Really late to the party, but this has been super helpful giving me things to search for as I go down the rabbit hole of shopping for my first wheelchair!
I just recently received a TiLite Aero Z and absolutely love it, in gray with green forks for the front wheels. I had a Per4Max before that, it actually lasted me 8 yrs. I had a Quickie before that. The Aero Z is the one I like the most.
nice to meet you i have cerebral palsy I am Japanese I am using the translation function It was a very educational video thank you There are a lot of nice wheelchairs overseas. I subscribed to your channel Please keep doing a good job
First time using a wheelchair. I don’t know too much about them. I was fitted for one and I got the Ki Mobility Catalyst 5vx. Took it for a spin on a hiking trail and so far so good, no complaints.
I was thrilled to get a rigid chair. I still have my folding one as a back up and will NEVER get another folding chair again. In fact. the other day someone suggested I get a folding chair to put in and out of the car, as opposed to a rigid one...andI couldn't say 'no' fast enough.
Hi I have the ki rogue xp wheel adjusting the casters is very important because it prevents you from falling forward if the wheelchair were to tip forward you can adjust it to how you would feel comfortable with but the recommended adjustment is square the way the chair would come from the manufacturer.
This is super helpful! If anyone is looking into the KiMobility Rogue, I just want to put a bit of information out there that I wish I had had when choosing my chair. I wish I had known about that chair when I got it was the caster wobble. It is horrific, and according to my ATP, the caster mechanism on the Rogue tends to be a place that wears out quickly and causes a lot of problems. He said it basically every Rogue user he's met has had the same problem. I'm constantly embarrassed by the loud noise and I can't go fast or far because half the power in all my pushes gets wasted by the casters moving from side to side rather than into actually moving me forward. Granted, my caster wheels themselves are pretty big so that's part of it, but I'd really warn people thinking about a Rogue to beware of the fact that the caster mechanism is not very durable. This was my first chair, so I can't speak to how comparable it is to other brands or models, but I've never come across a manual chair as noisy or prone to visible vibration as mine and my ATP agreed that this is a particular problem with the model. The folding mechanism is somehow both super flimsy and requires a huge amount of strength and perseverance to use. Mine no longer folds at all, but when it did, I swear I never spent less than 3 minutes pulling the string back and forth trying to get it to engage the mechanism. If you're looking into that model, I would just be wary of the fact that it doesn't necessarily age very well and there are a few aspects of the chair that are not designed particularly well. I have a TiLite Aero Z coming tomorrow, and while my Rogue has given me a lot, I'm very happy to be leaving it behind.
Yes I have Rogue and the pull cord is so finicky, among other things. There are just so many parts that seem cheap. The quick release axle buttons don’t work right and get stuck all the time.
Here in the United States, TiLite is the only brand of wheelchair to own. All others are simply sub par. I can say this because I have owned both Quickie and TiLite through several different chairs. TiLite is king in my book.
I just saw the online ad for the Kuschall Unique and my gawd, what a great looking chair! Apparently it comes in virtually unlimited colours. A “friend” told me that they are bloody expensive but man, do they ever look cool! I can Imagine that whomever can afford it, would feel great in it. If you think the Aria is sexy, I can imagine you might feel the same way about this one.
I just ordered a Ki Mobility Rogue 2. The caster adjustability is for if you want more dump in the seat. It allows you to adjust the casters to true vertical even when your frame angle is more steep in the back
Until I started following your channel about 3 years ago, I thought every chair was like the ones you see in hospitals and “rentals” in malls. I’d never seen ones with colour push rims or spokes. In addition to being critical for mobility, may I say that a lot of them are beautiful as well. Truly a lot of engineering and aesthetics goes into the design of these wheelchairs!
I know you said to comment on 'why would anyone want to adjust their caster angles'. I know of someone who got a chair with adjustable angles and asked: Here's what she said: 'So, generally, you want the castor angle to be 90 degrees. On some racing chairs, they angle them a bit to help keep the chair straight, but that is a different thing. If something happens though and you switch the wheels or you increase the dump (lowering the butt so you sit in a bit of a pocket) of the chair, we'll then the rest of the frame's angle with the ground has changed a bit. We don't want that, we want them at 90 degrees. But with the ability to adjust the angle, you can now make those kinds of changes to the rest of the chair safer. Wheelchairs are really fun to do work on because, when you change one part, it has little following adjustments all across the chair. Especially with a chair usually seeing 5-10 years of use, it helps to be able to change up to adjust with your body, style, part availability, etc.' Show less Reply
I have a ti lite for 7 years . Definitely the best robust chair I have had. I'm due a new one and was going to get a helium but decided to get another ti lite. Better stick with what I know
@@EmpoweredPara Ok that's good. Because some countries don't . Thank God in Ireland they pay for it. I just got measured for my new one today. Only came across your channel today. Enjoying your videos.
The caster adjustment on the Ki Mobility chair allows you to correct the caster stems to vertical if you change the seat dump, camber, center of gravity, wheel or caster size. The stems should be vertical but changing any of those things requires an adjustment to that angle. The TiLite TRA and ZRA have this feature as do many others.
Wow! The things you learn even after being in a wheelchair for so long! I have always wondered what you do if you get a bigger tire on your wheelchair. So does that mean that because mine is fixed on my chair I have to stick with the same size wheel forever?
