Pediatric Wheelchairs for Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a condition where the spine does not form normally, typically occurring early in the pregnancy. When the neural tube doesn’t close all the way, the backbone that protects the spinal cord of the fetus doesn’t form and close as it should, resulting in damage to the spine and nerves. There are three different types of spina bifida, including myelomeningocele, meningocele and spina bifida occulta.

If your child has been diagnosed with spina bifida, Quantum® pediatric wheelchairs can help improve his or her independence and mobility. Depending on the severity of your child’s condition, it is possible that he or she can be fitted for a complex rehab electric wheelchair that is customized to meet his or her needs. The Edge 3 Stretto™ pediatric wheelchair is compatible with a wide range of power seating, positioning and drive controls.

The Edge 3 Stretto pediatric wheelchair is available with iLevel® power adjustable seat height, allowing your child to drive at 3.5 mph while elevated 12 inches so he or she can safely cross streets and independently perform daily tasks around the house, such as transfers, reaching for objects they may need and grooming. iLevel’s patented Extra Stability Technology® enhances safety for carrying out those daily tasks.

Depending on the type and severity of your child’s spina bifida, individuals may use Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls to drive his or her pediatric wheelchair. The controller system is highly customizable and user-friendly, making it easy for your child to learn to operate. Standard with Bluetooth®, your child can operate his or her smart phone or tablet using their Q-Logic 3 screen. With the Q-Logic 3 EX Enhanced Display, spina bifida patients can also operate a wide range of appliances, such as their TV, lights in their room, and fans that use infrared (IR) remote controls using their pediatric wheelchair controller.

Children living with spina bifida symptoms may also benefit from Stealth Products® wheelchair cushions. Each pediatric wheelchair cushion offers a different function, such as general use and skin protection and positioning. The Zen SP wheelchair cushion features a CoolCore® technology cover that is breathable and moisture wicking, keeping children with spina bifida cooler in warm weather and warmer in cooler weather.

If you are looking to purchase a pediatric wheelchair, check out our resources on how to buy a pediatric wheelchair and where to buy a pediatric wheelchair.

Seating and Positioning for Narrow Wheelchairs

Are you living with a medical condition that makes it challenging for you to walk, shift your weight or change your position? Quantum® Power Chairs offer the perfect solution! These electric wheelchairs are designed to provide comfort and support while delivering greater independence and mobility.

The Best Narrow Electric Wheelchair

If you live in an apartment or have limited space in your home, you may wonder if an electric wheelchair can fit in the hallways and rooms of your house, apartment or trailer. The Edge 3 Stretto® is a narrow electric wheelchair that has an overall width of 20.47 inches with 12.5-inch drive wheels. The Edge 3 Stretto is the narrowest, most maneuverable power base in America. This narrow wheelchair width allows you to navigate narrow hallways, small doorways and tight corners.

Experience Comfort with Your Narrow Electric Wheelchair

All Quantum Power Chairs, including the Edge 3 Stretto, can be customized to meet your individual needs. The Stretto is compatible with TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems, which offers many options to choose from, based on medical and quality-of-life needs. Available configurations include power tilt, power recline, iLevel® power adjustable seat height, static seating and power articulating foot platform.

If you are living with a condition such as muscular dystrophy, it may be difficult for you to change position independently. Using power tilt or power recline, you can tilt or recline the seating of your Edge 3 Stretto. This allows for pressure relief to prevent pressure sores. Using iLevel technology on the Edge 3 Stretto, you can elevate the seating on your power chair, raising up to 12 inches, which provides better access, improved reach and eye-to-eye communication with loved ones. Drive at 3.5 mph while elevated at iLevel. Experience greater confidence, as well as comfort, with the Stretto narrow wheelchair.

How Much Does a Child’s Wheelchair Cost?

If your son or daughter is living with limited mobility or has a disability that affects his or her movements, there are power wheelchair technologies available to make a difference in your child’s life. With a child wheelchair, your son or daughter can enjoy greater mobility, independence and enhanced quality of life.

Child Wheelchair Dimensions

There are many power wheelchairs on the market to consider. Why not consider the Edge 3 Stretto® child wheelchair from Quantum? This power wheelchair is a milestone in pediatric power! The Edge 3 Stretto child wheelchair dimensions depend on the drive wheels selected. If you select 12-inch drive wheels, the overall width of the wheelchair base is 20.47 inches. When 14-inch drive wheels are selected, the overall width is 21.75 inches. No matter which configuration you choose, your child will benefit from the narrow width, enabling him or her to maneuver in small rooms and tight spaces.

