Okay -- *this* is shiny:

[capri0mni]

From jesse_the_k a vid of a steampunk version of Professor Xavier's Wheelchair.

But -- I couldn't help but leave this left-handed admiration in replies:

(Quote) As a real life full-time power wheelchair user, I've got to say: I've lusted after Permobil chairs since I was a teen (if I ever win the lottery). And your upholstery work looks a lot more comfortable than the factory standard. But how do all those bells and whistles effect functionality, or drain the battery life? And don't you get nervous with the extra liquid and smoke and such burbling away so close to the electronics? (unquote)

Maybe it's just my Season of Annoyance, but I felt compelled to remind people, moderately-gently that Wheelchairs are not toys, demmit!!

Oh, and for the uninitiated: when I was a teen, at least, Permobil chairs were made by the same company who made Saab cars: you know, the Swedish luxury ones? Back in the day, Permobil chairs were swank. Don't know if they still are, though.

Comments

[jesse_the_k]

Say it!

I recognized the Permobil caster beam right away, and I was stunned that someone found that in the "junk" pile somewhere.

Permobil has a U.S. division in Tennessee now, but I think the chairs are still made in Sweden. In my circles, they were famous for a sweet smooth ride, excellent elevation, tilt, and standing features, and spending more time in the shop than the average chair. (That was due in no small part to waiting on parts from Sweden: the supply chain is I'm sure faster now.)

I tried one for my latest chair. It was indeed beautifully suspended, so it had a great smooth ride. I'm too much of a speed demon to put up with a front wheel drive chair; their rear-wheel drive chairs weren't fast enough for me. Finish was nice, but not appreciably nicer than the Quantum or Invacare I've had my hands on recently. And the price tag was still in the luxury department: their base RWD was $10,000, while my Quantum R4400 with 8mph motors was $6,000.