When occupational therapists choose Mobility Joy for scripted powerchair assessments, they're selecting a process that goes far beyond scripting and product delivery. Mobility Joy's customers are associates for life. Our dynamic approach, commitment and passion for what we do makes us the obvious choice for prompt after-sales support and out-of-the-box solutions.

This week's comprehensive trial perfectly demonstrates our approach—and why being locally based with factory-trained expertise makes all the difference for Central Coast clients.

The Client's Requirements

Our client needed a powerchair solution that would:

  • Navigate effectively through interior home spaces
  • Fit comfortably in the family van for transport (while seated)
  • Provide specific seating support for stability and all-day comfort
  • Include functional controls for both client and carer
  • Bring confidence of timely service in the future

Having used his Ottobock Avantgarde Manual Folding Wheelchair successfully for years, backed by Mobility Joy's uncompromising service, he understood quality mobility equipment and had clear expectations for his powerchair.

Our Comprehensive Trial Approach

What We Brought:

After receiving the OT's assessment notes and understanding the customer's challenges and goals, we brought a complete mobility solution workshop to their home:

  • Multiple powerchair options in both rear-wheel and mid-wheel drive configurations
  • Centre mounted and swing away foot support options
  • Various cushioning systems and back support options
  • Range of accessories including thigh guides, Spex Swing-Away Axial Lateral Trunk Supports, head supports
  • Tools for immediate on-site adjustments

Why Home Trials Matter:

Real environments reveal real challenges. Showroom floors don't replicate the client's actual doorways, furniture arrangements, or—critically—their family van. Home trials eliminate guesswork and ensure solutions work in real life, not just on paper.

The Assessment Process

Our Ottobock factory-trained technician began with detailed measurements and functional assessment, understanding not just physical dimensions but lifestyle requirements—particularly the crucial need for van transport while seated in the powerchair.

The Shortlist: Two Strong Candidates.

Ottobock B5 (Rear-Wheel Drive)

Given the client's positive history with Ottobock equipment, the B5 was a natural consideration. The B5's short base provided excellent indoor maneuverability, navigating the home's spaces with impressive agility. The rear-wheel drive configuration offers exceptional directional stability—important for a client transitioning from manual to powered mobility.

As Ottobock notes: "The rear-wheel drive offers enhanced safety, even at higher speeds. Thanks to its directional stability, the B Series is ideally suited for outdoor use and for users with little experience."

Key capabilities: 640mm width, speeds up to 10 km/h, maximum range 45km, 100mm obstacle climbing ability.

Quickie Q300 M Mini (Mid-Wheel Drive)

The Q300 M Mini presented compelling advantages with its ultra-compact 520mm width and TRUE mid-wheel drive with 17" turning radius. The compact base proved exceptional for tight indoor spaces.

But the decisive factor emerged during van testing: the powerchair fit perfectly inside the family van for occupied transit—critically important for their lifestyle.

As Sunrise Medical notes: "Thanks to its TRUE mid-wheel drive technology, the Q300 M Mini turns on the spot, for an ultra-small 17" turning radius."

The Decisive Factor: Van Transport

While both chairs performed admirably indoors, the Q300 M Mini's configuration solved a challenge the client hadn't initially mentioned: headroom when traveling seated in the van.

The 12-Inch Drive Wheel Solution

Standard powerchairs often create headroom challenges when users remain seated during van transport. The Q300 M Mini's 12-inch drive wheels (versus larger alternatives) provided the critical clearance needed. Combined with the chair's crash-tested certification to ISO 7176-19, it offered both safety and practicality for family transport.

The Complete Configuration

Electronics & Control

We configured the Q300 M Mini with a VR2 controller providing:

  • Tilt functionality for pressure relief and positioning comfort
  • Lift function for reaching and social interaction
  • Attendant control for carer assistance

This robust, cost-effective system delivered exactly what the client and carer required—nothing superfluous, everything essential.

Seating Configuration

Working with the occupational therapist's specifications, we configured:

Quickie Sedeo Lite Frame - Adjustable seat frame with minimal profile, width-adjustable from 15" to 20", easily accommodating Jay backs. Offers seat depth 16" to 22", back support height 18" to 30", 50° tilt capability, and 12" elevate with C-Me.

Jay J3 Posterior Upper Thoracic Back Support - Provides targeted upper body support with posterior pelvic stability, lateral stability, and suitability for open back angle positions.

Spex High Contour Cushion - Maintenance-free cushioning offering optimal pressure distribution, lateral stability through contoured design, and comfort for all-day use.

Every component was selected for specific functional and comfort outcomes rather than simply matching a specification list.

The Mobility Joy Difference

Factory Training Expertise

Our technicians' factory training and broader manufacturer relationships means we understand these systems at a technical level beyond surface operation. We're configuring sophisticated mobility solutions tailored to individual needs, with capabilities including preventive maintenance, electronic control programming, troubleshooting and repairs, and custom fitting of seating systems.

Comprehensive Trial Inventory

That van-full of options represents significant investment in trial equipment and strong relationships with reputable suppliers. It's how we ensure clients receive the right solution, not just an available solution.

Local Service Advantage

When adjustments are needed or service is required, we're here on the Central Coast—not scheduling Sydney technicians weeks out. This proximity matters for initial setup fine-tuning, ongoing maintenance, quick repairs, and modifications as needs evolve.

Premium Partnership Model

We deliberately limit our OT partnerships to maintain this comprehensive approach. Every assessment receives this thorough treatment because we're not trying to be everywhere—just exceptional where we are.

For Occupational Therapists

When you partner with Mobility Joy for scripted powerchair assessments, you receive:

✓ Comprehensive home trials with multiple options
✓ Factory-trained technical expertise for complex cases
✓ Same-day quote turnaround after assessment
✓ Direct client communication keeping your inbox manageable
✓ Priority assessment scheduling for your clients
✓ Local service and support eliminating Sydney wait times
✓ Technical consultation for challenging cases

We understand that your time is valuable and your clinical judgment is paramount. Our role is to provide the technical expertise and trial equipment that supports your prescription while handling the logistics.

Why These Choices Mattered

Mid-Wheel vs. Rear-Wheel Drive

For this client, the Q300 M Mini's mid-wheel drive offered pivot point directly under driver for intuitive movement, minimal turning radius ideal for confined spaces, and optimal weight distribution. The decisive factors were indoor maneuverability and van compatibility.

For clients prioritizing outdoor use or transitioning from manual wheelchairs, rear-wheel drive's superior directional stability and predictable handling might be optimal.

Van Transport Considerations

The crash-testing certification (ISO 7176-19) enables legal, safe transport while seated, but proper configuration matters. The Q300 M Mini's chassis provides approved attachment points, and the 12" drive wheels provided crucial headroom in this family's van configuration.

The Outcome

This trial demonstrated what's possible when expertise, comprehensive inventory, and genuine commitment to outcomes converge. The result isn't just a powerchair specification on paper—it's a complete mobility solution that works in the client's actual life.

The deliverables:

  • Powerchair configured for optimal indoor and transport performance.
  • Seating system providing stability, support, and all-day comfort.
  • Control system offering independence with attendant control option.
  • Service plan for ongoing maintenance and adjustments.

From detailed assessment through to final van-fit testing, every element served the goal of optimal independence and quality of life for our client.

That's what we wake up every day to deliver.