How Much Does a Child’s Wheelchair Cost?

Edge 3 Stretto Child’s Wheelchair with iLevel

You may want to know how much does a child’s wheelchair cost? The cost can vary greatly. Each power wheelchair is customized to meet the needs of the child. There is a wide array of components that can be added to a power chair.

The Edge 3 Stretto is compatible with TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems, which offers different options to ensure maximum comfort, positioning and support. Available configurations include power tilt, power recline, iLevel® power adjustable seat height, static seating and more.

To operate the Edge 3 Stretto, your child may require a specialized joystick or alternate drive controls. Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Control System can be adapted to suit your child’s abilities. Q-Logic 3 is standard with Bluetooth® technology, which further enhances your child’s independence.

For added comfort, your child may require a pediatric wheelchair cushion. There are also additional accessories that may be purchased.

With so many components, the cost of a child’s wheelchair is determined by the components selected. Your child’s clinician can evaluate him or her and determine if your son or daughter qualifies for a child wheelchair. Together, your clinician and ATP (Assistive Technology Professional) can determine which components benefit your child the most. Click to learn more about how to purchase a power wheelchair for your child.

Seating and Positioning on Pediatric Wheelchairs

If your child has a medical condition that makes it difficult for him or her to shift his weight or change position, you’ve come to the right place! Quantum has many innovative pediatric wheelchair technologies that can help your child and give him or her greater comfort, support and independence.

Edge 3 Stretto® Pediatric Wheelchair

Known as the smallest power base in America, the Edge 3 Stretto® is a milestone in pediatric power. This power chair has an overall width of 20.47 inches when 12.5-inch drive wheels are selected. Compared to other pediatric wheelchair sizes, this narrow width is perfect for maneuvering in tight corners or small spaces in the home, on the playground and at school. Click to learn more about the Edge 3 Stretto pediatric wheelchair.

Edge 3 Stretto Pediatric Tilt Wheelchair

One of the greatest things about the Stretto is that it can be customized to meet the needs of any child. The Stretto is compatible with TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems. This seating system has many options to choose from. Available configurations include power recline, power tilt, power articulating foot platform, iLevel® power adjustable seat height and static seating. iLevel technology is extremely beneficial to your child’s independence. iLevel raises the seat of the wheelchair up to 12 inches and allows your child to drive the wheelchair while elevated at 3.5 mph on the Edge 3 Stretto. iLevel’s Extra Stability Technology® enhances safety for transfers, reach, grooming and many other daily living activities.

If your child is living with a medical condition such as cerebral palsy, it may be difficult for him or her to shift weight and sitting in one position for too long can lead to pressure sores. With a power tilt or power recline option, your son or daughter can independently reposition for pressure relief. TRU-Balance 3 on the Edge 3 Stretto can be adapted to your child’s unique posture. When your child needs a pediatric tilt wheelchair, the Edge 3 Stretto is a great choice!

Narrow Wheelchair Batteries and Medicare

Practicing proper charging habits helps prolong the life of your narrow wheelchair batteries, but there still comes a time when you have to replace them. When you are ready to replace and dispose of them, you may wonder if the batteries for your narrow electric wheelchair are covered by Medicare.

Narrow Motorized Wheelchairs and Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B may cover a portion of the cost of durable medical equipment (DME), such as a narrow wheelchair, when it is deemed medically necessary for the wheelchair user. To prove that your narrow wheelchair is medically necessary, your medical provider must write a prescription for the power wheelchair.

Medicare requires a face-to-face examination with a physician prior to writing a prescription for a power mobility device. During your exam, the doctor or physical therapist must first consider the use of other mobility aids, such as a cane walker, manual wheelchair or scooter before considering a complex power rehab electric wheelchair.

If your physician feels that your mobility needs must be resolved with a motorized wheelchair, this needs to be documented in your medical records. If the physician requests further examination to help determine the necessity of a complex power rehab equipment, they may set up an appointment with a physical therapist or occupational therapist to conduct further assessment.

If a doctor writes you a prescription for a narrow wheelchair, it is considered medically necessary. Narrow complex rehab wheelchairs are generally needed by individuals who have significant physical or mobility disabilities due to birth disorders, neuromuscular diseases and injuries.

Medicare Coverage Narrow Wheelchair Batteries

In addition to your narrow power wheelchair, Medicare Part B can also cover replacement batteries for your power chair if your current narrow wheelchair batteries are no longer working properly. Basically, if you qualify for the electric wheelchair, you also qualify for replacement batteries. Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for further details or to ask them any questions regarding coverage under Part B. Verify that the provider you have chosen to work with accepts Medicare before buying the batteries for your narrow wheelchair.

