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Where to start when looking for a new power wheelchair?

We've summarised the most asked for information right here to help you on your journey, including style options, the difference between drive wheel types to suit your lifestyle, the most common power function features, and a comparison matrix to compare chairs within our range. If you would like to speak to a power wheelchair expert, place an enquiry via this link and we'll put you in touch with the right person at Permobil. 

Choose Your Style

See the colours available on the latest Permobil F & M Series Power Wheelchairs. You can mix and match or choose from the hydrographics. 

See all the colour videos here.

F-Series_Color Digital Ad_768x1024

The Drive Wheel

The drive wheel is simply the larger wheel on the power wheelchair and can have a big impact on the way the power wheelchair manoeuvres in different environments (indoors and outdoors). The second largest wheel is called the caster wheel, which provide additional ride stability and comfort. Then the smallest wheels are known as anti-tips, which are simply to provide additional support for safety. 

Permobil History-12-Front wheel drive schematic

Front Wheel Drive

The drive wheel is at the front of the wheelchair and there are two caster wheels at the rear of the wheelchair. The front drive wheel is the first to meet an obstacle and pulls the rest of the wheelchair over the obstacle resulting in a smoother transition (indoors and outdoors). A person can get directly in front of sinks, counters, etc, allowing them to pull up closer to counters/items.

Permobil History-13-Mid wheel drive schematic

Mid Wheel Drive

The drive wheel is directly under the wheelchair user, with caster wheels both in front and behind the drive wheel. This drive configuration is often preferred for indoor use because of its tight turning radius. However, with advances in suspension, Mid Wheel Drive wheelchairs have improved in outdoor performance. 

Permobil History-14

Rear Wheel Drive

The drive wheel is at the rear of the wheelchair and the caster wheels are at the front of the wheelchair. With advancements in MWD and FWD, it is no longer common to use a RWD, unless it is an outdoor specific chair, such as the Permobil X850 Corpus. 

Power Wheelchair Features

Permobil's power wheelchairs are renowned for their innovative features and advanced technology, designed to enhance mobility, comfort, and independence for users. With a focus on ergonomic design, robust performance, and customisable options, Permobil's power wheelchairs cater to a wide range of needs and preferences.

Below are some of the standout features that make Permobil power wheelchairs a top choice for users worldwide:

ActiveHeight™

Rise above the status quo with 12″ and 14″ ActiveHeight™ seat elevator options that help you reach new heights. Featuring three points of contact and a 3.5” rearward shift as the system elevates, experience maximum stability and a smaller footprint in elevation. ActiveHeight™ is also the only seat elevator that does not lock out suspension at full elevation, so keep pace with a smooth ride at a top speed of 5.1 km/h.

M Series - up to 12" | F Series - up to 14"

ActiveReach™

ActiveReach™ forward tilt enables you to reach for more by creating up to 4.5″ of additional reach. This can be used for reaching beyond obstructions, into high cabinets, or even assist in transfers. Truly putting your world within reach. While functional reach and transfers are improved using a seat elevator, many functional tasks are still limited as the chair is positioned sideways to the task at hand or your knees are unable to remain under tabletops. Permobil’s ActiveReach™ pairs with 12″ and 14″ of seat elevation so you can get closer to what matters.

M Series - up to 20° | F Series - up to 45°

Power Standing 

Fully programmable standing sequences allow for personalisation​ of your power standing experience which is further enhanced by adjustable chest support, multiple knee support options, power articulating footplates, and full range of power seat functions.​ From face-to-face interactions to improved​ health outcomes, the Corpus VS empowers you to stand without compromise.

Available on the M Corpus VS & F5 Corpus VS

F Series Suspension

Conquer your world with the F-Series ComfortRide and ComfortRide Pro fully independent, adjustable suspension. Enjoy superior vibration reduction, ride comfort and drive performance for the widest variety of power wheelchair driving scenarios. The front wheel driving experience is further enhanced by our patented ESP (Enhanced Steering Performance) gyroscope tracking technology, which provides exceptional tracking at high speeds, on side slopes or with alternative drive systems. 

Available on: F3 Corpus (ComfortRide) | F5 Corpus VS & F5 Corpus (ComfortRide Pro)

M Series Suspension 

The M-Series FlexLink and FlexLink Pro suspension balances stability, traction and ride comfort for optimal performance and advanced vibration reduction. Factory optimised and adjustable suspension adapts to your needs and environment. The linear spring design enables a greater freedom of movement and more power driving positions. Experience full suspension at any seat elevation height, seating position, or driving speed.

Available on: M3 Corpus (FlexLink) | M5 Corpus (FlexLink Pro)

M Corpus VS Suspension 

The recently released M Corpus VS comes with the new DualLink suspension system to optimise stability in standing along with superb low-end torque, the M Corpus VS provides a smooth stand and drive experience while balancing day-to-day traction and ride comfort needs.

Available on the M Corpus VS only.  

