Written January 2022
So it's the new year and it's about time I started posting on my blog regularly!
What a better way to start posting again than to talk about the one thing that bought me my independence back with my chronic illness. People often make comments about how sad it is that I have to use a wheelchair, but when you look at my chair and the independence it brings me there really is nothing sad about it.
I often have questions on my wheelchair - I thought I'd go into a little more depth on the specifics of my Sunrise Medical, Quickie Life Folding Chair in one post and then my Invacare, Alber Efix power attachment separately. (The bit that makes it like a powerchair!)
I am a self- confessed wheelchair geek. I've spent hours and hours researching wheelchair makes and models & I'd like to think I have quite extensive knowledge and through the support of Access Your Life have learnt all a lot!
Link to videos:
Where to buy:
Link to AYL Equipment Request Form
Overall thoughts:
I love my chair! A great first bespoke wheelchair. Definitely get the foldable option if you are limited on space. My back rest not only folds in half lengthways but folds over
A little bit of background information:
I began struggling with fatigue more and more and spent most my days in bed, I noticed I wasn’t leaving the house much at all so started using a mobility scooter when I lived on a huge hill in Brighton- this made a massive difference to my energy levels, but I still found I was bed - bound most of the time. Similarly the scooter broke down ALOT and often left me stranded halfway up the hill of being catapulted off on half drop curbs.
I went on to buy multiple different foldable wheelchairs and wasted an awful lot of money, before I finally decided it was time I got a bespoke chair made. The money I spent on all the foldable chairs I could've just bought this one!
I knew I needed something really supportive as I have a coccyx injury in addition to my EDS (at the time I had different diagnosis). I struggle sitting for long periods of time & I only had a tiny car (something at the time I wasn't willing to change) so I needed to find something that could fold up small.
I approached Access Your Life and was put in touch with an incredible Rehabilitation Engineer named Joseph.
The Quickie Life was a great solution as it is a folding frame and has been able to adapt with me as my disability has changed.
The reason I went for a foldable chair was so I could fit it through narrow door frames, including my front door, store it under my stairs and get it into the boot of my car. (A small Vauxhall Viva)
my Spec:
JAY Lite seat cushion
Foldable Quickie Life
Folding Footplates
Removable Arms
Folding Backrest
Appearance:
Such a huge of range of frame colours. I do I choice, I must admit the flamingo glitter did have my name on it at one point but I chose to go with the white purely as I felt I could change my accessories up best this way and I’m glad I did this! With chairs measured to your size, it feels as though you sit in the chair and not on the chair- I don’t feel as though I stand out and I feel much more comfortable in my chair than I do out of it.
Comfort:
The comfort of this chair rides massively on a few things, seating having the correct measurements, air pressure in your tyres.
Storing the chair:
When putting the chair in the car, we had to remove the footplates, the joystick, both wheels, the battery and the cushion but it fit with the back seats down- once we got used to the system it worked for us.
My carers said my chair is easier to lift in and out of a car compared to other wheelchairs I have had previously , even with the heavier E-fix wheels on it. One of my carers was quite petite, and she can lift it into the car herself.
I soon got a bigger car to eliminate removing the wheels and joystick.
For storing the chair inside the house, it does fold with the battery, however in - order -to protect it when travelling in vehicles I would recommend removing it.
I struggle getting up some drop curbs particularly the ones that aren’t completely flat to the ground so take them backwards so do find my freewheel attachment helpful however it adds length. (Link to page)
Assessment:
After speaking on the phone with Access Your Life and Joseph, I had a demo day, where we spoke about my needs more in-depth, Joseph took my measurements, showed me equipment at my own home, and gave both my carer the chance to lift and fold the chair into my car and I the opportunity to try it out in my usual setting and around my local area.
Joseph showed me how to use each part of the chair and supported me with my concerns on the steep hills.
People often ask me about my chair. I love nothing more than to waffle about her beauty lol
Wheels will tackle absolutely anything they’re amazing!!! I feel if I had bigger front castors I’d be unstoppable! Looking into a freewheel attachment now to see if it will help with ‘off road.
Difficulties:
I occasionally struggle to push the chair out until it clicks completely into position when unfolding the seat, this could be due to my dexterity issues but something to bear in mind.
What i'd change:
The best thing about getting a Quickie despite the comfort and bespoke measurements is the ability for it to be altered. Although my chair is exceptionally comfortable, I am beginning to struggle more and more with my back injury and would find a different backrest much more beneficial, this definitely be something I consider in the future.
Backrest:
I wish I had a different backrest. The soft backrest is nowhere near supportive enough.
Foldable Handles:
Originally I wanted the handles with buttons under to flip down if you don’t want people pushing you as I use a power attachment, however I quickly learnt when my power attchement was broken or I was unwell that these handles were not supportive enough for carers.
Why I would recommend:
I’m so glad I got a Quickie wheelchair as it means I can adapt these things and don’t have to buy a whole new wheelchair.
Ideal user:
First time manual wheelchair users- very adaptable.
Those looking for a lightweight chair- One of my old PA’s is quite petite, and she can lift it into the car herself even with the 7kg each E-fix wheels added on it too.
Those who use power attachments particularly powered wheels.
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