-wheel turning radius featuring Pride’s patented iTurn Technology.
- CTS Suspension and dual motors provide a smooth ride over varied terrain.
- Includes full LED lighting package, under seat storage, USB charger port in tiller and standard front basket.
Pride Mobility Products
ZT10 Scooter
Pride Mobility launches scooter for versatile terrain
The ZT10 Scooter from Pride Mobility is a full-size 4-wheel scooter, and with its patented iTurn Technology, the ZT10 has a 3-wheel turning radius. The power dual motor provides indoor and outdoor use with traction on gravel, trails and grass. Other features include a 3-speed control dial; full LED lighting package with turn signals; and an integrated cupholder in the tiller. The ZT10 supports a weight capacity up to 400 pounds.
Pride Mobility Products
Wrangler Scooter
Pride Mobility rolls out a rear-wheeldrive PMV for rugged terrain
The Wrangler Scooter is a rear-wheel-drive personal mobility vehicle (PMV) designed for outdoor use and rugged terrain. The PMV features a dual inline, 24-volt DC motor, full suspension, back-up sensors and a weight capacity of 350 pounds. It comes with a full LED lighting package that includes headlights, directional signals and hazard lights. For convenience, the Wrangler contains an onboard battery charger with an XLR charging port on the tiller.
Pride Mobility Products
Jazzy Zero Turn
Pride Mobility introduces new iTurn technology
The Jazzy Zero Turn power chair features a tight 38.25 inch turning radius, giving this four-wheel power chair the maneuverability of a three-wheel chair. Pride Mobility’s patent-pending control system iTurn Technology works with the chair’s two motor drive to allow users to navigate tight corners and spaces. Other features include CTS suspension, full LED lighting package, and built-in USB charger for portable devices. The chair uses two 22 amp-hour batteries for an operating range up to 10 miles. The Jazzy Zero comes in six colors: Fire Opal, Green Moonstone, Onyx Black, Pearl White, Pewter and Sapphire Blue.