In this video I explain the different features of my TiLite ZR (non-adjustable) wheelchair as well as the things you need to know when ordering one of your own.
I just want to say thank you for your videos. They were life savers. Due to insurance issue i have not been able to get any training and am in a 200 dollar medical transport chair. Life is so much easier now. I am waiting on my AERO Z. Thank you again.
I always love your upbeat attitude man!. I find it amazing that you've not let your injury hold you back from doing the things you love, and how independent you are in doing some of those things.
I am getting a new Ti Lite ZR myself, different back than yours, lower than yours, but we all have a certain size we like. I like the Ti Lite chairs, They last the 5 years required. Thank you for sharing this video.
Good choice. I have a TiLite ZRA (adjustable version) and it's been a huge improvement over my old TiLite TRC (non-adjustable version). I did much of the measurements myself based on the shortcomings of my TRC, and that actually worked really well.
hi, my brother recently got in a motorbike accident and even though we are still hoping for his recovery, doctors seem pretty sure about his future as a paraplegic. he is only 20 years old and he lives in Italy. I just started watching your videos and I cannot wait to finish all of them. thank you so much for sharing your life experience with all of us, I ll send my brother the link of your channel and hopefully he'll understand most of them (his English isnt as goog as mine, yet lol)
+Gloria Levorin Gloria, I'm sorry to hear about your bro. Hopefully it won't be permanent but even if it is he can still live a decent life. Good luck and thanks for watching!
Hello, want to say thank you for your information in your videos, I'm a high functioning quadriplegic from Columbus Ohio, your videos helped a lot when I got out of the hospital. That was 2 years ago. Man watching this video makes me realize I know nothing about my wheelchair
Josh I am from Columbus, OH too...Live in Galloway. Glad you found the vid. There is a LOT to learn about wheelchairs and fitment. Especially these that are so custom.
very nice chair,i wish id have gone where you did,i made the mistake of going to a company called everything medical,and after waiting a yr got me my chair with the wrong coler,back and measurements,and the guy named jeff that measured me and ordered it said he;d have to pay for another chair out of his own pay to get the right color,so i said forget it,so if anyones in northern california,stay away from everything medical,and im glad you got a great chair bro,love your vids,keep on making em for us thanks.....
530jackal Thanks for the comment! I'm really sorry you had such a bad experience I can't believe it took a whole year to get the chair!! That's rediculous.
Paralyzed Living Thanks for the reply buddy,ya it was ridiculous,and it shows you how many people probably get the runaround from insurance or medical equipment companies,but i guess thats all part of life eh.well at least weyre still hangin in there,thanx for the videos they are very inspirational.
Wow...! Very nice chair. I watched the video of you applying the clear tape(?) and was wondering how easy it will be to "remove" and replace the protective coat once it shows wear. Great video, and thanks for including the weight differences between the chairs.
Clint Droste Thank Clint! I like the chair so far but it took some time to tweak it to feel just right. The helicopter tape is pretty sticky but I've been able to remove it fairly easily by adding some heat...hair dryer or heat gun. It softens the glue.
What's up Brian. Hope all is well man and this new chair is treating u nice!! Looks good man. Lighter and non adjustable is the way to go. One question, I just got off the phone with a hand control dealer. Looking to get some permanent hand controls put into my g35. They're claiming g35's are a more difficult install? And could possibly charge more because of that. Did you have any problems with the dealers on installation? More expensive to put on the right side over the left? If you could let me know man much appreciated !!! Elliot
Very nice chair and good information. I have a ZRA that I was measured completely wrong for and have been miserable for the past 5 years. The new DME guy is coming today for a new assessment and measuring. Years ago I had the 26x1 high pressure tire like yours and the past 2 chairs I've had the 24x1 3/8 tires. I remember loving the 26x1's but for some reason I can't remember why I switched to the bigger tire? Any thoughts? Pros? Cons?