Other Narrow Wheelchair Battery Coverage Options

Consider these other options when purchasing narrow motorized wheelchair batteries.

Private Insurance Coverage

If you don’t have Medicare Part B, your doctor’s office may be able to confirm whether your private insurance will cover the cost of new wheelchair batteries. We also recommend that you contact your insurance company directly to find out if batteries for your narrow wheelchair are covered. Simply dial the number listed on your insurance card and speak to a representative.

CareCredit Coverage

If you aren’t eligible for Medicare Part B and your electric wheelchair batteries are not covered by your private insurance, there is an alternative option. Many authorized Quantum providers that sell power wheelchair batteries accept credit cards, cash, money orders or offer financing options. Many Quantum providers around the country participate with CareCredit, a credit card that allows you to pay for medical equipment and services over time. The payment plan is based on your budget. There are also special promotional financing options available upon credit approval. Contact your provider today to find out how you can fill out an application or visit carecredit.com for more information.

Click here to return to the main Stretto page.

Types of Ramps for Narrow Wheelchairs

There are many benefits to owning a narrow wheelchair, including easier operation when navigating tight spaces. While ramps are built with wheelchair users in mind, not all ramps are created equal. Some wheelchair ramps are created for a specific type of need whereas others are more beneficial for a specific mobility device. When it comes to choosing a ramp for your narrow wheelchair, you’ll want to look at where your wheelchair ramp will be primarily used.

Suitcase Ramps for Narrow Wheelchairs

Suitcase ramps are compact and easily transported, making them convenient when you’re on the go. Its name comes from how it’s transported, folding in half to be carried like a suitcase. This type of ramp can support up to 800 pounds and are typically anywhere from two to six feet long. General use of the suitcase ramp involves it being placed over small steps, curbs and raised landings for ease of access. Due to its nature and intended use, this type of ramp does not include handrails. Because suitcase ramps are not ADA-compliant, they are only for personal use.

Folding Ramps for Narrow Wheelchairs

Another option for portability is the folding ramp. Folding ramps for narrow wheelchairs come in two formats: bifold, which have two panels, or trifold, which have four panels. Each panel has hinges between them.

Like the suitcase ramp, this portable ramp does not come with handrails. Another similarity to the suitcase ramp is that the folding ramp should only be used over smaller surfaces, such as wheelchair-accessible vans and small stairs. This ramp is also not ADA-compliant and is not recommended for commercial use.

Threshold Ramps for Narrow Wheelchairs

The threshold ramp is named for its proposed use, snuggled up against the lip of a door threshold, raised landing or curb. It differs from the others in its length and material, being made from rubber or metal, although it is lightweight. Generally, threshold ramps are between half an inch to six inches in height and are good for indoor and outdoor use. Much like the other ramps, it serves best over small barriers.

Modular Ramps for Narrow Wheelchairs

Modular ramps are used for creating ADA-compliant entrances for residential and commercial buildings. This ramp does not require a building permit because it can be built, taken down and reassembled in a different location as many times as needed. It’s a versatile ramp in that it can be used as either a permanent or temporary structure, depending on the needs of the people using the ramp. These ramps are typically constructed of lightweight yet high-strength aluminum because of its properties that preventing it from rusting or warping.

Telescoping Ramps for Narrow Wheelchairs

The telescoping ramp is designed differently than the other ramps on this list. Its biggest difference is that it consists of two separate, narrow channels. These channels are less than 12 inches in width. Like a telescope, its panels can quickly be extended, retracted, adjusted and realigned to fit any accessibility need from getting up small steps to entering an accessible van or even going over a curb.

Permanent Ramps for Narrow Wheelchairs

Edge 3 Stretto Wheelchair driving on a permanent ramp

Permanent ramps are not portable and cannot be adjusted, unlike most of the ramps on this list. Concrete or wood are among some of the materials that make up permanent ramps. It is important to make the distinction that this type of ramp will require a building permit due to its permanence. This type of ramp is typically chosen for its aesthetics, rather than its longevity and code compliance.

Contact your insurance provider to see if your wheelchair ramp qualifies for coverage. If you have Medicare, contact a Medicare representative and ask if wheelchair ramps fall under their policy (Medicare Part B) for durable medical equipment or DME. Most policies require DME to be medically necessary and prescribed by a licensed physician to be considered for coverage.

