Reviewing My New Custom Wheelchair

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Hi everyone. Dont miss part one and two bellow. I hope you have enjoyed this series? I also hope that it will help you in choosing your next chair. I do plan on making an after three month review of my chair, so you can see it a little more, about and about. Gem How to choose a wheelchair in 2022 (part 1) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZmyg36QgNCMlZY What to expect from your wheelchair fitting. (part2) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZmyg36QgNCMlZY Costly mistakes people make when choosing a wheelchair: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYeveJSbgb6UabM My Wheelchair is causing me problems kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3nZZqKIgbiiZtE How to fund a wheelchair kzbin.info/www/bejne/infRfGxubpKan8k How to buy a stairlift kzbin.info/www/bejne/ramaiWlujdRqndU

[@ChrisPage68]

How much room is there between your pushrims and door frames? They look a little chunky to me - but you're much narrower width-ways, so I suppose it balances out. I also had slim lightweight wheels on my Quickie.

[@Lenidoesstuff]

Ok

[@cbryce9243]

Never did I think to have my chair insured! Smart idea! I have a powerchair, which was pricey, and I am getting a manual one similar to yours. Sadly though, I think the UK has much better wheelchairs then we do here in the US.

[@brittenygilroy1863]

I love how every wheelchair users chair is different and looking at the things that work for them. Reminds me that my needs as a wheelchair user change over time and that's ok. Thanks for another great video.

[@brin57]

Hi Gem. Congrats on the new chair. I think you nailed it this time. So much better for you. Tucking those legs in is a life changer.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

Piggybacking off of your previous one about tips and tricks for getting one - make sure the invoice matches the original list you made (if one or more costs are not covered by a third party, such as insurance), but also make sure that everything that was supposed to come on the chair is actually on it, and are both present and correct. I had to get a different footrest, and I still need to get different tires, because my chair came with the wrong ones.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Such a valuable comment. thank you

[@tonyaknight9635]

We have recently had to start using a wheelchair when we are out doing errands and in general. I had 18 orthopedic surgies growing up along with closed spina bifida occult closed spina bifida. I am 52 now and have a service dog. Your video have helped us so much adjusting to our new normal. Thank you for all your inspiration. I am on Facebook we live in AR in the USA 😊we will be getting our first custom wheelchair on June 19 2023 And also I am a SHRINERS KID was a patient at Shriners Children's Shreveport la from 1972 1979

[@sammyjugheadsumpter7343]

Yes smart drives are awesome I have one and you can definitely benefit from it gravely if you live in places that have up hill or even just flat grounds its very helpful for sure. Just make sure you get help learning out to use it so you don't get hurt it can be quite sensitive if your new to it. But its easy simple and comes with a smart watch that can connect to your cell phone to help you also.

[@ecologist_to_be]

I use Mark Bates to insure my wheelchairs and also my contents insurance for my house chair. The chair looks great. Glad it is working out for you!

[@JohnR31415]

Looking comfortable - really good to hear that it has resolved some of the pain - and the weight will help with endurance no doubt…

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thank you. I’m really pleased. Thanks for your support

[@JustWheelMe]

It looks great Gem. Right away you look so much more comfortable. It's a must for me to have my legs tucker I can't stand them getting in the way.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thank you. Honestly I feel so much better, physically and mentally. Hope your ok. xx

[@BrendaCHughes]

Great looking wheelchair, glad you finally got what you needed especially it weighing a lot less. Your hints and tips have been invaluable

[@BrendaCHughes]

Had my appointment with wheelchair services today, and was very surprised they are going to fund my wheelchair for me. So in April I am going to try a kushall and a quickie argon. So with all your hints and tips that is going to help 😀

[@thomasrichuno]

Hi Gem, your seating position is sooo much better! I hope the chair gives you everything you want from it. Ergo seating does a lot aswell. I am really happy for you :) see ya.

[@Boomerangpie]

I’ve found the comments section really helpful. I’m trying decide between a Tilite TRA and a GTM mustang - and I have to get it right! It’s such a big decision to make, when you’re self-funding and fundraising. This is my third wheelchair after 2 nhs chairs have been very badly fit 😢 (T3 complete from Scotland)

[@wheelchair4x368]

Smiles for your new wheelchair. I know how proud of the chair since I also proud of my new wheelchair . Would enclose photo, but not know how.

[@alex2wr]

Hi Gem, I am so happy to see you enjoy your new wheels. I've always wondered why your seating position had your legs extended out so far, but no judgement, I figured there was a good reason. Now that I see them nicely tucked in, makes me feel great, because I know the difference it makes. I am sure you can now rotate left and right much quicker than before, saving those precious arms from injury. You have an admire in me, good luck and keep rolling. Alex - L1 Para Complete

[@MAE-nm2tl]

Can this wheelchair fold into a smaller size for travel purposes and ease into a trunk of a car?

