Disabled Filmmaker buys $20,000 Segway Wheelchair

[@meghanirizarry4836]

Chris I just watched your disability paradox film, it was brilliant. I enjoyed all of the guests U interviewed. In this film , your smile says it all about your excitement for that new chair! How wonderful. Love your work- thanks

[@MrCodes84]

I met a father today of someone I care for and he had one of these exact Segway wheelchairs. I was asking him so many questions and he was happy to answer them. He loves his Segway and could not say enough good things about it. They're extremely impressive and have changed his life dramatically

[@Wolfsheim23]

Is his Omeo still running good?

[@CCFIFresno]

I just loved seeing the life and excitement in you. Such a great video that is easy to watch with all the information necessary which isn't all the features but the life it offer's.

[@canevaletman]

Loved the video Chris.. I know how much of a difference it will make in peoples lives. I must say Thank You though for you taking the time to share your experience. It's just such a joy to see how that difference expresses itself in peoples lives. I know it's a lot of work but, you did a great job. Greatly appreciated and inspiring to see. Keep up the great work.

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Thank you so much Larry 😊🙏

[@OneMystified]

Hi Chris, looks very liberating. How does it cope with mounting curbs? What happens if the power fails?

[@Wolfsheim23]

Is this thing still $20k? We really need mass production on these things after this much time. 20K is way too much.

[@jaxgator24]

Looks awesome on flat surfaces. How does it handle curbs? I'm thinking not so good as none were shown in the video.

[@briancoogan4660]

Great presentation, Chris. Many thanks!

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Thanks Brian, however the chair didn’t turn out to be so great after months of using it. It was broken for the majority of time I owned it and the company ended up buying it back off me as they couldn’t resolve the issues. I purchased another, more reliable machine called a Genny instead which has been amazing and I’ve produced a video on it on the channel.

[@montylemar]

Yes, excellent! All wheelchairs should be like this. But what about getting on and off a bus? I've watched a few gifted wheelchair users just rock back on the rear wheels, place the front wheels on the bus platform and get on the bus without having to get the concealed ramp out. If this segway can perform with equal agility that will be a great boon for any wheelchair user. These should be provided by social services for any wheelchair user they are so good.

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

It’s actually terrible on a bus and infect the company bought the machine back off me as it had so many faults. I moved to another self balancing chair called The Genny which is far better and more robust

[@montylemar]

@@ChrisLynchFilm That's a pity. I'm able-bodied myself but use the bus a lot and know how useful buses/trains are for getting around the country. If a wheelchair can't adapt to other modes of transport it's only solving half the problem which is to get the user around the country efficiently and in comfort. More work needed I think.

[@nx01craig]

Awesome Chris! I'll be following your adventure for sure! I've done some GoPro video of my friends from my Omeo and it's a lot of fun!

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

The GoPro is great as there are so many different mounting options with it too.. I got one of the Railblaza adapters which works really well.

[@bernieallen6727]

Congratulations Chris >>>I got as excited as you ready to see your new chair ......Many happy filming days on it and of course many happy days not filming on it LOL

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Thank you so much Bernie! Absolutely loving it! :)

[@tedtitmus8900]

I love it. This is mind blowing. Ted

[@anthonygoritchan6285]

Cant stop watching your clip mate please keep mahing them,,,, im hoping to get one i recon like you it will change my life. ANT🤞👍

[@sinseeyafilms]

Happy for you Chris, the Segway looks like it can hit some speeds 👍

[@johnhalter8317]

How strong is all this plastic, I have a Segway wheelchair made out of Aluminum that has been great for 7 years, flip rolled crashed many times around the farm and travels. It happens with these chairs, the people who want them want to stay active. I drive mine on the beach with my bigger tires. Transferring out of this one would be very hard for someone with very weak legs it needs arm rails. A very pretty chair but it still needs work for handicap use, a person who can walk maybe not.

[@TheresaCalderini]

Oh my gosh that is amazing!!! Hopefully one day soon we’ll all be able to get those!! I’d feel like I was flying!!

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Thanks Theresa! You should check out the other video on my channel as I’ve recently moved to a far better version of this called the Genny! It’s amazing ☺️✌️Yes it definitely feels like your flying haha! 😂

[@rosemarymorrison1552]

Raker! All joking aside - Delighted to see the opportunities that having this chair affords you Chris.