Power Comparison Matrix

PDF Matrix

 

New
F5 Corpus VS
F Series | FWD
New
F5 Corpus
F Series | FWD
New
F3 Corpus
F Series | FWD
New
M Corpus VS
M Series | MWD
New
M5 Corpus
M Series | MWD
New
M3 Corpus
M Series | MWD
New
M300 Corpus HD
MWD
New
M1
MWD
New
X850 Corpus 3G
RWD
F5 Coprus VS_IsoVertical_WEB (1)
New
F5 Corpus VS
F Series | FWD
f5-corpus-15-1
New
F5 Corpus
F Series | FWD
Product F3-1
New
F3 Corpus
F Series | FWD
M Corpus VS_IsoVertical_WEB
New
M Corpus VS
M Series | MWD
M5 Corpus_iso left_WEB-2
New
M5 Corpus
M Series | MWD
m3-corpus-01-1
New
M3 Corpus
M Series | MWD
M3000-Corpus
New
M300 Corpus HD
MWD
HS M1 600 × 600px
New
M1
MWD
X850_IsoLeft_WEB
New
X850 Corpus 3G
RWD
Drive Wheel
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Mid Wheel Drive
Mid Wheel Drive
Mid Wheel Drive
Mid Wheel Drive
Mid Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Max user weight
136kg
150kg
150kg
120kg
150kg
150kg
204kg
136kg
136kg
Chair weight w/ batteries
196kg (Grp 24)
187kg (Grp 24)
185kg (Grp 24)
193kg (Grp 24)
192kg (Grp 24)
184kg (Grp 24)
203kg (Grp 24)
145kg (Grp 34)
203kg
Max speed
10km/h
10km/h
10km/h (8km/h without support wheels)
10km/h
10km/h
10km/h
8km/h
8km/h
15km/hr
Base turning radius
30”
30”
26.5”
22”
21.5”
20.5”
22”
20.5”
66”
ActiveHeight™
14”
Optional 14”
Optional 12”
12"
Optional 14”
Optional 12"
No
No
No
ActiveReach™
Standing
5°, 10°, 20° & 45°
5°, 10°, 20° & 30°
Standing
5º, 10° & 20°
5º, 10° & 20°
No. Optional 8” seat elevation
No
No
Recline options
85° – 180° (power)
85° – 120° (manual) 85° – 180° (power)
85° – 120° (manual) 85° – 180° (power)
85° – 180° (power)
85° – 120° (manual) 85° – 180° (power)
85° – 120° (manual) 85° – 180° (power)
85° – 120° (manual) 85° – 150° (power)
No
No
Legrest options
85° – 180° (power)
85° – 180° (manual & power)
85° – 180° (manual & power)
85° – 180° (power)
85° – 180° (manual & power)
85° – 180° (manual & power)
85° – 175° (manual & power)
85° – 140° (manual) 65° – 80° (adjust. swing-away)
20° - 70° (with conditions)
MyPermobil App
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No

Permobil F Series

Permobil M Series

Permobil M Corpus VS

Permobil X850 Corpus 3G

Paediatric

New
Explorer Mini
On-time mobility
New
Koala
Front Wheel Drive
New
K300 Ps Jr
Mid Wheel Drive
New
M300 Ps Jr
Mid Wheel Drive
New
K450 MX
Rear Wheel Drive
explorer-mini-01-1
New
Explorer Mini
On-time mobility
KoalaThumbnail
New
Koala
Front Wheel Drive
k300-ps-jr-600x600
New
K300 Ps Jr
Mid Wheel Drive
M300PSjr
New
M300 Ps Jr
Mid Wheel Drive
K450
New
K450 MX
Rear Wheel Drive
Max user weight
16kg
35kg
75kg
75kg
60kg
Max speed
2.4km/hr
6.5km/hr
8km/hr
10km/hr
8km/hr
Min turning radius
21"
25"
20"
28"
Weight w/ batteries
23.6kg
102kg (M 40)
123kg (Grp 34)
142kg (Grp 34)
153kg (Grp 34)
Seat-to-floor height
12.1” – 21.7”
15” (elevator)
16.5” (elevator) 16.5”, 17.25”, 18.5” (fixed)
17” (elevator) 17”, 17.75”, 18.5” (fixed)
3” – 26” (elevator)
Seat elevator
Up to 8”
Optional 8”
Optional 8”
8”
Power tilt options
0° – 25°
0° – 45°
0° – 45°
0° – 45°
Recline options
85° – 120° (manual)
85° – 120° (manual)
85° – 120° (manual)
85° – 105° (manual)
Legrest options
90° – 150° (manual)
70° (swing-away) 90 – 150° (centre mount)
70° or 90° (swing-away) 90° – 150° (centre mount)
90° – 125° (manual)
Range (up to)
5.6km
24.1km
20.9km
20.9km
27.4km

History of Permobil Power Wheelchairs

Permobil founder Dr. Per Uddén believed that helping individuals achieve the greatest level of independence is a basic human right and, for over 50 years, that has been the driving force behind our innovative power wheelchairs. As a doctor working in Sweden, Per met polio patients who were confined indoors, and he was passionate about finding a solution to help them. As a result, he created some of the first power wheelchairs! Today, Permobil wheelchairs are highly customisable to meet an individual’s needs, and offer power functions, accessories, and connectivity to help end users live life to the fullest.

Our Why & Customers

An outspoken advocate for people with disabilities, Dr. Per Uddén built the company on the idea that every person has the right to have his or her disability compensated as far as possible by aids with the same technical standard as those we all use in our everyday lives.

Dr. Per Uddén was driven by a passion to find new solutions to the problems he encountered in his work as a doctor. With a unique focus on the patient, he and his team combined creativity with technology to write the first chapter in the Permobil story.

The founders of the new additions to the Permobil family were also driven by shared passions and putting the needs of the individual first.

Sundsvalls Museum_Per Udden Historical 1970 03