[@ellabouvard]

Ah I love it so much!!! Re insurance I use a company called ‘Blue badge mobility insurance’ it’s about £40 a year to insure my chair for theft, damage, personal accident and public liability (not sure up to how much but it’s decent) I’ve never had to claim though so can’t comment on that side of it!

[@EmilyCheetham]

Please keep us updated on if you are able to use as you put it more spoons - if you are able to go longer in your new chair.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

It has been fab. As it half the weight, I don’t have to use as much energy. I’ll do some out and about vlogs soon, as I did have to get used to some thing things. 😍

[@flowerpetals1396]

I am so glad you are happy with your new chair. Wishing you much joy and happiness.

[@simonferocious868]

Thank you for always captioning your videos! It's always good as a person with an "invisible disability" (hard of hearing) to see the disabled community looking out for me! Edit after I finished watching (I got so excited to see captioning I had to comment almost immediately lol): congrats!! I'm so excited for you to get this wheelchair. I know basically nothing (only what I've seen from you) about wheelchairs but this one looks so much more comfortable. I wanted to ask, is it frustrating that it's taken so long to get one that feels this right? You've used a wheelchair for so many years, was it a gradual process to learn what you needed? Or was it more of a matter of getting what you can? I ask because I am hard of hearing and it's a fairly recent adjustment. I'm getting my first hearing aid soon and I'm worried it'll be a "this is better than nothing" situation. My consultation was a bit of a blur with information and costs thrown out to me. I had done a lot of research in preparation but still felt a bit overwhelmed when making my final decision. I think I made the right choice but I guess time will tell. I know I'm fairly privileged in terms of ability but I still worry that my choice of aid won't be the correct one. Thank you for all you do! I always enjoy your videos!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Your welcome. I get the captions professionally done to make sure they are the best they can be, so Im really pleased you are benefiting from them. Your question is a hard one to answer. Yes I've used a chair for many years. I had NHS chairs to begin with, then quite basic chairs. As time goes on, technology changes, they get better, and lighter. I had a bigger budget this time too, so that helped a lot. But my body and situations changed as time goes on. With my last chair, I thought I wanted a light weight folding chair as I thought that would be better. It was ok, but as you can see not the right set up for me, and way too heavy. OT's always said "you look strong. so you dont need recline (ergo) in the seat.) So you belived them. But Ive learned the very long way, this is not the case for me at all. With your hearing aids, Im sure with research, and people advising you, you will make the best decision you can for you and your budget. But again, in 5 years time, with getting used to it etc, and the way tech moves on so quickly, there will maybe, be something better?

[@samantha53669]

Yes, this is soo helpfull. I have "only" a minor hearing defficency in one Ear (the other one is fine) an use a hearing aid to compensate the most of it. But since enlish is my secon language, i benefit from reading the words which are dirently pronounced than i am used to. Gem you accent is quite normal, bit ever so often i have to get used to it again, because yours is a harsh difference from the normal amerikan-english television. O your captions help a lot. The video is awesome by the way.

[@cbryce9243]

Hi Simon, You said, "I know I'm fairly privileged in terms of ability" . Thankfully have a disability is not a contest; we all have different needs and can learn a lot from each other. I use a powerchair for inside, and I am getting a manual one that will be easier to use outside of my home. Thankfully when things are not accessible, I can walk and lift a manual chair into a doorway. For my first time, I am getting hearing aids. Man, they are expensive, there are so many to choose from, and most all seem to have troubles. I'm kind of dreading the experience. I had one pair that I returned. They were hard to adjust because I have trouble holding small items and I kept dropping them. And because they were small, they were had to see. But I also don't want a stereo system hanging off my ear either. If you have learned from your experience and have any pointers, please do share!

[@AaronShu]

Awesome video, as usual. Very informative. Thank you.

[@flowerpetals1396]

You have given me an idea for my seat: to have it tilted slightly backwards. I do have tilt on my chair but that is not quite the same as that permanent ergonomic seat. Am due to have modifications so will mention this. Thank you.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

I hope it helps. Its helped me, massivly.

[@raesurtee4711]

Ahhhh congrats Gem looks like a great wheelchair so much lighter, fitted better for you makes a world of difference.