One more thing. I always had issues with scissor brakes due to tires being low or too slick from reduced tread and constantly adjusting the brakes. Switched to D's Locks and love them. Anything preference for the scissors over them? Thanks man, love your videos. Larry
***** Hi Larry, sorry I'm late with my reply but I hope the measuring went well. I like the 1" tires better because they look sportier and are less likely to rub on my clothes. I've never experimented with larger wheels than 24" so I don't have a lot of suggestions there. The scissor locks work fine for me as long as I keep my tires properly inflated and don't wait too long to replace worn tires. I usually have them adjusted to be pretty stiff with new tires so when they wear I don't have to mess with adjusting them. I'm glad the D-locks work well. Is there still a little wiggle room with those though?
Paralyzed Living No with the D's once they're locked there's no movement. THAT is one thing I did like about the scissor brakes though. The measuring didn't happen....he got here and we got to talking and I explained to him I'm in the process of losing about 100 lbs. And we both agreed it would be pointless to measure for a chair and then lose 100 lbs. But he's pushing me in the direction of a Ki Rogue. I had never heard of them, but I'm liking what I see so far. It's oval aluminum and weighs in at 10 lbs. Right now my old ZRA is weighing in at 29.6 lbs. Have you heard of Ki? Check it out - www.kimobility.com/Product.action?productName=Rogue I have plenty of time to research etc. before I'm ready to change.
I bought a new ZR in May 2017 and went with titanium finish with orange accents. I debated going with chrome finish. I paid cash ($5200.00) because insurance has way too much red tape. I work FT with full benefits so it would have gone through private insurance had I gone that route. I went with single side out-front caster/forks with rubber suspension. I have 4" wheels but like your idea of 5". As you said, measurements MUST be right, otherwise, you're screwed. I worked with Tyler at dmehub and he spent a lot of time with me emailing, phone, and photos to ensure we got measurements right. I am C6/C7 (1981) and bilateral at knee amputee (2015) so it was critical to get it right. I have a 5 Lb. iron dumbbell on the footrest to help with the center of gravity. I may go with a V on my next chair. No regrets on the ZR except the back -I ordered a J3 and paid the piper; switched to ROHO Agility carbon.
Mike Carlson glad it worked out! I’m on my 2nd ZR now but it’s pretty much identical aside from a slightly longer frame. (I was hit by a car and the old ZR was trashed 🙄) I have my COG set back at 0” bc I didn’t want the chair too tippy. It works great so something to think about for your next one. I too had the J3 on my original ZRa and like the carbon fiber much better. Hope you’re doing well!
Hi Brian, thanks for all this information. I'm T5 complete and in the process of researching wheelchairs because the one I have is too big and just really uncomfortable. I had a loaner chair for a while that had almost no dump and I actually felt a lot more comfortable in it, and I think it helped with my posture as well. With my chair it's a lot harder for me to sit up straight and I'm hunched over most of the time. Did you notice any difference in your posture as you were adjusting your previous chair?
Edith Velez No, I didn't notice a posture change but my level of stability definitely increased with a little more dump. There's a happy medium though because too much dump was hurting my shoulders.
I found out what was affecting my posture, apparently my seat back is too high and it's pushing me forward. I knew my seat back was too big, I have to kind of rest my arms on the sides of it in order to push the wheels, but I didn't realize the height was making me slump over. I'm going to be getting a ZRA, I think it's one the lightest of the adjustable chairs. Anything would be better than the tank I'm rolling around in now. I also got my chair through OSU (I'm a Columbus native!), but I think the therapists and I were more comcerned about keeping me in the chair and not following out rather than making it easy for me to get around, so everything is really huge. Or maybe they just underestimated how small I am, I'm not sure. Back then I didnt know chairs could be smaller, the chairs I used in therapy were huge so I was glad to be getting the one I did. But anyways, you live and you learn. I did my research this time so hopefully the new chair will be good for me.
I originally gave up trying to order a chair myself directly from the manufacturer but after watching your video and hearing that you were successfully able to do so I want to reconsider. Question: did you have/use any other resources you could share to answer some of the more difficult questions found on the order forms? When dealing with this kind of cabbage I don't want to end up with something I hate. Many thanks in advance.
I totally agree with your statements, yet I am so new to my T1 incomplete diagnosis that I am leaning toward more adjustments for my new chair. My first five-year chair was not a paraplegic chair in some ways (I still had some use of my legs then and with a few adjustments the doctors have found it to be well enough for a short period of time). It is serving me well enough, sort of, until my new chair arrives. I know how my dump and backrest should be, but I'm afraid that things may change with my new condition. Great question(s) too; I look forward to any helpful feedback that is given.
