Wheelchair with various steering options

A variety of steering options for an electric wheelchair are important for persons who use their head to drive and easily develop neck pain

Description
The user drives a Permobil Chairman with DriveLink with MultiControl.
She has three different control alternatives:
1. Chin control with joystick: mounted on a stand attached to the backrest; the on/off button sits on the joystick holder.

2. Neck control: consists of 3 levers that sit behind, to the right, and to the left of the head; the user controls the wheelchair with head movements. She accelerates by pushing backward, with the other levers she steers to the right or left. The on/off button sits on a stand attached to the backrest.

3. Caretaker control: a joystick that sits behind the backrest, assistants can control the wheelchair.

Authors comments
The joystick control is mainly used indoors, it is more accurate and works best in tight spaces. Neck control is mainly used outdoors. The user appreciates not having to have an object in front of her face.

Since the user develops neck pain when she controls the wheelchair it is important for her to be able to switch between the different control systems, which use different muscles.

When she tires an assistant can help her with the caretaker control option.

Manufacturer
Permobil, www.permobil.com (last checked March 2011).

Paid for by
County Council

Tip is dated from 2008

Categories for this tip
mobility » moving around by wheelchair, Tips and tricks from people with High tetraplegia without function in arms and hands (C2-4, ASIA A, B).

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