A smiling woman with brown hair and a white top sits in an Ottobock wheelchair on a terrace in front of a meadow

Wheelchairs for active use

Ottobock wheelchairs for active use are sturdy, lightweight and suitable for everyday use and combine optimal function with an attractive design. Learn all about our multi-talents for active people here.

All wheelchairs

Summary

Wheelchairs for active use offer valuable support for people with reduced mobility for increasing their independence and improving their quality of life. Their lightweight design, individual adaptability and a wide range of accessory options make them a significant development in the field of mobility devices. A wheelchair for active use is a manual wheelchair, and therefore requires enough strength in the arms to be able to move around independently. Ideal for everyday indoor and outdoor use, it allows users* to perform a variety of activities independently. It is available in a folding and a rigid frame variant. In its portfolio, Ottobock differentiates between manual wheelchairs, such as the lightweight wheelchairs from the Start product range and wheelchairs for active use. Below we have compiled the key characteristics of wheelchairs for active use and their various adaptation options for you.

A woman and a man in Ottobock wheelchairs at a harbor in front of a small boat that is lifted up

Definition

What is a wheelchair for active use?

A wheelchair for active use is a special manual wheelchair designed for mobility and independence in the everyday life of people with physical limitations. According to the definition of the German Social Security Code, a device such as a wheelchair serves to compensate for a disability. It is intended to help compensate for the mobility limitations that people with disabilities have compared to people without disabilities. The wheelchair for active use is well suited for rehabilitation but not designed especially for sports activities. Ottobock has developed its own sports wheelchairs to meet the requirements of various sports.

Ottobock wheelchairs for active use are distinguished by attributes such as their low net weight, outstanding stability and durability. The wheelchairs for active use are available as either folding or rigid-frame wheelchairs.

The lightweight design of wheelchairs for active use, often made of materials such as aluminium or carbon fibre, makes it easier for users to move and transport the wheelchair. This promotes independence, as wheelchair users are less dependent on help to get around or load the wheelchair into a vehicle. Every wheelchair for active use can and should be adapted to the needs of the user by trained, qualified personnel. Thanks to the numerous adjustment options, fine-tuning at a later stage is possible if the clinical picture worsens, for example. This includes adjustments in the seat height and depth, back support angle and foot position. All Ottobock models also allow the centre of gravity settings to be adjusted, which ensures better control and manoeuvrability of the wheelchair.

An elderly woman in an Ottobock Avantgarde DS wheelchair works in a garden

Models

Which wheelchairs for active use does Ottobock offer and how do they differ?

Ottobock offers a wide range of wheelchairs for active use, including the Zenit and Avantgarde lines, the Invader series, as well as the Ventus model. Below you will find the key characteristics of the various Ottobock wheelchairs for active use:

Ottobock Avantgarde wheelchair family cropped in front of a white Background

Wheelchairs for active use

Avantgarde line

The Avantgarde DS is the lightest in this series and is distinguished by its extremely small folding size of 27 centimetres in width. At the same time, it offers active people and those who love to travel a high level of stability and numerous combination options. The Avantgarde DV, which is equipped with swing-away or removable leg supports as standard, lets you drive up especially close to objects and also propel yourself by foot. The special equipment options for Avantgarde wheelchairs for active use include the rear adapter with 84 different rear wheel positions, which allows each user to find their individual centre of gravity, a single or double cross brace depending on the user weight, and integrated back pockets.

The Avantgarde DF is the sporty version. It stands out thanks to its high degree of adaptability and is especially perfect for initial fitting.

Avantgarde wheelchairs

Wheelchairs for active use

Avantgarde line

The Avantgarde DF is the sporty version. It stands out thanks to its high degree of adaptability and is especially perfect for initial fitting.

Avantgarde wheelchairs

Ottobock Invader wheelchair cropped in front of a white background

Wheelchairs for active use

Invader series

With the Invader Wave, every single dimension and angle is custom-made to meet individual wishes. Thanks to the use of the hardest weldable aluminium alloy, it is extremely stable and can master all requirements. Its dynamic frame shape and open frame construction combine a minimalist design with a small transportation size. These features make the Invader Wave easy to transport. With a net weight of less than seven kilograms, it is one of the lightest Ottobock wheelchairs. The back and seat upholstery are flexibly adjustable. The Invader is also available as a box-frame variant.

Ottobock Zenit CLT wheelchair cropped in front of a white background

Wheelchairs for active use

Zenit product range

For those who want attributes such as an attractive design and easy handling, the Zenit could be the perfect everyday companion. Thanks to their patented folding mechanism, the Zenit and Zenit CLT wheelchairs can reduce their transportation size extremely quickly, for example for loading. The wheelchair for active use is available in premium carbon or aluminium. The latter variant is available in all Ottobock colours, as well as scratch-resistant anodised colours. The centre of gravity can be readjusted by +/- one centimetre without great effort. This adjustment option benefits both experienced users and first-time users. The drive wheel adapter and caster wheel connection are permanently welded in the CLT version. The latter therefore guarantees maximum stability and precise directional stability. The lightest variant of the Zenit weighs just 8.9 kilograms. The back support of the wheelchair can be adjusted by the technician in five increments up to 20 degrees. It can also be folded for transport. Another option is the automatically folding foot plate, which makes the folding process easier while ensuring stability at the same time.

