Wheelchair Power-Assist Comparison Guide: Smartdrive MX2, Alber E-Fix & E-Motion Wheels

[@GeorginasJourney]

I was able to afford my power assist by doing a GoFundMe & I also found a charity who donates money for people to buy mobility aids with, they’re both really great options if you need help with funding 😊

[@Slastukin67]

As an able-bodied person it never occurred to me that there was a stigma against motorized chairs vs active chairs. Your videos are so informative and your voice is wonderful!.Thank you for all the information you put out there. Inspiring as always!

[@GeorginasJourney]

6lenin66 this is one of things that I remember not being aware of either when I was able bodied! It’s also the difference between manual and power chairs, but active user chairs are typically seen as the ‘best’ option in terms of how they look, which is kind of weird that so many disabled people feel that way!

[@thamesmud]

The "stigma" mainly comes from the occupational therapists drumming into you how .much better for you manual chairs are. What they don't tell you is that over the years you will wreck your shoulders and wrists. I am a wheelchair user (18 years) and use a manual at home and when I'm working in my shed but now use a power chair when going out and driving the van. The manual chair is good in that it's compact and it's easy to get up close to things but in all other cases the power chair with a 300mm lift and comfortable seat is a clear winner.

[@ormirian7364]

Also I really appreciate you talking about power chair stigma. When I was first looking at chairs (took me ages to admit I couldn’t manage on crutches any more), I tried out a power chair but it made me feel really helpless, which was triggering because I have an abuse history. This is the same reason why I’m going for e-motions and not e-fix (at least while I still have arm strength for propelling myself). And it is hard to talk about this, especially with abled people who are like “oh yeah you’d look more disabled I get that” 🙄 which their reaction shows definitely an issue because of how we get perceived. Like I notice the general public reacts to manual chair user as “hero” but power chair user as “invalid” and it’s painful to have to be aware of this, and how it affects the way people will treat us

[@GeorginasJourney]

Irian Greenleaf you’re definitely not the only one who feels that way! That’s interesting what you said about able bodied people though, as everyone I spoke to said they didn’t see manual or power chairs any differently & didn’t know why I was so upset about only being able to use one with a joystick. So that sort of perception definitely doesn’t apply to everyone :)

[@ormirian7364]

Oh, for sure different people respond differently, and on the whole younger people are more accepting of diversity anyway. It's more the general public on buses and in the street that I've noticed being more patronising about power chairs

[@GeorginasJourney]

Irian Greenleaf I thought able bodied people, for the most part, just didn’t give disability enough thought to discriminate against one type of chair over another 😅 I’m sorry you’ve encountered that though, I don’t think I have, thankfully

[@LorraineIwakashdan]

This is a really important issue for me as I massively struggle with the image thing! However, I've just been prescribed a power chair through wheelchair services so I better get on with it! Very few people notice the chair thing but some really do. Some chairs also look and feel.cooler than others and it's important to get a balance. Sometimes conditions progress in such a way that you are forced to limit your activities and choices anyhow! But when you are young looking good matrers. Mind you, more positive images of people in powerchairs might help...The trend at the moment is to pose sexy women perched precariously on their gorgeous manual chairs and this doesn't help the whole perception bias!

[@patriciajoyner9871]

This is so true.my pride killing me. My sis wants to buy me a scooter I have bad hips. Walk horrible. Dang pride

[@alexisrivas307]

When I got my SmartDrive MX2 I didn’t know there were so many others. The only other power assist device I knew of back then was the Quickie power assist wheels. I got my first wheelchair in 2015 to help conserve energy during surgery and other cancer treatments. I opted for a rigid chair because of its lightweight and stability. I am legally blind with partial vision. Thank goodness wheelchair ramps are yellow. Thank you for your video.

[@GeorginasJourney]

Hope you’re doing okay, Alexis!

