Pride Mobility Opens Subsidiary in Germany

HÖVELHOF, GERMANY – Pride Mobility Products® announces its newest international subsidiary, Pride Germany.

Although Pride has been providing products to the German market for over 20 years, the new Pride Germany is a stand-alone subsidiary. Located in the town of Hövelhof in central Germany, Pride Germany’s new facility features 16,000 square feet of space. In addition to a large warehouse, the building includes a showroom, training room, four offices, a repair shop and a technical service area. Twelve people are employed at Pride Germany.

“It was in the fall of 2019 when discussions began between Scott Meuser, CEO, Chuck Finn, COO, and me about opening up a stand-alone subsidiary in Germany,” said Tim Murphy, VP of European and Middle East Operations and Sales at Pride Mobility. “We had to locate an appropriate facility, hire knowledgeable staff and create a top-notch sales force. It has been with much help from staff at Pride Corporate, Pride Netherlands, and our German management staff to see this come to fruition.”

Daniel Buck serves as the Managing Director of Pride Germany, a role in which he oversees all operations and manages the sales staff. Buck is a master of metal and has more than 10 years of experience in the mobility industry.

“There are 83.1 million people in Germany and over 17.5 million are 65 years of age or older,” Buck said. “The number of people ages 65 and up is expected to double by 2029. The target of Pride Germany is to make the company the largest and most successful wholesaler in Germany, and to make the Pride Mobility and Quantum brands even better known. We will achieve this by our experienced team.”

Pride Germany’s physical address is: Pride GmbH, Hövelrieger Strasse 28, 33161 Hövelhof. Pride Germany can be reached at info@pridemobility.de.

Pride Mobility Products® Corporation is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of mobility products. The Pride family of companies also includes Quantum Rehab®, a leader in complex rehab power chairs. Founded in Pennsylvania in 1986, with a customer-first philosophy, Pride has grown into a global company with distribution centers throughout the U.S. and subsidiaries around the world. Visit pridemobility.com.

Wheelchairs for Progressive Muscular Atrophy

Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), also known as Duchenne-Aran muscular atrophy, is a rare subtype of motor neuron disease, known as a sibling condition to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Progressive muscular atrophy only affects the lower motor neurons. Symptoms of PMA include atrophy, muscle weakness, lack of reflexes, lack of spasticity and can be limited to the arms, legs or both. Since its initial discovery in 1850, there has been debate in the scientific literature over whether PMA is a distinct disease with its own characteristics, or if it lies somewhere on a spectrum with ALS. Learn more about progressive muscular atrophy.

Many with progressive muscular atrophy experience the progressive loss of the ability to walk and position themselves, necessitating the use of a specialized narrow motorized wheelchair. Quantum Rehab®, the global leader in individualized power chairs, puts an emphasis on mobility technologies specific toward the needs of those with PMA. The Edge 3 Stretto™ narrow wheelchair is compatible with many options for power positioning, drive controls and power seating.

Quantum Power Chairs incorporate power-adjustable seating for user repositioning and comfort to meet an individual living with PMA’s current and future needs as their condition progresses. TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems on narrow electric wheelchairs offer a wide range of options when it comes to adjusting the positioning of the seating, including power tilt, power recline, power tilt and recline, power articulating leg rests, power articulating foot platform and iLevel®.

Quantum Power Chairs feature the latest complex rehab technologies to increase the independence of those living with progressive muscular atrophy. Optional iLevel® technology is compatible with the Edge 3 Stretto and allows a user to operate the power chair While elevated. The electric wheelchair user can elevate 12 inches while driving at 3.5 mph, helping them complete Mobility Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADLs), such as grooming, toileting, transferring, reaching and cooking.

Patients with PMA may benefit from Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls, an expandable controller system that maximizes user independence. Bluetooth® is standard on  Q-Logic 3 electronics, so individuals with progressive muscular atrophy can control their environment using Q-Logic 3. Learn more about Q-Logic 3’s features.

If you are looking to purchase a narrow wheelchair, check out our article on how to buy a narrow wheelchair.

iLevel Now on 35,000 Power Chairs

iLevel® seat elevation technology by Quantum Rehab® reached a landmark today as power chair number 35,000 was built with iLevel.

Released in 2015, iLevel is a power seat elevating system that promotes independence and social inclusion. As iLevel elevates, the power base reinforces stability electronically and mechanically to ensure safety at 12 inches of elevation while driving up to 4.5 mph, an industry first! iLevel’s patented Extra Stability Technology® enhances safety for transfers, reach and numerous other activities of daily living.

For more information on iLevel technology, please visit quantumrehab.com/ilevel-power-chairs.

Child Electric Wheelchair Sports

Do you have a child that loves to play sports yet he or she uses a wheelchair? There are a ton of great wheelchair sports and adaptive sports that your child can get involved in. From wheelchair fencing to adaptive water skiing, you can find the perfect sport for your child that fits his or her abilities. Read on to learn about adaptive sports for a child in a wheelchair.