No matter which model appeals to you, the local dealer will be happy to advise you at any time and in detail before you buy. You can also obtain information about the application to the health insurance company from the specialist retailer.

Ottobock Motus wheelchair family cropped in front of a white background

Adaptive wheelchairs

Motus line

The Motus is also known as an all-rounder for active use, because it ensures a high level of comfort and mobility in everyday life. The CV and CS Motus 2 variants are configurable and folding adaptive wheelchairs. They feature a modular structure, removable tube foot supports and many other flexible equipment options. The Motus 2 CV is specially designed to meet the needs of people with partial (hemiparesis) or complete (hemiplegia) paralysis. For this reason, its special attributes include forearm supports with swivel unit, drive wheels with double handrims and one-hand knee lever wheel locks. A large selection of accessories is also available for the Motus 2 CV, such as a variety of head and thoracic supports (chest area), various arm and hand supports and other positioning aids.

The Motus 2 CS, on the other hand, is the sportier variant of the two thanks to its rigid front frame, fixed leg supports and single-panel foot plate. It also offers its user a high level of stability. It has, for example, foldable push handles and a variety of brake options and is particularly space-saving and foldable.

Motus wheelchairs

Wheelchairs for active use

Ventus

The Ventus proves to be a reliable companion for people who lead an active lifestyle and place high requirements on their wheelchair. The rigid-frame wheelchair for active use features high stability and a robust construction. Thanks to its open frame design, the Ventus is timeless yet functional. This makes handling and loading easy for more agile users, while also taller, heavier individuals obtain a reliable product that effortlessly withstands everyday stresses. The height-adjustable and folding back support of the Ventus is available as standard. These characteristics make the Ventus an ideal travel companion.

As a Teen model, the Ventus is also suitable for larger children and adolescents. Your specialist dealer will be happy to advise you on the different options.

Ventus wheelchair

Ottobock Start M2 wheelchair cropped in front of a white Background

Lightweight wheelchairs

Start product range

The models in the Start series are lightweight manual wheelchairs with a simpler design compared to other wheelchair types. They are especially suitable for temporary use. They are available for transport in hospitals, airports and retirement homes, for example. They are less suitable for long-term use or for self-propulsion.

My Avantgarde and I are a good team. The wheelchair is a great help because it’s lightweight and so easy to handle.

Svenja

Female person in Ottobock wheelchair sitting at an outdoor table with a man and smiling

Avantgarde 4 DS

My interest in innovative technology, perfect alignment and functional design also plays an important role in selecting my wheelchair.

Oliver

Invader Wave

As an architect and privately, I have a penchant for aesthetic design.

Frank

A man in an Ottobock wheelchair in a large empty hall in front of a large glass front

Zenit

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about wheelchairs for active use and manual wheelchairs

What is the difference between an adaptive wheelchair and a wheelchair for active use?

The difference between an active wheelchair and an adaptive wheelchair lies in their respective purpose and design. Adaptive wheelchairs offer several adjustment possibilities, but are not as fully customisable and adjustable as wheelchairs for active use. The latter are specifically designed for individuals requiring individual adjustments based on specific physical needs. They are designed to meet the special requirements for support, stability and comfort. They have special frame shapes and support systems for the back, for example. Different drive wheel versions and sizes are also possible.

Are you interested in an adaptive wheelchair? Specialist dealers will be happy to show you the models from the Motus line and its variants.

What is the difference between a rigid frame wheelchair and a folding wheelchair?

The main differences between a rigid frame wheelchair and a folding wheelchair are their design and functionality. A rigid frame wheelchair has a fixed drive wheel axle, making this design very sturdy. This design offers greater efficiency when moving as the power is more effectively converted into forward motion when pushing. Rigid-frame wheelchairs are often lighter than folding models, but may be more difficult to transport since they cannot be folded up. As a rule, the wheels have to be removed to make them more compact. By contrast, folding wheelchairs have a frame that can be folded. They are particularly well suited for people who travel frequently and transport their wheelchair in cars on a regular basis.

Is there a colour selection for manual Ottobock wheelchairs?

Ottobock offers a large selection of frame colours. In addition to the classics such as black or white, you will also find models in orange, different shades of red and blue as well as in silver or grey. The colour variants depend on the respective model. For some, special effect colours are available. In addition to the frames, colourful spoke protectors, for example, add a dash of colour. Our specialist dealers will be happy to advise you on the possible frame colours and other design options for your customised wheelchair. You can find a dealer in your area in our expert search.

Solutions

Ottobock wheelchairs for active use

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