E-fix (manual chair conversion to power chair)

Blurb from the manufacturer -

An electric drive concept for your wheelchair!

A minor addition with a major impact giving an immense increase in the quality of life with clever technology. The best thing of all, this added comfort can be had without having to surrender the customised wheelchair you have become so used to!

Activities which in the past required a great deal of effort and planning by those restricted to a wheelchair, can suddenly be undertaken with comparative ease. A quick trip to the chemist, paying a call on friends whenever you feel like it or simply going about your working day life. The ability to be spontaneous and flexible - that's what the new e-fix power drive does for you.

The e-fix is controlled via a small control unit intelligently mounted in extension of the armrest. The dynamic looking design of the control unit, with its large buttons and easy-to-comprehend symbols, makes it easy to use even for those with restricted movement. e-fix puts safety first, which is why all functions are monitored by the built-in electronic technology. If there is a long interval where your wheelchair is not moved, e-fix will automatically switch off to save battery life. One touch is all it takes to disengage the e-fix drive wheels and operate the wheelchair manually if needed.

The wheel hubs are fitted with electric motors that provide a powerful drive for your wheelchair. The light weight battery pack is simply fastened to the mounting beneath the seat and can be quickly recharged using the automatic charger that comes with the e-fix. The practical quick-fasteners means individual components can be mounted just as effortlessly as they can be dismounted and without needing any tools to do so. Despite its powerful performance, e-fix is inconspicuous and light weight. Its compact design means e-fix can be easily stored into the boot of a car.

One of the foremost advantages of e-fix is the fact that it can be universally fitted to a variety of mobility aids such as nursing or support/posture chairs, pediatric or standup chairs. Whatever the aid, e-fix can adapt to it.

A big thanks to Ezee (cool name!!) from Youreable for this review!

We have had a E-Fix for some years now (5 or more). Its now been fitted to our third manual chair and we have never had any breakdowns in that time. I agree with the review 98 percent. The two percent I don't agree with is the climbing kerbs part. It will climb quite high kerbs provinding someone lifts the front castors up onto the kerb. Our method is to push down on the wheelchair push handles to tilt the chair back to lift up the castors. Its a great bit of kit if you take care of it. A couple of minor points,

which we have had difficulty with.

Don't let dirt or water get into the connections on the wheels. Keep them clean and you will avoid trouble that way.

The contol column is diffiult to fix rigidly on our latest chair, it was fine on the earlier two. I don't see why an attendant control could not be fitted but speak to the agent Gerald Simmons.

The contol box connection is beginning to show signs of wear and over rougher terrain can work loose.

ezee

A review from a-wonder-whizz at ebay forums -

For me the best thing sliced bread is the E-fix electric conversion to my wheelchair. Pricey (over £4000), but it gives me independence and versatility. I have a chair that when you remove the battery from a sling below the seat folds as a normal manual chair, with quick release wheels. With the motors disengaged it is a normal, self propelled chair, but engage the motors and I have a fully functional electric chair. I have a heavy duty battery and can get up to 16 miles from a single charge - a smaller lighter person would probably get more.

It is crap at climbing kerbs, but you can't have everything. The conversion will fit on a huge range of manual chairs - this means that you can select a chair to suit individual needs.

I have taken it on coaches, on planes - no problem. It truly transformed my life!