Power Wheelchairs
Permobil — Built for complex rehab needs
Permobil is the gold standard in power mobility for high-level SCI users. Their chairs are engineered around seating science, with drive and positioning options that genuinely redefine what daily independence looks like.
Personal Recommendation
Permobil M3 Corpus
The M3 is a mid-wheel drive chair with one of the tightest turning radii available — it handles hallways, bathrooms, and tight indoor spaces exceptionally well. It has the power and ground clearance for outdoor use too, making it genuinely versatile for real life.
The power tilt, recline, leg elevation, and seat lift system allows for full positioning changes independently. For ventilator users or those with limited trunk control, this isn't just comfort — it's pressure management and respiratory function.
- Mid-wheel drive with best-in-class indoor turning radius
- Power tilt, recline, elevating legs, and powered seat lift
- Head array, sip-and-puff, or eye gaze drive controls available
- Bluetooth module to control phone, tablet, and computer from the chair
- Permobil app for chair diagnostics and remote settings
- Fully customizable seating system through certified ATP
How to get a Permobil covered: Most models are covered through Medicare Part B and Louisiana Medicaid waiver programs as durable medical equipment. You need a physician order documenting medical necessity plus an evaluation by a certified ATP (Assistive Technology Professional) seating specialist. The full process typically takes 3–6 months — start early and ask your rehab hospital social worker to begin the process.