@@EmpoweredPara I looked at the RGK site but didn't find a downloadable manual for the Octane but from the photos it looks to me as if the caster stem angle is not adjustable. I don't know what size your wheels are but suppose they were 22" dia. and you decided to go to 24". That would raise the chair roughly an inch at the axle and change the caster stem angle so the front of the chair would drop slightly when you are moving forward and raise slightly when you reverse. You'd see a similar thing if you changed to fat mountain bike tires although maybe not so much. Also changing the diameter of the casters would cause a similar change. A small change in tire size probably won't have much of a noticeable effect so changing the tires to a slightly different size won't be a huge problem. Eliminating the adjustability reduces the weight of the chair but it means you are limited to the changes you can make later. FWIW, the FreeWheel attachment leverages the angle of its caster stem to lift the casters of the chair off the ground when you are pushing forward and lower them back to the ground when you reverse so you can take the FreeWheel off. If the FreeWheel's stem was vertical, there'd be no lift when you push forward.
@@daver425 I have always been terrible at physics so this kind of stuff is really confusing to me lol. This was a really good explanation! Thank you! Although I still don't understand the forward/reverse thing and how that can change how the caster behaves. I wish there was a toy wheelchair about the size of a Tonka truck that was adjustable in all the ways a normal chair could be so we could play around with it and visualize what all the changes do.
I was 283lbs when I had my accident so I was having a hard time finding a rigid frame wheelchair with a high weight limit cause my Dr and pt both thought I would gain weight. So I settled for a ki mobility but I wouldn't recommend it. Now i'm down 40lbs and I was able to get a ti lite ZRA and holy shit i'm on love!!
First of all congratulations on slimming down and showing the doctor and PT that they were wrong! Second thanks for the feedback! I loved my tilite too even though it was too big for me.
one small comment: Note that the position and angle of the backrest of Panthera (x and U models) Chairs are adjustable. The angle is adjustable by 2 screws (no steps). The position of the backrest (and with that the depth of the seat and the tipping-point of the chair is adjustable in roughly 1 cm steps, by 4 drilled holes in the frame. so... +/- 2 cm from the regular backrest position.
Lot's of good info in this video, and comment thread. Thanks for doing this! Hope your channel grows so much more. I have a Tilite Aero T. Most of the chair is well made. The Tilite brakes aren't durable though, I replaced mine with Eagle scissor brakes. But pushing translates well to forward motion, making the chair feel lighter than it is, and there's zero castor wobble.
Great video! :) I have a Quickie Argon 2 (I think it’s called a 5R in the US/Canada) from the NHS here in Scotland, plus I just got a RGK Tiga FX. Quickie and RGK are actually owned by the same company, but my RGK chair is SO SO much better. I think it being measured by an actual wheelchair user really helped - it just fits perfectly! Plus the way it folds is very handy, yet it still feels totally rigid. I love it.
I have the Ki Mobility Rogue and I honestly love it! Easy to maneuver and adjust as I lose weight and super light! I was originally looking at tilites but think I got the best chair picked for me!
Man, that sure is a lot of wheelchair brands! Before I started here, I’d only heard of 2 brands - Quickie and TiLite. You certainly did a lot of work on the list and the specs. And Deb & I are very happy that you found a model that you love the look of, and works well for you! Live happy Brittney!!
I came across a lil video the other day on the RGK chair which showed it having the backrest folded down and the front part of the frame by the casters being folded underneath. Then it was stored in a very compact travel bag. In turn the 2 wheels were stowed in a separate bag. When I think of a folding wheelchair, I think of one which folds in the middle of the seat. Whereas you refer to your RGK as a Rigid Chair. So would the one I see in this recent RGK ad still be considered a Rigid Chair?
24 years in a chair. I've had 3 Quickies, a Ti-lite, one made in Denmark (can't recall the name) that by pumping the hand rests, it transformed into a standing chair. Currently in a Motions Composites Veloce. Personally I prefer folding chairs since I am driving all over the place. Rigid chairs are more comfortable, however over the years I've ruined too many articles of clothing from axle grease. It also gets on the car upholstery. It's a pain in the ass taking the chair apart constantly and muscling it across the between you and the steering wheel. My last few chairs fold neatly and tuck behind the drivers seat. Yes I drive a car, not a van. My favorite is an AirInc. Sadly they went out of business about 3 years after I got the chair. So lightweight, and comfy, but trying to get parts is impossible. I've actually had a machine shop make me new brake parts. The chair is now 12 years old and is my travel chair. Around the house I like the Motions Composites. It too is a folding chair. I believe you say Quasar like the astronomical term for a massive blackhole - kway-zar. Progeo, like Geographic Pro-Geo. Outstanding video for helping people see just what's out there. Too often only 1 or 2 vendors are available for the new person to talk with, and unfortunately like you mentioned, they end up with a chair that is not "you". Wrong measurements are crushing. Over time you realize what works for you. My rant wasn't about promoting folding chairs, that is just what works for me. Everyone has his/her own needs and the chair for them is something they will learn, but that only comes with time. Thanks for an informative video!
You adjust the front casters when you change to a different back wheel for the front casters to be 90 degrees or if you change the seat depth to the floor other wise your casters would flutter like crazy.
I have a Quickie QRi, which is basically the cheapest ultra lightweight chair. I wasn’t sure what to order and was not certain I would need something long term as I have a bad ankle fracture. Long story short…a wheelchair is always going to be part of my existence. It is very adjustable. I’m still working through where my center of gravity should be along with other details. I’ve upgraded the push rims and brakes. As I’m doing all this I’m learning what I need in my fit for a better chair. I’m seriously looking at HOC and RGK, but this Quickie chair has been a good first chair. Similar mistakes on a more expensive chair would have been painful.
Very cool. I'm in the process of looking for a new wheelchair right now. I'm currently in the Motion Composites Veloce, which is a folding chair. It's time for an upgrade. This helpeda lot with the comparisons. Some of the ones you talked about, I'd never heard of before.
As for materials, old kuschalls come in carbon, titanium or aleminum. New kuschalls chair the ones seen in video are made of some special material unique to kuschalls which includes both aleminum and titanium. I used kuschall chairs for some time.
