Permobil C350 Power Chair
6961 Eastgate Blvd.
Lebanon, TN 37090
Phone: 800-736-0925
Website:
http://www.permobil.com/
You-Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQp-xuXp9Dk
Oh what a marvelous morning it was when Brian from
Hudson Home Health Care/Rehab Equipment and Dennis from Permobil were standing at my front door with my new Permobil C350 Power Chair. I was elated by the sight of my new wheels and thought what a beauty it is with those silver rims! Brian and Dennis sat me in the chair while they did the final seating adjustment and instructed me on how to utilize the controls with all the features.
The Permobil C350 has many extraordinary features. It has new features that my old Quantum Power Chair didn’t have. Not only can my new Permobil Tilt n’ Space, which relieves pressure from my spine but the back of my new chair can also recline.
When I recline the whole chair doesn’t move like it does when I Tilt n’ Space for the top back cushion just moves back in a reclining position. Brian and Dennis explained this is called the Urgo Back Scapular feature. It feels really good for my back gets a nice stretch!
The neatest feature of all is that my seat can elevate up to eight inches high. This feature is great for it helps me be more independent at home. For example, it helps me in the bathroom to be able to reach things that I couldn’t reach before and in the kitchen it helps me to reach my counter top easily so I can help prepare my meals more independently. It also helps make transfering to higher seats and therapy mats easier for me because my chair can now elevate to the same level as the higher surface I am transfering to :>)
Most importantly, the elevating seat helps me emotionally and socially for now I can talk to people at eye level and they don’t have to look down at me. It also helps with accessibility because now I’ll be able to sit at any tall table or at a bar because my new power chair will elevate me to the height of the bar or table. I was so excited to try this out that my friends and I went to Chili’s for lunch and I sat at the bar for just a minute to see if I could fit. I was sitting as tall as every other customer!!
I can easily control all these functions by simply pushing a button my hand control.
My Permobil fits safely in my van. There are four metal rings on my chair for my four tie downs to fasten to and my friends found that my van’s seat and lap belt fit me better than ever!
I also took it for a test drive outside. This wheelchair has rear wheel drive which is supposed to be higher performance on outdoor and rough terrain without affecting the turning radius feature. I tested it on different terrains such as grass and dirt and I was amazed at how well it traveled with ease. I think it might be fun to test it out on a football field while carrying the ball into the end zone for a touchdown!
My Permobil C350 has permanent mounted manual elevating leg rests that are very easy to adjust and will never get in the way or lost from my chair. I don’t use the Permobil back cushion because it didn’t give me enough lateral support so I use an Invacare Personal back cushion instead. I suggest you choose a back cushion which gives you the most support and comfort. Kellie and Kevin, my good friends told me that I looked so happy and beamed all day!
For Christmas, my parents purchased an optional Light Kit for my Permobil C350 Power Chair. Dennis from Permobil easily installed it. My parents wanted to make sure I was safe while traveling in the dark.
This light kits allows me to turn on headlights, rear lights, hazard lights and signal lights all from my hand control. I use these lights often when I’m out and about traveling at night
The lights really come in handy while traveling in a dark parking lot or a dark place indoors. I just love these lights! Thanks mom and dad!
To learn more about all the feautures of all the Permobil Chairs you can click on the Permoil website at www.permobil.com.
Don’t forget to check out my YouTube Video of me driving my Permobil C350 Power Chair at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQp-xuXp9Dk .
I give Permobil C350 Power Chair FIVE STARS because it helps me access more places, feel more dignified and significantly improves the quality of my life !!!!
December 4th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
That is such great news to here Kenny! It’s amazing what technology can offer individuals with disabilities!
December 5th, 2008 at 3:27 am
[...] We stumbled upon this review from The Traveling Wheelchair. [...]
April 30th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
That wheelchair is awsome. from nicole
February 12th, 2010 at 7:32 am
I was looking at the permobil C350 for my next chair. how long you had it and have you had any probs with breakdowns? screws working loose (over bumpy ground – got a dog to walk everyday!)
