Sunny or not? (Sunrise F45 Electric Wheelchair)

Member Name: David A. Brett

Product:	Sunrise F45 Electric Wheelchair
Date:	04/04/01 (243 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: independence

Disadvantages: cost

It was a fact that following a road traffic accident I would end up in a wheelchair. For many months, I was pushed by my wife. However, I could see that it was taking it's toll on her - she was weary!

That was when I said enough is enough, and began to enquire about an electric wheelchair.

I contacted a few local mobility firms locally, to send me details of products they carried. The range was quite vast.

But fortnuately I knew what I wanted. I'm not normally a vain person, but in this case there was no way I was going to use a scooter. The only people you see whizzing around in those are generally OAP's. And while I was not young, I didn't consider myself old. So I wanted someting like a wheelchair, that moved by itself. And was capable of what I wanted it to do, basically get me around town and give me a touch of independence!

The man from the company came and showed me a range of chairs, but I set my heart on the sun rise F45. It was simply an electric wheelchair. After a go on the 'trial' one he brought along, I decided to purchase it.

Now came the shock. the cost was over £3,000+ (including insurance) - and it was too late to get it on my DLA benefit, as it had run for half its term. I dug into some money we set aside, and made the purchase.

The chair is fully collapsable, and can be adjusted to your fit. It is suitable for most people. The top end weight limit is around 16 stone (just made it). And it is extremely comfortable. A thick padded seat, and a soft back ensure that.

The chair is supposed to travel for about 6 miles. However this varies depending on the weight you have on board, and the Terrain. Mine goes down town and back, on about half a charge (a total of about 1.5 miles). It comes with various steer sticks. Mine has five levels of speed, top speed is fast in shops, but not on clear stretches.

I have also had some problems with the charger. In fact i
n the course of about 9 months I have had two new chargers.

However, I love my chair and would be lost without it now. It has given me back some independence, and also restored my wife back to normal!

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