On Monday 4 September entrepreneurs Cristian Brownlee and Matt Walker launched the Adapto all-terrain powered wheelchair in the UK and Ireland.
Following their success gaining investment in BBC’s Dragon’s Den, the award winning team behind Adapt Ability’s Omeo are launching a second mobility device the Adapto.
Using the latest mobility technology, the Adapto will enable people with reduced or no mobility to do more of the things they love. The innovative tech includes a height-adjustable seat, an intuitive braking system and the ability to cover up to 35 miles on a single charge, plus its zero degree turn capability in tight spaces including the home, cafes, shops and lifts, sets this hand-steered gyro-based wheelchair apart.
Adapt Ability’s Director’s Cristian and Matt are determined to keep innovating with life-changing pieces of kit and with a retail price starting from £9,995 they are opening up this market to a whole new range of consumers.
Matt Walker, Director Adapt Ability said, “We are so excited about the Adapto. As well as being all terrain, with a fabulous 35 mile range, the seat height adjustment which can be electronically raised by up to 14cms, will enable users to ‘join the conversation’ when out with friends, at work or simply pottering around. It also contributes to better posture and circulation so you don’t just look good, you feel good too.”
Gravel, grass, forest, beach or slopes, the Adapto’s self-levelling tech and pneumatic tyres ensure comfort whatever the terrain, while its ‘Air Ride’ cushion means that users can stay out for longer without feeling jaded or tired. Additionally, the Adapto can be personalised with various backrests and pressure-relieving cushions.
Cristian Brownlee, Adapt Ability Director said, ‘The heart of the Adapt Ability business is social enterprise – our goal is to improve people’s lives by offering the equipment they need to integrate back into society. With the launch of the Adapto we’re extremely excited to be able to offer yet another innovative product designed to maximise the freedom of people with mobility impairments.’
To find out more about the Adapto or Omeo mobility devices visit www.myadaptability.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Adapt ability offer try me days across the UK and Ireland – to book a slot visit www.myadaptability.co.uk/omeo-test-days
The parent company of Adapt Ability is AddaptX, which has been successfully manufacturing and distributing the Adapto internationally.
About Adapt Ability
Adapt Ability distribute the game changing Omeo and Adapto wheelchairs which allow the user to travel over uneven terrain, scale inclines and navigate troughs and bumps in the ground. The company is operated by disabled people working to provide mobility solutions for disabled people. Company Directors Matt Walker and Cristian Brownlee appeared on the BBC One TV show Dragons’ Den on 9 February 2023 to pitch for investment.
About Matt Walker
Matt has a T10 spinal cord injury and is paralysed from the waist down.
“The Omeo has probably saved me from myself to be honest. Before my injury, I was a Greenkeeper and tree surgeon. I loved the outdoors. I loved walking, running and climbing.
When I realised, I was paralysed and would be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life it was devastating. Mentally I struggled with the idea of being ‘trapped’ in my chair. I struggled with the idea that I wouldn’t be able to access the places I loved. I struggled with being ‘seen’ in my chair.
Then I found the Omeo. I could see it was different, strong, cool, fast, all terrain, all the things I needed. From the moment I was lucky enough to take delivery of my Omeo, things changed for me. I felt pretty proud to be leaving the house on such a cool looking machine. People no longer asked me about what had happened to me and instead wanted to talk to me about my ‘cool chair!’ There are very few places I can’t go on my Omeo. It is genuinely the closest thing I have to total independence. It has helped me both mentally and physically in the face of my paralysis and I feel proud to be on it.”
About Cristian Brownlee
Cristian sustained a spinal cord injury at T4 level in 2011, rendering him completely paralysed from the chest down.
“I did not understand just how debilitating depression could be until I came to the realisation that I will never walk again. After my spinal cord injury, I spent my life holed up inside the safety of my home. I did not want to speak to anyone, I did not want to be seen by anyone. My comfort in life was my dog and the vast number of animal videos available on YouTube.
When my Omeo arrived I transferred onto it, attached a lead on my dog, and left the house to visit the local woodlands. I was so intoxicated with my new sense of independence that I don’t remember much else that day other than the tears of happiness rolling down my face, the ecstatic and confused look on my dog for actually being outside with me, and the constant comments of awe from passers-by expressing just how cool I look.
Since then, the Omeo has completely improved both the quality of my life and my outlook towards life. I simply cannot find a reason to stay at home. There is nothing for me there anymore. Disability? What disability? If you need me, you’ll find me in the local woods, zipping around with my dog and my son taking pictures of the foxes!”
