RHealthcare launch lightweight folding powerchairs and seek out more dealers in the north
Mobility supplier RHealthcare is unveiling a number of new ranges to mobility dealers this year, including several lightweight folding powerchairs to capitalise on the growing market segment.
At Naidex, delegates will be able to get hands-on the company’s new Dashi powerchair, a manual folding powerchair weighing 18.5kg in total and 17kg without the battery which is made using aluminium and magnesium.
Boasting a user weight of 125kg and VR2 controller, RHealthcare stated the new chair is easy to fold in two seconds and has a transport adjustable handle for pulling along, as well as a transportation carry bag.
The powerchair will be available in late April, with forward orders being taken now.
“Dealers have been asking me to bring out lighter chairs to the market,” commented Brent.
“I have been out to Far East and shows like Rehacare and Arab Health to get exclusives on new models of lightweight powerchairs.”
Speaking with Brent McIvor, Sales and Product Manager for RHealthcare, he confirmed that the company will have four new lightweight powerchairs on the market ready for summer 2020, with product weights from 15kg.
“There will be more product details about these models on our stand N804 at Naidex,” he added.
Discussing the lightweight folding powerchair market, Brent highlighted the growth in the sector, with the weight of devices being a key factor to success.
“This market is the fastest growing out of all the products I believe, which will leave a decline in the old style, entry-level powerchairs. The folding powerchairs are more practical for today’s way of life,” he said.
“Folding chairs with lithium are lighter and will fit into most cars, great for air travel, cruises, and day to day outings. This is the reason why the market for them is growing very fast.
“We had a great year on the Dash E-fold last year as this product was the only electric folding powerchair on the market and there will be an even bigger demand for the E-fold in 2020.”
Keen to showcase the ranges to retailers in the UK, Brent emphasised that the company is particularly looking for more dealers in the North of England and Scotland.
In addition to the new powerchair range, RHealthcare’s South Korean partners Todo will also be joining the company on its stand at Naidex, showcasing its “lightest power add-on in the world” claims RHealthcare, as well as a new active wheelchair to pair with the device.
“The new active chair will be discussed with our new Todo authorised dealers,” explained Brent.
“For those who would like to become a Todo dealer, we have three areas to cover: North of England, South Coast and Scotland.
“The new active chair is for sole use with the Todo drive kit. The product is mainly for children as it will grow with you so there’s no changing chairs every couple of years.”
With the wheelchair power add-on enjoying increasing popularity, the market has seen a number of new entrants enter the space in recent years. In September 2019, the company disputed UnaWheels’ claim to be the lightest power add-on device in the world.
“This market is growing with the user wanting to become more independent and travel aboard. With all the add-on companies popping up, this indicates everyone wants to be part of this market,” noted Brent.
“We have the lightest model in the world at 5kg added to your manual chair which is a great benefit to the user and carer. The Todo drive fits to about 90 per cent of SP chairs.”
Completing the raft of new products, the Scotland-based mobility supplier will also showcase a range of fixed and folding carbon fibre walking sticks which it released to the market in December.
RHealthcare will be at this year’s Naidex on the 17th and 18th March at the NEC in Birmingham on stand N804.
