Joy,  I hope you get it, but you haven't heard anything bad about it, have
you?  Furthermore, I think given enough sand, even the iBot will bog down.
Also, if one has any uncontrolled muscle movements, such as spasticity, one
may not be a good candidate for an iBot

The Blast series of powerchairs and the Bounders are probably the best all
around powerchairs on the market today.   The Blast 850 can hop curbs, I
haven't done it. because I don't have a Blast (Yet).  Nearly all high end
powerchairs now come with an optional elevating seat, which raises the rider
up without sacrificing stability...

Like I said, Joy, I hope the iBot does come to market, and I hope you get
one, but me, I know I'm not a candidate for an iBot. Just give me a blast
with 16 inch tires, 10 inch casters, and heavy duty motors, and I'll be
happy... -)

-----Original Message-----
From: - Joy - <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: iBot (was Re: Downhill ride (long response))


>I use a power chair.  I agree with you about the price.  But, for me, it's
>worth the money.  Nothing is more valuable to my quality of life than my
>chair, and there is nothing I would rather spend the money on.  My family
>and I have been saving since we first heard about it, and I hope to get one
>soon after it is released.
>
>I know that there are going to be a lot of restrictions on who can get one,
>but I'm willing to jump through those hoops.  IMHO, it's no different than
>driving school before you get your license.
>
>No power chair that I know of has the same level of mobility in gravel and
>sand.  No power chair that I know of can negotiate curbs without cuts.  No
>power chair that I know of can move in an elevated position.  And that's
not
>even considering the stair climbing ability, which will eliminate some of
>the most frustrating barriers that I face.  I'll be able to go into
>restaurants, clubs, and my friends' homes.  I'll be able to go pretty much
>anywhere without worrying about stairs!  That is worth it to me.
>
>I think your worries about it being used as an excuse not to implement the
>ADA are unfounded.  The vast majority of people aren't going to get an
>iBot... It's not going to be covered by insurance.  I doubt that people are
>going to propose getting an iBot as a solution for ADA compliance instead
of
>putting in ramps.  Many people simply cannot use it, due to severity of
>disability, so that would be a ridiculous proposal.  People come up with
>enough excuses, but I see the iBot as a way for me to transcend the
barriers
>of ADA noncompliance.
>
>I'm not saying that people should get iBots so that no one has to make
>things more accessible.  That's absurd!  But, it would make my life easier,
>in that I wouldn't have to worry about things being accessible.  We all
know
>that people are slow to comply, and I won't have to worry about it anymore
>on a personal level.  That doesn't mean that no one should make things
>accessible for the many people who can't afford or qualify for iBots.
>
>~Joy~