Fencing for Child Electric Wheelchair Users

If your son or daughter has upper body mobility, wheelchair fencing may be a fun sport for him or her to try! In child wheelchair sports, your child is classified based on his or her abilities. For example, if your son or daughter has full trunk movement and good balance, he or she falls into Class A. During wheelchair fencing, participants use different swords called the epée, foil and sabre and are required to wear protective equipment, including masks and puncture-resistant jackets. Learn more about child wheelchair fencing.

 Adaptive Softball for a Child in a Wheelchair

If your kid is interested in baseball, consider letting them join an adaptive softball league. When playing, your son or daughter can use a sport wheelchair instead of his or her regular kids wheelchair. The ball used in adaptive softball is 16 inches, allowing participants to easily catch the ball without a glove, and enabling them to keep one hand on their wheelchair. Wheelchair softball is typically played on a hard surface, such as a parking lot and is painted to resemble the traditional baseball diamond and field. Learn more about child power wheelchair softball.

Adaptive Water Sports for Kids in Wheelchairs

If you live along the coast or near a lake community, adaptive water sports are a great way for kids to strengthen their athletic skills. If your son or daughter is interested in surfing, some beaches have child motorized wheelchairs that can be rented and are designed to travel across sand. Once your child is on the beach, check out surfboard rental places to find the perfect surfboard for children just starting out. If adaptive water skiing on a lake is more suited to your child’s abilities, there is a wide array of equipment available, such as sit skis. Get more information on adaptive skiing for child power wheelchair users.

Narrow Wheelchairs for Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. It can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can be mild or moderate, such as headache and lightheadedness, or severe, such as repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures. The severity of symptoms depends on the extent of the damage to the brain.

Many with traumatic brain injury experience the loss of the ability to walk and position themselves, necessitating the use of a specialized electric wheelchair. Quantum’s complex rehab electric wheelchairs put an emphasis on mobility technologies specific toward the needs of those with traumatic brain injury. The Edge 3 Stretto™ narrow wheelchair is compatible with many power positioning, drive controls and power seating components.

Quantum Power Chairs offer technologies to increase the independence of those living with traumatic brain injury. Optional iLevel® power adjustable seat height is available on the Edge 3 Stretto and allows a user to operate the power chair at seated or standing height. The wheelchair user can elevate 12 inches while driving at 3.5 mph.

iLevel’s Extra Stability Technology® greatly improves daily functionality and quality of life for TBI patients, enabling them to complete Mobility Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADLs), such as reaching, grooming, cooking, toileting and transferring. The Edge 3 Stretto narrow wheelchair also comes standard with safety features, such as the LED front and rear fender lights. LED lights give you or your loved one increased visibility in low lighted areas so they can be safely seen while crossing streets or parking lots.

Wheelchair users with TBI may benefit from Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls, an adaptable, expandable controller system that maximizes user independence. Bluetooth® is standard on Quantum’s Q-Logic 3 electronics, so those with traumatic brain injury can operate much of their environment with the power chair drive control, itself. Learn more about Q-Logic 3’s features.

An individual living with a traumatic brain injury may need power positioning on his or her narrow wheelchair to help maintain proper comfort, skin integrity, positioning and function. TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems on narrow electric wheelchairs offer a wide range of options when it comes to adjusting the positioning of the seating, including power tilt, power recline, power tilt and recline, power articulating leg rests, power articulating foot platform and iLevel. TRU-Balance 3 provides an appealing look and feel and maximizes functional independence.

TBI patients may benefit from Stealth Products® wheelchair cushions. Each narrow wheelchair cushion offers a different function, such as general use and skin protection and positioning. Learn more about our narrow wheelchair cushions.

If you are looking to purchase a narrow wheelchair, check out our article on how to buy a narrow wheelchair.

Narrow Wheelchairs for ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes the loss of structure or function of neurons in the brain and spinal cord. These motor neurons control voluntary muscle movement, and ALS decreases one’s ability to control movements, such as chewing, walking, breathing and talking. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, a person with ALS typically experiences sudden decline in function, and their mobility needs change very quickly.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ALS, a mobility aid such as a power wheelchair, may aid in increasing mobility and independence. The Edge 3 Stretto™ narrow wheelchair is customizable and can easily accommodate an array of seating, positioning and electronics components to meet the ever-changing needs as the disease progresses.

The Edge 3 Stretto is available with iLevel® power adjustable seat height. iLevel raises individuals with ALS up to 12 inches while driving at 3.5 mph, enabling them to complete Mobility Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADLs), such as reaching, cooking, grooming, toileting and transferring. The Edge 3 Stretto narrow electric wheelchair also comes standard with LED front and rear fender lights, allowing users to see and be safely seen while they navigate low lighted areas.

