Precision Rehab recently delivered the first iBOT PMD powerchair in the UK to 14-year-old David Dee from Manchester.

David has Type 2 SMA which affects all his muscle movements. It means he has never been able to walk and has used a powerchair from the age of one. As David got older, one of the things that was becoming more and more of an obstacle to his independence was being unable to get into buildings with a step, such as shops or friends’ houses, unless there was a ramp.

David and his father, Jonathan, spoke to Matt James, the founder of Precision Rehab, to see what other models of powerchair were available that could potentially address this issue.

“When Matt told us about the iBOT PMD and its ability to climb steps and even stairs it sounded amazing,” commented David.

As Matt has only recently signed a UK distribution agreement with Amsterdam-based 2KERR Mobility, the European importer of the iBOT, David and Jonathan arranged to visit the firm’s offices. Matt attended a four-day training course to be assessed and test out the powerchair to see if it met all David’s requirements.

David continued: “As soon as I saw how easily it could overcome steps and kerbs thanks to the four-wheel drive mode let alone climb stairs, I knew it was what I was looking for. I also loved the fact that my thoracic supports are built into the seat back of the chair so not visible.”

David has now had his iBOT PMD for several months and is very happy with it.

“The iBOT is very easy to manoeuvre at home and school,” David said. “It has given me much more independence, which is what I wanted, as it can tackle kerbs and doorsteps with no problem and also has an impressive battery range.

“Another great feature is the balance mode which enables me to travel at head height as opposed to looking at people’s waists. For example, I have a season ticket at Manchester United, and the trip from the stadium to the tram is approximately one mile, which wasn’t always easy due to the crowds. However, I put the iBOT into Balance Mode and I can navigate my way through the crowds with ease and people can also see me – it is also much quicker!

“The iBOT really is a great powerchair, and I would certainly recommend it and Precision Rehab to anyone looking for a powerchair and a supplier that clearly knows what they are talking about.”

The iBOT has also enabled David to live more independently on a day-to-day basis at home and school. He can now go to the local shops on his own without worrying about doorsteps and recently met up with a group of friends in London, which would not have been possible before.

Jonathan commented: “As a parent, it is great to see David living a more independent life. The iBOT is clearly well built and it has made a real difference to David’s life.”

“We are delighted to have delivered the first iBOT powerchair and to hear how happy David is with it,” Matt added. “At Precision Rehab, we pride ourselves on offering the best in bespoke powerchair solutions and the iBOT is a fantastic addition to our portfolio.”

The iBOT features the latest in powerchair electronics, sensors, battery technology, and software to enable the user to overcome barriers to their independence that have previously been inaccessible. The iBOT has four different driving modes which combine to make it suitable for almost any environment.

Balance Mode provides extra height, which enables the user to travel in a raised position and at the same height as their friends, family members, or work colleagues. This makes conversations and many day-to-day activities like shopping, working, and attending social events much more enjoyable. Balance Mode also increases the ground clearance of the main chassis from standard 2.8” to an impressive 9.5”.

Standard Driving Mode is for when the iBOT is being used as a standard wheelchair and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments.

Four Wheel Drive Mode ensures the iBOT can overcome individual steps, slopes, and various terrains, including soft sand, gravel, rough ground, pebbles, loose ground, and snow, therefore allowing the user to venture into environments that would not normally be accessible in a powerchair. The Four-Wheel Drive Mode increases the maximum obstacle height to 5”.

Stair Climbing Mode enables the iBOT to smoothly climb and descend stairs while being controlled by the user or assisted with an attendant, making buildings fully accessible. This means that powerchair users can live in a house with stairs and not have to rely on a stairlift or homelift to access other floors. It also facilitates greater independence and peace of mind when booking a holiday.

With standard features, including a range of seating options, a maximum user capacity of 136 kg, a left- or right-handed ergonomic joystick, a tilt-in-space function for increased comfort, combined with a top speed of 6.8mph, the iBOT aims to represent the next generation in powerchairs.