[@lightpinkmommy]

Your voice is so relaxing when I'm having bad pain days I love listening to them to relax

[@GeorginasJourney]

I have a couple of channels that I find relaxing to listen to when I'm feeling really ill, so I'm glad my videos are able to do that for you :) Although I really hope you don't have too many bad pain days and so don't have to listen to them too often

[@lightpinkmommy]

I listen on good days too but lately I have been having really bad days I'm waiting for my wheelchair and surgery on my left leg and hip and I'm waiting to a cardiologist to see if I have pots

[@GeorginasJourney]

lightpinkmommy I hope your surgery goes well! And that you’ll get the answers you’re looking for from the cardiologist!

[@Eloise_Please]

This was so helpful, thank you! I went to a mobility aid "show room" (it was cramped and little space to try them out) and they had so little knowledge and led me to believe that my options were extremely limited!

[@GeorginasJourney]

Glad it was helpful!

[@VulcanOnWheels]

Your quote reminds me of a quote from David Icke, "The greatest prison people live in is the fear of what other people think."

[@GeorginasJourney]

Often very true!

[@Hannah-cy3ri]

I have twions and they match my lifestyle really well. I am frequently navigating small spaces and also long distance. The two drawbacks for me is the weight of the wheels (I can't put them on myself) and the fact that they can't be used in the rain. I currently live in the desert so no rain isn't an issue but I'm moving next month. I just got a smartdrive approved so I plan to use that on days when it rains but still use my twions normally. I think a lot of people have smartdrives so many new users think that they're the best option for everyone when really, every individual needs to sit down, look at all the options and decide which fits their lifestyle and limitations the best.

[@GeorginasJourney]

I think that sounds like a great idea and a good option for you! And I completely agree (and actually made that mistake myself for that very reason), so I'm hoping this will help people are currently in the middle of making their decision about a power assist option!

[@SarahFunes]

I appreciate your candor. The Smart Drive Power Assist is really different experience person to person. I appreciate your perspective.

[@GeorginasJourney]

Thanks! And that's so true!

[@lydiahawkins9886]

ah thanks for clarifying, for a second there i thought you meant that the difference was FANTASTIC!!

[@GeorginasJourney]

Happy to help!

[@ninamayer9254]

Thanks for the video! I am currently deciding which option I want to get, gonna have a guy from Alber come over to show me some power assist options, but your opinions gave me quite an idea on what to watch out for 😊

[@GeorginasJourney]

Nina Mayer hope it goes well and you find something that works well for you!

[@ormirian7364]

I’ve had exactly this issue! I was very lucky and was given a SmartDrive, but because UK pavements all have fierce camber, I was having to brake all the time on one wheel or another, and my arms very quickly hated this (I have ME and some mystery neurological dysfunction) so I’m looking at e-motions now

[@GeorginasJourney]

Irian Greenleaf I’m so sorry you had the same problem, but it’s reassuring that I’m not the only one who found it too physically taxing! Hope you’re able to find a better option :)

[@LorraineIwakashdan]

I'd be interested in an update as I'm the same.

[@MegaAbcda]

I’m watching this again because my chair demo is next week! One thing Ive discovered that you might benefit from is something called a freewheel that hooks on the front, which you might’ve heard of already but I thought I’d say something in case you hadn’t

[@GeorginasJourney]

Good luck with the demo! I have considered it, but I haven’t had a chance to trial one yet! Thanks for mentioning it :)

[@CW-rt4sr]

Thank you for voicing the feelings of resistance of changing from a manual to a power chair. My daughter is 7 and uses a wheelchair for all mobility. She currently has a cute little pink manual chair, but needs to size up. I'm struggling so hard in deciding if I should get her a manual chair again, or a power chair. And my biggest reserve is the step from manual to power feels like a sad step because of the visual. It's hard to explain to others who don't use a wheelchair daily. So I'm seriously looking into the power assists. Thank you for sharing your honest take on this.

[@GeorginasJourney]

Hi! I’m not sure if it will be helpful for you in making your decision but I actually have a power chair now as none of these options fully met my needs. I hope you can find something that works well for your daughter, I completely understand how hard it can be to get it right!

