If you ask me to describe my Edge® 3 Power Chair in one word, I’d say: essential! For many of us with disabilities, our power chairs are essential to our independence. There are a lot of cool features on my wheelchair and they all play an important role in my daily life. Here’s why the Edge 3 literally makes my world go round.
iLevel® Technology
My Edge® 3 has iLevel® technology, which allows me to elevate the seat of my chair up to 12 inches. I consider it to be the most valuable feature on my wheelchair. While accessibility has improved over the years, the average apartment or home isn’t built for wheelchair users in mind. That’s where iLevel comes in. I use iLevel to reach light switches in my home, make dinner and do the dishes. I’ve gotten so used to just pushing a button and going up and down while driving at 4.5 mph and continuing on with my daily activities. I’m up and down a bunch throughout the day.
Lights
The Edge® 3 comes standard with front and rear LED fender lights. I use my lights all the time. Being able to see and be seen while driving my wheelchair at night is crucial. In the wintertime when it gets dark earlier and I need to walk Mya in the evenings, the lights help me to be more visible to cars, cyclists and other wheelchair users. When I wanted to meet friends for a late dinner or go to a concert, I never had to worry about driving my wheelchair across the street at night. Even within the home, lights are so important. If you need a late-night snack or have to use the bathroom, fender lights are a great thing to have on your power chair.
USB Charger
Let’s be honest. Almost everyone has a cell phone and we all love being able to quickly connect with friends and family, especially if we’re meeting people for a night out! Ever play a game of Marco Polo with friends at a crowded place? I think we’ve all been there, right? Imagine if your cell phone battery died right in the middle of that phone call? Enter the USB charger that comes standard on my Edge® 3. I never have to worry about a dead cell phone battery when I am out and about.
About Bryan Anderson: Bryan grew up and resides in Illinois. Injured by an IED in October 2005, Bryan is one of the few triple amputees to survive his injuries in Iraq. He is an ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation and a spokesperson for USA Cares, which is focused on assisting post 9-11 veterans. Click here to learn more about Bryan.