Brian Newman Hi Brian, I completely understand your reservations with tackling the order form yourself. Just to clarify I didn't do it on my own and I probably wouldn't suggest it. I went through a local "wheelchair clinic" (Part of Ohio State University hospital) and worked with a therapist, a mobility specialist and the supplier to measure everything and discuss the cause and effects of different changes. Luckily, I knew I wanted it set up close to what I already had so it wasn't a complete overhaul but it was still helpful to work with people who had plenty of experience filling out these forms. The measurement instructions can be interpreted differently so it's important to get it right. TiLite's customer service was outstanding for any questions/clarification I needed. I ended up contacting them multiple times throughout the process and always got a quick response.
I have CP with chronic pain . I'm using a manual tilt in space chair, which I absolutely love. However, its an aluminum frame and because of the tilt heavy as a ton of lead weighing in at 66.8 lbs! I'm considering getting a titanium chair because I heard its a smoother ride. Wondering if that's true enough to eliminate the need for the tilt. But most importantly, I'm wondering about the measurements how long it took to transition from the adjustable frame to a non adjustable?
Yes that sounds like a very heavy chair but if the tilt feature is important than keep it. My titanium chair is 28.8 lbs and is very easy to push and maneuver through tight spaces. I’ve only had rigid wheelchairs so I can’t speak to what it would be like to change. I know some suppliers have demo models so you may want to see if you can try out a rigid frame chair before you buy one. Good luck!! 🙂👍🏼
@@ParalyzedLiving if I did end up getting a titanium chair, it would just be for those tight spaces when going to friends houses etc. The tilt in space chair is a rigid folding frame but I never fold it, since I ride in my chair in a vehicle.
Glad you like the vids! I'm not totally sure on the taper. I want to say it goes from 14" at the top to 10" at the footplate but don't quote me on that. It's all going to come down to your own personal size. Get with a therapist who specializes in wheelchair fitment and they should be able to help. I don't suggest you try ordering a chair on your own because there are so many factors that go into a proper fit.
Are the fold down push handles completely removable if you decide you don't want them on anymore? And what type of seat pan do you have? Solid? Tension bolt on? Tension w/ straps?
Paralyzed Living I read in a comment that you live in Ohio, I also live in Ohio (north east). I was wondering how do you deal with snow? I hate even having to go out in it. It gets stuck in my rims (which are metal so they get ice cooled) and in my casters, so when I get inside I have to brush it all off and basically defrost. Do you have any tips on an easier way to handle the snow. How do you keep your ramp nice and clear?
MichelleDevin Hi Michelle! Yes, I live in Columbus, OH and unfortunately there is no good way getting around snow. I use plastic coated push rims which don't get nearly as cold in the winter and provide more grip when they get wet/snowy. I also suggest you practice learning to move forward in a wheelie position for getting through thick snow because it keeps your feet/casters from getting stuck. The primary ramp I use is in the garage so it's usually dry. No tips to help there...hopefully you have someone who can shovel
Paralyzed Living I wish I would have went with the plastic covered rims, just another thing to keep in mind for when its time to get a new chair. Thanks for the tips and the videos they're so helpful.
Hi Brian, Great video and very nice chair. My TiLite (adjustable) weighs in at just under 34 lbs, so I am jealous. Questions. 1. How long did you wait before insurance approved a new chair? 2. You have no flaps between you and your wheels. Do you have problems with your pants/clothes rubbing against the wheels? Thanks, Don
DonWW Hi Don, yes the new chair is definitely lite. Most insurance companies will pay for a new chair after 5 years so at the 5 year mark I contacted the supplier and scheduled an appointment with a therapist. I only use side guards when I dress up for work or am out in the wet/snow. Any other time I have just enough space that my pants don't rub. I added some spacers to each side of the axle tube to help this so I didn't have to mess with putting the side guards on all the time.
You are so warm you make all this stuff seem so fascinating and interesting and such. Have you ever considered being a teacher or doing other instructional work?
