The Puma 40 Pro is a highly manoeuvrable and adjustable powered wheelchair, which can be used indoors and outdoors.
The powered drive wheels can be positioned at the rear (RWD configuration) with castors at the front, or at the front (FWD configuration) with castors behind. It comes with independent suspension and tracking on each wheel, ensuring a comfortable ride. You can choose from three different motor speeds: 4mph, 6.2mph, or 10mph.
The seating is designed by Sedro, with all components easily adjustable in width, height, length, and angle. It also has the option for independent tilt or a combined tilt and lift (raise).
The joystick can be either a Shark Two or RNET Control System, both of which enable you to add a powered actuator. For example, you can adjust the angle of your back cushion or powered elevating leg rests. Manual hydraulic elevating leg rests are also available.
There are many benefits to using this wheelchair. The Puma 40 has the smallest turning circle of all the powered chairs I have tried, meaning I can easily turn around in tight spaces. For example, on a bus or in a narrow supermarket aisle. This prevents me from having to find a larger area to turn around and then return to where I need to be. Manoeuvrability is very important inside shops, offices, restaurants, and on public transport. Especially on a bus, as you have to get into a precise and sometimes tight spot.
It copes very well in the park and has no problems going over grass and woodland. However, it is definitely NOT an off-road chair, because if you encounter heavy mud, you will get stuck.
There are really only two main drawbacks to this chair. One is that the front lights are positioned at the widest part of the chair, so they easily get knocked off or bent. For example, when accessing the bus, the bar or pole I need to manoeuvre around sticks out at precisely the wrong height, causing me to hit the lights! The solution I found was to move the lights to a part of my frame that is lower down and further in. The second drawback is that the anti-tip wheels can sometimes catch on small kerbs, even though the rear wheels are lifted off the ground. Something that can be quite embarrassing when they get stuck in a gutter.
Overall, I am very pleased with the Puma 40 Pro. It was well designed by Handicare, which has since been bought by Sunrise Mobility and renamed the Puma Sunrise Quickie 40, but it is the same chair. However, I was sad to hear that the manufacturer plans to discontinue this wheelchair in 2023, as it may make future modifications or repairs more difficult.