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Haha! You're absolutely right lol! Ah thanks for all the continued support Rosemary, it's greatly appreciated. :)

[@clusa3721]

I enjoyed the video. Many thanks. By now maybe there are many of those chairs all around? I never saw the Segway safe enough not even for young people! Being a senior and preparing myself for the worst I would love to be able to purchase one of those already however, with less features for my budget, to be able to reach supermarket. That means, with a basket in the back....

[@davidsherar4496]

Chris, the video film you have produced here is absolutely fantastic and you really have shown and told the story of what the Omeo has personally done for you. Fantastic story and I love it. My only comment is that the Omeo is not a Segway Wheelchair. I believe the Segway company did try making one but I think it was a failure and never got into production. The Omeo is made by a totally different independent stand alone company in New Zealand that buys some parts from Segway. The Omeo is a "mobility device" (not called or classed as a wheel chair) that uses only a Segway motor base but the rest of the Omeo has been totally designed and built by Omeo Technology in New Zealand. Maybe in the next film you may wish to explain this so people don't get confused or think it is a revamp of the failed Segway chair. I'm really looking forward to the next video clip and hope it's not to far away. Thanks and enjoy.

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Hi David and many thanks for your comments.. Omeo use Segway technology which is licensed to them directly from Segway. I've positioned it accordingly as Omeo is a small, developing company, whilst Segway is a recognised global brand. I have specifically named the name and model (Omeo Evolution) in my film for any avoidance of doubt. Thanks again and best wishes.

[@andrewconnelly5020]

Hey man hope you are well? Just wanted to say great job on the documentary 👏👏. There definitely needs to be more programmes like it that not only show the physical but also the mental aspect for some living with a disability. Also that segway chair looks like a fantastic machine. Would definitely make a difference getting about at home/abroad Unfortunately way out of my price range tho.

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Hey Andy! Thanks so much for that bud, I really appreciate the kind comments. Ah yea, absolutely loving the chair mate, it really has given me a whole new lease of life. Hope you are doing good and best wishes.. Chris ✌️

[@beatricecarey8330]

Hey Chris, just watched disability paradox. Tried to find a way to send you a message just to say that I really enjoyed it. I found the wide variety of insight from all the contributors really interesting. Thanks for making! Really appreciate your honest presentation. I’m able-bodied but appreciate the chance to understand more about life as a disabled person. It’s frustrating to see that often your contributors biggest difficulty is their perception by society. I’ve subscribed to your channel so looking forward to more content. All the best! Bea

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Hey Beatrice! Thanks so much for reaching out and for your kind comments! It's been a really fascinating film to work on and I have to say it's been overwhelming in terms of the amount of positive messages I've received since it first aired on BBC 1 NI last week. Thanks very much for connecting and my social media handle for Twitter / Insta is @chrislynchfilm if you want to connect there too. Best wishes... Chris

[@karolyngaston9221]

I absolutely love to Segway albeit don’t get opportunity much these days. Fav is Titanic slipways 💙 This is an incredible addition for you in particular to help you do what you love to do FASTER! Brilliant and it looks the bomb too! Health and happiness to enjoy your new wheels x

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Ah super! So you know all about them then Karolyn! Technology is just amazing and we're in such a fantastic time of innovation when these things are enabling us to do so much more! Thanks so much for the comment and good wishes. :)

[@richardstebbins4114]

You’re so positive

[@debblackmore7460]

Happy Christmas so happy for you kiddo stay safe stay strong becareful takecare so cool good luck sending love from me I want one amazing keep going x

[@letseephotography9540]

i want this sooo bad, the filmaker rig you say too! will you be making a video of that soon?

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Hey! Yea I will indeed.. things have been hectic over the past few months but lots of new videos about to be released very soon so hit subscribe to stay tuned to the channel so you don't miss it. Cheers for your comment! 😁✌️

[@chrisapodaca-y7i]

what happens if you get pushed over or fall will you just gas it into the nearest object or can it detect falls for people with sci

[@irelandstudios]

Unreal Chris 👏 using the gimbal will be a whole different experience now !

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Ah thanks very much Joe! Yea it’s really amazing.. the Steadicam is all rigged up and works so well with the Ronin S!

[@irelandstudios]

@@ChrisLynchFilm that’s class! Ronin S seem to be top of the market at the moment! I fired you a message on Instagram, would love to hear back from you as a local film maker myself. Cheers Chris 👍

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

@@irelandstudios Yea it's a great bit of kit however I just got the new Ronin RSC2 which is just incredible however it doesn't fit the Steadicam system. The new one has active track so you can literally have it lock automatically on to a subject which is a great feature for vlogging and other things. Had a bit of tweaking to do to get it perfected but it's a great little feature. I didn't spot your message, did you send it to @chrislynchfilm? Cheers Joe!

