MY NEW POWERCHAIR IS ON THE WAY! What & How I Chose, Demo Days, And How I Secured Unexpected Funding

[@sarasate89]

It goes to show how different we all are, as I ruled out the Whill C2 as I found the chair very uncomfortable and I found it slid down cambers on pavements and slid me into the road 😢 so in the end I went for an RGK lightweight active manual chair and a Triride special compact HT all road. It's so so stable being effectively on 3 wheels with the triride attached, I don't slide down pavement cambers, and it's so much fun to drive around!

[@LifeOfPippa]

So glad you've found something that suits you, I definitely have the TriRide envy!

[@cassmacdonald-perfectlyimp2486]

I’ve got a Whill C2 and I love it, but I’d have preferred a power add on for my manual. That’s certainly what I want next

[@Enn-]

Fantastic! I'll be testing the WHILL C2 next week, to see if it will work for me. I also have ME/CFS, and hope a power wheelchair will help me get out of the house more. I'm curious, after a month of use, have your feelings about the chair changed any? What improvements would you like to see in future generations of WHILL chairs?

[@mikawindrath6085]

I think the free wheel requires self propelling as well, because you can't steer it other than via hand rail. But that might depend on the product.

[@LifeOfPippa]

Ah that's good to be aware of, thank you!

[@GeorginasJourney]

Those time stamps are so thoughtful, inclusive & accessible, thank you! ☺️ 💕

[@LifeOfPippa]

You're welcome lovely, I knew this video was going to be a long one 🙈💜

[@ToffaRC]

Hi Pippa, Been researching power-chairs for a while and although expensive C2 comes top of our list. Have demo tomorrow, update you later. Chris & Chris

[@LifeOfPippa]

Best of luck and enjoy!

[@ToffaRC]

@@LifeOfPippademo went so well I think I’m going to be £5K lighter soon.

[@ToffaRC]

Placed order with TGA today.

[@carlycarly3]

Great video! If anyone else watching has similar requirements to Pippa, but can't compromise on the leg elevating (or reclining backrest), I really recommend look at the invacare esprit action.

[@GeorginasJourney]

Thank you!!

[@LifeOfPippa]

Thank you for sharing lovely!

[@beknight9399]

A great customized rigid manual chair with this features (reclining backrest, high legrests and elevation to stand up/sit on different tables/reaching things upwards) is from O4. I own one with Alber E-Motion M25 😊. "Normal" rigid chairs are often not suitable with ME/CFS or POTS. But for uneven ground, I would like to have a smartwheel.

[@esterfleurke9309]

I am SOOOOOOOO thrilled for you Pippa! And after the video I instantly took a peek at the will C2. Oh my word, it seems so handy! It also ticks a lot of boxes for me as well. And it looks awesome! 😎 I'm also pondering about the rolls motion 2.0 electric 3-in-one.(Rollator and electric or transit) Anybody lived experience with that one?

[@LifeOfPippa]

Thank you! I don't know much about that one but I hope somebody gets back to you!

[@christophergray2660]

Great video. FYI, the joystick can rotate so it fits into your palm or under your fingers better

[@LifeOfPippa]

Thanks for watching!

[@royal.bumble]

I have massive envy of the whill. It's a favourite chair of mine and if I were more willing to compromise on seating setup and losing a manual chair, I'd get one myself. I just think they're so stylish. I've been a manual chair user for quite a few years now and I'm more able to access things with the help of my partner with a manual chair than a power chair (think trains w/o ramps, doorways with tall thresholds, kerbs) so I haven't been willing to compromise on that but I'm finding myself needing a "better" power assist that's joystick controlled so I've been really wanting to try an e-fix (alber) and/or the Benoit light drive. It's so difficult to find info about it so I'm a bit gutted that they didn't have one for you to try. I'll be booking a demo day sooner than later but the more crowdsourced knowledge the better imo.

[@LifeOfPippa]

Really hope you have the chance to try one out, will you let me know how you get on if you do? I agree, the more crowdsourced knowledge the better!

[@alcoholiday6954]

You're such a beautiful person inside and out Pippa, I'm so happy for you.

[@LifeOfPippa]

This is so kind, thank you so much!

[@Alice_L]

I’m thinking about buying the C2, I can’t wait to watch your « review » 😊

[@LifeOfPippa]

Aww I hope you find it helpful whenever it goes up, I’ve had mine a couple of weeks now and it’s been a great experience so far!

[@Spoonietherapist]

Thank you Pippa! As always your transparency and clear communication is outstanding. So, so helpful 🩵

[@freja905]

How well do these handle hills?

[@christomasjames6620]

thank you for the video Pippa, I just had to get my power chai but I got a foldable one as it was easier for me and my wife to lift. I also have a bated for my manual chair for when we go walking in the wood with the kids so have the best of both worlds. I did have to pay for it all myself but I was SO worth it to be able to get out and about on my own.

[@LifeOfPippa]

Thanks so much for watching! That sounds like a great set-up, can definitely see the benefits of having different aids for different days!

[@christomasjames6620]

@@LifeOfPippa yeah it really is as some days I feel I can use my manual chair a push myself and other day I can't so have the best of both. the good news is when u get the new chair now the weather is getting better u can go out to more places. one question I have is your dog an assistance dog as im looking to get one as been told I can get one I just have to wait for the right dog to be trained for my needs.

[@cherylshepherd4252]

Just trying to psych myself up as my m.e. has become worse my worry in going out is when the dizzy/ faint symptoms come on. Would love to know how you navigate that. 🙏

[@escott696]

​@@cherylshepherd4252Look up POTS and orthostatic intolerance. What helps me most is electrolytes, increase salt in diet. But definitely see GP for tests too.

[@LifeOfPippa]

@@christomasjames6620 Aww that’s exciting! Ruby is just a pet rather than an assistance dog, though we did look at potentially training her for when she’s a little older!

[@tonjar]

Pippa, I am sorry about the misunderstanding or maybe a narrow view concerning self-propelling. People seem to think wheelchairs are for people with problems of walking only. This would have left me feeling sad, too.

[@LifeOfPippa]

Ahh thank you! I can see it from their point of view too but I do wish I had stood up for myself a little more!

[@pjaypender1009]

On a bus your brakes shouldn't be what's keeping you in place. The driver should be using transit tiedowns to secure your chair.

[@LifeOfPippa]

That’s interesting, just had a look into them but can honestly say I’ve never seen them used by anybody on a public bus in the UK!

[@escott696]

It's not fair that you don't qualify for Motability despite needing a wheelchair to go out Fortunately (?) i got it even prior to using a wheelchair, and have been able to use the money to buy a Whill C. I didn't do it through Motability though as decided to keep it in case i need a car with a hoist. You know the chair comes apart right, so you could get a lift and just remove the seat, push wheels into boot then put seat in if your carer can't lift the 4 sections. Atm my mum and my PA can both lift it ok. I did look at lifts, ramps and hoists though.

[@LifeOfPippa]

Thanks for watching! Yeah I’m thankful it comes apart, but my Mum and I both manage fatigue/pain so find it quite hard lifting the pieces even between us! But found out this morning that you can buy extending ramps even if you don’t have an adapted car so might have a look into those next!

[@fatefulevents]

I did my own research for months and like you I also chose the Whill C2, mine arrives Tuesday 17th June. I'm new to wheelchair ♿️ life, I have LongCovid, Pots and Mast cell activation. Would love to collab with yourself. I am starting my journey on social media as not many my age do, I'm 46 🇬🇧 @TammyTenacity.