[@CW-rt4sr]

I watched your random act of kindness hamster video and the one in which you share your big surprise that your book won first place, and your update sharing suicidal thoughts. I so much appreciate you keeping the nuance and sharing both the easy and the hard. I'm glad that each day you chose again to show up in the world. The world is a better place for having you in it, for sure. On my daughter's new wheelchair - I worry with a power chair I'd need a new vehicle to fit it. And right now she's 40 pounds, so when we visit people in their homes and there's a step or two, no big deal. I just carry. But I pre emptively grieve the constraints a power chair would make because I couldn't just carry it over a step. But I don't actually know if I'm thinking of that in proportion to its actual impact. Because the freedom it would potentially provide I suppose she would experience and the added restrictions it would create I suppose I would experience. I don't know.

[@GeorginasJourney]

@@CW-rt4sr hi again, thanks so much, that really means a lot :) I have a video about my past homelessness & current bad situation which sort of ties everything together & explains it all more fully, but it’s around 20 minutes long & even I don’t watch videos that long usually haha. Regarding your daughter, I wonder if the best solution for now is either 2 chairs, a powerchair for her to use in your home & out for walks, but a manual chair for whenever you go out. Or to just stick with a manual for now. I don’t have a wheelchair accessible vehicle either, so I only use my powerchair at home or for walks, and when I go out in the car or friends houses, I take my manual. If your daughter is verbal, it’s definitely worth talking about it all with her as well though :)

[@CW-rt4sr]

Your 20 min videos aren't too long! I'm very thankful that she is highly verbal. She trialed a power chair at physical therapy and thought it was the most fun thing ever- but that was maybe 15 min. But I haven't really talked to her about all of her choices or what she thinks. That's a good reminder that seems very obvious, but very important. She'd use the new chair, whatever it is, daily at public school and she can ride the bus with whatever chair she would get. We still use her previous chair, which is an activity seat, almost daily. In addition to the current manual wheelchair. So it's a good reminder that if we'd go to the power chair she'd still have the current one. I'll keep you updated! Thanks for all of your time to think through this. I don't remember where you live. How did insurance or Healthcare work to get or not get your equipment? We live in Indiana, USA. She's on state healthcare because she's disabled. So about every 5-6 years she can get one chair through medicaid. Have a great day!

[@GeorginasJourney]

@@CW-rt4sr yes, definitely keep me updated! I did wonder if you’d only get one chair every 5 or so years, I have friends from the US who have told me about that :/ Here, there’s no funding at all for power assist add ons, so I bought mine privately, I paid 1/2 through fundraising and a charity grant & the other half was my savings. Just recently I got an actual powerchair, I’m hiring/renting it & it costs £130/month since it’s a long contract, I think around 3 years long

[@lizzieturbeville4089]

This is good video. I do understand some by what you were saying that it makes you look more unable. I use a cane when I walk outside because it helps my back, and I feel one time because I didn't use my cane. I finally decided, for the most part, it's just a tool and if it helps me, it helps me. Thanks for the video. 🙂

[@GeorginasJourney]

Exactly! I'm glad you've reached that point, accepting it all can be really tough! Hope it's giving you more freedom now :)

[@ArtBibleLectionary]

Really helpful. Having to make a decision soon between an efix and a smart drive. Thank you so much.

[@GeorginasJourney]

Hope you can find the one that works best for you!

[@rockykoast7065]

Great analysis! Shows very much that there's not one fix for all!