Been 9 years in my invacare a-4, i just recently had an evaluation for a new one, unfortunately they don’t make the chair I want any longer, going to switch it up and go with a Quickie Nitrum. Thanks for the video, i found it while looking for videos of the quickie. ✌🏻
@@EmpoweredPara thank you I sure appreciate it. I’ve been spending hours educating myself about manual wheelchairs. It’s night and day from power chairs.
Terrific. Thanks for putting this together. Have you moved on to a new chair yet? You might consider adding Lasher Sport to your next survey. They're based in Las Vegas, ship all over the world, magnesium and aluminum frames. They would be in the "smaller custom" category along with HOC and Box. Cheers!
I like the Küschall. I got the k4 before. Now the old ksl (10 years old) I hope i can get the new ksl 2.0 this year. I like them. Is very light weight and looks clean
Hi. I just recently found your channel with your list of best wheelchairs. I live in the States. I have Cerebral Palsy. I'm due to get a new 'chairin 2025. I am currently using the Motion Composites Apex A. Here are my thoughts on the Apex A. It is a nice wheelchair. The only downside I have with it is that it is difficult to do self repairs. If a screw breaks, I would have to take it in for repairs or order components.
No problem! Love promoting great brands that myself and others trust! Feel free to contact me at empoweredpara@gmail.com if you are ever looking for an influencer/brand to collaborate with!
@@EmpoweredPara they are very very similar in construction but you can put the extender power assist on the any of those so your back isn't fried at the end of the day
My first rigid wheelchair other than a hospital style, Quickie Qri Lightweight, it is fully customized to my specs, it has adjustment that you can tweak, while my doctor approved a prescription for a new chair, a year ago I had received a power chair, and basically the medical/physical therapist who puts in the order, didn't want to do all the paperwork, so I ended up paying for it, the assistant manger at Quickie handled the order herself, she even through in a few things no charge, I did first look at a TiLite but couldn't afford it, the Quickie was on sale, and as you know, out of pocket, sales are the way to go
Can you post a link in case someone is reading through the comments and would like to check it out? Thanks so much for the feedback! These kinds of comments are so valuable!
Hi Andy, I got my fitting for an O4 today. Still unsure with the topic in general, it's my first wheelchair. Do you have an O4? I need the version with leg support (horizontal), this wheelchairs are rare in the powerwheelchair segment... I like the options of adjusting the seat and backrest (which I need because of dizzieness). Which model do you have? Ich will get the work hopper with the leg support.
I would first like to say that you are fabulous in your delivery of the subject matter and I say that in the most respectfully way I, like you, have been going crazy trying to find the best wheelchai choice for me. Not easy with so many different companies out there. I was just recently paralyzed as a result of being forced into being vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus. One minute I’m being vaccinated for COVID and three weeks later I wake up and I’m calling 911 for the paramedics because I can’t get out of bed. Now one of the most important things in my life is a wheelchair not a MBZ I am also blown away at how many wheelchair manufacturers there are out there; and most don’t have a RETURN POLICY. YOU PAY FOR IT IT. YOU OWN IT NO MATTER WHAT THE ISSUES ARE. I liked hearing your views, especially your view as to how the wheelchairs looked and how they were made. What you did took a bit of work, and thank you for that. I've pretty reducing fatigue issues, you will have far more quality time in getting around. I'm looking for your second would abou Kind of like "Smell the Roses." The downside of these choices is a significant increase in the cost of manufacturing. Ted
I’ve been using Tilite chairs since 2002. I find them to be very durable. I’m pretty rough on my chairs and I have found the Tilites hold up pretty well. I have an Aero T.
I do have 2 questions: when you described the last 3 chairs, you said they were very customizable. I was under the impression that your new RGK Octane SUB4 was “made to measure”. Is yours different than those last 3 chairs in terms of what can be customized? And the Octane FX is pretty amazing in that it can be fitted into the overhead storage in an airplane! Certainly would make travel easier and less-stressful! Did you consider this FX for yourself Brittney?
@@EmpoweredPara yeah, that was the entire idea behind the adjustable casters. You have to have good mobility or someone else living in the house though to use that feature.
My wife got that Panthera for free (here in Europe). Had to wait ~8 months for it though, which sucked as we had a super cheap "hospital-style" wheelchair during the time.
I’m looking at getting a new chair, my current chair is RGK octane sub 4, and one of the chairs I’m looking at getting is the tilite zr, I saw you mention that’s your old chair, woukd you recommend it at all? How did you find the Weignt etc? Xxx
My tilite was good, it's older so it's heavier than what a new one would be. I honestly have no complaints about my tilite, just wanted a change with my new chair so I would definitely recommend one!
Hi Britney I'm a whole week late but I've seen the video now and it was so well made. I had made my mind for one already but this was very informative regardless, thank you. On a side note but related I was wondering if there's a way to talk on a one to one setting. I have a kind of personal request. Hope this comment reaches you keep up the great work You have an awesome channel.
I am a lbka and rt leg doesn't straighten.i can walk with brace and walker,for a limited distance.i spend 15 hrs a day in my horrible hospital chair.48 lbs,adjusted as much as I can.now it needs to be replaced and my case manager tells me to go to m.....e, but I really like the ki mobility rogue and can't find a dealer,much less that will take my insurance. I really don't want another glorified hospital chair meant to take patients to x ray or to their car,when I have to live in it. Any suggestions, not written in stone about make/model.
I really don't know anything about your specific location and what funding I'd available. Maybe try to find a used chair that someone is selling? check your local spinal cord injury organizations for support with finding a good wheelchair
I need opinions! Help! Im considering a Quickie Nitrum or Motion Composites. I'm thinking Quicke as my castors can be set right behind the frame vs. Wide to allow meto get into narrow spaces but I need honest opinions.
I don't have direct experience with either of those chairs so can't comment on them. However I have an rgk and my casters are narrow which I like. My casters are actually slightly narrower than my wheelbase .