[@janemay5401]

Fabulous video Gem. Your chair looks amazing. Your advice and guidance on choosing a chair is just what is needed. Especially the seating. Thank you. Xxx

[@mrtn2842]

Looks very sporty … Wait , that front attachment - Rocks‼️ And then it turns into a “Etrike “ .. I really like this wheel chair place 👍

[@alexis4816]

Hi Gem, Love the chair, I have not come across that make before. I have an RGK Sub 4 and totally agree with all you have said, the weight is everything! I have Spinergy Wheels and the shaped hand rims like you, they are so good, I would not go back to round ones!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Oh nice chair. Yep the rims are a game changer.

[@mirihawk]

I’m very young and only recently my physical health has worsened (I’ve been stuck with crutches for the last several months) and my first ever customly made wheelchair is almost ready! I’ve binged so many of these videos out of pure excitement, I’m so excited to be out and about instead of stuck at home most days 😊

[@thewheelieguy]

Crutches are such a pain (literally)! I have a incomplete spinal cord injury which means I can get around with crutches a bit, but I always found the exertion required and the stress on my joints was such that 50 yards with the crutches felt like more work than a mile in the wheelchair.

[@mirihawk]

@@thewheelieguy most DEFINITELY. I sometimes get looks and judgement transferring from my chair to crutches just to get to the car door- I wouldn't be using a chair if crutches weren't insanely inconvenient 😂

[@tinachambers4887]

Sweet wheels Gem have a day love from TEXAS

[@cbryce9243]

Are you still loving this chair? I'm tempted to travel to the UK and get me one! 💚 I did write to the company to see if they have any reps here in the US. 🤞🤞

[@tedtitmus8900]

As always, you do such a great job. These three videos where you decide on a new wheelchair and how to order it was the very best. I'm new to having to use a wheelchair. I was paralyzed three (3) weeks after being vaccinated. Yes, you heard right. I was vaccinated, and three (3) weeks later, I woke up and could not get out of bed. They rushed me to the hospital and kept me for five weeks, subjecting me to every test possible and ensuring the cause. The vaccine caused a blood clot which in turn caused me to be paralyzed from the waist down. It's taking some time for me to accept it, but I now have, and I'm moving on. Oh, one knot. I have to have my right leg amputated from the hip down. Wow. All because of the mandatory vaccination policy. I've watched your videos for over a year and have learned so much. For me, your last three about picking out your new wheelchair were the best. Your review of different brands of wheelchairs has been very helpful in my decision. Thank you so much for your help. I want to see your test as many different wheelchairs as possible. You have no idea how helpful they are. Keep up the great job. Ted

[@jts4233]

Hey Gem! Congrats - your seating position hight, bucket and foot position is sooo much better than before! It feels rock solid now to be connected to mother earth much better isn't it? I love your spinergy wheels with those white blade spokes!

[@thewheelieguy]

Bucket is a new term for me, but much preferable to the one I'd known before: "dump". And yeah it does a lot to keep you in position.

[@evelacey7492]

I love it! Looks like it fits super well, and love the white stitching!

[@jennifermunzinger9141]

Look awesome Cant wait for my New chair have to wait 3 Months

[@capricorngirl52405]

I just got a phone call from Hoveround and I’m getting my first electric wheelchair. Also it’s my first proper fitting for a wheelchair too.

[@silkedavid8876]

Good looking chair, glad you managed to reduce the weight! Does the bag under the seat sometimes hit you in the back of your legs? On uneven ground maybe?

[@Wheelsnoheels]

ive not noticed. but it can be folded under the seat if need be. :)

[@liemdrake]

I really do like the look of your new wheelchair and you are fun to watch and even like to see more wheelchair videos after all.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thanks. There will be more for sure 👍🏻

[@rogerorchard2317]

I question to ask when you get insurant check show replaces are done, the insurant I had only use 1 firm who where a few hours away, so it took for every to get a repair done as they only came down my way once they had a few jobs todo. it took almost 6 months to get my repair done, it took them about a month to replace a fuse, over 8 weeks to replace a motor (when I replace the other motor my self using another firm it took a week, it would of been quicker but I had a meter first date and time they wanted to do the replacement)

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thanks for that. Really good advice x

[@orangeasmr4727]

I love your new chair!!!

[@jhk88rph]

Great looking chair, Gem!