[@GeorginasJourney]

Thanks 😊

[@billiebluesheepie2907]

When I was working out what would suit me I was trying to decide between the powered wheels and a smart drive. I live in the north west of England and it can rain lots. The powered wheels cannot get wet, at all, but it’s not a problem with a smart drive. So I chose a smart drive. I actually have two smart drives as my power unit just suddenly stopped working one day and I sent it back for a repair, and it took eight months to be repaired. By that time I had been using the smart drive for about four months and I found it nearly impossible to self propel without dislocating my hands, ribs or shoulders, so I managed to get hold of an older model of smart drive. The way you use it is different, so instead of tapping to start, you just push to start, and both models are stopped with a double tap. If you stop the older model, for example to get up a kerb, or to change to a lower speed, it’s really difficult to push uphill to start it whereas the newer model just needs a double tap. I found that the newer model hard to gauge the speed and to change speed you have to completely stop and restart the unit making it really difficult to ‘walk’ along with friends whereas the older model just needs to be pushed a bit faster and the unit changes to a faster speed. The older model sometimes, suddenly changes to a faster speed, but you do get a little bit of warning as the wristband vibrates to warn you. The older unit can go much faster than the newer unit, so when my newer one was returned, it felt really slow. I think what I’m trying to say, is that I like the older unit better, but it’s really hard on certain journeys as it’s so difficult to push forwards to start it when you’re going uphill. Sorry if this is long and rambling, partly because of brain fog, and partly because I’m typing this using the accessibility speech on my phone, on a scout camp and it’s breakfast time and the scouts are noisy!!!

[@GeorginasJourney]

billieblue Sheepie these are some really great points and a great comparison, thanks fir sharing that! I’m sure it’ll help whoever reads it!

[@ilovebrean]

I also think the smart drive being weather proof is a major plus Bit random but I really struggle cleaning my efix wheels as can’t get them wet

[@GeorginasJourney]

ilovebrean I was told they were equally weatherproof? And haven’t had any problems with my e-fix in heavy rain so far 😅

[@ilovebrean]

Ahh that’s good then I’m still hoping to try a smart fix :)

[@LorraineIwakashdan]

Efix is everything proof! I have a while section on my channel Wheelchair Geek just about this attachment!

[@EmmelyHu]

I could agree a lot with the joystick part. I am getting a new wheelchair and I am looking for power assistance. I was thinking about something like the smartdrive. But I don’t know if that will the best option for me. I find it really hard to overcome the fact that I’d have to use a joystick. I am happy that I can share this feeling with you

[@GeorginasJourney]

I found it SO hard to overcome too (hence why I started out with the smartdrive, which ended up being a huge mistake for me). Just try to be honest with yourself about your needs, as that's the best you can do :) Although, if it helps, I don't even think about the joystick anymore, which I'm so relieved and happy to be able to say as I didn't know if I could get to this point, let alone so quickly :)

[@EmmelyHu]

Thank you for sharing this. In two weeks I will be testing out some power assistances and I will keep in mind that my needs are the most important. The reason is to be more independent, so that has to be a huge deal

[@ecologist_to_be]

Finally could watch this video. This has just convinced me even more a manual with smart drive would not replace my wheelchair with joystick! I currently use a Quickie Q700m Pro & Travelux Venture. Do not recommend the Travelux though.

[@GeorginasJourney]

Sarah yeah, it’s actually so hard and tiring to use, which I didn’t expect! I know a lot of people with spinal cord injuries who have a high level of function in their upper bodies and don’t suffer so much with fatigue who love it though!

[@36Studebaker]

very informative, thank you for this video as i was seriously considering the smart drive mx2 and now have important concerns... i'll have to see if i'll be able to test it at my rehab/wheelchair clinic and specifically test it for the issues/terrain type you've mentioned... your comparison video is very much appreciated... :)

[@GeorginasJourney]

Hope you’ve made some progress with making a decision and finding what works for you, it’s such a huge decision so I’m glad this could help even if I need a tiny bit 😊

[@traganfour7168]

I totally understand what you’re saying about fretting about looking more disabled. I actually got a new job in a new town where I didn’t know anyone when I first started using a chair. I couldn’t do it where I knew people.

[@GeorginasJourney]

Glad you were able to do it like that! 😊

[@traganfour7168]

@@GeorginasJourney that was 20 years ago and I am still working/living in the same place!

[@suusandmilo]

Thank you! I was looking for different power assisted tools for a manual wheelchair and this helped a lot! 🥰

[@GeorginasJourney]

Yay! Glad it was helpful, hope you can find something that works well for you!

