WheelchairDriver

Anyone know anything about the Karma Ergo? http://www.1stchoicemobility.co.uk/powe ... d_941.html

I'm a petite 5 feet 1inch, 46kg (103lb) 48 year old woman.

I bought an adapted Segway (http://addmovement.se/en/theaddseat/), using half of my life savings, only to find that I don't have enough upper body strength or weight to control the gyroscopic technology. I'm also not strong enough to engage and disengage the stabilisers, let alone the quick-release handle which is required to get in and out of the chair. I'm still waiting to see if they'll take it back. The EU distributor wants to try and 'fix' the problem for me but he's not hearing me when I say I'm not strong enough to operate it. (!) I guess his commission has caused temporary deafness.

In the meantime, I'm trying to find something I can operate. Otherwise, I'm stuck in my house because, though I can walk, even light physical exertion (like operating the AddSeat!!) sets off anaphylaxis.

I'm feeling pretty desperate so if anyone has any ideas, I'd be very grateful.

Jodi

How do you intend to get it into the back of a car if you are by yourself?

That Karma is a cheaply made chineese power wheelchair. But at your weight and size will probably work for you. The ride will be rough out doors guaranteed.

Tiny and very limited distance batteries, slow speeds, slower than most people walk. I predict you will be lucky to get 1 hour running at its predicted speed. If you figure the distance you will reasonably want to walk and if that equals less than 1/2 of the predicted battery power, it may work. Nice picture though.

Try to never exceed 1/2 of the predicted range of the unit if you can help it. Don't ever draw lead acid deep cells down to their full cycle they will have a very short lifetime. I figure 1/2 +/- 12.5 amp hours is super tiny for batteries.

What will this chair cost you? If you spend more than $1500 American dollars it is too much ! And $1500 is pushing it.

Can you get help getting it apart and into a motor vehicle?

Can you buy a used one somewhat similar Invacare has a pretty good product but it will not tear down like this one.

Will the range restrictions suit you? Will the tear down be a big issue?

And of course can you get out of that two wheeler? That I am sure you paid far too much for. I personally like them, but the price is far too dear for me.

Just some of my rambling thoughts, and good luck with making your choice.

jowen1966 wrote:...In the meantime, I'm trying to find something I can operate. Otherwise, I'm stuck in my house because, though I can walk, even light physical exertion (like operating the AddSeat!!) sets off anaphylaxis.

I'm feeling pretty desperate so if anyone has any ideas, I'd be very grateful.

Jodi

Hi Jodi,

Sorry to hear about your situation. I don't have any quick fix to offer you re alternatives, but my immediate thoughts were on the same lines as Sully's. What car do you have?

If its not a rude question, how much was the Segway/Addseat combo (PM me if you don't want to go public)? I'm sure that some sort of assistive/powered technology could be fitted to the Addseat to help you overcome its/your limitations but I can't see a dealer doing anything useful. You should have a chat with your local Remap team, the East Kent unit is only a few miles away from you. If you've not come across Remap before, have a read here; can't guarantee they can/will be able to help but doesn't cost anything to ask. Call the head office on 0845 1300 456 or contact them directly by visiting this page.

Thanks for your replies Sully and Irving.

I don't plan on going out with the chair by myself. I'm physically capable of the actions involved but the slightest physical exertion triggers debilitating symptoms. I couldn't even move the ramps for the AddSeat. I'm just hoping to get out of the house and enjoy nature or go shopping with my partner; I spend most days inside on the couch.

I drive an automatic 2013 Ford CMax. The AddSeat has such a small footprint and would have fit easily inside, but if I can't operate it, what good does that do me, eh? The distributor has agreed to take it back minus delivery/collection charges (from Netherlands).

Thank you for letting me know about Remap. The best part of the chair though is the gyroscopic technology; I don't think it could be altered in a way that wouldn't take everything cool away from the chair. I just think it's geared more towards those more able than I. With research, I'm now hoping to clone the BM3 (if we can figure out how to make it!! ) Maybe Remap can help with that. (?)

The AddSeat costs ... gulp ... €18k. I was willing to part with 1/2 my savings if it meant more freedom but because of my limitations the AddSeat feels more like I'm dragging a huge weight (and that's with it sitting untouched in the corner!)

I know so many people that do not properly plan for the future.

Being disabled isn't cheap. Paying for everything twice simply adds to this.

Its never practical to modify an unsuitable house, then end up moving and doing it all over again because the first house wasn't practical.

The same with cars/powerchairs.

You need to plan a house, driveway, powerchair and car that all works together. Like a wheelchair van with a lift or ramp. And a proper powerchair and adapted home with enough space to move in an area with local amenities and ramps/footpaths, in a flat locality.

Trying to put any powerchair into and out of a car is not practical. You you *can* do it. But its so much trouble you will avoid going out...