Best wheelchair for college

[rickhemi]

If money wasn't a factor, what would be the best, lightweight chair for a fairly hilly college campus (VA Tech)?

We're trying to stay away from any motorized model due to the increased weight, for my daughter will be taking her car with her and doesn't want deal with having to lift it into the car. She's been working on putting her Quickie GT (1st chair, 4 yrs old, got at the age of 14) in the car (without taking the wheels off) and would like something more lightweight. She currently is wheeling to the back of her Honda Fit, gets her walker out, sits on the rear bumper, reached down and kinda flips the whole chair into the back. Then she uses the walker to get into the car and go.

She likes rigid chairs.

Is the Zephyr the standard that others are compare?

[fuentejps]

colours razorblade.

[-scott-]

Originally Posted by rickhemi

If money wasn't a factor, what would be the best, lightweight chair...

probably a magnesium Lasher: http://www.lashersport.com/products-btmg.html

VT has a reasonably accessible campus. It's just big. I went to JMU & it was no easy task to get from one side of campus to the other w/o motorized transportation. The biggest hurdles will be the distance she'll have to push (or will she drive everywhere?), along with any inclement weather when she has to be somewhere at a specific time.

[sjean423]

Will she be living on campus? If so, maybe the option of having a power chair to use when on campus, and the manual the rest of the time? If VT is typical of gmost campuses, parking is limits, and once she finds a spot, she isn;t going to want to move the car again until she leaves.
I know she CAN wheel around campus, but perhaps the effort it will take would detract from the time she should be doing something else?

[Hype62]

If money wasn't a factor, I too would go with the Lasher mag chairs. I had a chance to try out one of their mag chairs at the abilities expo last year and it's awesome; that has got to be the lightest and smoothest chair I ever pushed. The frame itself is so light I can pick it up with 1 finger.

[jessie.gray]

I really like the Quickie Revolution wheelchair, because it will fit easily into a car, folds up, and is still a rigid frame chair. Its also very lightweight (22.5 lbs). My parents have a small car, and it will fit in the back seat and the trunk easily without scratching or bumping anything.

Jessie

[wheelchairTITAN]

If it were me going to college, I would be choosing one with great grades in calculus!

[wheeliecoach]

Lasher MG chair...that is my dream chair if money were no object. I believe it is something like 9 pounds...and I think that is with the wheels on (do not quote me...I could be wrong...but I am too lazy to look it up).

Now...because money is a factor for me...I got a TiLite ZR. I used to have a Quickie GT...and after lifting the ZR in the car...I cannot believe the difference in weight. For me, it is a ton lighter and easier on my shoulders. My push is more efficient...and all in all, it is the best chair I have ever been in.

[DaleB]

Originally Posted by Hype62

If money wasn't a factor, I too would go with the Lasher mag chairs. I had a chance to try out one of their mag chairs at the abilities expo last year and it's awesome; that has got to be the lightest and smoothest chair I ever pushed. The frame itself is so light I can pick it up with 1 finger.

Couldn't agree more!

I recently had the opportunity to play on one at this years Abilities Expo (east) and got fitted for one on the spot. Very sweet. Lasher chairs aren't considered a great value, no real big secret there, but my insurance was charged $4,650.00 for the Quickie GT I'm sitting in. That was more of a rip off than $6,000.00 for a completely custom mG chair (measured to within 1/4" for some specs )


Also...check out the new Next Mobility oval tube. Heat treated alum. is much stronger, treated both before and after welding. Much lighter than the alum. in most other chairs (because wall thickness is thinner, i was told). They had very nice showings this year at Ab.Expo.

[nick]

Rick-

I just purchsed a Ti Lite ZR. Actually it was supposed to be shipped yesterday (Wed.) from Washington state, so hopefully it'll be here at the very latest 4/14. UPS just dropped off the Roho Jetstream back yesterday and I also ordered the new Fusion 16 26" wheels w/ blue Shox tires, and a Jay cushion. Haven't gotten them yet though.

I will post pics. of the chair as soon as I get it. With me in and out of the chair. I'll let you also know about weight and ease of transfers. I remember when I demo'd a ZRA last year I was able to pick the entire chair assembled off the ground with one hand, so I know this one being a ZR will be even lighter.

Oh yeah, I looked into the Lasher Mg., but can't justify the $5K+ they want for the damn thing. That is just NUTS!! -Ed-