OTs respond “fantastically” to power-assisted wheelchair range at OT Show 2022

Rehasense UK has reported a successful OT Show 2022, after occupational therapists (OTs) responded “fantastically” to its range of assistive technology products.

The supplier demonstrated its power-assisted wheelchair system (PAWS) range to attending visitors. These power add-ons easily attach to and detach from manual wheelchairs, making tackling outdoor environments smoother and easier for the use.

Rehasense UK also showcased examples of its rollators to OTs.

Discussing the success of this year’s OT Show, Lee French, Managing Director of Rehasense UK, commented: “As it was our first time exhibiting at The OT Show we were unsure what to expect but we needn’t have worried.

“From the moment the doors opened on Wednesday morning until the show closed on Thursday evening we were inundated with visitors to the stand with our range of rollators and Power Assisted Wheelchair System (PAWS) all proving extremely popular.

“While many OTs were familiar with rollators, the PAWS was a real eye-opener with a significant number of visitors to our stand commenting on the ease of use, especially with the automatic docking system. Many of our retailers work closely with OT’s so to have had this opportunity to engage with so many, demonstrate our products and gather valuable feedback was great.”

The City is the entry level model in the firm’s PAWS range. Available with a 12” or 14” wheel, the City has been designed mainly for use around town. The 12” wheel is ideal for smooth tarmac roads while the larger 14” wheel can handle slightly more uneven surfaces. The City can also be used indoors with a turning circle of one metre.

Standard features on every model include forward/reverse mode; traction control for when setting off on a slippery surface or slope; and cruise control to remove the need to permanently hold the throttle and Walk Mode. PAWS requires no frame alteration or additional add-ons to the wheelchair.

The mid-range Cruiser has been designed for wheelchair users looking for a power add-on to enable them to venture off standard road surfaces and onto more uneven terrain such as a forest trail. 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.

Completing Rehasense UK’s PAWS line is the top-of-the-range Tourer model. This can take wheelchair users across terrain that would normally be inaccessible. With a 20” wheel, 4”-thick tyres, and a longer wheelbase for increased clearance and manoeuvrability, the Tourer is equally at home on tarmac or in a true off-road environment. In off-road environments, the Tourer can easily overcome sand, gravel, and obstacles such as tree roots and very uneven ground, which would be impassable in a wheelchair.

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 about Rehasense UK’s assistive technology solutions, call 0333 220 0704, email ukadmin@rehasense.com, or visit the website.

Derek Smalley from Lincolnshire is one of the latest people in the UK to be benefitting from owning a Rehasense UK PAWS model. Find out how Derek is getting on with the mid-range Cruiser to facilitate greater exploration of the outdoors and longer trips in this case study.