Sunrise Medical, Fresno, Calif, introduces the Zippie Zone, a pediatric rigid wheelchair suited for active kids and teens that features low weight, options that allow for growth, and great ergonomics for optimal efficiency and independence.

“The Zone exemplifies design innovation and is very cool, compact, and loaded with options," says Christy Shimono, pediatric product manager. "Those who have seen it are so impressed and excited to finally have a pediatric solution for their active kids.”

The lightweight chair, which offers a 10-inch by 10-inch configuration, can weigh as little as 14 pounds. This is important because chair weight has a much bigger impact on pediatric propulsion and maneuverability due to the ratio of chair weight to body weight, according to the company. Heat Treated aerospace 7000 series aluminum is the key to the Zone’s low weight. Using a special post heat-treatment process, ShapeLoc technology unlocks the potential of this traditionally difficult alloy, which results in tubing that’s lighter than titanium, more rigid, and less expensive, says Sunrise.

It can be hard to keep up with kids – especially their growth spurts, but the Zone was designed to allow plenty of room for growth. It features 3 inches of built-in depth growth in the frame that is infinitely adjustable for precise fitting, and an extra 2 inches of seat sling upholstery is folded in the front providing 2 inches of depth growth without having to order a new sling. Frame width growth can be accomplished by replacing a few parts; not the entire frame.

Some new options include a Glow (in the dark) frame color, gold anodized parts, Spinergy wheels, and side guards with built-in hub lock access.

Sunrise Medical develops, designs, manufactures and distributes manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, motorized scooters, and both standard and customized seating and positioning systems. The company manufactures products in its own facilities in the United States, Mexico, Germany, UK, Spain, and China. Its key products, marketed under the Quickie, Sopur, Zippie, Breezy, Sterling, and Jay proprietary brands, are sold through a network of homecare medical product dealers or distributors in more than 130 countries. The company is headquartered in Malsch, Germany.

[Source: Sunrise Medical]