As a manual wheelchair user for 22 years, I like to stay up to date on the “latest and greatest” tools and mobility devices designed for our community. It’s not often that I come across a product that truly excites me, but when I saw the Bowhead Nano I instantly hoped this product would literally and metaphorically take a weight off my shoulders when it comes to traveling. 

The Bowhead Nano is a small, foldable chair without large rear wheels, designed to help users navigate tiny spaces where everyday chairs can’t usually fit. The only way to propel it is to grab onto furniture or objects in the area and pull or push yourself backwards or forwards. It is fully waterproof so it can be used as a shower chair. It weighs under ten pounds and can fit in a carry-on suitcase, making it very portable. Adjustable wheel positions allow Nano to splay outward for added stability or to lay flat for a lower transfer height, ranging from 9 to 13.5 inches. 

As an avid traveler, I immediately recognized the independence I could gain if the Nano functioned as advertised. The main appeal of the Nano is that it fits in airplane aisles so you are not forced to use the dreaded aisle chair provided by airports. I could write one thousand pages on my disdain for aisle chairs, but in short, they simply don’t feel safe. The Nano allows me to steer myself down an airplane aisle at my own speed, and its short seat height erases my fear of falling. During my first use, I was nervous that airline staff would not permit me to use it or state a liability issue, but there were no hiccups. Both the flight attendants and aisle chair staff kept exclaiming, “So cool! I’ve never seen anything like that before!” while being supportive and letting me take my time to get to my seat.  

The Nano is also handy when it comes to small bathrooms. I love to stay in Airbnbs and at the homes of my friends when possible, but I always get anxious about bathroom layouts and door widths. I’ve spent hours on Airbnb asking hosts to take measurements and report back, just so I have the peace of mind that I won’t be scooting on the floor to somehow reach the toilet. With the Nano, I can park my everyday chair at the bathroom entrance, transfer to the Nano, and pull myself around tight corners or too-small spaces with ease. I can also use it in the shower so I no longer have to sit on a towel on the floor. The chair has brakes and feels much sturdier than the average makeshift shower chair provided by many hotels. Again, the seat height of the Nano was great because I wasn’t afraid of falling far.  

The Nano exceeded my expectations in terms of strength and maneuverability. I always felt stable in the chair, the brakes were strong, and when the brakes were off, I rolled with extreme ease. It did not take a lot of strength to propel myself forwards or backwards. The only change I would like to see from Bowhead is a backrest that locks in place. Sometimes when I would transfer, or when I would lean forward in the shower, the backrest would begin to fold inwards on me. It never felt unsafe, but it was an annoyance that could easily be addressed. 

I assume the question on most people’s minds is, “Is it worth the $1,500 price tag?” [That’s not even considering the $300 if you’d like a 3D-printed cushion. As cool as the cushion sounds, I didn’t find it necessary.] 

As someone who travels frequently, including internationally at least once a year, being able to use the restroom without staff assistance more than justifies the investment in the Nano. I also prefer to stay in Airbnbs, so the Nano will drastically increase my options when looking for a place to book. If you can live with aisle chairs, typically fly domestically, or usually book ADA-compliant accommodations, the Nano may not be as appealing for you. Personally, I will be taking the Nano with me everywhere as it is easy for me to carry on my lap and perfectly fits my lifestyle. 

The Bowhead Nano is available for pre-order for $1,499 with an optional cushion add on for $299 and will ship starting this month. Visit Bowhead’s website to preorder.