Expandable electronics, such as Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls, can also aid in mobility and independence for individuals living with ALS. Standard with Bluetooth®, an individual with ALS can operate his or her smart phone or tablet using the Q-Logic 3 screen. As ALS symptoms progress, Q-Logic 3 can be expanded to accept alternative drive controls such as a chin control, head array or switched driving. Learn more about Q-Logic 3’s features and how they can help you or your loved one with ALS.

With ALS symptoms, a patient may need power positioning on his or her narrow electric wheelchair to assist with pressure relief, postural realignment and function. TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems on narrow electric wheelchairs are highly adjustable and offer an array of medical benefits, including pressure relief, increased sitting tolerance, independent repositioning and positioning for improved breathing and function. Available options on TRU-Balance® 3 include power tilt, power recline, iLevel, power articulating leg rests and power articulating foot platform.

Individuals diagnosed with ALS may benefit from Stealth Products® wheelchair cushions. Each narrow wheelchair cushion offers a different function, such as skin protection and positioning and general use. Learn more about narrow wheelchair cushions.

Narrow Wheelchairs for Quadriplegia

Quadriplegia is partial or total paralysis or loss of use of all four limbs and the torso caused by an illness or injury. Typically, both sensation and control are lost. Muscles may be flaccid or spastic.

Individuals living with quadriplegia can use a narrow wheelchair to help maximize independence and mobility. The Edge 3 Stretto™ narrow wheelchair is compatible with many options for power positioning, drive controls and power seating.

Optional iLevel® power adjustable seat height is available with the Edge 3 Stretto and allows the user to elevate 12 inches while driving at 3.5 mph. iLevel’s Extra Stability Technology® greatly improves daily functionality and quality of life for quadriplegics, enabling them to complete Mobility Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADLs), such as cooking, grooming, reaching and transferring. The Edge 3 Stretto power wheelchair also comes standard with safety features, such as the LED front and rear fender lights. LED lights give you or your loved one increased visibility in low lighted areas and be safely seen while crossing streets or parking lots.

Some quadriplegics may have minimal use of their hands and may benefit from Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls, an adaptable, expandable controller system that maximizes user independence. Standard with Bluetooth®, individuals living with quadriplegia can operate their smart phone or tablet using their Q-Logic 3 screen. With the Q-Logic 3 EX Enhanced Display, quadriplegia patients can also operate a wide range of appliances that use infrared (IR) remote controls using their power wheelchair controller.

An individual living with quadriplegia may need power positioning on his or her narrow wheelchair to help maintain proper comfort, skin integrity, positioning and function. TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems on narrow electric wheelchairs offer a wide range of options when it comes to adjusting the positioning of the seating, including power tilt, power recline, power tilt and recline, power articulating leg rests, power articulating foot platform and iLevel. TRU-Balance 3 provides an appealing look and feel and maximizes functional independence.

Quadriplegia patients may benefit from Stealth Products® wheelchair cushions. Each narrow wheelchair cushion offers a different function, such as general use and skin protection and positioning. For example, the TRU-Comfort 2 wheelchair cushion features a CoolCore® technology cover that is breathable and moisture wicking. In addition to CoolCore technology, the Spectrum® Foam and Spectrum® Gel cushions feature a urethane liner for incontinence and a contoured, high-density molded foam base. Learn more about our narrow wheelchair cushions.

Narrow Wheelchairs for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, chronic auto-immune disorder within the central nervous system. MS affects neurons, the cells of the brain and spinal cord, that transport information and allow the brain to control the body. Multiple sclerosis symptoms may include the loss of muscle control, vision, balance and sensation. MS primarily affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40 and is more commonly found in women than men. Multiple sclerosis types include clinically isolated syndrome, (CIS), relapsing-remitting (RRMS), secondary progressive (SPMS) and primary progressive (PPMS).

If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Quantum® narrow wheelchairs can help improve your mobility and independence. Depending on the severity of your condition, it is possible that you can be fitted for a complex rehab narrow electric wheelchair that is customized to meet your specific needs. The Edge 3 Stretto™ narrow wheelchair is compatible with a variety of power seating, positioning and drive controls, such as Q-Logic 3.

Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls is a control system that is user-friendly and highly customizable. The optional iAccess component features programmable push button and toggle options. Patients with limited muscle control can more easily customize their seating, maximizing independence. This system comes standard with Bluetooth®. Using Bluetooth in conjunction with the Q-Logic 3, you or your loved one can operate his or her smart phone or tablet right from the Q-Logic 3 controller.

Individuals with multiple sclerosis may benefit from Stealth Products® wheelchair cushions. Each cushion provides a different function, such as general use and skin protection and positioning.