I have only ever owned Quickie. This time I got a Catalyst something. I hate to say that I find it highly uncomfortable. I've never had an issue in a Quickie chair. Just wondering if anyone else found any Ki Mobility chairs to be more uncomfortable than a Quickie or is it just me?
So wish we could trade in our first chair for an upgrade since you know what you need, want and don’t want after 6 months in. 😆. The hospital I was at made all the decisions on my chair, which were not so great. 😢
I'm using ki mobility rogue 2 and its trash... sure its super adjustable, but all of the parts are constantly coming undone...I have to become a mechanic almost every time I use it
Hello! Caster fork adjustment is a marketing thing from Ki, every wheelchair has some adjustability to basically ensure the caster is completely level. The ki rogue original just has an easier method of getting your castor level with an Allen key. Just a tad bit of over advertising. Ideally once it’s level DONT MOVE IT!
ahh! I just got a wheelchair through motion with the ADP in ontario and they only gave me one option :( how do canadians go about getting a different kind of chair funded by ADP? do you know?
I am in Alberta and we have a category of funding that allows us to get whatever we want and the government just funds a portion. Nor sure how it works In Ontario. I would call Reg at 49 Bespoke in Ontario. He is in a wheelchair and knows a lot about chairs and funding. www.49bespoke.com/
Thank you for doing this show. I'm in the US and looking forward to researching the Motion Composit. I like the Ki Mobility Box Wheelchair so far, but I'm having a hard time choosing. Have you ever tried the one that uses poles in front of you? GRIT? I think? I'm in the market to purchase my first manual wheelchair. I had a Drive from my insurance company but it was very heavy and bulky. Thanks again!
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Really late to the party, but this has been super helpful giving me things to search for as I go down the rabbit hole of shopping for my first wheelchair!
I just recently received a TiLite Aero Z and absolutely love it, in gray with green forks for the front wheels. I had a Per4Max before that, it actually lasted me 8 yrs. I had a Quickie before that. The Aero Z is the one I like the most.
nice to meet you
i have cerebral palsy
I am Japanese
I am using the translation function
It was a very educational video
thank you
There are a lot of nice wheelchairs overseas.
I subscribed to your channel
Please keep doing a good job
Huge help! I am nearly 4 years overdue for a new wheelchair and scared to go through that process again. Thank you, thank you!
It's such a crazy process! But try to have fun looking!
Probably the best video on RUclips about rigid frame chairs
First time using a wheelchair. I don’t know too much about them. I was fitted for one and I got the Ki Mobility Catalyst 5vx. Took it for a spin on a hiking trail and so far so good, no complaints.
I am not quite two years into my folding manual wheelchair and already cannot wait to get a rigid. The video was a great help.
Glad it was helpful! Good luck!
I was thrilled to get a rigid chair. I still have my folding one as a back up and will NEVER get another folding chair again. In fact. the other day someone suggested I get a folding chair to put in and out of the car, as opposed to a rigid one...andI couldn't say 'no' fast enough.
Hi I have the ki rogue xp wheel adjusting the casters is very important because it prevents you from falling forward if the wheelchair were to tip forward you can adjust it to how you would feel comfortable with but the recommended adjustment is square the way the chair would come from the manufacturer.
This is super helpful! If anyone is looking into the KiMobility Rogue, I just want to put a bit of information out there that I wish I had had when choosing my chair. I wish I had known about that chair when I got it was the caster wobble. It is horrific, and according to my ATP, the caster mechanism on the Rogue tends to be a place that wears out quickly and causes a lot of problems. He said it basically every Rogue user he's met has had the same problem. I'm constantly embarrassed by the loud noise and I can't go fast or far because half the power in all my pushes gets wasted by the casters moving from side to side rather than into actually moving me forward. Granted, my caster wheels themselves are pretty big so that's part of it, but I'd really warn people thinking about a Rogue to beware of the fact that the caster mechanism is not very durable. This was my first chair, so I can't speak to how comparable it is to other brands or models, but I've never come across a manual chair as noisy or prone to visible vibration as mine and my ATP agreed that this is a particular problem with the model. The folding mechanism is somehow both super flimsy and requires a huge amount of strength and perseverance to use. Mine no longer folds at all, but when it did, I swear I never spent less than 3 minutes pulling the string back and forth trying to get it to engage the mechanism. If you're looking into that model, I would just be wary of the fact that it doesn't necessarily age very well and there are a few aspects of the chair that are not designed particularly well. I have a TiLite Aero Z coming tomorrow, and while my Rogue has given me a lot, I'm very happy to be leaving it behind.
Thank you so much for this! This is exactly the kind of feedback people need when looking for a new chair!
Yes I have Rogue and the pull cord is so finicky, among other things. There are just so many parts that seem cheap. The quick release axle buttons don’t work right and get stuck all the time.
@@valeriejones23 thanks! this is valuable feedback!
So how is your new wheelchair?
I didn't know this was a problem other people had! I have this issue constantly with my Helio C2
Here in the United States, TiLite is the only brand of wheelchair to own. All others are simply sub par. I can say this because I have owned both Quickie and TiLite through several different chairs. TiLite is king in my book.
Yep it's definitely one of the best!
I just saw the online ad for the Kuschall Unique and my gawd, what a great looking chair! Apparently it comes in virtually unlimited colours. A “friend” told me that they are bloody expensive but man, do they ever look cool! I can Imagine that whomever can afford it, would feel great in it. If you think the Aria is sexy, I can imagine you might feel the same way about this one.
