Approximately 75% of the more than 4 million Australians who live with disability experience mobility impairment.

Mobility impairment is defined as a category of disability that affects a person’s gross motor skills, such as walking and running, and fine motor movement, such as manipulation of objects by hand. Mobility impairments can range in severity from limitations in stamina/endurance to permanent paralysis. They can be caused by conditions present at birth, aging, or are the result of illness and/or physical injury.

Physical activity and mobility may be impaired by a number of conditions, some of which are permanent, others of a temporary or intermittent nature. These conditions can include cerebral palsy, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease and repetitive strain injury (RSI). Back or neck injuries may also affect general mobility. A stroke may result in temporary or permanent loss of sensation and/or movement to part of the body.

People living with mobility impairment often use assistive devices or mobility aids such as rollators, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters. This type of assistive technology supports increased independence and social and economic participation.

Having the right set of wheels can be the key to independence, comfort, and safety for the user. Depending on the individual situation, the right mobility device can range from basic off-the-shelf products to customisable ones, and then even more complex custom-manufactured items.

Just like their users, wheelchairs vary tremendously. There are two main categories of wheelchairs: manual and powered (sometimes known as electric wheelchairs). Manual wheelchairs can be designed for self-propulsion or attendant propulsion, such as being pushed by a family member or support worker. The NovitaTech range of manual wheelchairs includes options for active independent users on their daily commute,  sports chairs, and even off-road chairs for use on the beach and other uneven terrains.

Here are some manual wheelchair options to give you an idea about what’s available and how the right chair can work for you.

If you are after a tilting manual wheelchair that is lightweight and transportable, the Freedom NXT is a fantastic option. It is highly customisable, folding, and comes in a variety of frame colours. The Freedom NXT can be configured as simple or complex as required and is well suited to clients and families who value portability, customisability and potential for growth.

For those who like on-court action, the Invacare Top End Pro-2 All Sport is ideal. Perfect for wheelchair sports such as basketball, tennis, and rugby, this chair comes in three seat width configurations and requires very little setup. A great list of features makes this wheelchair incredibly durable, adjustable, and maneuverable.

Beach lovers rejoice – the Sandcruiser® All-Terrain Beach Wheelchair glides smoothly over sand, grass, mud, gravel, and small rocks, making it great for outdoor adventures. Special soft and pliable wheels facilitate use on beaches, trails, sports fields, and other challenging terrains.

Powered wheelchairs are designed for various types of users, both independent and attendant-supported. They come in three drive-wheel configurations (mid, rear and front-wheel drive), all of which offer a different user experience. A powered wheelchair offers all the features of a traditional manual wheelchair, but with the benefit of motorisation. Users can access all the chairs functions through their joystick, switches and other augmented access technology. Powered wheelchairs can accommodate any degree of complexity and have simple, functional controls for any level of user.

The NovitaTech range of powered wheelchairs can accommodate users of all needs. Features include powered seating (tilt, recline, seat elevation, and leg-rest elevation), alternative access controls, transportability, and companion app technology. The WHILL Model C is an exciting new addition to Novitatech’s powered mobility range. It is a versatile powered mobility solution that features a sleek modern design with cutting-edge Omni-wheel technology. The WHILL Model C performs well indoors and outdoors and offers the simplicity of a small mobility scooter with the sensitive controls of a powered wheelchair.

The range also includes the Permobil Explorer Mini, a powered mobility device designed for children aged 12-36 months experiencing mobility impairment. The device facilitates self-initiated movement and early exploration to support children in meeting their age-appropriate developmental milestones. The Explorer Mini is a rigorously tested medical device with a toy-like appearance designed to tickle the interest of curious little explorers!

At NovitaTech, we are continually looking to therapeutic research around the world while we work with our clients and their families to achieve great outcomes together. Recent research has pointed to the benefits of early powered mobility, including the potential to have an important cognitive and psychosocial impact on young children who are unable to mobilise independently. Powered mobility is one means to help young children with movement impairments play, and interact with their environment. Powered wheelchairs can provide the child with more independence, chances to explore and learn about the world, opportunities to keep up with siblings and peers and join in activities.

Early intervention of powered mobility is believed to facilitate and enhance learning, socialisation, and self-esteem by enabling independent, self-initiated movement and interactions. Instead of lying on the floor or in a stroller, the child using the powered mobility is able to achieve tactile sensations such as feeling the wind on their face. Using powered mobility gives them an opportunity to exercise choice and control. For example, they may use a switch control to click to move to the right.

NovitaTech offers powered wheelchair clinics where children as young as 12 months can experience powered mobility. To move the powered wheelchair, the child may start with a switch that can move them to one direction. Often they are delighted by doing their first 360 “donuts”! Additional switches are gradually introduced, with the idea being to take things at a pace that is fun for the child and not scary. The clinic gives them a chance to try things out and, if it is suitable for them, it might lead to them getting a powered wheelchair of their own.

Mobility Strollers are ideal for those who want to explore the great outdoors safely and comfortably. Products such as the Delta All-Terrain Buggy opens up new horizons beyond the reach of conventional pushchairs, strollers, or wheelchairs. Features such as a lower centre of gravity and big wheels assist with making it a smoother ride over more rugged terrain at the beach or on nature walks.

Mobility scooters are a great option for people needing frequent and flexible access to their community. They are very intuitive to operate and require little training to get going.

Mobility scooters come in various shapes and sizes depending on the requirements of the user. Some are designed with maneuverability in mind, while others are great for long distances and over rougher terrain.

A mobility scooter can improve quality of life and allows users to go places and participate in their local community with ease. Not only does a mobility scooter support daily routine but it also helps reduce the risk of falls. Gaining the independence to access local shops, restaurants, and social events can bolster confidence and self-esteem. It can be a great feeling knowing that shopping and other daily activities can be done without relying on others.

The final mobility product we will outline here is a rollator. Rollators are sometimes called “wheeled walkers." They consist of a frame with three or four large wheels, handlebars, and a built-in seat.

If your condition requires you to stop and rest often, a rollator could be a good choice for you. Whereas a walker has no seat, a rollator with a seat and a crossbar for back support allows the user to stop and rest when needed.

Rollators also have accessories that can be purchased, such as baskets to hold a shopping bag.

There are types of rollators that meet different needs. Some of these features can be found together, within the same rollator. We can support you to match your needs with the right rollator.

If you would like more information about mobility, call our friendly NovitaTech team on 1300 668 482.