If you or a loved one has multiple sclerosis, Quantum can provide products to meet you or your loved one’s needs and maintain independence and mobility. An MS patient can be fitted with a power wheelchair base that is compatible with specific components that aid in pressure relief, sitting tolerance, positioning and repositioning and more. Learn more about the medical benefits that TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems on electric wheelchairs provides.

The Edge 3 Stretto™ electric wheelchair is available with iLevel® power adjustable seat height, allowing users to elevate up to 12 inches while driving at 3.5 mph so they can navigate crowds. Added seat height aids in completing daily tasks, such as transferring, reaching and cooking. The Edge 3 Stretto also comes standard with LED motorized wheelchair fender lights, allowing users to see and be safely seen while crossing streets and parking lots.

Understanding Electric Wheelchairs and Drive Wheels

Ever wondered about the drive wheels on a power chair? There’s front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and of course, mid-wheel drive! Each configuration has its own benefits. How do you know which type is right for you? We always recommend talking to your therapist and the ATP (Assistive Technology Professional) to determine which type of power chair best suits you. Of course, it won’t hurt to have a little background information on what’s out there. Read on for a greater understanding of mid-wheel drive power chairs.

Mid-Wheel Drive Electric Wheelchairs

True to its name, mid-wheel drive refers to the placement of the drive wheels in the middle of the electric wheelchair. When you operate a mid-wheel drive electric wheelchair, your center of gravity is almost even with the center of the drive wheels. This configuration results in a tight turning radius. Mid-wheel drive electric wheelchairs can do a total 360-degree turn. This exceptional maneuvering makes mid-wheel drive an ideal choice for use in the home.

When it comes to stability, mid-wheel drive electric wheelchairs are very stable. With six wheels on the ground, including four caster wheels and two drive wheels, this drive wheel configuration ensures greater stability and performance. Two caster wheels are located at the front of the power base and two caster wheels can be found on the back of the wheelchair base.

In addition to excellent maneuverability and stability, discover other great benefits of electric wheelchairs with a mid-wheel drive configuration.

A Narrow Electric Wheelchair with Mid-Wheel Drive

After having a few conversations with an ATP and therapist, you may decide that a mid-wheel drive wheelchair is best for you. The Edge 3 Stretto™ is a narrow wheelchair with a mid-wheel drive configuration. Not only does the Stretto offer the maneuverability of a mid-wheel drive chair, it also offers a smaller footprint. This narrow wheelchair width is 20.75 inches when 12.5-inch drive wheels are selected. When 14-inch drive wheels selected, this narrow wheelchair width is 21.75 inches. With a smaller overall width, the Stretto easily navigates through narrow doorways and around tight corners. The Stretto is also equipped with independent SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension) for increased shock absorption and a more comfortable ride. The Stretto also comes standard with LED lights and a USB charger port and is available with iLevel® power elevated seating.

Kids Wheelchairs for Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of genetic disorders that is caused by an abnormality in the gene that produces Type 1 collagen, a protein used to create bone. Individuals with OI have bones that break easily often from mild trauma or with no apparent cause, giving OI the alternate name “brittle bone disease.” Symptoms can include bone deformities, multiple broken bones, loose joints and weak teeth, but vary with the type and severity of OI.

Wheelchair Positioning for Kids

Quantum® kids wheelchairs can help improve your child’s mobility and functional independence, depending on the severity of your child’s diagnosis. Complex rehab electric wheelchairs are customized to meet your child’s specific seating, positioning and driving needs. 

Power positioning on kids electric wheelchairs helps your child maintain proper positioning, comfort, skin integrity and function. TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems on electric wheelchairs offer a myriad of options that provide support and positioning, including power tilt, power recline, power tilt and recline, power articulating leg rests, power articulating foot platform and iLevel®.

Edge 3 Stretto® Kids Wheelchair

The Edge 3 Stretto® kids wheelchair is available with iLevel® power adjustable seat height, allowing your child to drive at 3.5 mph while elevated 12 inches. One of the many benefits of iLevel is ease of completing daily activities on his or her own such as transferring, toileting, grooming, cooking and reaching. In addition to increasing independence and mobility, the Edge 3 Stretto kids wheelchair also increases your child’s visibility. The Stretto power base comes standard with LED front and rear fender lights, allowing children to see and be seen while crossing streets or parking lots.

Wheelchair Drive Controls for Kid Wheelchairs

Expandable electronics on your child’s wheelchair can be helpful, depending on his or her OI type. Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls allow your child to operate a motorized kids wheelchair using a joystick. Q-Logic 3 can also be customized to include alternative drive controls such as a head array, switched driving or chin control. Standard with Bluetooth®, Q-Logic 3 allows your child to operate his or her smart phone or tablet using the Q-Logic 3 screen.

If you are looking to purchase a wheelchair for kids, check out our article on where to buy a wheelchair for kids.