It's not an iBOT, but I really like this chair

I just spoke with the guy who designed and makes these elevating wheelchairs:

Power Elevating Wheelchair

and...

Manual Elevating Wheelchair

I'm very excited about this wheelchair because I think it's a good alternative to the iBOT. Since finding out that the iBOT will no longer be manufactured, I've worried about my future without the iBOT. I don't know how I could go back to a normal wheelchair now that I've experienced the iBOT. The chair that I've just discovered and posted links to above does not have all the features that the iBOT does. It does not climb stairs and it is not an off-road chair. It does elevate the user though, and as I've said numerous times before, being eye level with an average standing adult is the most important thing.

I'm going to call the elevating wheelchair the EW (elevating chair).

Comparing the EW and the iBOT, the following is what I like about the EW:

1.Replacing parts on the EW is easy. Parts are easily available, and it is not a complicated system, meaning just about anyone could do the work. Replacing parts on the iBOT most likely means ordering the part through Independence Technology. When the iBOT needs to be serviced, it has to be done by a trained IT tech. Average Joe can service the EW.

2.Battery life for the EW is about 5 years. Battery life for the iBOT is about 1 year.

3.Cost to replace the EW battery is $30.00. Cost to replace the iBOT batteries is $1,100.

4.Weight of the EW is 150lbs. Weight of the iBOT is nearly 300lbs.

5.The builder of the EW claims it has good shock absorption. The iBOT definitely does not have good shock absorption.

6.The EW is far more aesthetically appealing to me. I've always thought the iBOT is incredibly ugly.

7.The EW goes higher than the iBOT. My 12 year old daughter is now taller than me when I'm in Balance Function in the iBOT. I've often found myself wishing the iBOT went higher than it does.

8.The EW is very stable. The builder says it's 100% tip proof. Although I feel very safe in the Balance Function of the iBOT, it can suddenly transition out of Balance. This doesn't mean it tips over. It just means that it suddenly goes from 2 wheels to 4 wheels. This transition is not smooth. That is not a good thing for someone who lives with pain or someone with osteoporsis or an unstable spine.

Comparing the EC and the iBOT, this is what I like about the iBOT:

1.The iBOT is "cool". It just is. It's fun (usually) seeing the way people react when they see it balancing on 2 wheels.

2.The iBOT has 4 Wheel Drive Function. The EW does not have off-road capabilities.

3.The iBOT climbs curbs. The EW does not.

At this point, I would not trade my iBOT for the EW. While there are numerous things about the EW that are better than the iBOT (IMO), I do enjoy the 4 Wheel Drive and curb climbing functions quite a bit. I do think the EW might be a good alternative to the iBOT though. If my iBOT were to die tomorrow, and I had the money, I would have a serious look at the EW.

Production is 6 to 8 weeks for the EW. He has been making them for about 10 years now. Some private insurance companies are covering the cost, but like with the iBOT, Medicare is not.

If you have been thinking about purchasing a used iBOT, I think the EW is something you should consider. The cost for the manual EW is about $10,000. The cost for the power EW is $15,933. HOWEVER, there is going to be an significant increase in the cost of the EW most likely within the next couple of weeks. If the EW interests you, find out more about it now. He told me that he will hold the price at $15,933 for only another week or two. You can call him at 805-797-7989.