Wheelchair Cushions for a Narrow Wheelchair

If your child has a disability that affects his or her ability to move independently, a power chair may be a great solution to help him or him regain independence. Once you find the perfect wheelchair, there’s other things to consider. Is the wheelchair comfortable? Does it fit in your home? Can your child use the wheelchair in the classroom or on the playground? Quantum Rehab® has the answers to these questions. Read on to discover the best narrow wheelchair on the market and learn about the many benefits of skin protection and positioning cushions for wheelchairs.

Edge 3 Stretto® Narrow Motorized Wheelchair

There are many power chairs on the market, so how do you know which power chair is the right one? Why not consider a narrow wheelchair, such as the Edge 3 Stretto® narrow motorized wheelchair? Not only is the Stretto the perfect size for kids and teenagers, it’s exceptionally maneuverable, with an overall width of 20.47 inches with 12.5-inch drive wheels. It’s the best narrow wheelchair on the market and the narrowest power base in America! The narrow width makes navigating doorways in the home easier than ever. Your child will love the smooth, comfortable ride that the Stretto provides with independent SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension). This power chair comes standard with LED fender lights and a USB charger port. It is also available with optional 12-inch iLevel® at up to 3.5 mph.

Solution® SPP Cushion for Narrow Wheelchairs

If your child requires the use of a power chair for long periods of time during the day, he or she may benefit from a wheelchair cushion. There are many different types of wheelchair cushions, each with their own benefits. Positioning cushions for wheelchairs, for example, help the user manage his or her pressure needs. Stealth Products® Solution SPP Cushion for narrow wheelchairs is a skin protection and positioning cushion that features a twin-cell, aqueous gel insert under at-risk bony areas.

Zen SP Cushion for a Narrow, Motorized Wheelchair

If your son or daughter just needs skin protection, the Zen SP Cushion is an excellent choice. The FRG XXSoft foam topper provides the skin protection he or she needs throughout the day. Plus, the Zen SP comes standard with a CoolCore® technology cover, keeping your child cool in the summer and warm in the winter, while also staying comfortable and dry.

Click the link to learn more about these cushions for narrow wheelchairs.

Where to Buy Narrow Wheelchair Batteries

Even if you follow best charging practices for keeping your narrow wheelchair’s batteries in good shape and helping them last for a long time, there still comes a day where you have to replace them. Not only does Quantum Rehab® works with dealers across the country and around the world that sell batteries for narrow wheelchairs, we also make it easy to find a dealer.

Buying Narrow Wheelchair Batteries Near You

When you need new batteries, the first thing you need to do is contact your local authorized Quantum Rehab® dealer. If you are unsure who your dealer is, we are happy to help you find out. Contact us and provide us with your narrow motorized wheelchair’s serial number and we can look up your dealer and their contact information. The serial number for your power chair begins with the letter J and is found on the back of the base of your power chair. Remove the rear shroud and look for a white barcode sticker on the back of the base. You can also find the serial number on a white barcode sticker on either the first or last page of the owner’s manual.

If you are out of the area and need batteries, you can easily locate an authorized Quantum dealer near you. All you need to do is:

Visit quantumrehab.com
Click on the Find a Dealer button in the upper left corner of the homepage to view our Quantum Dealer Locator
Enter your ZIP code or address and hit Find Stores
You’ll see a list of authorized Quantum mobility product providers near your ZIP code or address
You can adjust the mileage box to find a provider that is as close as five miles or as far as 100 miles from the ZIP code or address you entered

The search results show provider contact information such as their name, address and phone number. It also shows if they offer iLevel® technology or work with CareCredit. If you are unfamiliar with the area where the provider is located, you can also view directions and a map. After finding the dealer’s information, you may contact them for assistance.

Buying Narrow Motorized Wheelchair Batteries Abroad

If you live outside of the United States or are taking a trip abroad and need batteries for your Stretto narrow wheelchair, you can purchase them from one of our international dealers. The process differs from the process of finding a dealer in the United States, but it’s not complicated. Simply contact us or one of our international subsidiaries, nearest to where you’re located. Let us know that you need batteries for your motorized wheelchair and we can have a dealer local to your area contact you.

You can get in touch with us by phone at 1-833-745-3835, chatting live with a representative on our website, filling out a contact form or sending us a private message on social media.

To get in touch with one of our international subsidiaries, locate the international dropdown menu at the top of our website and click on the corresponding subsidiary, closest to where you’re staying. The subsidiary lists contact information, such as email addresses and phone numbers on their page. If applicable, you may also contact them through their social media page.

Once you have obtained your new narrow motorized wheelchair batteries, you might be wondering how and where to dispose of the old ones. Check out our article on motorized wheelchair battery care and disposal to learn more.

