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What's an iBOT? It's a revolutionary Mobility System invented by Dean Kamen. Kamen also invented the more widely known Segway. The iBOT is unlike any other wheelchair. Its unique functions allow me to go places I've never been before, and do things I've never done before.
About Me
Are you on Facebook?
Please show your support in getting the iBOT back into production by joining Save the iBOT.
Followers
Links:
- My youtube videos
- What to do when you have a flat
- How to switch the clusters
- The story behind my paralysis
- A bit of info on Spinal Cord Injuries
- Comment from a reader: The iBOT is a gimmick (LOL!)
- Comment from a reader: I mean they literally scare small children (another LOL)
- I've always loved to explore
- Rant
- Frustration leading to sarcasm
- Finally getting the iBOT!
- My first day with the iBOT
- iBOT improvements I hope for
iBOT - A wheelchair that climbs stairs, travels over uneven terrain
and sand, and can put the user at
eye level to an average standing adult.
DEAN KAMEN - The inventor of the
iBOT. Kamen also invented the Segway.
DEKA - Dean Kamens's company. The
iBOT was designed by engineers at
DEKA.
J&J - Johnson and Johnson. The
company producing and marketing
the iBOT.
IT - Independence Technology.
A division of J&J. Provides
tech support for iBOT users.
-----------------------------------
and sand, and can put the user at
eye level to an average standing adult.
DEAN KAMEN - The inventor of the
iBOT. Kamen also invented the Segway.
DEKA - Dean Kamens's company. The
iBOT was designed by engineers at
DEKA.
J&J - Johnson and Johnson. The
company producing and marketing
the iBOT.
IT - Independence Technology.
A division of J&J. Provides
tech support for iBOT users.
-----------------------------------
I 've been using a manual wheelchair to get around since I was 8 years old. In September 2007, I got my first power wheelchair. This is no ordinary wheelchair though. The iBOT can climb curbs and stairs. It can travel over terrain such as sand and gravel. It can raise me so that I am eye level with an average standing adult.
I am writing this blog to share this
exciting time in my life with my
family and friends. I'm also doing
it to raise awareness. Not many
people know about the iBOT. I've
found that most people in the
medical field have never
even heard of the iBOT before.
I've also found that many
wheelchair users themselves
have never heard of it. There
are currently only about 400
iBOT users. I would like to
see this number go much much
higher. Unfortunately, the cost
of the iBOT is $26,100. That's
a price a lot of people cannot
afford (including myself - I got
lucky and purchased mine used).
I know many wheelchair users
who would love to have an iBOT,
but they simply cannot afford to
buy one. Most insurance companies
will not pay for even part of the
iBOT. They say the iBOT is a "luxury".
I wish everyone who wanted an iBOT,
had an iBOT.
As wonderful as the iBOT is, there
is definite room for improvement.
This blog is about the good AND
the bad.
*Please note: Everything in this blog is my opinion, unless otherwise stated. I am not being paid to promote the iBOT.*
For more information, please visit http://ibotnow.com/
I am writing this blog to share this
exciting time in my life with my
family and friends. I'm also doing
it to raise awareness. Not many
people know about the iBOT. I've
found that most people in the
medical field have never
even heard of the iBOT before.
I've also found that many
wheelchair users themselves
have never heard of it. There
are currently only about 400
iBOT users. I would like to
see this number go much much
higher. Unfortunately, the cost
of the iBOT is $26,100. That's
a price a lot of people cannot
afford (including myself - I got
lucky and purchased mine used).
I know many wheelchair users
who would love to have an iBOT,
but they simply cannot afford to
buy one. Most insurance companies
will not pay for even part of the
iBOT. They say the iBOT is a "luxury".
I wish everyone who wanted an iBOT,
had an iBOT.
As wonderful as the iBOT is, there
is definite room for improvement.
This blog is about the good AND
the bad.
*Please note: Everything in this blog is my opinion, unless otherwise stated. I am not being paid to promote the iBOT.*
For more information, please visit http://ibotnow.com/
2 comments:
Thanks Shannon for being the test dummy *wink*
On a serious note, the two techniques shown to flip the clusters is something every Ibot owner should know.
There are a couple of issues that make these techniques a must know. First the Ibot in my opinion is a bit Flat prone. The original tires had poor wear and a very thin tread which made them very susceptible to flats. The new tires are an improvement..but could be improved as well, in several areas.
A front flat on the Ibot is not a big deal as you can transition to standard and still be functional. On the other hand, a rear flat pretty much makes you dead in the water. A rear flat will make the chair very unstable in just about all modes. Therefore having a technique for flipping the clusters is a valuable tool.
The second reason for flipping the cluster, is the wear on tires. The rear tires wear at twice the rate, maybe more than the front. Having the ability to rotate the clusters will give you the opportunity to balance and improve your tire wear.
The only question on the techniques demonstrated, is how the chair will respond with a flat? I can tell you from personal experience with a rear flat, that when I attempted to transition from standard function to 4 wheel function, the chair became unstable and almost flipped over backwards.
I personally think rotating the clusters is a good idea to improve tire performance on a regular basis. I also see the techniques as a way to get you and the chair to a location where a tire repair can be performed. My only concern is the techniques have not been proven safe when you have a flat...hopefully Independence Technology will answer these questions and we can spare Shannon the test dummy role :)
Thanks Shannon..you have provided valuable info that owners and prospective owners can use.
Botter from Utah
Hey Utah Botter,
Yes, I do not want to be a test dummy with a flat. Between your experience with the flat and my experience when I was in Balance and I had the flat, I don't think the iBOT would behave the same way as it does without a flat. I'll try to remember to call IT tomorrow. I know they've tried switching the clusters like I did in the videos, but I don't know if they've tried in with a flat tire. I will post what they say.
(Thanks Botter from Utah... YOU provided me with valuable info before I got my bot.)
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