I just ordered a Ki Mobility Rogue 2. The caster adjustability is for if you want more dump in the seat. It allows you to adjust the casters to true vertical even when your frame angle is more steep in the back
Until I started following your channel about 3 years ago, I thought every chair was like the ones you see in hospitals and “rentals” in malls. I’d never seen ones with colour push rims or spokes. In addition to being critical for mobility, may I say that a lot of them are beautiful as well. Truly a lot of engineering and aesthetics goes into the design of these wheelchairs!
I know you said to comment on 'why would anyone want to adjust their caster angles'. I know of someone who got a chair with adjustable angles and asked: Here's what she said: 'So, generally, you want the castor angle to be 90 degrees. On some racing chairs, they angle them a bit to help keep the chair straight, but that is a different thing.
If something happens though and you switch the wheels or you increase the dump (lowering the butt so you sit in a bit of a pocket) of the chair, we'll then the rest of the frame's angle with the ground has changed a bit. We don't want that, we want them at 90 degrees. But with the ability to adjust the angle, you can now make those kinds of changes to the rest of the chair safer.
Wheelchairs are really fun to do work on because, when you change one part, it has little following adjustments all across the chair. Especially with a chair usually seeing 5-10 years of use, it helps to be able to change up to adjust with your body, style, part availability, etc.'
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Thank you!
@@EmpoweredPara yeah, it's more for making it more narrow or more stable.
I have a ti lite for 7 years . Definitely the best robust chair I have had. I'm due a new one and was going to get a helium but decided to get another ti lite. Better stick with what I know
My tilite definitely held up! It was 11 years old when I got my new chair and it is still in good shape!
@@EmpoweredPara do you have to pay for your wheelchair in Canada
@@scoobydee3954 yes most of it. The government covers bit. Luckily I ha e insurance for the rest. I paid for my tilite though
@@EmpoweredPara Ok that's good. Because some countries don't . Thank God in Ireland they pay for it. I just got measured for my new one today. Only came across your channel today. Enjoying your videos.
@@scoobydee3954 Glad you are enjoying my content! And yes it's so nice when our wheelchairs can get paid for, even if it's just partially!
The caster adjustment on the Ki Mobility chair allows you to correct the caster stems to vertical if you change the seat dump, camber, center of gravity, wheel or caster size. The stems should be vertical but changing any of those things requires an adjustment to that angle. The TiLite TRA and ZRA have this feature as do many others.
Wow! The things you learn even after being in a wheelchair for so long! I have always wondered what you do if you get a bigger tire on your wheelchair. So does that mean that because mine is fixed on my chair I have to stick with the same size wheel forever?
@@EmpoweredPara I looked at the RGK site but didn't find a downloadable manual for the Octane but from the photos it looks to me as if the caster stem angle is not adjustable. I don't know what size your wheels are but suppose they were 22" dia. and you decided to go to 24". That would raise the chair roughly an inch at the axle and change the caster stem angle so the front of the chair would drop slightly when you are moving forward and raise slightly when you reverse. You'd see a similar thing if you changed to fat mountain bike tires although maybe not so much. Also changing the diameter of the casters would cause a similar change. A small change in tire size probably won't have much of a noticeable effect so changing the tires to a slightly different size won't be a huge problem.
Eliminating the adjustability reduces the weight of the chair but it means you are limited to the changes you can make later.
FWIW, the FreeWheel attachment leverages the angle of its caster stem to lift the casters of the chair off the ground when you are pushing forward and lower them back to the ground when you reverse so you can take the FreeWheel off. If the FreeWheel's stem was vertical, there'd be no lift when you push forward.
@@daver425 I have always been terrible at physics so this kind of stuff is really confusing to me lol. This was a really good explanation! Thank you! Although I still don't understand the forward/reverse thing and how that can change how the caster behaves. I wish there was a toy wheelchair about the size of a Tonka truck that was adjustable in all the ways a normal chair could be so we could play around with it and visualize what all the changes do.
@@EmpoweredPara a toy wheelchair that is adjustable would be a cool thing. I'll make a drawing for you that might clarify it.
@@daver425 you rock! You can email it to me or dm me on Instagram or Facebook! @Empoweredpara Empoweredpara@gmail.com
I was 283lbs when I had my accident so I was having a hard time finding a rigid frame wheelchair with a high weight limit cause my Dr and pt both thought I would gain weight. So I settled for a ki mobility but I wouldn't recommend it. Now i'm down 40lbs and I was able to get a ti lite ZRA and holy shit i'm on love!!
First of all congratulations on slimming down and showing the doctor and PT that they were wrong! Second thanks for the feedback! I loved my tilite too even though it was too big for me.
@@EmpoweredPara Thanks lol its obvious if you had it for 12yrs!
one small comment: Note that the position and angle of the backrest of Panthera (x and U models) Chairs are adjustable. The angle is adjustable by 2 screws (no steps). The position of the backrest (and with that the depth of the seat and the tipping-point of the chair is adjustable in roughly 1 cm steps, by 4 drilled holes in the frame. so... +/- 2 cm from the regular backrest position.
Thanks for the additional information!
Lot's of good info in this video, and comment thread. Thanks for doing this! Hope your channel grows so much more. I have a Tilite Aero T. Most of the chair is well made. The Tilite brakes aren't durable though, I replaced mine with Eagle scissor brakes. But pushing translates well to forward motion, making the chair feel lighter than it is, and there's zero castor wobble.
is the aero t the aluminum model?
@@EmpoweredPara yes it is, some type of aerospace aluminum.
Great video! :)
I have a Quickie Argon 2 (I think it’s called a 5R in the US/Canada) from the NHS here in Scotland, plus I just got a RGK Tiga FX.
Quickie and RGK are actually owned by the same company, but my RGK chair is SO SO much better.
I think it being measured by an actual wheelchair user really helped - it just fits perfectly! Plus the way it folds is very handy, yet it still feels totally rigid. I love it.
I didn't know that! thanks for the awesome info!