How does it handle in snow or wet weather?
Thanks
February 12th, 2010 at 11:21 am
Hi Kati, I’ve had my Permobil since December of 2008 and had no problems at all with it. I’ve had no breakdowns. Yet I don’t use the Permobil back cushion because it didn’t give me enough lateral support so I use an Invacare Personal back cushion instead. It handles well in the snow and wet weather and gives a smooth ride over bumpy ground. I love the elevating seat feature and the lights my parents got me for Christmas. If you walk your dog in the dark at night you might want to consider getting the lights which is an extra option and cost. I hope this helps. Any other question, feel free to ask. Warmest Reqards!
February 13th, 2010 at 6:23 am
Hi Kenny
Thanks for answering. I have been using mobility scooters whilst I can still get on and off them and swing on crutches for a few steps, they are cheaper to replace. I did get a Quantum vibe chair cheap (standard van seating) as a spare and for indoor areas like visiting GP etc. It has been expensive to repair (around £400 each time)and been away for few weeks each time which is isn’t good when you trying to live independently and depend on it!
My condition is progressive so I’m looking for chair with best reputation and servicing etc to select for one that I am in all day.
What is difference between reclining back and the ’tilt in space’ feature and do I need both? I will need some ability for back to recline slightly to take pressure of my spine as I can only sit a few hours, so I’m mainly housebound at moment except for short local trips. Thanks
February 13th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Hi Kati,
I used to have a Quantum Power Chair and it was in constant need of repair. My Permobil has been much more reliable with no need for repair. It sounds as though the Permobil back would be good for you and I think you’ll like it for it doesn’t look like you’re even in a w/c. As for reclining; it is a way for me to lay back and gives my back a good stretch. The tilt and space is what really helps relieve pressure from my spine.
I would recommend you ask a Physical Therapist to help you choose the best features for you or ask Permobil. I think your email is from the UK. The contact for Permobil in UK can be found @ http://www.permobil.com/United-Kingdom/Corporate/Kontakta-oss/
I hope this helps!
February 14th, 2010 at 10:12 am
Thanks. Yes, I am in UK.
Out of interest, have you ever tried a FWD and what do they drive like outdoors? They never seem to go as fast though.
The Permobil Street has fastest speed but got no idea how much they are over here and whether I could use Motability scheme to buy one as we dont have ‘Medicare’ in UK. I like the C350TS too.
February 14th, 2010 at 11:08 am
Hi Kati, I’ve never driven a FWD so don’t know how they drive outside. My Permobil has outdoor and indoor settings for spead and can go really fast outdoors. I think they are expensive and hope you have luck with some kind of insurance.
March 1st, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Kenny, thanks so much for this video & review! I’m getting my C350 (with tilt, elevate, and power leg rests) next month — just waiting for all the funding to fall into place. (I have pretty severe scoliosis, so I’m getting a Ride Designs cushion & back system to go on the C350 base). In the meantime I was trying to decide between black and silver for the frame. I haven’t seen the silver in person, but your video totally sealed it for me — I love it! I also didn’t know about the lighting option — that is AWESOME and I’m totally going to get it. I have a service dog who I look forward to walking much more often, and the lights would make me (and my family!) feel safer.
Thanks again for showing us how you roll! ;)
March 1st, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Hi Becky, That’s fantastic news. I’m sure you’ll love this chair and the silver color is really cool and the lights are awesome!!
July 17th, 2010 at 3:01 am
Thank you so much for your review! I just told the DME company I use to try to get the C350 for since my Quantum Vibe (which is a chair I wouldn’t recommend to my worst enemy) is on it’s 5th set of motors and they to are grinding. One question though, have you taken your C350 offroad? Like in a yard or gravel road or something and if so how did it do? I don’t want an offroad chair but something rougher terrain everynow and then. Thanks for your help in advance.
July 17th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Hi Drew, I used to have a Quantum and it always had problems. My permobil C350 hasn’t had any problems and drives great on grass, gravel and rough terrain!