[@KC-ie2hl]

I wish I would have seen this before I got my smart drive! I have arthritis and tendonitis which is part of why the OT in the seating clinic recommended the Smart Drive. Just one outing with very minimal steering, and it tore my hands and arms up big time. My hands just cannot handle steering with it. I'm now trying to see if I can return it and attempt to get something else, but I don't even know if either of those things can be done at this point. Which is how I found your video, hardly any videos at all about E-Fix! I hadn't heard that it's not compatible with a rigid chair though, wasn't noted on any of the websites- they all say compatible with "most wheelchairs". So I went and looked up my make and model on their database (found on their website) which is a TiLite Aero Z, and it says it can be used with the e-motion M25 but no the e-fix. The e-motion are just power wheels, no joystick, so not helpful for me. Big bummer. I still appreciate the video and helpful info, and I'm glad you found something that works for you!

[@GeorginasJourney]

Hi! I also wish I had seen a video like this before I bought the SmartDrive haha, if it’s any help, I was able to sell mine on eBay for £2,000 & it sold really quickly, so I think you could possibly get £2,500-£3,000 if selling turns out to be your only option 💗 The E-Fix was great for me at uni when someone could help me up dropped curbs & hills, but now that I’m not at uni and don’t have as many people around, I need a new chair that gives me complete independence, so that may be something to bear in mind if you primarily go out alone!

[@jeffreyrandall7131]

A really great review.. Thanks so much.

[@GeorginasJourney]

You’re welcome!

[@marneysmithies8558]

Just one thing to add to your video which I really thought was fantastic thank you is I have the alber e- fix wheels on my fixed frame wheelchair and it’s not an issue. a person should always have anti-tippers when using the e-fix on your wheelchair so tipping over shouldn’t be an issue in my experience. The wheels do add about 20lbs each so for sure near impossible for someone fully disabled to pull apart and put in the car independently.

[@GeorginasJourney]

That’s really odd- I had two separate companies refuse to sell it to me when I had a fixed frame as the said it was incompatible- I would have saved a lot of money if they said it was possible to have it on my rigid chair! Anyway, I’m glad you were able to get it on a fixed frame, maybe it’s only certain types of fixed frames that it’s incompatible with 🤔

[@LorraineIwakashdan]

If you get the older version you will never tip as the battery is too heavy!

[@marneysmithies8558]

@@GeorginasJourney maybe...or just wanted to sell you more?? but ya i have an Inva-Care TopEnd rigid frame. They were able to set up a joy stick for me as I wanted a full on break from wheeling, not just assist when you push the wheels. re Lorraines comment below... All chairs that have the alber e-fix should also be installed with the heavy duty e-fix anti-tippers as a safety feature. I know what you mean about the battery, the model i have has 2 small batteries (maybe 5-8 lbs each?) so i can take them out and bring them to a regular battery store for a replacement, not a chair dealer which will save you some $$

[@jasongooden917]

People usually compliment my chair on how it looks. They they usually say it reminds me of Bumblebee from transformers. It’s a yellow and black Quantum 1450 with a bucket seat. it has the Autobot logo on it now at the back. I actually want a light folding hybrid power chair though. It sucks if your battery goes caputt and nobody can push you even in neutral. Or you get rushed to the hospital and you have no choice but to stay in bed for weeks because the hospital won’t lend you a wheelchair.

[@GeorginasJourney]

Your wheelchair sounds so cool! & that really sucks about the hospital not lending you a chair!

[@Bluetoothedshark]

I have a tri-ride T-rocks, it's not cheap, but for where I live, (Cornwall) it gives me the power, speed and range for me to get out into the countryside, use the roads, but still able to use the bus and train. It's amazing.

[@GeorginasJourney]

@@Bluetoothedshark that really does sound great!

[@chlxenl]

Just found this video today, and I just got my first wheelchair after months of pain and struggling.. I really wish I had the money to buy these bc my arms are super weak and I can’t push myself at all

[@GeorginasJourney]

I funded mine through a GoFundMe & I found a charity who fund mobility aids for people with my condition, maybe you could look into one (or both) of those options?

