This is not my first wheelchair made by RGK. I love that this company can customise every aspect of the chair, as it makes it feel more personal. I like knowing they can ensure my chair perfectly meets my individual size and needs. They are a great company, but sadly, I didn’t receive the polished experience I am used to this time around. They missed the delivery date they promised to meet, without informing me. They also didn’t fully grasp my requirements, so we had to make a few alterations ourselves to save the wheelchair from being taken back to be amended. It is very scary not knowing what your wheelchair is going to look or feel like until it is made. So I guess you can never guarantee that the company have interpreted your request in the way you want. I am also disappointed that I am lower down in comparison to my previous chair, despite RGK saying it was the same size – my wheels are slightly smaller, which is why I can notice the slight change in height. The biggest drawback is definitely the cost. The price is ridiculous for what it actually is. Being disabled is so expensive!
On the other hand, there are several things I love about this chair, one of which is the extra zip compartment on the back of my wheelchair. It is a decent sized pocket, which comes in really handy for storing dog treats and medication. It is also very discreet, so I feel confident that the things I put in are safe. I love the overall look of the chair. The chrome frame with red accents is super stylish and very eye-catching, which I think helps people to look at your wheelchair in a different light. They can see that it is something I am proud to sit in, rather than a large, bulky black wheelchair. Because of my short stature, I require a made to measure wheelchair. So I have a standard seat cushion and a backrest that extends up to my shoulder blades. I chose adjustable handlebars, so whoever is pushing me can set the handles to their height, rather than having to hunch over while pushing. I have Spinergy Wheels with nine spokes, which make for a very smooth ride.
I chose to add an additional raised footplate several inches above the original, meaning the lower footplate functions as a step up. I also requested the top footplate to be deeper than the bottom, so my assistance dog can step up onto it, allowing me to put on her harness or jacket without having to move my feet out of the way. RGK also customised her lead attachment to make it less bulky and more out of the way. There is also an extra extension on the lower footplate that attaches to my freewheel, along with a hook that clips onto a winch in my WAV. The wheelchair winch is an electric device that helps me safely get my wheelchair in and out of my WAV without needing to have someone there to help me. It also ensures I don’t fly down ramps!
I have used a wheelchair since I was 3, so I don’t know any different. However, every time I go to purchase a new wheelchair, technology has advanced, allowing my needs to be met even more. This chair enables me to continue my everyday life, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lightweight, manual wheelchair with a rigid frame they can personalise.