Yep - well I had to get it replaced after an accident but it’s the same chair and the same measurements. I switched to a black finish though bc I hated the polished. Felt too old mannish. Lol I’m also using a Ride Java Cushion these days. Much better IMO.
@@ParalyzedLiving Good stuff, thanks. After decades using a Ti Lite folder, it may be time for a rigid. Will just be a big change getting the chair in and out of the car.
@@ParalyzedLiving Great video's. I'm a quad on my 2nd chair. I had an a Aero Z and now have a TRA. I went with the Satin Titanium finish and find that it is impervious to marks and any wear. I still use tippers and a Smartdrive. I do find the wider tires work better for me, Schwalbe Airbornes are 1.2 inches wide on Spinergy's.
Hi was just curious regarding you and the snow ? you live in an area that gets a lot of snow am i right ? how do you deal with getting round in the snow ? obviously i'm sure you try avoid it as much as you can but when you absolutely cannot avoid going through snow what do you do ???
Zack Valenzia Snow sucks...plain and simple. The best way I've found to get through more than a few inches it is to roll through it in a wheelie position. This way you are less of a snow plow and are able to keep your feet clean and dry. Of course this takes some practice but it's worth learning.
hahah thats what i thought ! i don't actually live anywhere with snow, i don't live in the us actually across the pond as they say. Although my question arose as i might be planning a trip to a snowy area in the future .Hope you're enjoying your TiLite ZR i'm grateful to be part of the TiLite family although mine is a TiLite TRA
How do you get insurance to pay for tilite titanium wheelchair? I have a aluminum aero tilite and I completely hate it. Its to heavy for me as I'm a incomplete quad.
+Greg Cortez I had a really good physical therapist write a letter stating that I am an active wheelchair user who works a full time job and would benefit from a lightweight wheelchair because I regularly transfer it in and out of my car. Luckily, Anthem insurance approved it. The fact that you are a quad should really help your cause.
thank you for the advice. I need a titanium chair. It would benefit me way more than the chair I have now. I'm looking forward to going back to work in the near future. So hopefully they can work with me on that
+Greg Cortez the difference now days between titanium and aluminium is almost nothing maybe 2 or 3 pounds difference . It all depends how you got measured for your aero z maybe they made it to big for you or they probably added a bunch of crap on it like anti tipers , hand rest , push handles , also the the type of backrest you may be using or the cushion you are sitting on could be adding lots more weight.
+MrParaadrian1989 yeah they added all that stuff on on the beginning. but once I got comfortable in my chair I started taking things off. I lost a lot of weight to so the chair now is a little bigger. I might need to get a smaller chair now
Bondservant There are pros and cons to camber. The less camber you have the more narrow the base of your chair will be but you will have slightly less lateral stability on surfaces that slope to the left or right. The more camber the more stability you have and the faster you can turn but it takes up more space and wears the tires unevenly. I personally run 2 degrees of camber to give me a little more stability without sacrificing too much space.
I've been in a wheelchair since last May. I'm schizophrenic and I had a severe psychotic break, leaving me in a wheelchair. The VA gave me a wheelchair for free but I like the TiLite one a lot more
That’s a nice chair. I have the older TiLite 2GX and I kinda fall into the same situation as *****. I wasn’t measured wrong, my measurements were lost when the employee who measured me quit working for the company and took all my measurements with him. So, this chair is now going on 4 years old and I’ve been in the Hospital the majority of that time for what started as a pressure sore that has turned into so many complications. Not sure if it’s the chair or what, but I can say this is the best chair I’ve ever had, but it’s also the most uncomfortable chair I’ve ever had. I’m to the point now that with the problems I’ve had, my doctors and therapist have recommended a power chair. They have had to jump through hoops since it hasn’t been 5 years in this one, but they have all completed the medical necessity paperwork, so I have my fingers crossed. We are in the waiting stage of insurance approval right now. The one we are trying to get is the Quantum Q6 Edge I believe
Gimp Geek Yikes, sorry to hear you've had so many problems. I am terrified of pressure sores for just this reason. I really hope the power chair helps relieve some of the issues.
Hey man, I'm a paraplegic and would like to talk to ya. I just found your videos and would love to talk to ya about some things. Idk how to go about it but if u would message me back and let me know! Thanks for the vids very helpful!
