For the user, his power wheelchair is as important as a well-broken-in pair of shoes. It must be absolutely reliable and suitable for everyday use, as well as individually adapted to the specific disability and life situation. In addition to individual mobility solutions for the vehicle, PARAVAN GmbH also develops power wheelchairs for very different target groups. The first model was the PR 50, an integral part of the end-to-end PARAVAN mobility concept starting with the entry into the vehicle, through the driver’s seat – in this case the PR 50, with approval as a driver seat – to the Space Drive driving and steering system with completely different input devices.

"Wheelchair development is closely geared to the customer’s individual needs," says Stefan Ludwig, head of wheelchair systems at PARAVAN GmbH. "Development takes place in dialogue. We have had very good experience with this, for example in the revision of our all-rounder model PR 30/II, as well as with the children’s models." The flexible seat shell concepts, which were also developed by the PARAVAN wheelchair experts, can be customized very well. Special construction is always possible with a view to the different physical handicaps.

The PR 25, PR 35 and PR 35S children’s wheelchairs, for example, have a seat concept that grows with the child. Once adapted in terms of seating comfort and the necessary functions, they can be adapted again and again over the years. The up to 30 percent smaller chassis of the PR 35 series also makes the wheelchairs extremely agile. The children’s models are equipped with extremely quiet actuators. Additional electric functions, such as lift, seat tilt, stand-up and recline functions, allow them to be optimally adapted to the children’s living environment, whether at daycare, school or at home. "Enquiries from the childcare sector have increased in recent years," says Stefan Ludwig. "This has motivated us to develop wheelchairs specially adapted to the needs of this age group and to train our consultants very specifically in this area." Agility and suitability for everyday use were extremely important to the Swabian tinkerers, who developed and tested the models in collaboration with various social pediatric centers – in addition to the therapeutic benefits. This means that children’s fittings can be covered that would otherwise be difficult to implement optimally.

With the PR 40 and the PR 35/S for children, there are two interestingly priced standing wheelchair models with biometric gliding backs, starting at a height of 110 centimeters, in addition to the PR Biolution standing and therapy wheelchair. The change of position by sitting, tilting, lying or standing enables the user to get relief from the static sitting posture, as well as from the lower back. It can provide for activation of the cardiovascular or lymphatic system, bladder and bowel function, digestion, or serve to stretch muscles, as well as assist in contracture prophylaxis or spasm reduction. "Therapy goals can thus be achieved more easily and quickly in the overall interdisciplinary concept," says the wheelchair expert.

All models have an armrest that can be adjusted up to 12 positions – individually adaptable. In addition, various arm pads can be selected. This also applies to the color scheme of the trim from dino green, to ruby red, to elegant matte black. The wheelchairs are equipped with different R-Net joystick controls and can be further customized depending on the symptoms – whether with head or chin control. A pushing aid can also be fitted should the user no longer be able to drive themselves.

All wheelchairs are built in Germany. PARAVAN power wheelchairs are reliable companions from infancy to old age, with a wide range of applications.

Visit us at Precision Rehab’s booth D40 at NAIDEX in Birmingham, March 22-23. Our wheelchair experts are waiting for you!