[@letseephotography9540]

@@ChrisLynchFilm where is video?

[@zoolow555]

The salary here in Thailand is $280 every month. So I unfortunately know that I never will be able to have on. But even of that I think this is a real wheelchair. And I'm happy for the people who can afford it.

[@PacoOtis]

Thanks for sharing a very informative video and with the exception of the horrible intrusive music, we quite enjoyed it. Best of luck to you!

[@rachaelann.02.30]

This is so exciting, Chris! I can't wait to see what you get up to in the new chair!! 😁

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Thanks so much Rachael! I know.. exciting times!

[@paulcowdroynon-noxiouschan3971]

This is AWESOME 👏 👏👏

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Cheers Paul 😊

[@pundadah]

Much as I want this fantastic power chair sadly it is beyond my reach due to my dire financial situation (I am a Disable Pensioner) who cannot afford it. Only Financially secure and well offs can afford it. BAH HUMBUGS

[@jamesthompson4062]

That is really smart 😎

[@EmilyCricket]

This is awesome! How is it with hills? Have you had good comments from people in the street?

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Hey Emily! Ah thanks very much... I haven't had any issue with hills so far.. I've had it across some grassy banks / hills and some steep drives but haven't had any issues! For sure, the amount of people that stop me and ask me about it is crazy.. it's definitely a head turner lol. Great conversation starter for sure haha!

[@AmandaLawrence_poisondwarf66]

I'd love to see things like kerb clearance? Does it cope with small drops and bumps? And what are the max limits? thanks

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Hey Amanda, yes it will do small curbs ok.. a few inches but always best to use drop curbs. I find it very easy to negotiate instances were there aren't as it's just so easy to move. All the technical spec are on the Omeo website at www.omeotechnology.com

[@jameslocke1416]

I loved watching this! You mentioned brittle bones. I have OI, and it seems you and I have similar upper body strength. How is that chair when you transfer? I can plant my feet, but can only bear a small amount of weight, so I have to more-or-less transfer like a para. BTW, I have my BA in TV & Film, so if you ever need a PA, proofreader, water boy, I’m game! Keep kicking ass, man!!

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Hey James! Great to hear from you and many thanks for that! Transferring is really easy for me personally as I'm able to use my legs but although I can't walk, it really helps being extremely mobile. I would say I'm probably the same.. I've been told not to weight bear as given the state of my bones now, there's too high of a risk of fracturing. That's awesome to hear you are in the same industry... yes absolutely, would love to collab some time! :)

[@donnawhite7410]

@@ChrisLynchFilm - what a coincidence. I have OI too. I live in California and work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I use crutches and have used many different scooters and wheelchairs. When I was watching this video I was experiencing PTSD because I flipped over on a scooter and was so pleased to learn you have OI and this wheelchair/Segway will not turn over. In February, I traveled to Egypt and I wonder could this be used to travel to this area? Also, are there plans to open this up for rental or bring it to the US. Thank you for sharing.

[@eirintowne]

My poor ears were BLASTED by the intro music, it was super loud (using headphones)! When you speak, I have to turn up the volume a lot, but then you bring in "background" music that is also wayyyy louder than the volume at which you speak. It diverts from the brilliant content, so I hope it can be altered? I really, really want one of those chairs, but I wonder how they would react to the added weight of anything you would want to carry, for example grocery shopping for a few days? I guess even the camera you will add must be precicely placed in order to not counteract your movement?

[@RaymondStarr007]

Wow awesome wheelchair what’s it like going up and down kerbs ect ect

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Thanks very much Raymond! Ah not too bad.. I can't really do large steps but a few inches it can handle ok.

[@RaymondStarr007]

@@ChrisLynchFilm awesome Chris

[@l.ricardos.4185]

Please need to know where to buy one. Thx

[@annettesuterswiss]

It looks like more that a future wheelchair for people with physical disability. Maybe in the future this chair will be used instead of a car, just to get comfortably around. Like nowadays with E-Scooter or E-Bikes.

[@Ap4clipz]

How do you transfer to the omeo wheelchair when someone has no ability to transfer in or out of the wheelchair?

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

I wouldn’t bother with this one, I recently moved to The Genny self balancing chair and it’s much better and reliable. I sold the chair back to the company as it was broken for the majority of time I owned it.

[@Wolfsheim23]

@@ChrisLynchFilm You were amazingly lucky to be able to sell it back to the company. That's the main issue with all these devices is that no company is big enough to fully support them. When we lost Segway, we lost an entire support network that was the best ever in creating a standardized quality rig. Now we have to gamble on any company. Now its Genny?