I have the Ki Mobility Rogue and I honestly love it! Easy to maneuver and adjust as I lose weight and super light! I was originally looking at tilites but think I got the best chair picked for me!
Good to know! I feel like tilite gets so much attention and there are ao many other great options!
I have a Ki Rogue and there’s no way to adjust the width. I lost 50 lbs and now it’s 3 inches too wide and they said there’s nothing they can do.
I'm getting a Rogue...any tips?
My rogue has been garbage. Total garbage
@@johnschubert5664 hey, what issues have you had with it? i'm about to get one...
Man, that sure is a lot of wheelchair brands! Before I started here, I’d only heard of 2 brands - Quickie and TiLite. You certainly did a lot of work on the list and the specs. And Deb & I are very happy that you found a model that you love the look of, and works well for you! Live happy Brittney!!
I came across a lil video the other day on the RGK chair which showed it having the backrest folded down and the front part of the frame by the casters being folded underneath. Then it was stored in a very compact travel bag. In turn the 2 wheels were stowed in a separate bag. When I think of a folding wheelchair, I think of one which folds in the middle of the seat. Whereas you refer to your RGK as a Rigid Chair. So would the one I see in this recent RGK ad still be considered a Rigid Chair?
Box wheelchairs FTW….Mike is the original master!
24 years in a chair. I've had 3 Quickies, a Ti-lite, one made in Denmark (can't recall the name) that by pumping the hand rests, it transformed into a standing chair. Currently in a Motions Composites Veloce. Personally I prefer folding chairs since I am driving all over the place. Rigid chairs are more comfortable, however over the years I've ruined too many articles of clothing from axle grease. It also gets on the car upholstery. It's a pain in the ass taking the chair apart constantly and muscling it across the between you and the steering wheel. My last few chairs fold neatly and tuck behind the drivers seat. Yes I drive a car, not a van. My favorite is an AirInc. Sadly they went out of business about 3 years after I got the chair. So lightweight, and comfy, but trying to get parts is impossible. I've actually had a machine shop make me new brake parts. The chair is now 12 years old and is my travel chair. Around the house I like the Motions Composites. It too is a folding chair. I believe you say Quasar like the astronomical term for a massive blackhole - kway-zar. Progeo, like Geographic Pro-Geo. Outstanding video for helping people see just what's out there. Too often only 1 or 2 vendors are available for the new person to talk with, and unfortunately like you mentioned, they end up with a chair that is not "you". Wrong measurements are crushing. Over time you realize what works for you. My rant wasn't about promoting folding chairs, that is just what works for me. Everyone has his/her own needs and the chair for them is something they will learn, but that only comes with time. Thanks for an informative video!
You adjust the front casters when you change to a different back wheel for the front casters to be 90 degrees or if you change the seat depth to the floor other wise your casters would flutter like crazy.
I have a Quickie QRi, which is basically the cheapest ultra lightweight chair. I wasn’t sure what to order and was not certain I would need something long term as I have a bad ankle fracture. Long story short…a wheelchair is always going to be part of my existence.
It is very adjustable. I’m still working through where my center of gravity should be along with other details. I’ve upgraded the push rims and brakes. As I’m doing all this I’m learning what I need in my fit for a better chair. I’m seriously looking at HOC and RGK, but this Quickie chair has been a good first chair. Similar mistakes on a more expensive chair would have been painful.
definitely better learn what you need on an adjustable chair and then when you get a custom one it will be what you want!
Very cool. I'm in the process of looking for a new wheelchair right now. I'm currently in the Motion Composites Veloce, which is a folding chair. It's time for an upgrade. This helpeda lot with the comparisons. Some of the ones you talked about, I'd never heard of before.
Glad it was helpful!
Have you ever heard about Aria before? Discover us ;)
As for materials, old kuschalls come in carbon, titanium or aleminum. New kuschalls chair the ones seen in video are made of some special material unique to kuschalls which includes both aleminum and titanium. I used kuschall chairs for some time.
thanks for the info!
God bless you. ❤️ You are a godsend. Thank you for saving families' lives!
Thanks for the kind words! 🤗
Lots of work beautifully presented. Thank you.
You're welcome!
thank you for this. ive used a wheelchair all my life and this is really helpful
You're welcome!
Wow! Thank you so much for your review and appreciation. We're confident to arrive also in Canada ASAP, so Aria could be your next wheelchair then 😜
Definitely!!!
@Aria Wheels - Are going to be available in Australia?
@@brin57 we already are! find the contacts here www.ariawheels.com/dealers :)
@@AriaWheels Thanks
@@AriaWheels The one listed for Australia, has no mention of Aria on their website!!
Been 9 years in my invacare a-4, i just recently had an evaluation for a new one, unfortunately they don’t make the chair I want any longer, going to switch it up and go with a Quickie Nitrum. Thanks for the video, i found it while looking for videos of the quickie. ✌🏻
So many good choices for wheelchairs these days! Hope you find one that you love!
Thank you so much for the research you’ve done. This has been so helpful. I’m in Ontario.
You're welcome! I hope to make your journey smoother than mine! Whatever I learn i'll pass on!
@@EmpoweredPara thank you I sure appreciate it.
I’ve been spending hours educating myself about manual wheelchairs.
It’s night and day from power chairs.
@@keyup2626 yeah they are totally different ball games!
Tilite Terminator crossfire is an awesome chair
This thread is going to be gold for people to get even more suggestions than in the video! Thank you for adding to the list!!!
Terminator Crossfire is not a TiLite. It is a Invacare Top-End
Terrific. Thanks for putting this together. Have you moved on to a new chair yet? You might consider adding Lasher Sport to your next survey. They're based in Las Vegas, ship all over the world, magnesium and aluminum frames. They would be in the "smaller custom" category along with HOC and Box. Cheers!
Thank you! I still have the same chair! I tend to keep mine for about 10 years!