[@ilovebrean]

I really struggled with the look of my efix but then I got lime green spoke covers and bright pink rim covers to funk it up a bit Totally agree with the efix it is fab but doesn’t have it downsides for me my main issue is the width it adds to the chair as even though it fits on our local buses it gets caught

[@GeorginasJourney]

ilovebrean I was the same- really struggled with the look of it but things like spoke guards and having a cute backpack on it helped me! That’s interesting point, I didn’t think it added much width to the chair personally, although my wheelchair is only around 15 inches wide to start with which is pretty narrow & so maybe that’s why I haven’t noticed it as much

[@ilovebrean]

Ahhh my action 3 is 18 inch seat width and my xenon2 17 inch I never realised how wide the action 3 with efix was till I got my xenon I think it’s around 72 cm

[@shannonw7144]

My main problem with the efix is I can’t lift the chair into my car with the wheels on, so I need to take the wheels off and many times it’s just to difficult for me to pull them off.

[@GeorginasJourney]

Shannon W yeah they are really heavy!That was one of the downsides I listed in the video & I know a lot of people who have the e-fix already who also struggle with that

[@brainfogray]

Very helpful! I also have hypermobility/EDS and i can't decide what chair and accessories would be most ideal for me. Thanks for the video!

[@GeorginasJourney]

Hope you find something that works well for you 😊

[@marthasdays]

I actually found that my new rigid frame fits so so much better than my old chair with a folding frame ! Xx

[@GeorginasJourney]

Martha Mumby I’ve had my chair in about 10 of my friend’s cars and they’ve all fit my folding frame fine but not fit my rigid frame one when I had one (which is what you’d expect) so I definitely think that’s an exception x

[@chronicallyhopeful5407]

Love this video. So helpful. I know I need to get a chair. One of those things on the list that hasn't gotten done yet. Thank you

[@GeorginasJourney]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you can get what you need!

[@violetb2667]

I’m getting a chair tomorrow with the e-motion assist. Luckily it’s being gifted to me by a fellow zebra. Trying to do some research and I’m really hoping it helps me 🥰

[@GeorginasJourney]

kitty mittens I really hope it helps you too! And what an amazing gift, that’s so kind of them!

[@violetb2667]

Georgina's Journey I’ve been playing with it for almost 2 days and I am in love 💙. I can’t wait to actually go places now which is insane.

[@GeorginasJourney]

kitty mittens that’s so good! I’m so happy for you 😊 Going to be great for you to have some freedom again!

[@emilia8620]

I had my e-fix for 4 years now on my rigid manual frame, I'm so happy I found it!! Have you thought about paint it black tho? I want to make mine black so it looks less hospital-like..

[@GeorginasJourney]

That's great! I'm not going to paint it black, no- I'd be worried about the paint scratching off and looking scruffy

[@sanscholte1189]

Great info. Thanks.

[@gpicker500]

Very informative video. Thank you. You've your review is very helpful.

[@GeorginasJourney]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@tiffany_adventures_2659]

Thank you for this I am in the process of getting a wheelchair which takes 4 months to to get because of the covid 😓

[@MegaAbcda]

I'm trying to decide between an e-fix vs a regular power chair, did you make this choice, and if so do you have any thoughts on why you chose the e fix? I think an e-fix would be better since it's more portable, but i get horrendous blood pooling from my dysautonomia so I'm looking at things that tilt, but it's not super practical anyway. I'm also wondering about the battery and ability to go in the woods.

[@GeorginasJourney]

E-Fix doesn’t handle uneven ground or slopes very well, so I’m looking into getting a normal power chair after university. I chose the E-Fix so it could fit in my friends cars so that I could go out with them, especially while at university :) But the reality is that while it’s fine with another person to help you up dropped curbs that aren’t quite dropped enough or to stop you tipping on upwards slopes/hills, it isn’t very practical for going out alone

[@polyamorousduo4622]

Thank you! I am currently in the process of getting a custom wheelchair (I had a fitting on Monday and have a trial chair home with me for a couple of weeks). I didn't find the smart drive helpful either and I'm currently struggling, wondering if power-assist wheels will work for me or if they will cause too much pain/fatigue/sublixation, and if it would be better to go with a joystick option.