[@BlancarosmiraLeonlopez]

Podría desirme el precio de esa fantastica silla

[@judyho7006]

Where can I get one of these in az.😊

[@iqbalmunir1284]

Chris can you please answer my curiosity. I am having the same disease and to some extent the same physical features, but I can walk with a walking aid or stick. Why can't you?

[@zakimerxero3771]

Is it just because you are new to it that you've to hold on? Because I thought it would allow hands free driving which if it can't, I personally don't see a use in getting it when I can get a mainstream powerchair instead.

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Hi buddy... yes it’s completely hands free but you’re right.. I still am learning how to precisely use it in different scenarios. I do find when moving at speed, it’s far better holding on to the handles for obvious reasons as it is just about safety more than anything else. I’m finding that for slower paced stuff now I.e. walking speed, I’m totally hands free. Hope that helps and thanks for your comment!

[@zakimerxero3771]

@@ChrisLynchFilm Okay, cool. I guess my expectations are just a bit too high that I'd want it to be as close to walking/running as possible with our hands free to rest or carry things. Though on the plus side with using such mobility devices we can have it carry the weight of things for us. :D I am interested to try it someday. Though I suppose if someone where to hug someone else on it, they'd have to turn it off. Whereas for a joystick operated wheelchair that's not so necessary if someone catches us off guard with a hug especially on the opposite side of the joystick.

[@zakimerxero3771]

@@ChrisLynchFilm By the way, have you heard of the Phoenix i (smart) wheelchair? It is still in its early phase of development, though seems revolutionary as well.

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

@@zakimerxero3771So you can absolutely do these things hands free but it's just a case of developing your skill level. You're right that the best thing to do is try it out for yourself. You can arrange a demo through Omeo directly via www.omeotechnology.com and they'll help set something up. Regarding hugging someone etc., you can switch active seat control on or off and swap to a joystick through a switch on the side. This is particularly useful if you are in a shop and want to reach over to a shelf etc. Yes, I've seen the Phoenix I, I'm actually a customer of theirs and have all their wheelchair bags. Looks like a great chair for sure but still wouldn't replace my Omeo in terms of functionality and complete freedom of movement.

[@zakimerxero3771]

@@ChrisLynchFilm Awesome, thanks. :) There's also Revolve Air that I just came across which seems awesome!

[@vynedvyne59]

I can see the struggle of looking for a place to rest your arms

[@dinoformosa8163]

What about stairs

[@張猷強]

How can I buy such an electric car when I live in Taiwan

[@isaymymind1727]

I had a dream to design such chairs using recycled hoverboards and electric bikes. i guess someone beat me to it I will continue dreaming and thinking outside the circle. Oneday i will change the world

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Keep on believing it my friend.. it will happen :)

[@isaymymind1727]

@@ChrisLynchFilm Thanks Chris. I am looking forward to your future vlogs. Keep them coming. PS: I am also a drone enthusiast and I enjoyed your documentary on BBC.

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

@@isaymymind1727 Thanks so much for that.. Best wishes.. Chris

[@tamaravolk-pace3022]

I am going for my trial in a couple of weeks. I am going to try a push for insurance to pay. 🤞🤞🤞

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Amazing Tamara! Very best of luck with it and my fingers are crossed for you! :)

[@connorfogal]

do you have to have good arm movement?

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Hey Connor, think I got you ok on Facebook there but you can get more info about Omeo at www.omeotechnology.com if you have any questions for them.. They are very helpful.

[@devendratrivedi6232]

Price?

[@vaninaperalta7687]

Una silla para pocos ya que distintas patologías no se manejan bien con el balanceo de su cuerpo y no la veo tan seguro

[@mudangyabyang546]

I am physically challenge girl ...plz help me where can I get it..

[@emmersonkerr6257]

Not quite true you can fall out,while I think the Omeo is absolutely brilliant if not properly trained you can have a nasty accident like the woman in Australian who broke both legs when she fell forward out of it

[@terrymckenna7719]

Good content but I found the music very annoying, so kept skipping forward .

[@adnanjaveid9010]

Sick

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Cheers bro 😁🙏✌️

[@katiejean5879]

I need this

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Amazing eh!?

[@noemilara2832]

Esta es como para mí mamá q no tiene sus piernas,no se requiere de esfuerzo mi mamá tiene 73 años

[@silvanotonini9151]

I must say this is the worst ad for a wheelchair I've ever seen I couldn't even look at it to the end.