This is amazing, Brittney. Thanks!
You're welcome!
Since the caster wheels are different sizes and styles, the adjustable part would make it so you can use any caster size and still have a level ride.
ahh. Smarter than me lol
Thanks for taking the time to do this! Very helpful.
You're welcome!
I like the Küschall.
I got the k4 before.
Now the old ksl (10 years old)
I hope i can get the new ksl 2.0 this year.
I like them. Is very light weight and looks clean
Great video. A lot of work put in and it shows.
Thanks! Hope it was helpful!
I currently have the Tilite Aero T in aluminum, but getting the Tilite ZRA in titanium very soon. I can't wait!
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide this information!
@@natashak3387 you're welcome!
You are a dear! Thank you for all this information all in one place!!!
Adjusting caster angle would only be needed if you raised the back wheel to frame height. Making the caster post perfectly vertical always.
That makes sense!
Box wheelchairs FTW…. 100% Custom built to your specs like a custom suit!😍
Hi. I just recently found your channel with your list of best wheelchairs.
I live in the States. I have Cerebral Palsy. I'm due to get a new 'chairin 2025. I am currently using the Motion Composites Apex A.
Here are my thoughts on the Apex A. It is a nice wheelchair. The only downside I have with it is that it is difficult to do self repairs. If a screw breaks, I would have to take it in for repairs or order components.
Such a helpful video. Well done, and thank you so much!
You're welcome!
Many thanks for such a positive review. We highly value this feedback.
No problem! Love promoting great brands that myself and others trust! Feel free to contact me at empoweredpara@gmail.com if you are ever looking for an influencer/brand to collaborate with!
Thanks for this detailed and informative video!
you're welcome!
I have ordered a quickie 2 wheelchair and it's always been my favorite design my original one was with a 5R and they were very good
Is that similar to the 7R?
@@EmpoweredPara they are very very similar in construction but you can put the extender power assist on the any of those so your back isn't fried at the end of the day
@@Dannyedelman4231 cool! I'll check then both out! A power assist would be so nice! Someday!
Excellent Resource, many thanks.
you're welcome!
My first rigid wheelchair other than a hospital style, Quickie Qri Lightweight, it is fully customized to my specs, it has adjustment that you can tweak, while my doctor approved a prescription for a new chair, a year ago I had received a power chair, and basically the medical/physical therapist who puts in the order, didn't want to do all the paperwork, so I ended up paying for it, the assistant manger at Quickie handled the order herself, she even through in a few things no charge, I did first look at a TiLite but couldn't afford it, the Quickie was on sale, and as you know, out of pocket, sales are the way to go
Can you post a link in case someone is reading through the comments and would like to check it out? Thanks so much for the feedback! These kinds of comments are so valuable!
Great video , give people's idea which wheelchair they may like 👍
That's the idea, yep!
Thanks this is really useful information. 👍
You're welcome!
Extrem helpful! Thanks! ❤
You're welcome!
I love O4 wheelchair from Germany. Take care.
Thanks for adding to the list!
Hi Andy, I got my fitting for an O4 today. Still unsure with the topic in general, it's my first wheelchair. Do you have an O4? I need the version with leg support (horizontal), this wheelchairs are rare in the powerwheelchair segment... I like the options of adjusting the seat and backrest (which I need because of dizzieness).
Which model do you have? Ich will get the work hopper with the leg support.
There's Colours as well. They are sweet wheelchairs.
thanks! can you throw in link?
Very helpful, thanks.
You're welcome!
Pretty sure wcmx is wheelchair motor cross (motorcross is is often abbreviated to mx)
thnx!!! i dind't know a lot of the wheelchairs
You're welcome!
Can you do same research into folding chairs collapsible towards center but super light weight?
I would first like to say that you are fabulous in your delivery of the subject matter and I say that in the most respectfully way I, like you, have been going crazy trying to find the best wheelchai choice for me. Not easy with so many different companies out there.
I was just recently paralyzed as a result of being forced into being vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus. One minute I’m being vaccinated for COVID and three weeks later I wake up and I’m calling 911 for the paramedics because I can’t get out of bed. Now one of the most important things in my life is a wheelchair not a MBZ
I am also blown away at how many wheelchair manufacturers there are out there; and most don’t have a RETURN POLICY. YOU PAY FOR IT IT. YOU OWN IT NO MATTER WHAT THE ISSUES ARE.
I liked hearing your views, especially your view as to how the wheelchairs looked and how they were made. What you did took a bit of work, and thank you for that.
I've pretty reducing fatigue issues, you will have far more quality time in getting around. I'm looking for your second would abou
Kind of like "Smell the Roses." The downside of these choices is a significant increase in the cost of manufacturing. Ted
Thanks for sharing and information
You're welcome
I’ve been using Tilite chairs since 2002. I find them to be very durable. I’m pretty rough on my chairs and I have found the Tilites hold up pretty well. I have an Aero T.
Yeah my old tilite is still going strong!
My late fiance's initials are RGK. I'm sure I'll get one just because of that. By the way, I love your hair.
Awe. That's so cute. Thanks !
I do have 2 questions: when you described the last 3 chairs, you said they were very customizable. I was under the impression that your new RGK Octane SUB4 was “made to measure”. Is yours different than those last 3 chairs in terms of what can be customized?
And the Octane FX is pretty amazing in that it can be fitted into the overhead storage in an airplane! Certainly would make travel easier and less-stressful! Did you consider this FX for yourself Brittney?
Has anyone tried the Offcarr Eos ? their priced really well at least in Italy
What folding wheelchair would you recommend to someone who needs an HD model, but still wants an ultralight chair?
Caster adjustment just allows the feet to be out or back.
Oh that would be nice! My casters stick out front too far and are kind of annoying sometimes!
