Exokinetics’ new Project ELEVATE Mobility (PEM) charitable foundation is seeking to help consumers purchase the company’s Zeen mobility device.
The West Chester, Pennsylvania-based company said in an April 17 press release that PEM will award dollar-for-dollar matching grants to consumers who want to buy a Zeen mobility device. The company described Zeen as having a “revolutionary, non-motorized lift system, which gently raises users from a seated position to standing, providing safe, supported mobility while walking.”
Zeen is said to be “ideal for people with limited strength, balance or endurance due to chronic conditions or injuries.” The device “allows individuals to engage with their surroundings at eye level and perform everyday activities like cooking, reaching high shelves, or interacting socially.”
The Zeen retails for $4390 for a standard model and $4915 for a model that can be controlled by one hand rather than two. PEM grants would match up to $2500 of the consumer’s contribution toward the purchase of the device.
“The Zeen is in a new class of mobility device with its sit, stand, walk capability and currently does not have a specific code for Medicare or Medicaid at this time,” Exokinetics said on its website. “However, we encourage you to work with your prescribing physician and health-care institution to see if submitting a claim to Medicare or Medicaid for Zeen reimbursement is an option for you.”
Zeen can be used by kids or adults
The press release said the Zeen — which can accommodate children and adults with body weights of 50 to 250 lbs. — can be suitable for consumers with a range of mobility-related conditions, “such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, ataxia or recovering from a stroke or injury. By promoting weight-bearing on the legs, walking with an upright posture, and reducing the fear of falling, Zeen supports overall health, including cardiovascular function, muscle tone, digestion and psychological well-being.”
To operate the Zeen, consumers must have enough hand strength to squeeze the seat release and brake levers. Users must also be “able to stand and walk with or without assistance/device.”
The Zeen weighs approximately 42 lbs. and is 33.5 inches long and 25.2 inches wide; it can fold to a width of 11 inches for storage and transporting. The width of the seat between the armrests is 21 inches. The Zeen can clear doorways that are at least 27 inches wide.
PEM is raising funds via the Help Hope Live community fundraising platform. The Zeen is available for sale in the United States, directly from Exokinetics or through its dealer network. The company demonstrated the Zeen this spring at Medtrade (Dallas) and the International Seating Symposium (Pittsburgh).
