Frequently Asked Questions about Mobilife Power Wheelchairs

Height (or verticality) is the "3rd dimension" of our everyday lives. The number of things we do a day, from taking laundry out of the washing machine, to transferring in and out of bed to getting items off the top shelf at a grocery store shelf requires a standing height. Our chair is designed to go from standard wheel chair height all the way to putting an average user at an equivalent head height of about 6 ft.,(and everything in between) while in a seated position.

How much does your chair cost?

The MSRP for the MobiLife PMV-X22 is about $22,000. In many cases insurance will cover much of that cost and some dealers have finance programs to help you with the portion of the cost for which you will be personally responsible. For veterans obtaining this chair, VA pricing has already been approved.

How fast does it go?

The MobiLife PMV-X22 has a top speed of about 8.0 mph. The gearing can be adjusted to make it go faster but then the chair loses "torque" or power you may need for going up ramps, etc. Once the seat elevation is engaged the top speed is reduced by about 70% for safety reasons, although that percentage can be adjusted by an authorized dealer or clinician.

How much does it weigh?

With a standard seating system, the MobiLife PMV-X22 weighs about 220 pounds. Specialty seating systems, like tilts, can add another 70 pounds or more.

How far does it go on a charge?

Using industry standards the MobiLife PMV-X22 is rated for about 25 miles on a full charge. But like MPG in your car, this measurement is calculated in a "perfect" world and will reduce with conditions like the weight of the user, the terrain in which you drive and the condition of the batteries.

How big are the batteries?

The chair uses two (2) AGM (sealed gel) 12 V, 44Ahr batteries that are available through any authorized dealer or through the Batteries Plus™ stores on a national basis. The pricing is based on a national contract for any user of a MobiLife™ wheelchair.

What kind of charging system do you have?

We use an 8 amp on-board charger. It charges the chair completely in about 6 hours compared to 10 to 12 hours for most typical 4A to 6A chargers. And because it uses the same cord that computers and monitors use, it is easy to keep a second cord at work or in a car if the chair needed to be recharged during a day of exceptionally heavy use.

Can I get lights on the chair?

LED lighting packages are available for the MobiLife PMV-X22.

Is it Medicare approved?

MobiLife™ has completed all the testing required for SADMERC approval and coding. Our Medicare code is 0861 (Group 3 - multi function). This testing is on the base only. Medicare does not have an approval process or reimbursement for seat elevators.

What is your warranty?

Limited Lifetime Frame One Year Electronics, including actuator, and all other components. Exceptions include upholstered materials, padded materials and tires/wheels. 18 Months Motors Five Years Seat, and power transfer device (scissors mechanism).

How high does it go?

The chair moves 22 inches in 13 seconds.

What are the base dimensions?

The base is 24 inches wide by 30 inches long.

How high can I drive it?

In standard configuration the chair can be driven with the seat as high as 13 inches (although it should never be driven up or down ramps in the elevated position). With the clinician's approval the chair can be configured to drive at the full 22 inches of elevation.

Why doesn't your chair need anti-tippers?

A unique component of the MobiLife PMV-X22 design is its exceptionally low center of gravity which keeps the chair stable and eliminates the need for anti-tippers?

Why is it so stable when it's elevated?

Stability relates to the base dimensions and to the center of gravity. Think of a bus taking a corner being tippy", in part because they are "high" relative to their overall footprint. We have an extraordinarily low center of gravity, because of the placement of the batteries. The downside to this is that we have less clearance than some other systems. But in wheelchair design everything is a trade off.

What is the turning radius?

Turning radius is the distance (on the diagonal) from the center point of a rear wheel as it contact the ground to the opposite side front wheel. That diagonal is equal to a radius of a circle described by the wheels turning in as tight a circle as it can. Ours is 32.5 inches. Mid wheel chairs always have the tightest radius. However, most chairs do not describe the turning "footprint" which more accurately describes how much room you need to actually turn a chair. The radius measurement does not take into account any chair dimensions behind the mid wheel, nor anti-tip wheels, not the front legging. (link to the attached pdf to explain.)

What are the advantages and disadvantages of rear wheel drive?

