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1st drive in the X5

PostPosted: 19 Feb 2011, 05:03
by sacharlie
or any powerchair for that matter.
************AWESOME**************

I'm a hardheaded Quad that always uses a manual chair and found myself not going to places I use to. Today I went to the Rodeo and Livestock grounds. It was a blast running up and down ramps and curbs. Weaving around to miss the cow patties in the barns was cool. I hadn't been to the grounds for over 10 years...what a hoot.

Re: 1st drive in the X5

PostPosted: 19 Feb 2011, 10:51
by Burgerman

Re: 1st drive in the X5

PostPosted: 19 Feb 2011, 11:16
by Martin O Refurbisher
It is always encouraging to see a fellow sufferer convert to a higher level of mobility. Well done!

For years, I struggled on crutches, wanting to be independent, until one day on a train, a powerchair user (Ann Bates OBE then of DIPTAC), pointed out to me that I was draining my brain power, such as it was, in fighting to achieve some limited mobility. I don't now have the arm / wrist strength to use manual chair. Now I use a powerchair (from choice, usually an F55, sometimes an F75, otherwise whatever is to hand).

Now, the door has opened for you, also.

The next step is to upgrade - many of us depend upon Burgerman's sage advice, and I do in particular, as I seek to translate his ideas into solutions for others. I commend you to get involved in the discussions.

Best,

Martin

Re: 1st drive in the X5

PostPosted: 19 Feb 2011, 16:54
by Burgerman
X5s are 2.5 inches too wide, a little too long, and a little high. The width and length you are stuck with unfortunately. Especially the rear casters hanging out behind you.

But reprogramming so it goes, and turns when you do, and a set of Odyssey batteries works wonders for torque and controlability.
And the seat can be lowered, by a couple of inches, although they still will feel a bit "tank" like indoors. They are a bit big for inside or in a van. And have weak arms, and the seating and everything above the base a bit badly made. The base itself is pretty good. And the newest ones have the best control system available in the Mobility world, the DX2 Dynamic. Once programmed correctly.