[@GeorginasJourney]

Just Soleil Excited for you to have more freedom and independence! Everyone’s different, but there’s no way I could use powered wheels due to shoulder subluxations and hand subluxations and dislocations! Only you know your own personal limits though!

[@fischersgirl1720]

I used my smart drive almost 5 years but I developed hand strength issues and arthritis and can’t steer myself anymore I love the freedom of the smart drive but now I need a joystick control 😢

[@LorraineIwakashdan]

Joystick.

[@davidarmstrong7549]

Very helpful video. Thank you! X

[@GeorginasJourney]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching!

[@marthasdays]

In my dads car which is a Normal boot size we don’t need to take anything off ! Don’t need to take the wheels off, the back down, literally nothing ! Whereas my old chair with a folding frame we obviously fold down, foot rests off, and it was so difficult to fit In which was a massive shock, I thought the rigid frame would be so much harder to fit in but not at all ! Xx

[@GeorginasJourney]

Martha Mumby I’ll just copy and paste my answer from before for other people who are reading this as I think it’s important... I’ve had my chair in about 10 of my friend’s cars and they’ve all fit my folding frame fine but not fit my rigid frame one when I had one (which is what you’d expect) so I definitely think that’s an exception x

[@marthasdays]

Georgina's Journey I’m so glad it fits in all those cars ! Tbh I was so worried about my rigid frame and it not fitting which is why I was so shocked when it fitted better, xx

[@kenk601]

Great video Georgina. Very informative. I live in Texas USA and have a Smartdrive. My left side is weaker than the right and I totally agree about the problems you referred to about steering. I also have troubles with the drive overheating and stalling frequently. Once it starts doing this it will stall every 10 meters or so. VERY frustrating and not acceptable. Have you had any experience with the Alber Twion wheels? They are 6kg/wheel. I have not tried them yet but am considering replacing my Smartdrive with Twion. Any thoughts?

[@GeorginasJourney]

Thank you. Sorry to hear that you’ve also been having problems with the Smartdrive. I haven’t tried the Twion wheels, so all I can recommend is trialling them (for as long as you can) before making a decision about buying them

[@danwoolsey6411]

My wife and I are trying to decide between SmartDrive and Twion wheels right now. @kenk601 if you don’t, mind me asking…what did you end up going with and how do you like it?

[@UnsolicitedThoughtsOfARose]

Hello! I appreciate your video! I’m in the process of getting my first custom chair and we are in between a power chair or a manual with power assist (smoov). I am finding it so hard to figure out which is going to be better for me. Just what you said, I prefer the look of a manual, but I don’t know if it’s suitable for me.

[@GeorginasJourney]

It’s so hard to find something that meets every need, isn’t it! Im actually in the process of getting a power chair now, but the Alber E-fix served me very well for my 2 years at university! I hope that whatever you decide on serves you well too 😊

[@ecologist_to_be]

Not sure what is wrong with this video but it keeps buffering and wont play lol not my internet as other videos play

[@EE-xo3qr]

Samee

[@lizzieturbeville4089]

Same for me! I thought it was just me! 😭

[@GeorginasJourney]

did this sort itself out in the end?

[@lizzieturbeville4089]

Yes, I watched it now. It was interesting.

[@GeorginasJourney]

Lizzie Turbeville thanks for letting me know! And thank you!

[@carolinefreeman5956]

You should have gotten the thumb controls for the smart drive. They’re $240 more MSRP. My SmartDrive stays charged for 3 weeks without needing a charge and can go for 22 miles or around 300 hours and 18 miles per hour.

