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:
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.
Sunrise Medical
QUICKIE Q700 SEDO PRO
Sunrise announces new power wheelchair
The new QUICKIE Q700 SEDO PRO from Sunrise Medical is an adjustable mid-wheel drive power wheelchair for moderate to complex clinical needs. The SEDO PRO combines a highly adjustable seat frame with a choice of support and positioning options, and users can choose from four backrest options and a variety of footrest options. The QM700 M mid-wheel drive base allows for travel over uneven terrain with its SpiderTrac 2.0 suspension and climb curbs up to 3 inches.
WHILL
Model Ci
Stylish power mobility device offers handy Bluetooth features
WHILL’s Model Ci It disassembles for easy transport, offers indoor/outdoor versatility, and is equipped with Bluetooth BLE4.2 and mobile data technology for additional peace-of-mind and quicker support. Whether experiencing fatigue or to simply move the device out of the way, the iPhone app lets users and caregivers remotely control the device. Users can also lock and unlock the device to prevent unwanted usage and access real-time device diagnostics.
Shoprider Mobility Products
XLR14
Group 2 chair focuses on stability and handling
Shoprider’s XLR14, a Group 2 Complex Rehab Power Wheelchair, comes equipped with 14 in. Drive Wheels and a self-adjusting mid-wheel drive suspension system that is accompanied by four independently suspended front and rear casters. This adds stability via six points of contact with the ground, and a smooth driving experience that will handle virtually any driving surface. Equipped with our power tilt seating system, the XLR 14 has 50˚ of tilt available. The XLR 14 also has a flip forward seat for easy battery access, long-range battery options, and a 300 lb. weight capacity. (Read more about these chairs.)
Zoomability Inc.
Zoom
All-terrain vehicle takes users to the outdoors
The Zoom is a four-wheel drive, all-terrain mobility vehicle designed to make outdoor recreation more accessible to wheelchair users. It is capable of handling many types of off-road conditions, like snow, sand, hills and rocky terrain. On a smooth surface, the Zoom batteries will last up to 25 miles, and for rougher terrain, the battery life will range from 15-19 miles. The Zoom’s maximum speed varies by market with the maximum speed set to either 12 mph or 9.3 mph and the optional high-/low-speed selector with reduced speeds set to 3 mph to 6 mph.
KD Smart Chair
Special Edition
Portable power chair ships ready-to-roll
The Special Edition (SE) folding power wheelchair is made of a durable, lightweight aluminum alloy that supports passengers weight of up to 330 lbs. The portable SE Chair folds and unfolds with a push of a button and weighs 59 pounds, which makes it convenient for transport, travel and storage. The SE model also includes a 12 inch rear wheel system for better performance on all surfaces. This FDA-approved power chair ships directly from Florida fully assembled, and once charged is ready to go.
Inspired by Drive
Trotter Mobility Chair
Trotter aims to be a next-gen pediatric mobility chair
Inspired by Drive’s Trotter Mobility Chair offers parents and caregivers a lightweight, foldable alternative to heavier wheelchair-style mobility bases. The pediatric chair features a padded seat and back upholstery at the same low price as the original version. Other features include an adjustable seat depth that grows with a child, and an adjustable tension positioning back support system for customized fit. The Trotter wheelchair is transit-ready and comes in Jet Fighter Blue, Fire Truck Red, and Punch Buggy Pink.
MK Battery
MK Gel Batteries
Range of HME batteries ideal of power mobility
MK Gel Batteries deliver dependable power for vital mobility applications. The deep cycle Premium Sealed VRLA batteries are capable of up to 1,100 cycles for a typical HME user. The Gelled/Suspended Electrolyte involve no liquid of any kind which means the battery is safe in any position and maintenance free with no water ever needing to be added. MK batteries are also FAA, IATA and UPS approved, making them safe for travel and shipping.
Golden Technologies
GP162 Envy
Golden Technologies intros next-gen LiteRider
Golden Technologies is rolling out the GP162 Envy, the next generation in its LiteRider series. Placing a premium on comfort features that will help retailers drive cash sales, the Envy offers a larger foot plate and redesigned style with a decorative color shroud. Colors include Cherry Red and Paradise Blue, along with limited edition vibrant colors including Envy Green, Solar Flare Orange, Sunburst Yellow and Satin Silver. The chair has a turning radius of 28.5 in., and features two 22 amp-hour batteries for an operating range of up to 15.5 miles.
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
990X All-Terrain Knee Walker
Knee walker designed for all terrains
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare introduced the new 990X All-Terrain Knee Walker with a rugged, steel frame and four large, knobby tires designed never to go flat. As an alternative to crutches for anyone recovering from a below-the-knee injury or surgery, the steerable 990X is extremely stable for indoor and outdoor use and measures easily over gravel, dirt, grass, mulch and uneven pavement.