How to Get Your Narrow Wheelchair Serviced

Your Edge 3 Stretto™ is a sophisticated piece of equipment. Like any power mobility device, it requires routine maintenance checks, some of which require assistance from your Quantum Rehab dealer. Preventive maintenance is imperative. Getting your narrow power wheelchair serviced can help ensure that the power wheelchair gives you years of trouble-free operation. There are many ways to get service on your narrow power wheelchair.

Servicing Your Narrow Wheelchair Locally

The first thing you should do if your narrow wheelchair needs service is to get in touch with your provider. If you don’t know who your local provider is, contact us with your motorized wheelchair’s serial number and we can look up who your authorized Quantum Rehab® provider is and give you their contact information. They can assist in servicing your wheelchair and get any necessary wheelchair parts.

Interactive Assist – The Remote Diagnostic App

Interactive Assist is used with Q-Logic 3

Does your provider participate with our Interactive Assist app? If you have the Q-Logic 3 controller, your dealer can use Interactive Assist to eliminate wasteful trips! This must-have app for remote service provides a direct, real-time connection from a power chair’s electronics to a provider’s programming station. The connection provides the technician with full system and diagnostics information along with tools, such as a real-time mirror image of the power chair’s electronics display. Using Interactive Assist, your provider may be able to quickly resolve issues with your chair. If you don’t currently have the app, you can download it today from your phone’s app store.

Servicing Your Narrow Wheelchair Away from Home

If you are away from home and need to get your wheelchair serviced, you can easily locate an authorized Quantum provider near you. The process is simple:

Visit quantumrehab.com
Click on the Find a Dealer button in the upper left corner of the homepage to go to our Quantum Dealer Locator
Enter your ZIP code, address or city and hit Find Stores
You’ll see a list of authorized Quantum mobility product providers near the ZIP code or address you entered
You can adjust the mileage box to find a dealer that is as close as five miles or as far as 100 miles away

The search results show the dealer’s name, address and phone number. If you are unfamiliar with the area where the dealer is located, you can also view directions and a map. After finding the dealer’s information, you may contact them for assistance.

Servicing Your Narrow Wheelchair Outside of the United States

Quantum Rehab has subsidiaries around the globe that work with local dealers in other countries. If your narrow wheelchair needs servicing while you are outside of the United States, contact us or one of our international subsidiaries. We can have a provider from that region contact you.

You can reach us by phone at 1-833-745-3835, on our Facebook page, live chat on our website or by filling out a contact form.

To contact one of our international subsidiaries, locate the international dropdown menu at the top of our website and click on the corresponding subsidiary, closest to where you’re located. The subsidiary lists contact information, such as email addresses and phone numbers on their page. If applicable, you may also contact them through their social media pages.

How to Buy a Narrow Wheelchair

If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that affects your mobility, you may qualify for a Quantum® Power Chair. To find out if you qualify for a power mobility device, you need to get a prescription from a medical practitioner.

Getting a Narrow Wheelchair Prescription

Phone your physician or physical therapist and schedule a face-to-face exam. The medical practitioner must first consider the use of other mobility aids such as a cane and manual wheelchair before considering the use of a complex rehab wheelchair. If you qualify, they will write you a prescription and note in your medical record that your mobility needs can only be satisfied with a complex rehab power wheelchair.

Next, have the practitioner fax or mail the written prescription and medical records to your authorized Quantum® dealer. The mobility product provider must receive the written prescription and medical records within six months from the date of the face-to-face exam.

Upon receiving the documents, the dealer’s Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) will work with you and the medical practitioner to determine the appropriate narrow wheelchair to meet your needs. This includes conducting a home assessment.

When you receive your power wheelchair, your provider will demonstrate how to operate it. Note that the delivery of the narrow motorized wheelchair must be no more than 120 days following your face-to-face examination.

Funding for Narrow Wheelchairs

Medicare or Medicaid provides coverage for narrow wheelchairs if the device is deemed medically necessary.

If you want Medicare coverage for your narrow wheelchair, you must have an in-person evaluation and a special prescription from your clinician. The good news is that you already need a prescription in the first place to get a complex rehab power chair. See steps above for obtaining a prescription.

To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet income and resource requirements. You also must be medically needy or fall into an eligibility category specified by your state. Anyone receiving Supplementary Security Income (SSI) benefits is automatically eligible.

How Narrow Wheelchairs Change Lives

The Edge 3 Stretto is a life changing motorized wheelchair. If you want to learn more about its benefits and how it contributes to independence, just check out what Stretto users like Jared Wayland are saying! Jared shares experiencing his first winter in his Stretto and how he’s confident in doing all of his favorite activities independently.