More than ten million people in the UK are classified as having a disability, which is around 17 % of the total population. By the end of 2010, close to 40% of the UK population will be aged over 45 when the chances of becoming disabled significantly increase. In addition, older people will need more support for continued mobility.

Have you stopped to consider how a wheelchair could improve the quality of someone’s life?

Wheelchairs play a significant role in enabling people to live more independently and to have a good quality of life. There are many factors that dictate the overall performance, from simple ergonomics through to simple practicalities such as battery life. One thing is clear; the power-train plays an important part of the overall performance of the wheelchair.

Modern wheelchairs are heavy, often weighing 450 lbs plus without a person. A simple indoor maneuver on a heavy carpet requires a huge starting torque on the motor, and one that will not immediately drain the battery.

Slow speed running must be extremely smooth – any vibration or noise from the power-train will fatigue the user quickly. Outdoors, the wheelchair must be able to travel long-distance without having to change the battery! And finally, and most importantly, the wheelchair must be extremely safe – failure of the power-train is never, ever, an option.

Coupled together, the PM90 GB9 / GB12 geared motor solutions provide an optimum performance solution for today’s wheelchair user.