Who it suits
The WHILL Model Ci suits a client who needs powered mobility for distance, pain or fatigue but does not need rehab seating, tilt or complex postural support. It reads as a well designed piece of personal equipment, which matters to a lot of younger users and to older people resisting a first powerchair.
The front omni wheels are the reason it turns so tightly. Each wheel is made of smaller rollers, so the chair can pivot in a lift, a cafe aisle or a hallway that would defeat a tiller steered device, then handle uneven ground and kerb lips outdoors. Front suspension, two motors, electromagnetic brakes and an anti sway system keep it steady on side slopes and inclines.
It separates into three pieces for the boot of an ordinary car, so travel does not depend on a modified vehicle. Seat height, seat depth, backrest angle and controller side all adjust, the seat pan takes an alternative pressure cushion, and a phone app lets the user or a carer drive it remotely for independent transfers.
