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Published 6/04, Copyright 2004, WheelchairJunkie.com
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Off-Road Powerchair Roundup -Mark E. Smith
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Sunday, Sunday, Sunday - one day only - car-crushing powerchairs take over the arena.
Alright,
there aren't car-crushing powerchairs. However, the latest breed of off-road mobility products are pushing
the powerchair limits, taking consumers farther off the proverbial beaten path than ever before.
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Off-Road Powerchair Models
Fox American 6-Wheeler
Published Manufacturer Specifications
Drive System: 6-wheel Top Speed: 4MPH Overall Width: 32" Overall Length: 45" Battery
Range: 10-Miles Base Weight: Unspecified Weight Capacity: Unspecified URL: www.foxamerican.com
Permobil Trax
Published Manufacturer Specifications
Drive System: 2-wheel Top Speed: 9MPH Overall Width: 27" Overall Length: 48"-56" adjustable
Battery Range: 22 Miles Base Weight: 396lbs. Weight Capacity: 260lbs. URL: www.permobilusa.com
Frontier by Magic Mobility
Published
Manufacturer Specifications
Drive System: 2-wheel Top Speed: 6.5MPH Overall Width: 27.9"
Overall Length: 35.6" Battery Range: 15 Miles Base Weight: 240lbs. Weight Capacity: 265lbs.
/ 400lbs. option URL: www.magiicmobility.com.au
TracAbout
Published Manufacturer Specifications
Drive System: Track Top Speed: 5.5MPH Overall
Width: 27" Overall Length: 43" Battery Range: 12 Miles Base Weight: 400lbs. Weight Capacity:
350lbs. URL: www.tracabout.com
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Navigating the Off-Road Market When it comes to hype, off-road powerchair marketing truly goes
beyond that of most other mobility products. From touting the indoor maneuverability of such large chairs,
to promoting motor torque levels that may not be greater than those found on everyday powerchairs, some
marketing may mislead consumers. It's vital that if you're interested in an off-road powerchair, pursue
an extended trial within your own environments to make sure that the product meets your needs, regardless
of manufacturers' claims.
Buyers should also consider the strength of the company from which
they buy off-road powerchairs. Over the years, companies selling these types of niche mobility products
have come on gone quickly, so it's important to make sure support for the product will be available over
the long haul. You don't want to spend $10,000 today, only to be left without parts and service for
your chair in three years.
It's a rough-and-tumble world out there. But, by buying the right
off-road powerchair, from the right manufacturer, you can pass over the lumps and bumps with ease.
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