So I’ve been using this Everest & Jennings Traveler L4 wheelchair for a few months now, and honestly, I’m pretty impressed with what they’ve put together here. It’s one of those K0004 Medicare-coded chairs, if that matters to you, and it’s been super reliable for my daily getting around.
What I love most is how lightweight it is – under 34 pounds without the footrests! That’s a big deal when I’m trying to get it in and out of my car trunk. I was using a bulkier chair before this, and the difference is night and day. The steel frame feels really solid though, so don’t think “lightweight” means flimsy. This thing is built to last, and that scratch-resistant finish has already survived a few bumps against doorframes (my steering isn’t always perfect, haha).
The 18″x16″ seat fits me pretty comfortably – I’m average sized. There’s apparently an 18″ depth version that holds up to 300 pounds, but the standard 250-pound capacity works fine for me. The black nylon upholstery is nothing fancy but gets the job done. It’s breathable enough that I don’t get all sweaty on warmer days, and cleaning is super easy. Oh, and there’s this little pocket on the back that’s kind of perfect for keeping my medical info and sometimes my phone.
One feature I didn’t expect to appreciate so much is the adjustable seat height. You can set it at either 18″ or 20″ with the dual axles and those multi-position caster forks. I went with the lower setting since it’s easier for me to transfer that way. Speaking of transfers, the flip-back desk arms are a game-changer! So much better than my old chair where I had to awkwardly slide out. Now I just flip the arm back and slide right onto my couch or bed.
The footrests swing away, which is pretty standard I guess, but they’re really easy to adjust without needing any tools. That’s been handy as my needs have changed a bit. The wheels are these polyurethane tires that don’t mark up my hardwood floors (my landlord is grateful for that), and they roll pretty smoothly on sidewalks too.
Safety-wise, I feel pretty secure with the anti-tippers in the back. There’s this one steep ramp at my doctor’s office that used to make me nervous with my old chair, but I haven’t had any close calls with this one. The whole thing folds down to about 12 inches wide, which is surprisingly compact – fits perfectly in my trunk with room to spare for groceries.
To be fair, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but considering the limited lifetime warranty on the frame and crossbraces, I think it’s worth the investment. It’s definitely more comfortable and easier to handle than the rental I was using after my surgery.
Everest & Jennings Traveler L4 18″x16″ Wheelchair with Flip-Back Desk Arm, Swingaway Footrest, 250 lb Capacity, Anti-Tippers, Adjustable Rigging
Original price was: $298.43.$278.43Current price is: $278.43.
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