Rear wheel drives were the standard for many years but many wheel chairs today have a mid-wheel drive because of their ability to turn in a tighter arc. Mid wheel chairs are ideal for use in many smaller apartments and neighborhood stores. They are not as good going up and down ramps or in most outdoor applications. Additionally anyone transitioning from a manual to a power chair has in effect been using a "rear" wheel chair for many years and may have an easier time learning to drive a rear wheel chair.

Do you have someone in my area that can service the chair?

While we do not currently have dealers and reps in all parts of the country we are working hard to see that every area is covered. To find out if we have coverage in your area please call as at 800-284-9857

What kinds of seating can I get on it?

The MobiLife PMV-X22 has a "platform neutral" design - which means that virtually any kind of seating from a lightweight sports seat to a full power tilt & recline with power elevating leg rests can be mated to our base.

Is the seat elevator paid for by insurance?

While Medicare does not pay for seat elevators, many other insurers and payment sources, such as VA hospitals, Workers Comp, Voc Rehab, personal injury, military insurance and private pay may, with appropriate diagnosis and documentation cover some or all of the cost.

Is the system paid for by insurance?

Most insurers and payment sources follow Medicare's leads in what they pay for, although how much they will pay and the documentation to justify the payment may vary.

What accessories come with the system?

In addition to the multi-function electronics and either rehab seating or captain's chair, the chair also has front caster suspension, mastery battery quick-disconnect, dual 12V charging ports and, stainless steel rear bumper, tire fenders and configurable charging port.

Can I use it with tie-downs?

Yes.

What docking system work with your chair?

The Shur-Lok™ from Freedom Lift.

What kind of electronics do you use?

The Dynamic Controls Shark Power Module

What kind of batteries does it take and where can I get replacements?

The chair uses two (2) AGM (sealed gel) 12 V 44Ahr batteries that are available through any authorized dealer or through the Batteries Plus™ chain on a national basis.

How long should batteries last?

Batteries, if properly charged should last at least one year. Many insurance companies will pay for annual replacements. However, batteries should be fully charged EVERY DAY. Since many users do not do that batteries develop problems that result in poor chair performance.

How long does it take to go up and down?

13 seconds to go fully up and 13 seconds to go back down.

How much does the seat elevator drain the batteries?

The drain is actually fairly small. A 250 pound user with batteries in good condition could cycle up and down 100 times a day and drain approximately 10% of the battery.

What is your seat to floor height?

The MobiLife PMV-X22 with standard seating has a seat to floor height of 19 inches (plus/minus 1/2 inch). However if you need a lower seat to floor and don't need 22 inches of elevation, MobiLife makes a version called the Lo Pro that has an industry low 11 1/2 inches (base only). It can be configured with other seat elevators and seating systems to provide elevation and tilt with a seat to floor height of less than 16 inches.

I see your chair has 12V charging port built in to the base, what can I charge on it?

The 12V charging ports can be used for cell phones and MP3 players but NOT laptops or electronics which require AC power adapters.

Do I need to make any special arrangements if I am flying with my chair?

The FAA requires that all power wheel chairs have the batteries disconnected prior to being loaded on board. Many times users find that the chairs have been damaged by airport personnel who are not familiar with their specific wheel chair. That's why MobiLife™ includes a master battery-disconnect switch that disables the batteries in seconds and does not require tools or accessing the actual batteries.

Can I charge my chair if I am traveling to Europe? (220V)

Yes if you have the appropriate plug adapter, typically available at luggage stores and electronics stores.

Are the tires pneumatic?

Pneumatic tires and not recommended. Flat free tires are.

What are the motor specifications?

We use 2 pole motors that have the same performance specifications as 4 pole motors of the same size.

How do I get the seat down if I loose power while elevated?

We use state of the art electronic over hydraulic actuators to power the seat elevator. Unlike industry standard seat elevators if the power is lost while in the elevated position, there is a release screw which can be accessed to safely and gently bring the chair down to any desired position.

Can I get a swing-away joystick mount?

Yes

What kind of hand controls can I get?

Virtually all industry controls can be interfaced with our electronics.

What special adaptive equipment do you sell?

We do not sell any adaptive equipment, but our chair is compatible with most available equipment from companies such as ASL.

FAQ

Why do you have to go so high?