WHILL’s newest mobility device, the Model Fi, is a foldable, lightweight power chair for wheelchair users on the go.
Winner of the 2022 Consumer Electronic Show Best of Innovation Award, the Model Fi offers functionality and customizability in a compact device. It weighs 58.9 pounds, can fold and unfold in less than three seconds and fits easily into a closet, airplane or the trunk of a car. To make transportation even easier, the battery is removable and weighs just 6 pounds.
Marketed as a travel chair, the Model Fi can also handle the daily needs of many full-time and part-time wheelchair users. With the battery fully charged, it has a maximum range of 12.4 miles and can travel at a top speed of 3.7 mph. The Model Fi can handle inclines up to 10 degrees and has a 1.4-inch obstacle clearance. The Model Fi connects to the WHILL smart phone app via Bluetooth, which allows users to drive the chair remotely, lock and unlock the chair, and control speed settings.
WHILL offers several accessories for the Model Fi, including extra batteries, bags, baskets, cane holders and dust covers, and users can choose one of five different colors for the arm covers.
The WHILL Model Fi has a maximum weight limit of 250 pounds and a fixed seat width of 18 inches. It retails for $2,799 and can be purchased from online retailers including SpinLife and Amazon.
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That’s remarkable except I can’t lift 59 lbs and none of my previous 3 wives could either. (Cymbal crash for “my 3 wives” joke. Who is supposed to lift the chair into the car, bus, train or airplane?
Not fast enough. My Permobil M5 goes 7+ Mph
Who picks it up and puts it in the trunk?
I love the style and idea but…1.4″ clearance is tiny…How does it clear any kind of threshold or concrete difference like that?
It’s nice that it opens in 3 seconds. That’s the ONLY advantage I see over other portable travel chairs.
If it separated into 3 – 4 pieces it’d be .manageable, but 59 pounds? My caregivers & family can’t lift that much
And 3.7 miles is pretty slow. In my experience in many major city one must move mre quickly than that in the crosswalks
Why it got awards is beyond me. Oh, wait – Innovation does not mean useful.