Case study: User-friendly wheelchair power add-on makes long trips easy for Derek
Derek Smalley from Lincolnshire is one of the latest people in the UK to be benefitting from owning a Rehasense Power Assisted Wheelchairs System (PAWS).
Derek is a T10 paraplegic following a lower-level spinal injury in 1985. He started looking at power add-ons, as he was finding his manual wheelchair challenging to use on longer trips. However, his first one was not as helpful as he had hoped.
“My first power add-on did the job but wasn’t very user friendly and was not easy to attach to my wheelchair, so I didn’t use it that often,” Derek explains. “I visited some exhibitions and did some research online to see what else was available, but nothing grabbed my attention – until I visited The Ability Shop in Bourne, Lincolnshire and saw PAWS.
“I wanted a power add-on that could easily attach and detach from my wheelchair and PAWS looked to be the perfect solution. I also loved the fact that there were no attachments so when I next change my wheelchair, I know PAWS would still be suitable.”
As soon as Derek took the PAWS out for a test drive, he knew he had found what he was looking for.
James Thorpe from The Ability Shop explained that there were three models available: the City, Cruiser, and Tourer. Derek opted for the mid-range Cruiser, as he felt that would best meet all is requirements.
He has now had his PAWS Cruiser for six months and is delighted with it.
Derek continues: “The Cruiser is a very well-built piece of equipment and with my engineering background I can fully appreciate what goes into developing a product like this. The control functions are incredibly user friendly and unlike my previous power add-on I can attach and detach the Cruiser from my wheelchair in a matter of seconds.
“Trips to the local shops are now so much easier for me and I can go on a longer journey safe in the knowledge that the battery range will ensure I can get home again. For example, on a recent family holiday to Wales, the family went for a walk on the beach, and I went for a lovely six-mile ride – this would never have been possible before I took delivery of my PAWS Cruiser.
“I have already recommended PAWS to several friends who are wheelchair users, and I will continue to do so.”
With a larger 16” wheel, the Cruiser offers a smooth comfortable ride and comes with a comprehensive range of standard features including traction and cruise control. All three PAWS models are available with either a manual or automatic clamp and lift system, Tetra controls for people with reduced upper body strength, have a range of up to 25 miles, and charge from empty in five hours.
For more information on the PAWS range and full portfolio of mobility solutions available from Rehasense, call 0333 220 0704, email ukadmin@rehasense.com, or visit the website.