@@EmpoweredPara yeah, that was the entire idea behind the adjustable casters. You have to have good mobility or someone else living in the house though to use that feature.
thanks so much!!
Awesome vid thanks
You're welcome 😉
How do you afford your wheelchairs? Insurance? Cash? Foundations?
My wife got that Panthera for free (here in Europe). Had to wait ~8 months for it though, which sucked as we had a super cheap "hospital-style" wheelchair during the time.
Hola soy de centro américa Nicaragua y como hago para comprar una de la marca Tilite
I push my mom around with my EUC, what's a good wheelchair that will go fast and can take a few bumps?
I’m looking at getting a new chair, my current chair is RGK octane sub 4, and one of the chairs I’m looking at getting is the tilite zr, I saw you mention that’s your old chair, woukd you recommend it at all? How did you find the Weignt etc? Xxx
My tilite was good, it's older so it's heavier than what a new one would be. I honestly have no complaints about my tilite, just wanted a change with my new chair so I would definitely recommend one!
Does someone know the baseline price for the standard 2.0 Aria? Or where to find an order form or something to get an idea of the price?
Any update on the prototype Kuschal chair
Just looked a while ago and didn't find any new information yet!
Hi Britney
I'm a whole week late but I've seen the video now and it was so well made. I had made my mind for one already but this was very informative regardless, thank you.
On a side note but related I was wondering if there's a way to talk on a one to one setting.
I have a kind of personal request.
Hope this comment reaches you
keep up the great work
You have an awesome channel.
Send me an email! Empoweredpara@gmail.com
@@EmpoweredPara thank so much. I've reach out.
Great video.
thanks!
I am a lbka and rt leg doesn't straighten.i can walk with brace and walker,for a limited distance.i spend 15 hrs a day in my horrible hospital chair.48 lbs,adjusted as much as I can.now it needs to be replaced and my case manager tells me to go to m.....e, but I really like the ki mobility rogue and can't find a dealer,much less that will take my insurance. I really don't want another glorified hospital chair meant to take patients to x ray or to their car,when I have to live in it. Any suggestions, not written in stone about make/model.
I really don't know anything about your specific location and what funding I'd available. Maybe try to find a used chair that someone is selling? check your local spinal cord injury organizations for support with finding a good wheelchair
Man, the Panthera X is sure light! Do all/most of these wheelchairs cost about the same range, like $10,000 to $15,000?
yes pretty similar!
Picking a Wheelchair is like car shopping
Totally!
I need opinions! Help! Im considering a Quickie Nitrum or Motion Composites. I'm thinking Quicke as my castors can be set right behind the frame vs. Wide to allow meto get into narrow spaces but I need honest opinions.
I don't have direct experience with either of those chairs so can't comment on them. However I have an rgk and my casters are narrow which I like. My casters are actually slightly narrower than my wheelbase .
Cuál es el precio de una Tilite
I have only ever owned Quickie. This time I got a Catalyst something. I hate to say that I find it highly uncomfortable. I've never had an issue in a Quickie chair. Just wondering if anyone else found any Ki Mobility chairs to be more uncomfortable than a Quickie or is it just me?
that sucks!
So wish we could trade in our first chair for an upgrade since you know what you need, want and don’t want after 6 months in. 😆. The hospital I was at made all the decisions on my chair, which were not so great. 😢
I know! We have no idea what we actually need when we first get hurt!
@@EmpoweredPara thanks for all the research and great info!
@@annecosta6745 you're welcome!
cool hat!
thanks!
is a rgk Max lite good wheelcher?
I'm not sure. I only have experience with the Octane sub 4, but I love it so I would assume other RGK's are good quality!
WCMX stands for wheelchair motocross
Oh lol! Thank you 😊 for letting me know!
Affordabul chepest whellchair
The Tilite ZR is not adjustable...the Tilite ZRA is adjustable. You had it backwards.
thanks!
I'm using ki mobility rogue 2 and its trash... sure its super adjustable, but all of the parts are constantly coming undone...I have to become a mechanic almost every time I use it
Came to me....Levo rigid frame, made in Switzerland, not Denmark.
Hello! Caster fork adjustment is a marketing thing from Ki, every wheelchair has some adjustability to basically ensure the caster is completely level. The ki rogue original just has an easier method of getting your castor level with an Allen key. Just a tad bit of over advertising. Ideally once it’s level DONT MOVE IT!
Hey, I'm shopping for a chair right now. Why didn't you go with the Aria?
Couldn't get it in Canada.
@@EmpoweredPara Darn it
@@EmpoweredPara I'm in Canada and the Aria looks so good
@@gregj4754 I really liked it just couldn't get a vendor to bring it in.
ahh! I just got a wheelchair through motion with the ADP in ontario and they only gave me one option :( how do canadians go about getting a different kind of chair funded by ADP? do you know?
www.49bespoke.com/
I am in Alberta and we have a category of funding that allows us to get whatever we want and the government just funds a portion. Nor sure how it works In Ontario. I would call Reg at 49 Bespoke in Ontario. He is in a wheelchair and knows a lot about chairs and funding.
www.49bespoke.com/
Can you use this type of wheelchair with muscular dystrophy Becker
That is a conversation for an occupational therapist.
How often do you all change wheelchairs?
I've had 4 in 22 years
@@EmpoweredPara Thanks, I'm looking for my 3rd wheelchair - 11 years of wheeling.
@@Wheelchairtravels good luck!
Thank you for doing this show. I'm in the US and looking forward to researching the Motion Composit. I like the Ki Mobility Box Wheelchair so far, but I'm having a hard time choosing.
Have you ever tried the one that uses poles in front of you? GRIT? I think?
I'm in the market to purchase my first manual wheelchair. I had a Drive from my insurance company but it was very heavy and bulky. Thanks again!
No I've never even heard of that:)