Questions About Convaid Strollers........

[DisneyWheeler]

I have a few questions about the Convaid strollers from those who use them for themselves/for their kids. My mom's health is rapidly going downhill, and the next time Dan and I go to Disney World with her, which will probably be a year or two from now. She may not be able to handle taking my manual wheelchair. So, I was looking into somehow purchasing a Convaid stroller for me to use to make it easier on her to deal with. Either that, or taking my kaye walker and using it the entire trip since I know wheelchair rentals can be pretty costly at the parks now. Not sure about offsite wheelchair rentals though. But, my mom probably wouldn't want to go that route.

Rather than having to take apart my manual wheelchair and fold it, carrying all of the parts, which include: my tray, cushion, stroller handle extension bar, and footrests (and putting it back together) each time at the doorway to the plane, and loading/unloading it from the rental car. Dan and I try to help her as much as we can putting it back together, taking it apart, and carrying all of the pieces on board, but I've seen the strain on her face from having to deal with my manual wheelchair during these times. It makes me feel bad knowing that she's physically hurting. Her worst problem is with her back, like me with having severe scoliosis.

I've looked on their website, and saw all the different types of models, and just was curious:

1) How easy are they, especially the adult-sized models, to handle lifting into the back of a vehicle? Are they heavy, or fairly light?

2) How easy are they to fold/unfold quickly when boarding an airplane/getting off the airplane and rushing to make the connecting flight?

3) I was looking at the Scout model the most. It seems like it almost resembles a manual wheelchair more than it does a stroller. Is this correct?

I demoed a Convaid stroller in an adult size the last time I visited my DME dealer for repairs to my power chair, and they seem like they're pretty comfortable.

I would love to hear feedback from others on the strollers.

Thanks, Samantha

 

[LauraVV]

My daughter has one. LOVE it. Comfy, she says. It does have the extra support in the back which probably makes it more comfy. Folds up very well. We have room for my scooter and my daughter's Cruiser in the back of our minivan. Pretty light weight for a w/c. Why don't use use your power chair in the airport and let the airline put it away?

 

[DisneyWheeler]

Hi Laura; I wish that I could take it to Disney World someday. But, my mom doesn't like to travel with it because she worries about the risk of damage to it from the airlines, plus having to find transportation for it. It's huge and it also has a rigid frame.

Samantha

 

[LauraVV]

I took my scooter on Southwest last year and had no problems at all. Worked very well.

 

[Schmeck]

Is there someone else who could come with you to help out your mom?

 

[PatMcDuck]

I have a red Convaid that I brought to DL in October, that I use for my 19 year old son. It is the Safari Transport model, I think. It is wonderful, comfortable, and holds up to 200 pound adult, or something. My son is about 165 pounds.

We used to use a Wheelchair without the big side wheels, called a Transport chair, but I did not like the way he leaned forward in it all the time. No head support, and the armrests were sort of up higher than a normal chair, it hurt my shoulders if I ever sat in it just to try it for comfort (at home!) He has scoliosis, and his posture looked terrible. (also has Downs and Autism). The footrests were seperate, and have to be removed to fold it up. It did not fold up that well, and was awkward to lift in and out of a car.

OK, with the Convaid, he is much more comfortable. It is sort of in a reclining position, slightly, so posture is good. His neck is supported, as this model came with the extension for the neck. The footrests flip to the side when fold it up. The downside, it is very heavy. IT does not fold up small, it is pretty big. I drive a VW Beetle, and it does not fit in my trunk without folding the back seat down (neither did the transport chair). I got better at folding it open and shut, WD40 helped too. The person I got it from gave us the sun shield, too, but I did not use it. It seems hard to fold up. I may use it in Florida.

I got my convaid, NEW, on ebay for $1000. (NEVER used) Yes, it is alot, but this model sells for much much more. We did not really need this particular model, but the price was right. It really should last him for his lifetime, we only use it for outings, fortunately. I am somewhat worried about travelling with it, like it getting stolen or damaged. But, what can you do? He needs it, and I love it.

Sorry photo is small. He is leaning forward here to make those boxes make sounds at DL, outside the Roger Rabbit ride.