Trekinetic: Reinventing the wheelchair

Here is a really good article about the birth of the Trekinetic K-2 wheelchair (and the GT-3 shown here and in the article) and how it became what it is today. The GT-3 is basically the K2, but geared for primarily city use. Because of the big wheels in the front, however, it still gives you the ability to go over just about anything. Also, the independent drum/disc brakes give you such amazing control steering/braking.

Even though this article was written in 2008, it still rings very true. You can find it here.

Why front wheel drive is better

"When you propel a traditional rear propelled wheelchair, you are effectively pushing only against your body weight. If you push hard enough, you might lift yourself out of the chair. That limits how effectively you can push. Trekinetic realized that doesn't quite happen with front wheel propulsion, because the reaction to pushing is resisted and supported by the backrest.

The only reason it wasn't done before, is that nobody could make a front wheel propelled 3 wheel chair run straight. Trekinetic finally solved this with their innovative rear wheel bias system. Then they found their big wheels at the front idea, had a totally unexpected ability. Namely that the chair could traverse uneven and rough (off-road) surfaces with unheard of ease. Even the power GTE model benefits from this configuration."

 While these are the words of Trekinetic, I agree with what they are saying. It really is amazing having the wheels up front. It makes such a difference with the mechanics of pushing the chair. As I've said before, using the K2 is wonderful and the wheels up front made pushing seem easier, almost effortless in certain instances. Then hopping in my old chair, pushing seemed so foreign and wrong.

Don't judge a book...

While one might assume that because the Trekinetic K2 (top right) has these bad-ass wheels and really kick-ass profile that it is strictly for off road/down-hill racing, that's not entirely true. This chair is totally rad and built for getting everywhere, but it is also built for everyday use.

This is totally a "don't judge a book by it's cover" scenario. I've definitely come across people that have said, wow...is that a newfangled recumbent mountain bike? Or, hey, I have similar wheels on my mountain bike.

Now, interestingly enough, I did get this chair primarily for its outdoor versatility, but I also did get it to replace my twenty-year-old, beat up Quickie (similar model to the yellow chair, top left). I can see that there are similarities to the specific bicycles shown here. There is a specific road bike and a specific mountain bike.

There is a difference, though, in that with wheelchairs, you use them all the time. You sit in them day in, day out; whereas with bicycles you only use them for certain time frames. I mean, yes, there are certain chairs that you might only use for certain situations. For instance, rugby/basketball chairs are too modified to use everywhere or racing chairs are only used for road races.

I must say, hopping in the K2 makes the day much more enjoyable and nothing stands in my way.

(Trek bicycles are only used as representations of all road/mountain bikes and I do not mean to show any allegiance to the brand).

Ooh baby, it's magic!

Now, as an able-bodied individual, you might think...what's all the hubbub...so it just has knobby tires and they're in front instead of the back. Big whoop!

I'll tell ya, it is a big whoop. This summer at Surprise Lake Camp, I found everything to be so much easier. It really set my mind at ease. Dirt roads are the main paths everywhere and this year my older son was on the other side of the lake. Previously, I would walk places with a cane or a big stick. But really would time my walking so I wouldn't really need to move that much. I would also try to bum rides from the few people who drove around in the golf carts. Needless to say, I would rarely get to the other side of the lake if I didn't have this chair.

It is almost magical. I kid...there's no magic involved, but it is a really cool chair. Having those big knobby tires up front really keep this thing moving. Down hills, across fields and rooty/rocky terrain and through the woods to grandmother's house we go... Also, with the wheels being further in front, there is a lot longer that your hands can be pushing. This helps a lot when pushing up hill. I was amazed at the difference it made.

There is also an issue that you run into when using normal/standard wheelchairs of tipping over while going up hill. You have to lean forward and you're always fighting to keep from tipping. Not having to worry about tipping is huge. While you do adjust the angle of the seat to be more upright, it doesn't change your purchase on the wheels and it actually makes going up hill easier.

This here's a photo of Heidi in Western Australia. I can't tell if she's taunting the water or has just wheeled herself across this stream...

Let it snow, let it snow!

I'll tell you this...I am a snow bunny. I love snow. I love how it makes everything look the same. You can have a crappy looking yard with stuff strewn everywhere, but with a blanket of snow it'll look just like your neighbor's well-manicured, insanely-green-all-winter lawn.

There have definitely been some instances where I feel like I haven't been able to participate because of the snow on the ground. I can't wait to get in my chair and go places and do things this winter! Just having the peace of mind and just being able to do will make everything all the much better!

Over the years using the old style wheelchair, I have definitely just become used to the face that there are just certain things I couldn't do. Whether this be going out in the snow, going for hikes, watching soccer/lacrosse games on the field, I would just pass and hear about the games second hand.

Now, with the Trekinetic K2, I don't have to be left out or stay behind. I have a chair that is like a mountain bike. But I also have a chair that can be used all the time, kind of like a pair of multi-use sneakers. Yes, I can use them on the trail, but hey, I can also use them in the office or at a mall.

BRING ON THE SNOW!

Check out this lady trying out her new Trekinetic in the snow!