[@GeorginasJourney]

The Smartdrive wasn’t suitable for me for many reasons, but I’m glad it’s working well for you 😊

[@tiinah8697]

I just got E-Drive plus Device to my active wheelchair. It’s same as E-fix Device. I got EDS and when I was watching your video, I was wondering that Do you have EDS too? If you don’t mind that I ask that 🙂

[@GeorginasJourney]

Hi! Yes I have EDS too, I have lots of videos about EDS on my channel that you might like 😊

[@abbie2584]

Great video! I love the outfit, where’s it from?

[@GeorginasJourney]

thanks! Dungarees are from primark!

[@abbie2584]

Georgina's Journey thank you :)

[@jsav2603]

how did you get the e fix can’t find anywhere

[@GeorginasJourney]

I got it from Better Mobility, but can see about 10 other retailers when I google it, are you from the U.K.? I can tell you some of the other places that come up when I search it if so

[@hirobn8rmtaz457]

Aloha Mahalo 🤙

[@GeorginasJourney]

Aloha, you’re welcome ☺️

[@carolinefreeman5956]

The Twi0n wheels can’t get wet or go on airplanes.

[@GeorginasJourney]

Thanks!

[@e2358j]

Hi! Curious why you say the e fix is not compatible with rigid chairs? When I look it up it seems like it should be compatible with most chairs? Thanks so much for your video. I ran into a similar problem and developed cubital tunnel syndrome from pushing a chair

[@e2358j]

Also idk if anyone can speak to whether the joystick is or is not ok for people with cubital tunnel syndrome!

[@GeorginasJourney]

Because the two companies I contacted about buying the E-fix from said it wasn’t compatible & that I would need to buy a wheelchair with a folding frame

[@e2358j]

Ok, thanks for your reply!

[@GeorginasJourney]

@@e2358j it might be helpful for you to contact some yourself to see if anything has changed, I bought mine about a year ago

[@carolinefreeman5956]

Prayers

[@GeorginasJourney]

Thank you!

[@kayuliosborne4110]

So with the efix if you accidentally go to use it like a regular manual chair does it work or does it just work with the joystick

[@GeorginasJourney]

The wheels can be locked and unlocked, so you just lock them when you want to use it an electric chair and unlock them when you want to use it as a manual chair. The centre of the wheels twist, so if you accidentally go to use it as a manual chair, you won’t be able to move until you twist the wheels to unlock them

[@GeorginasJourney]

I found it very easy to switch between using it as an electric chair and a manual wheelchair, so my friends could push me in the manual mode when I felt more unwell

[@kayuliosborne4110]

@@GeorginasJourney thank you 😊

[@theresawesolowski9135]

👍🏼

[@GeorginasJourney]

😊

[@hiworld6925]

Have any of you been able to try this wheelchair? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnO9fX2AhLd4b80 I am trying to figure out its name and wondering if it'd be suitable for any of you.

[@arathikv2112]

Hi dear

[@GeorginasJourney]

Hello 😊

[@rockykoast7065]

I understand aesthetics is much more important in a younger person like yourself.. :) Being a certified old fart, that's less worrysome for me.. :D

[@GeorginasJourney]

It’s not just aesthetics, it’s more about your identity and how other people perceive you- a lot of people have told me they don’t feel like themselves in their mobility aids, so it goes beyond looks for some people

[@LorraineIwakashdan]

Subtitles please!

[@GeorginasJourney]

My hands dislocate so I can’t type that much- an 8 minute video is about 1,200 words & I cannot safely do that with my condition. Also, KZbin took away the option for community contributions, where viewers could help provide them.

[@cinnabonbon]

There are auto generated but they do take a little bit of time to appear

[@LorraineIwakashdan]

You don't have to type them. You just choose subtitles when making your video and KZbin does it for you!

[@MrSolenoid]

Have you tried the SmoovOne? I have that and it's awesome and fast. Does 7 mph on flat surface.

[@GeorginasJourney]

@@MrSolenoid I haven’t! This video is pretty old now but I’ve heard great things about that one! So glad it’s going well for you!