power add-on for manual chair

[lynnifer]

Manual chair user for 28yrs ... break down my chair for the car. Looking at Smart Drive since it weighs substantially less ... but a powerchair would mean new vehicle, new chair in the tens of thousands, etc.

I love the idea of these new add-ons.

[grommet]

If I had a power chair, I'd be trapped in the house or where I can reach within the mile limits of the chair and only in good weather. With a manual chair I can load my chair myself and off I go. I wouldn't trade that independence for anything. Now that I have it I want more with power ad on, but if I was limited to only a power chair I'd be trapped in the limits.

Why would anyone with a disability, that causes limits, want to further limit themselves or anyone else? Get the tools that best work for YOU and be happy they're available. Don't begrudge the tools available to those who have different needs and desires than your own. And that's my opinion, which I feel is still on topic.

Now that we're going OT anyway .. I agree totally with Lin, she took the words out of my mouth. I'll take anything that gives me an advantage, more mobility, gives me something back of what I used to have. Closing in on 18 years in a chair. If the ZX-1 or SmartDrive or anything else helps, I want it. I had 13 years in a powerchair, I earned every right to love the freedom of a manual chair and want the help of a power-assist. None of this is fun (or cheap) but I will do what I can to make it better and won't begrudge anyone else doing the same.

[Mac85]

Back to the topic, Spinergy called me today and they offered to ship me a new anti tip something - I was half asleep so I can't remember what it was. They offered me a overnight shipping which was very impressive but I told them that Monday is fine Since I don't want the UPS guy waking me up in the morning

[grommet]

Back to the topic, Spinergy called me today and they offered to ship me a new anti tip something - I was half asleep so I can't remember what it was. They offered me a overnight shipping which was very impressive but I told them that Monday is fine Since I don't want the UPS guy waking me up in the morning

That's great. It's what I'd expect from Spinergy. Let us know how it works out.

[pattherat]

Manual chair user for 28yrs ... break down my chair for the car. Looking at Smart Drive since it weighs substantially less ... but a powerchair would mean new vehicle, new chair in the tens of thousands, etc.

I love the idea of these new add-ons.

You could get a small hitch lift like this Power Tote: http://www.spinlife.com/Pride-Power-...9#.UbJezxbWbnk

I've made special platforms for it just to fit the ZX1. I think the whole thing weighs just 45 lbs.
I personally use a small custom cargo carrier that I built that manually tilts down and I drive the ZX1 on it.
I'll post pics of them both tomorrow.

[elarson]

Pat, Looking forward to the pic's. Unfortunately, Spinlife ban international IP's so I can't see a picture. I find it quite frustrating, because I often buy equipment in the US for forwarding. Needless to say, we will never buy from Spinlife with that kind of attitude, so I will be interested to see what you came up with.

You could get a small hitch lift like this Power Tote: http://www.spinlife.com/Pride-Power-...9#.UbJezxbWbnk

I've made special platforms for it just to fit the ZX1. I think the whole thing weighs just 45 lbs.
I personally use a small custom cargo carrier that I built that manually tilts down and I drive the ZX1 on it.
I'll post pics of them both tomorrow.

[Mac85]

Pat, Looking forward to the pic's. Unfortunately, Spinlife ban international IP's so I can't see a picture. I find it quite frustrating, because I often buy equipment in the US for forwarding. Needless to say, we will never buy from Spinlife with that kind of attitude, so I will be interested to see what you came up with.

Surf with http://www.hidemyass.com/
you're welcome

[elarson]

I agree with all of the other replies (SCI_OTR, lynnifer, Lin, grommet, etc.).

I think I speak for many who have been looking for powerchair replacements (for valid reasons). We traded in a very expensive power chair that kept my husband house bound, and are really looking forward to receiving a ZX1, and have been waiting for it for a long time.

We are looking to share useful on topic experience and knowledge, and have no interest about agreeing or not about opinions. Hope we can keep this thread on topic and friendly...

Then the Admin can delete it, you do not want my opinion....Y'all just want an opinion you can agree with. So be it.

[nonoise]

I thought Bob's comment was uncalled for especially when the ZX is marketed on their website as an on the fly manual to power chair conversion. It just happens be much smaller than the permanent type.

[elarson]

Thanks Mac85. I knew there was something like this, but forgot what. The problem I have is needing to have my IP shown to get through some firewalls for customers with VPN. Is it easy to turn off?

[Edit]Here is the cat calling the kettle black about being off-topic. Sorry about that guys.

Surf with http://www.hidemyass.com/
you're welcome

[~Lin]

The CAT? lol. Was that a typo of some sort? If not, never heard that one. Just familiar with pot and kettle.

[ancientgimp]

We received our Zx-1 tonight. My wife uses an Aero Z and had anti tip receivers and recepticals for rotating armrests, we had to remove both. The anti tip receivers brushed against the drive wheels, the armrests in the recepticals made contact with the rear of the 24" wheels. Once removed, my wife could back up to the clamshell and the clamshell grabbed the camber bar firmly as advertised. Our rear anti tip wheel just misses the motors - not by much. The Zx-1 seems way faster than 3.2 mph. It pivots in a very small footrprint. We backed up onto our Braun Trifold Lift on our full sized Ford van - plenty of room for the Zx-1. We tried to jump the 2" apron at the front of our garage, the front casters smacked the apron and stopped, we felt that we had not mastered the learning curve, my better half refused to approach at full speed - next step we clamped on Freewheel and the Zx-1 went right on into garage with no problem. I think the Freewheel plus Zx-1 makes a very versatile combination, per Patrick Madsen.

We think Pat the Rat is a genius, we trialed the SmartDrive which is amazing but the Zx-1 is a great accomodation for my wife, a post polio para/quad for about 64 years with failing shoulders. We will continue to review our experience.

[~Lin]

How wide is your wifes chair? And, so does that mean at the width of your wifes chair anti tippers and armrests cannot be used at all to accommodate the zx1?

[Patrick Madsen]

Thanks Ancient, glad to hear the ZX and Freewheel combo worked for you. Pretty amazing stuff coming out.

[triumph]

Back to the topic, Spinergy called me today and they offered to ship me a new anti tip something - I was half asleep so I can't remember what it was. They offered me a overnight shipping which was very impressive but I told them that Monday is fine Since I don't want the UPS guy waking me up in the morning

Ha, ha....I like your attitude.

My new zx1 arrived late yesterday afternoon and I gave it a good workout. Found it to be FAST, but maybe that's because of my weight of 118 lb. For now, I would not plan to speed it up with that stealth device that's been discussed.