Hello! This is my second blog about the Quantum Edge 3. The first described my process of ordering the wheelchair. This time, I will describe using the wheelchair.
I will discuss the car seat cover in my next blog with my other custom touches.
I talked earlier about picking the color, Raspberry Beret. Before I go over the wheelchair’s key features, I should tell you about 2 other ordering choices. Although I was right-handed, my left hand is stronger, so I had the controller put on the left. Also, I had the foot rests connected to flip up and down together.
This wheelchair has two features that were new to me. They are the seat tilt back and the I level seat raise.
My dog sees the seat tilt daily and is not impressed. Me, I appreciate changing positions and therefore pressure point changing.
My family and pets also see me use the I Level feature daily. I am 5’4″ standing with the related wing/arm span. I use this feature to be eye level with my teen sons, to communicate with people behind service counters, see in a mirror, see into sinks, see inside stove pots and mixing bowls, to reach counter items easier, and to be ‘seen’ and get space in crowds. While my insurance denied this feature and I paid for it, there is now guidance available from the wheelchair manufacturers on how to get insurance funding. This is a major feature that increases your level of independence, interaction, and inclusion. Fight for it!
You should know that the chair has 4 speed ranges: Indoor slow, Indoor moderate, Outdoor Moderate, and Outdoor fast. There is a side dial to adjust the max speed within each range. I use Indoor slow in tight spaces and my van ramp, Indoor Moderate most of the time, Outdoor Moderate next to someone walking, and Outdoor fast in parking lots. The chair will go slower backwards.
The chair also has head and tail lights on the fenders. You can choose where to put the switch. I recommend against the outside edge of an arm rest. I put mine on the outside edge near the controller. It seems like a handy place, right? It is easily bumped on by everything there, including when you swing out the controller.
Next, I will discuss the custom touches I have made to my Q Edge 3.
My Disclosure
Life, Humor, and MS 