Mid-wheel drive powerchair with two large drive wheels and four smaller castor wheels, two at the front and two at the back. Black frame with a medium-height backrest covering two-thirds of my back, push handles, central footplate, headrest, flip-up armrests, and a black joystick with various buttons and a small screen.
I spent many months researching different powerchairs before arranging any demos, but I focused on the two well-known brands I knew, which were Quickie and Invacare. However, I was eventually introduced to Quantum by a couple of friends online, and after looking at the specifications of their chairs, it appeared that on paper, it ticked all my boxes. I still tried out the other chairs, but they didn’t even come close to the Quantum Q6 Edge 2.0! It’s a slim powerchair for what it offers, which was one of the most important factors for me, because my front door is only 64cm wide, so it needed to be able to comfortably get through tight spaces.
In addition to this, I also needed an electric tilt and recline. Tilt wasn’t a major issue since most powerchairs in that price range offered a similar feature, but for the recline function, I needed it to go flat enough to relieve my chronic back pain, as if I were lying on a bed. Among all the powerchairs, the Quantum Q6 Edge 2.0 provided the biggest degree of recline and truly relieved my pain in the way I needed it to. I was also able to drive the chair at full speed while tilted back, so this meant I could manage my pain without having to stop completely.
The next thing on my list of non-negotiables was that I needed something with a very small turning circle, so I only considered mid-wheel drives – and with a turning circle of 52cm, the Quantum powerchair ticked that box. It appears to be a large powerchair, but I can get on buses and trains with ease – so much so that I’m regularly complimented on my parking when I’m on the bus. However, it’s the small turning radius that truly deserves the credit!
Something I wasn’t looking for originally was a rise/elevate function designed for social and independence benefits. Quantum is well known for its iLevel function, and when I tried it for the first time, it was incredible. I could see myself being able to independently reach high shelves rather than struggling to find a staff member or simply giving up. This electric function is not available on any NHS equipment, so it isn’t common in the UK. I believe everyone should be able to access this function because it has increased my independence by enabling me to do things I once thought I would always have trouble doing, or that I couldn’t do.
Another thing I hadn’t considered when researching different chairs was how easy it would be to adapt them, from minor adjustments I can make myself to big adaptations that would need to be made if my health changes or worsens. Quantum has thought about this, and with a set of Allen keys, I’ve been able to make minor adjustments to my chair at home. Everything from the angle of the armrests, the length of the footrests, or even swapping the headrest bracket. For other chairs, you might have to contact your representative to do these things! It’s also reassuring to know that if my health deteriorates, I won’t have to get a new powerchair either, as mine can be adapted in so many different ways to support my changing needs.
Comfort is also key, and although I have quite a basic cushion and backrest, I can remain in my powerchair all day without any issues. My backrest gently contours around the sides, providing a small but effective support that helps me feel secure. Yet another small adjustment that makes a significant difference.
My powerchair also has several accessories that make my life much easier; for example, the backpack clips on the back of my chair have made a significant difference. I used to hang bags off my controller and armrests on my old powerchair, but because they would stick out, I had to pile them all on my lap when getting on and off the bus. Now, I can hang bags on the back of my chair without worrying about them, as they are secure and can’t just be lifted off. I also have a cup holder and phone holder that securely attach to the end of my left armrest, and while these are extras, they are incredibly useful and convenient. Additionally, I recently had a USB charger port added underneath my left armrest, so I can charge my phone on the go without draining too much of the battery. This is very handy because my phone is my map, my medication alarm, and my contact with family and friends – all of which become important if I’m out of the house! You can also get a vent tray, transfer bars, tablet holder, rear-view mirror, clothing guards, and more, all of which are easy to install.
The controller/joystick is incredibly easy to use, and the layout of the buttons allows me to change speed with ease, without needing to stop and use two hands. It has a large, easy-to-navigate screen and separate controls for my electric functions, which I really like because they make tilting, reclining, or raising easier. The only thing I would change is its size and how much it sticks out, as I’ve caught it a few times, especially when getting on the bus.
So far, I’ve taken my chair over grass, gravel, cobbles, and more with ease; the suspension and large wheels really help. On wet grass, I sometimes get stuck, but this is a common problem with mid-wheel drive chairs. For me, manoeuvrability is more important than outdoor capability since I live in a city and rarely go over rough terrain. Another feature that really drew me to this chair is its ability to climb small steps and kerbs; I’ve taken it up some pretty big kerbs when dropped kerbs have been blocked, and not once has the chair been unable to meet the challenge.
Because of the size and weight of the chair, you need a WAV with a ramp or lift to get it into a car, but since I don’t drive, this wasn’t a problem for me. However, I struggle to fit into taxis unless they are rear-access taxis, although I can just about squeeze into a black cab when it’s the only option.
Overall, I would 100% recommend this wheelchair and have done so to many people, some of whom have set up demos and even gone on to fundraise or buy this powerchair. Quantum appears to be a relatively unknown company in the UK, and I think that needs to change, because their offerings, especially considering their low prices compared to some brands, are amazing. I refer to my powerchair as being life-changing, but even that is an understatement. I’m beginning to live, enjoy, and experience life again, rather than just surviving and enduring every minute I spend outside the house as I did beforehand, struggling to manage my pain and, as a result, having so much of the world cut off from me. Now I’m able to take on more volunteer charity work, especially in London. I can enjoy my love of the theatre, seeing enough musicals to more than make up for not being able to go for 2 years! Even simple things like shopping in town or going to the supermarket are now so much easier. My life is unrecognisable compared to just 7 months ago, and I cannot imagine going back to how things used to be.