[@jencysparks7749]

I’m about to move to London for uni so I may have to invest in a chair like yours because my current pushchair is a little bulky and cumbersome and I am curious to see how it’s stored in a small space

[@beccabug]

So happy for you!! 💕

[@JustWheelMe]

I FEEL LIKE I BEEN WAITING FOREVER FOR THISSSSS AHHHHG SO EXCITED TO SEE IT! I love love love new chair day same as new car day independence is such an amazing feeling.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

hahaha finally! its been for ever. I actually started this process in november 2020. xx

[@starleencooley7773]

A suggestion I would say is when they're showing you how to do the moving parts and how to adjust anything that needs to be adjusted. Take a video. It's easier than writing. You can see it whenever you need it and you can visually see it instead of just reading it so does make it a lot easier and if you need someone to help you with something you can just show them the video on how it's done instead of trying to explain it to them.

[@tamberjune]

my 1st customized chair is coming this afternoon. eeks.

[@adamguymon7096]

Do they have power assists for these? This video was much easier to watch vs your KZbin short?

[@tetsubo57]

Do you have a hot weather plan to avoid burns? Gloves of some sort? I wear gloves at work to avoid heat damage.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

I do need to think about that, as my carbon frber chair didnt get hot. Although in the UK its hardly ever hot lol

[@lizdyson3627]

I use fish insurance. they are great and they have a partner travel insurance called all clear.

[@rachelannbarkley2329]

This is so helpful.

[@FreddotheWheelchairGuy]

"linguini instead of spaghetti" - beautiful use of language there Gem. I love seeing you so happy in your new chair. Two questions, what is the thing that seems to be bolted on to the right side of your chair, and how much did the chair cost? Thanks 😊

[@laurakramer396]

I need to see if I am able to receive a new powerchair from the State. I'm going to be living in my Promaster Van and will have to request a 4x4 chair

[@iselinmaria3642]

I love these kinds of videos. Very cool chair, I would love to see you try out the ReTyre 😃

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Id love to try them too. I was in conversations with them, but didt have much success :S

[@wendydowker3346]

Hello Gem Where did you buy your wheelchair from plz?

[@marthasdays]

Do you know the height difference from the front to back of the chair for the ergo/bucket affect? Xxx

[@heelsandwheels]

Love your new chair !

[@davidjtefft]

It looks wonderful, stupid question, how long to get used to to the increased tippyness?

[@Wheelsnoheels]

A couple of weeks for it to feel natural to me if you know what i mean.

[@owen9510]

That chair is dope!

[@sowseng]

I like your handrim, what brand is it?

[@sobmo7823]

So happy for u x

[@rockykoast7065]

👍 I'm looking at a lot of wheelchairs at the moment as I need to upgrade from the heavyweight (23kg!) folding wheelchair I bought from 'leboncoin'( french equivalent of ebay). I've ordered something similar to the Battec (but cheaper as I'm on a limited budget), so maybe needs to be a "solid" wheelchair for safety.. I also want a wheelchair that is fitted to me ( I was a bit lucky with the one I bought because its not a bad fit..a bit wider than I need & higher backrest than I need), but otherwise very adjustable & ok. It's served me for 2 years, but it's getting a bit 'tired' now & I'm getting tired of it! I had hoped for a more permanent solution to my neuropathy, but although my last treatment improving things a lot it's now relapsing...so I think this is going to be the pattern (relapsing/remitting) & that I'm going to need a wheelchair permanently. (Had been able to manage with walking sticks for shorter distances when my condition had improved..). The new one has to be lighter, a good fit & ok to use with the electric handcycle I've ordered, and not break the bank! In some ways a wheelchair is like a boat..its always going to be a compromise, there isn't one model that fits all uses, but there's maybe a good compromise for you personally..

[@AnnikaK87]

I don't even need a wheelchair but watched the full video anyway, it's good that you got a wheelchair that fits you :) I'm curious you're not afraid of tipping over? I didn't see that small wheel in the back that I've seen some wheelchair have.

[@leesullivan1916]

Looks stunning.... And them brakes look ace 🤩

[@dawnmoriarty9347]

I like the look of those brakes too. I think a call to Cyclone is in my near future!

[@Jayleigh2796]

Can you do a video about the best sofas to get for wheelchair users please I’ve become more of a full time user recently and have noticed my couch causing a lot of problems causing me pain and issues transferring Fortunately I can stand for a very short period to walk two steps from wheelchair to sofa whilst holding onto something but I do need new sofas any tips

[@Wheelsnoheels]

You read my mind. My sofa is causing problmes too. its so old and saggy. Leave it with me, ill see what I can do, but it mght be a while yet.

[@Jayleigh2796]

@@Wheelsnoheels thank you

[@billiebluesheepie2907]

I haven’t been able to sit on a sofa for years without it causing pain and dislocations. I have to either sit straight up or to lay down flat. I live on my own, and so now I don’t own one!

