New Power Chair

[Nanajo1]

I got my new chair last week. It is an Invacare M61 with an infinity seat and lumbar support back. I really like that the seat swivels to the side and also elevates about 6 inches. The joy stick control panel can be slid back so it is parallel to the chair. These features are great in the kitchen. It has six wheels. The front wheels are "articulating" which means they are independent of the center wheels and can manage thresholds and some curbs while the main wheels keep in contact with the ground. I can't believe how it can turn around so easily and take up so little space.This is all new to me as my other chair was nearly ten years old. I love new technology! II'm not thrilled with the foot platform instead of foot rests. It is stiff and hard for me to fold up if I want to stand. But there are work arounds and I am happy with the chair.

 

[SueM in MN]

Looks pretty nice.
We are looking at an Invacare TDX3 for DD. She trialed one, but we're kind of undecided on whether or not to go with that or get her another rear wheel drive wheelchair (Invacare Arrow). She had some problems keeping the trial wheelchair going straight forward when she got excited. We think it was due to the wheelchair being too wide for her, so when she got excited and her arm shot straight out, it was actually pushing out to the right a bit.
We also looked at the elevating seat, but the lowest it goes on the TDX series is 18.5 inches from the floor - that would make her high for transfers since she's barely 5 feet tall.

 

[dclfun]

Congrats on your new chair! I have the platform footrest on my Permobil C500 but was told it was an upgrade from the folding footrests. I wonder if your vendor could switch it out for you or if it comes as standard without an option. I just got my new chair a few months ago and it has the "power pack" which means it goes even faster. I love it! Know what you mean about technology, esp. for those of us who live in our chairs- they really are like getting a new body.---Kathy

 

[Nanajo1]

I have a little trouble backing up in a straight line but I'm adjusting. My dealer asked about hand tremors (which I don't have) in case he needed to adjust the joystick not to be too sensitive to unwarranted hand motion. I could have had the foot rests in addition to the platform but they would have made the chair a bit longer because they would need to clear the front wheels. I don't think I'm explaining this very well but I opted for a shorter profile in lieu of the foot rests. If/when I need to elevate my legs I can add the elevating foot rests for an additional charge. In the mean time I'll be happy with the new chair and the peace of mind that it gives me.

 

[BillSears]

New wheelchairs remind me of getting new tennis shoes when I was a kid. The old one gets worn out and it just doesn't work as well as it used to, then you get this new smooth running chair where everything looks brand new. When you get that new chair it "adds a spring to your step". It's like getting a new car or wearing some cool new clothes.

Congrats on your new chair!!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

I have a little trouble backing up in a straight line but I'm adjusting.

Those midwheel chairs are harder to back up since the rear wheels swivel as well as the front wheels. You'll get used to it, but from what I have heard you probably won't be able to back as straight because of the back casters.
But, you might find you don't need to back as much because the wheelchair can turn in a shorter distance.
That was one thing we noticed with the trial DD did with a midwheel chair. In her old chair, she hates turning and will back up to avoid a turn (at dance class last week, she backed up nearly 20 feet - very straight- to get back into position after we were to go back to our places. It would have been quicker to turn, but she avoids turning if she can).