That's why I had to
make all the C of G and programming/wheels/tyres mods etc. I couldn't
live with all the issues when I could see how to do much better!
I don't know what
you are actually looking at that's mine though because I have built and
modified a lot of powerchairs and have 27 sites! Seriously...
The latest ones
(this year) are:
My standard chair
"fix" which is not too involved and took me a week or so. (Actually I
did 2 at once total cost 3k for a pair...)
The two areas where I'm struggling with my
present powerchair are:
1) The control location - I have short
arms, so constant reaching forward and to the right give me ongoing back
issues in my lumbar spine that radiate around to my right arm pit
Easy to fix.
In any number of
ways.
I cant do it for you
here but any engineer will sort that out.
The pod on mine is
already moved inside the arm for compactness and back. Took me about two
mins with a few tools and a saw...
But more
importantly now its using a proper parallel link mounting that doesn't
wobble and fall to bits like a stock one as well! It's strong enough for flights
too...
Seems a shame the
manufacturers are obviously ignorant of the problem as mine too was too
far forward and my arms are normal length.
2) The fact that I have shortened femurs
mean that my centre of gravity is all wrong in the chair. I am too far
forward of the wheels, and so often lose traction (and control!) and
find myself careering into roads or off slopes, etc!!
Actually the bigger
and longer your arms and legs the WORSE that gets. The weight on the F55
is way too far forwards with a standard cushion and sling back Its worse
still with a Recaro seat. They should be banned! Or at least fitted
lower and further rearward.
Mine (sling back) is moved rearwards so that I keep both rear wheels on
the ground for control at all times and so that I can take a front wheel
completely off and still go to the pub! Front punctures are no longer
either as likely or a problem
Because I am able to walk (about 50m max) I hoist mine in and out of a
2006 Renault Espace with a 4 way hoist that can lift a maximum of 150kg
(that appears to be about the weight of the chair)
Well they could be lighter too if they
cared. All steel and iron... But you need my van...
All the stuff that you mention in terms of modifying your chair really
ring true with me.... I wondered if you have contacts with people in
other parts of the country who are as talented as you seem to be, and
enjoy tinkering so much who might be prepared to do a bit of work on
mine? Or indeed whether you ever look to "take on" projects (paid of
course!)?
There are about a dozen that are doing the
same/similar things that I know of and basically copying my modified
powerchairs. But they are all disabled and struggle to do it or get it
done. As I do. But there isn't any choice if you know what you want.
Nobody makes anything that's half decent ready to roll! If anyone thinks
otherwise then they either don't understand the difference (most people)
or don't care.
I totally agree that the £6k or so that I'd have to pay for a brand new
F55 would be a total waste of money (oh, and so pleased that you agree
the F55 seems just about the best powerchair around!))
As a starting point. At least as far as I
know. There isn't any other mainstream chair that fits the bill. And I
hate overweight "modular" compromises. Non seem much good for a variety
of reasons but ALL suffer from crappy finish and detail in construction
at the very least. But then
my latest one
discards everything but the frame and the front
casters and seat rails! And the latest 4 pole motors.
I'm all the way down in Reading, Berkshire
by the way..
Hope to hear from you, but recognise you
probably get emails like this all the time... I'm very patient :-)
You wouldn't believe
how many and mostly from people saying the same as you.
If you'd rather Skype or MSN me, I'm
xxxxxxxxx on Skype, and the same email address as this on MSN.
Sorry but I
hate Skype/phones, I am a bloke!