[@Jayleigh2796]

@@billiebluesheepie2907 sorry to hear that I haven’t sat on my sofa for near to two years coz I’m in too much pain and only get mild relief if I’m laying down

[@geoffbimson715]

Absolutely love your new chair, I currently have a G-explorer and it's very heavy so I'm now looking into getting a quickie as my 2and chair. Is there any I should look for in particular?

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Quickies are really good. The GTM has a good range of custom chairs for a wide budget.

[@carlweiss8942]

you have the dump, but can you attach your power wheel?

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

That's what that welded bracket under the seat is for - her Batec attaches to that.

[@T11paraplegic]

I want to get a titanium frame

[@someonerandom6379]

Do you think the struts going down to the casters will get in the way if you’re lifting it over the front of you to put in the car ?

[@Wheelsnoheels]

I know what you mean, however I’ve always used box frame chairs. It’s just what you get used 😊

[@denali_gsdservicedog7134]

I don't find it makes much difference in getting it in and out and the amount of flex and vibration dampening I get from a duel tube over a mono tube is a must have to help with over all joint pain

[@royator]

Hi, This wheelchair seems great. I have a quick question, why not going to Carbon / titane? it's realy light. Mine is and it's so light!!!! (5.8 kg) I so would like to be able to do a good wheely like you :)

[@billiebluesheepie2907]

I would love to have a carbon or titanium alloy wheelchair, but they are really expensive and you have to pay for your own wheelchair in England. Charities can help some younger people, but when you get older, there are thousands of people needing wheelchairs and we don’t look cute or tragic.

[@carlweiss8942]

you didn't want lager casters to get over grass or ground?

[@Wheelsnoheels]

No, Ive always been happy with the 4inch, and i dont ofen find myself going over uneven ground or grass much. If I do, I use my batec. :)

[@acornbud4894]

Very nice video and chair. Does it have push handles?

[@rubikspixel]

Great video, loving the new chair!! I swapped my chair for a new after 8 years of use and it still looked brand new, the hardest part was leaving it behind when I collected my new one, so very mixed emotions 🥺

[@Wheelsnoheels]

I know what you mean. Im trying to find a good home for one of my chairs.

[@luisinvestigadorforense5191]

Amazing💯🏆

[@johnvelas70]

BTW my friend who is getting her 1st chair, said she can't seem to go forward, but goes in circles or backward... she has a PhD in bio-chem engineering.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

I have some videos on how to push a wheelchair. Maybe send those to her?

[@debraseiber8820]

I kept going to the right the time I was in manual wheelchair . I'm now in powerchair but I rather be in manual . Medicare and doctors Insist on powerchair . Powerchair needs to be charged every so often but manual chairs don't! Plus you don't have to worry about battery dying on you

[@TrixieWanjiru]

Hello 🤗

[@denali_gsdservicedog7134]

DO NOT SIGN ANY PAPERWORK FOR YOUR CHAIR UNTIL EVERYTHING IS CORRECT ON THE CHAIR AND ANYTHING THAT NEEDS ADDED IS WRITTEN IN SCRIPT AND SENT TO INSURANCE. ONCE YOU SIGN THE FRAME AND EVERYTHING ON IT IS YOURS AND ANY ADD ONS AFTER THE FACT WILL BE BILLED AS SUCH AND TO BE COVERED HAVE TO MEDICALLY JUSTIFIED ALL OVER AGAIN. (American health care)

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thank you for sharing

[@josephmirigliano8728]

Nice 👍🏻

[@margaretm2358]

Were your of one gone

[@annapinkypinky2589]

I need a new wheelchair but my insurance will not give me one i need a normal one with arms on it because i use arms to help me move out of the chair i can move my leggs too

[@eylanooralsaidi7807]

Hello I am from Iraq. Do you have an idea about shipping a chair to Iraq and how much does it cost? I am struggling to find a chair like this in my country

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Im sorry I dont. Cyclone do not ship these chairs, as they are custom measured.

[@scirecoveryjourney5598]

Nice

[@redsorgum]

That wheelchair is a real "Gem" ......😉

[@trivial53]

Neat

[@suzannal6047]

I simply love that chair vanilla from Wonder why these tears don't have armrests because I live in a wheelchair but it must have annoying rest because I am in it more than I am not! I don't know much about wheelchairs but I sure would like to have one like that if they could have armrests.

[@ecologist_to_be]

It is because armrests add weight and can get in way of pushing etc; however, you can get active user chairs with arm rests.

[@sebastianmontanez6969]

why don't you americans gather more people with spinal cord injuries and demonstrate in front of the white house demanding a cure or improvement for spinal cord injury this is not life

[@quattro085]

GTM is Polish company producer of wheelchair :)