Mobility retailers’ products of the month in February 2020
As the industry gets into the swing of 2020, six mobility retail experts highlight which products on the market stood out for them in February, from manual wheelchair power add-ons to moving and handling equipment. Learn which products proved to be retailers’ best-in-class and why…
Ableworld’s pick of the month
Pick of the month: Cutlery Set from Shine International
Ceri Dixon, Marketing Manager of Ableworld
“Sometimes the simplest of mobility aids can be the most effective in helping people on a daily basis with a task many take for granted. If you struggle with grip, hand and wrist strength or dexterity, holding cutlery can be a difficult task.
“This handy cutlery set is adapted to help, with soft cushioned grip for comfort and a wrist strap on each utensil to help secure it to the user’s hand.
“Each piece of cutlery is bendable, allowing it to be set at a suitable angle for the user and encouraging them to remain independent while eating.
“The set features a fork, spoon and rocker knife which allows the user to cut food using a rocking motion rather than trying to slice food. This cutlery set is ideal for people living with Dementia, MS and Arthritis.”
Classic Mobility’s pick of the month
Pick of the month: Ergo Lite 2 from Karma Mobility
Lauren Bromfield Director of Classic Mobility
“I have chosen the Ergo lite 2 from Karma Mobility as our product of the month for February. It continues to be a popular product with our clients, many who are looking for a very lightweight chair that is stylish and compact.
“The option of attendant or self-propelling, with the addition of swing-away footplates to ease transfers, makes it a great choice.
“The s-ergo seat helps to reduce sliding and completes the stylish look, which is an added bonus.
“Importantly the aftercare is second to none with Karma, with any replacement parts proving to be very reasonable. Delivery is usually next day which helps us to manage our showroom stock effectively.”
Lifestyle & Mobility’s pick of the month
Pick of the month: Alber e-Motion M25 from Invacare
Darren Macey, Business Development Manager for Lifestyle & Mobility
“At Lifestyle & Mobility, we are always looking for the most cutting-edge designed and innovative products that can benefit people’s lives. Our arms and shoulders aren’t designed for the repetitive motion that comes by being a wheelchair user and the e-motion M25 takes away a lot of the repetitive motion that comes from propelling a wheelchair.
“In fact, it is proven to reduce repetitive strain injuries. The e-motion M25 power drive offers extra power and lighter weight in comparison to the previous model.
“Each wheel weighs only 7.8kg, a 33 per cent reduction from the M15 and is now available in three wheel sizes, 22-inches, 24-inches and 25-inches.
“Ideal for any active individuals looking for a powerful and versatile mobility solution to suit a busy lifestyle – whether it’s longer distances, slopes or a few kilos more in your luggage – the e-motion supports users in every situation, even when braking downhill. This is ensured by its highly efficient and silent electric motors.
“The product can expand users’ range of action, keeping them moving and training their vital functions. At the same time, customers permanently protect their muscles and joints from overwork.
“There is a handy app that syncs with a smartphone as well, allowing our customers to adjust the speed of it, track your journeys and keep a push count. It can even drive the chair using a phone which is a great function if a wheelchair user needs to move the chair while not in it.
“It is a truly fantastic product to any active user which is why it’s our Pick of the Month.”
www.lifestyleandmobility.co.uk
Fortuna Mobility’s pick of the month
Pick of the month: Fortuna Quad Ferrule Walking Stick
Elaine Ferguson, Mobility Services Manager of Fortuna Mobility
“At Fortuna, we sell lots of walking sticks. So last year we added a new one to our range – with a few added benefits!
“The Fortuna Quad Ferrule Walking Stick is made from light but strong aluminium – it’s been strength tested to 120kg to ensure quality and safety. It is foldable, height adjustable from 84cm to 94cm, and includes a wrist strap.
“Probably the biggest benefit of this stick is its four-point or quad rubber ferrule that provides greater stability and grip compared to traditional walking stick ferrules. The Fortuna quad ferrule gives an increased area of contact for improved surface grip, whilst the rubber design provides flexibility on uneven surfaces improving security for the user. And, because the ferrule allows the walking stick to self-stand on flat surfaces without falling over, it’s harder to lose under a table. Retailing at just £20 excluding VAT, it’s great value too!
“Fortuna Quad Ferrules are also available for sale individually, so it’s possible to use with any walking stick with a 19mm diameter. Many of our customers are either upgrading their walking sticks or even just the ferrule on their existing walking sticks to benefit from a more comfortable and stable walking experience.”
People First Mobility’s pick of the month
Pick of the month: Leg rest from Aidapt
Karen Sheppard, Managing Director of People First Mobility
“With the dark nights still upon us for a short while, sales of the leg rest have been popular. Allowing the legs to be elevated and rested comfortably whilst watching television or reading.
“This model is from Aidapt but a few of the suppliers sell ranges of footrests. This model sells well as the top of the leg rest has a flat surface and the vinyl top has heat-sealed seams for improved hygiene.
“The frame is finished in a tough epoxy polymer finish and the padded leg rests are manufactured using a fire retardant, easy to clean fabric. Available with or without wheeled castors, each castor has a brake and the legs are adjustable in height.”
TPG DisableAids’ pick of the month
Pick of the month: Oxford Up from Joerns
Alastair Gibbs, Managing Director of TPG DisableAids
“For this month, I would like to highlight the Joerns Oxford Up. It is a manual stand aid and seated transfer device that neatly bridges the gap between no assistance and a powered stand aid.
“Typically, most clients do not go from being fully ambulant to totally immobile in one step. It is far more often a progressive loss of ability that does not require intervention with a fully powered hoist to assist their transfers from chair to chair, bed to chair or chair to W.C. But at the same time, it is important to recognise that loss of ability and use an appropriate transfer aid that minimises any risk of the client falling due to lack of support.
“The Up has a robust 31 stone capacity and encourages client participation in transfers which in turn acts as a great rehabilitation tool and promotes independence.”