PRECISION REHAB HANDS OVER UK’S FIRST iBOT POWERCHAIR

David has Type 2 SMA which affects all his muscle movements and has meant he has never been able to walk and has used a powerchair from the age of one.  As David got older, one of the things that was becoming more and more of an obstacle to his independence was being unable to get into buildings with a step such as shops or friends’ houses unless there was a ramp.

David and his father Jonathan spoke to Matt James, founder of Precision Rehab, to see what other models of powerchair were available which could potentially address this issue.  “When Matt told us about the iBOT PMD and its ability to climb steps and even stairs it sounded amazing” commented David.

As Matt has only recently signed a UK distribution agreement with Amsterdam based 2KERR Mobility, the European importer of the iBOT David and Jonathan arranged to visit their offices whilst Matt was attending his four day training course to be assessed and test it out to see if it met all David’s requirements. “As soon as I saw how easily it could overcome steps and kerbs thanks to the four-wheel drive mode let alone climb stairs, I knew it was what I was looking for.  I also loved the fact that my thoracic supports are built into the seat back of the chair so not visible” continued David. 

David has now had his iBOT PMD for several months and is very happy with it.  “The iBOT is very easy to manouvre at home and school, it has given me much more independence which is what I wanted as it can tackle kerbs and doorsteps with no problem and also has an impressive battery range.  Another great feature is the balance mode which enables me to travel at head height as opposed to looking at people’s waists. For example, I have a season ticket at Manchester United, and the trip from the stadium to the tram is approximately one mile, which wasn’t always easy due to the crowds.  However, I put the iBOT into Balance Mode and I can navigate my way through the crowds with ease and people can also see me – it is also much quicker!  The iBOT really is a great powerchair and I would certainly recommend it and Precision Rehab to anyone looking for a powerchair and a supplier that clearly knows what they are talking about” continued David.

The iBOT has also enabled David to live more independently on a day-to-day basis at home and school.  He can now go to the local shops on his own without worrying about doorsteps and recently met up with a group of friends in London which would not have been possible before.  “As a parent, it is great to see David living a more independent life.  The iBOT is clearly well built and it has made a real difference to David’s life” concluded Jonathan.

“We are delighted to have delivered the first iBOT powerchair and to hear how happy David is with it.  At Precision Rehab, we pride ourselves on offering the best in bespoke powerchair solutions and the iBOT is a fantastic addition to our portfolio” commented Matt.

The iBOT features the latest in powerchair electronics, sensors, battery technology and software to enable the user to overcome barriers to their independence which have previously been inaccessible.  The iBOT has four different driving modes which combine to make it suitable for almost any environment.

Balance Mode provides extra height which enables the user to travel in a raised position and at the same height as their friends, family members or work colleagues, which makes conversations and many day to day activities such as shopping, working, attending social events, much more enjoyable.  Balance Mode also increases the ground clearance of the main chassis from standard 2.8” (71mm) to an impressive 9.5” (241mm). 

Standard Driving Mode is for when the iBOT is being used as a normal standard wheelchair and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments.

Four Wheel Drive Mode ensures the iBOT can overcome individual steps, slopes and various different terrains including soft sand, gravel, rough ground, pebbles, loose ground and snow therefore allowing the user to venture into environments which would not normally be accessible in a powerchair. The Four-Wheel Drive Mode increases the maximum obstacle height to an unrivalled 5” (127mm).

Stair Climbing Mode is what truly sets the iBOT apart from any other powerchair currently available.  By selecting Stair Climbing Mode the iBOT can smoothly climb and descend stairs while being controlled by the user or assisted with an attendant making buildings fully accessible.  This means that powerchair users can live in a house with stairs and not have to rely on a stairlift or through the floor lift to access other floors.  It can also ensure greater independence and peace of mind when booking a holiday.

With standard features including a range of seating options, a maximum user capacity of 136 kg, left or right-handed ergonomic joystick, a tilt in space function for increased comfort combined with a top speed of 6.8mph (10.9kph) the iBOT truly represents the next generation in powerchairs.

Precision Rehab was founded by Matthew James and his wife Emma 10 years ago. Building on over 30 years’ experience of the powerchair market Matt has overseen the controlled growth of the company to its position today as one of the leading suppliers of bespoke powerchairs in the UK.  Other powerchair brands currently available in the UK from Precision Rehab include: Paravan, NEW LIVE, Dietz, Eurovema and Sunrise Medical.

For more information on the full range of powerchairs available from Precision Rehab or book an assessment please call 01256 300111, email: info@precisionrehab.co.uk  or visit www.precisionrehab.co.uk