Product Review Series Description
As a quadriplegic, I have become generally accepting of new technologies, especially if they help me and improve my quality of life. Since my injury in 2017, I have trialed many different forms of adaptive tech (often at my own expense), so I have become very intentional about what tools earn a place in my daily routine. Now I am certainly no “techie”—rather, I’m just a guy that is constantly searching for some added independence and autonomy. This review kicks off a new series where I look at products through the lens of life as a quadriplegic. The focus is on what works, what doesn’t, and what actually makes my daily life easier. These reviews are my own thoughts, opinions and experiences, and do not reflect the brands themselves in any way. I am not a collaborator, just a dude living life as a quadriplegic.
A Wheelchair That Gives You Style Points
I’m going to start this post off by referring to the unwritten rules of the infantry:
- Always look cool
- Never get lost
- If you get lost, refer to rule number one
You’re probably wondering why I brought up these rules from my army days.
Allow me to explain:
I had an internal struggle for a while, where I thought that using a manual wheelchair made me look “less disabled”. I got into one after 2-ish years of exclusively using a massive power chair, and pushed around in it for a year straight. It was (and still is) an excellent workout, but in all reality, the chair is not safe for me. Because I also have a brachial plexus injury in my right arm, I am not the best at pressing against the handrails with enough consistent force to slow myself down safely on a hill or a ramp.
This reality check made it necessary to have someone with me at all times. Pretty silly for someone actively chasing full autonomy, right? For obvious reasons, this was impractical and unsustainable. But goodness, there was so much that I loved about the manual chair. It was lightweight, could maneuver in tight spaces, fit well under tables and desks, didn’t rely on batteries, didn’t get caught up in door thresholds, the list goes on. Now it was back to my heavy (but practical) power wheelchair.
That was, until I started noticing the ibot PMD (Personal Mobility Device) resurfacing. Better yet, the company putting out these incredible machines was local to me in New Hampshire. I set up a local demo, immediately reached out to the VA, received the wheelchair clinic’s approval, and the rest is history.
Navigating life within the restraints of my first power wheelchair felt like I was stuck in Rule #2: feeling lost. Getting into an ibot felt like transitioning into Rule #3: still pretty lost, but looking cool. Like I still had every right to feel insecure about people staring, but also—“your wheelchair is balancing on two wheels and jumping curbs”—of course people are going to stare. This machine pushes so many boundaries and (in my non-engineer brain) defies logic.
The history of the ibot
The ibot was invented by Dean Kamen, the same engineer who later introduced the Segway. Kamen’s goal was ambitious: create a wheelchair that could climb stairs and traverse rough terrain while keeping the user stable and upright.
The original ibot launched in the early 2000s and received FDA clearance in 2003. It allowed users to climb stairs with assistance, raise to eye level on two wheels, and handle sand, gravel, and uneven terrain. Despite its groundbreaking technology, production eventually halted.
Years later, Mobius Mobility partnered to bring the ibot back to market. The redesigned model maintains its core features while improving reliability, battery performance, and service support. I am extremely grateful to the pioneers that created this device and to the company that brought it back.
How the ibot Works
Believe it or not, the answer isn’t magic.
The ibot operates using gyroscopic sensors and dynamic stabilization technology. In simpler terms, it constantly measures tilt, motion, and balance hundreds of times per second and adjusts accordingly. That is what allows it to perform in multiple modes:
- Standard Mode: Functions like a traditional power wheelchair. Incredibly agile, fits under most standard height tables, more than half the weight of my old power wheelchair, drives like a Cadillac.
- Four Wheel Mode: Lifts and levels the seat while all four wheels maintain ground contact for stability over uneven terrain. Increases the level of dump for added security, will climb some very surprisingly steep grades, able to hop/climb curbs, incredibly rugged, drives like a military MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle (sorry, that’s the only comparison that feels right).
- Balance Mode: Raises the user onto two wheels, allowing them to lift at eye level and interact face to face. Incredibly cool, able to turn in place, can drift naturally back-and-forth and it auto stabilizes back to center, able to additionally elevate the seat while onto two wheels for added height, drives like—well, actually, this is the closest I’ve felt to walking.
- Stair Mode: Climbs up and down stairs with a trained assistant guiding from behind, unless you have enough upper body strength and function to firmly grip a handrail. This mode is incredible for its practical application of navigating stairs despite being in a wheelchair. I’m not going to lie, it does not feel natural in any way, and you have to really trust the technology. Still, this feature alone has incredible accessibility potential.
Pros
- Can get you pretty much anywhere you want to go.
- Having different modes that you can transition the chair into for specific use cases is incredibly useful.
- Relatively lightweight.
- Sits lower (in Standard Mode) and is more agile than most power wheelchairs.
- They have added the ability to perform a full-tilt/recline for proper pressure offloading using Power Positioning (my chair does not have this, but this is HUGE for skin integrity).
Cons
- Not covered by all insurances.
- The EZ lock system/pin is fairly cumbersome and harder to use for vehicle docking.
- Air tires require added maintenance and monitoring.
- The front casters can get pretty chewed-up.
- Opting for a different back rest means that you cannot use the Stair Mode.
- The motor and actuators are pretty noisy.
Listen, no wheelchair is going to be perfect. But from what I need out of a wheelchair, this thing is about as close as you can get. I am forever grateful that the VA was able to provide me with this device. It has truly changed my life since getting it almost 4 years ago. I recommend it to every wheelchair user that I meet.
Lastly, I want to mention that the staff at Mobius Mobility is top notch. Their customer service will help answer any question, their facility has accessible amenities and a ceiling lift to help you transfer into the devices for training, they provide meal vouchers during your visit, they will often come to you, and they just genuinely care. In an industry where a handful of big businesses control much of the market, this has been incredible to experience.
Go set up a demo! I promise you’ll love it.