[@tekkigizmo]

Yeah it's a nice chair, but it's not $20,000 nice. Someone is making it extremely rich at $20,000 a piece. I was thinking more like $6000 being more reasonable and realistic but still expensive. I am able bodied so have no need of one of these just to be open and honest, but I would like these to be more accessible to people of more moderate means.

[@pjaypender1009]

Are you joking? An ordinary power chair is over $5000.

[@pjaypender1009]

The problem with abled people is you have no idea what being disabled costs.

[@tekkigizmo]

​ @pjaypender1009 Like I said someone is getting extremely rich off of a person's disability but I have no idea what being disabled costs but I know why, if enough people are willing to pay an exorbitant price for a product then the price will remain high, add to that if the market for such goods is limited then the likelihood of a competitor entering the market to produce a similar product for a more modest price is low, but also the few suppliers that there are will have multi million dollar contracts with corporations and governments worldwide thereby making the market even smaller. So is your power chair over priced? Yes.

[@tekkigizmo]

​@@pjaypender1009 Maybe we don't but we are not the ones to blame for the cost of your disability so directing your ire towards able bodied people in general is misplaced, maybe you should direct that anger/frustration towards the people that enable this exploitation to take place. But if you wish to criticise someone who agrees that the cost of these and other items for the disabled are overpriced then I will at your prompting be more uncaring and less willing to stand up and help the disabled community in the future, I just thought that because you being in the minority and all you might need every ally you can get.

[@Wolfsheim23]

@@pjaypender1009 ya or how ripped off and exploited disabled people are, apparently. Disabled don't have to keep settling for it. Segway was the best standard we had for awhile, we need a new support network. Maybe we could organize and get Elon's attention to make a standard mobility device system manufactured at Tesla.

[@johnjones4669]

Lol he said he was going to walk us through some of the features Dont you mean roll us through the features Don't worry I'm not making fun of him I'm in a wheelchair also

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

Oh totally John.. just a bit of sarcasm haha! 😆

[@АлександрЛисовой-ф3ь]

Да ... смотрю и удивляюсь как простому инвалиду можно купить такую коляску ...мой мерседес стоит в 10 раз меньше ...вот ручку от джойстика от коляски точно бы смог....

[@Yorkie-9668]

$20k for a mobility scooter is just way too much, could buy a decent car for less, and not many disabled people I know are able to fidget about in their scooters as it is, no this is obviously far suited to able bodied people, but there isn't a market for it there, so the maker's thought they'd target the disabled

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

When you haven’t lived experience of using it, it’s not really possible for you to make a balanced statement. You’ve a knee jerk reaction based on price whilst not taking in to account what this actually does. It is NOT a mobility scooter and as I’ve referenced, it’s the closest thing to walking that I’ve experienced - to me that’s worth several times over the price tag.

[@Yorkie-9668]

@@ChrisLynchFilm No sorry, the very people Omeo are targeting are the least financially well off, it is at least 4 times it max price, I have a 4 wheeled power chair that is great and cost me £410 ex display so virtually new and is more stable than that thing, having a long term brain injury I couldn't handle a 2 wheeler anyway, but it is well overpriced, they should have got with a bigger mobility supplier and made them cheaper by bulk, I still think they are more suited to able bodied users, and did you pay $20k for yours or was it a freebie for this review?

[@ChrisLynchFilm]

@@Yorkie-9668 they are a small company and don’t benefit from mass sales - prices are set to enable R&D and drive innovation. It wasn’t a freebie lol. I couldn’t afford to buy one but I set out a clear plan to fundraise and was absolutely determined to own one. I worked hard on raising the money and after six months I was able to purchase.

[@Yorkie-9668]

@@ChrisLynchFilm I know they are a small company, but targeting a market of disabled people at $20k is just way too much, they could have gone with a bigger company and marketed them a lot cheaper, like I say it would be no use at all for me, I need 4 wheels for balance due to balance problems, I just think they have missed a chance, come to England and you will never see one

[@danw7099]

​@@Yorkie-9668 Both of you guys are right and awesome, Omeo people really love to help the disabled community but, because it is made in NZ, plus the amount of effort they put on R&D and the safety side, and the small scope of manufacture, I believe they are actually losing money on selling these 2 wheels wheelchair.

[@caroletraynor8763]

Not everyone has $20.000 to spare, I have a wheelchair but it's just basic. So stop bragging 😒

[@ProudAmerican10]

I’d love replace my old chair but 20000 is way more the I could afford! Heck $200 is too expensive but very cool👍👍👍👍