The Batec I went for is the Batec Mini 2 and I’d highly recommend Cyclone Mobility for Batec’s as it’s something they specialise in.
A Batec is a mobility aid, it’s a wheelchair add-on, it clips onto the front of my wheelchair via a docking station. It really is so easy to attach and detach from my chair. You can have a docking station on both folding and rigid frame wheelchairs.
It has a removable battery and my battery does 15 miles when full and when it’s flat it only takes 4 hours to charge to full. The battery can easily be removed from the Batec and it’s not heavy at all.
What I like about the Batec Mini 2 is it’s really compact and can fold up making it really easy to transport. I love putting my Batec and wheelchair in the boot and taking my Batec out for rides round a local park. Having it fold up also makes it easy to store in my home too. It’s so easy to fold up and assemble in less than a minute. Having it fold up also makes it great to store at home as storage space is something I greatly lack.
For safety especially in this dusky evenings there are rear lights and a headlight . The rear lights can be static or flashing (not quick flashing) and the headlight has two brightness levels. I really like this feature to help give me more visibility.
The Batec has three speeds and I can go pretty fast! Different Batec models do have different top speeds. The control is just a twist on one of the handle bars for the speed of the Batec and for those with limited hand function there is an alternative quad hand control option available. I did consider this for myself but I found that once my hand was on the handle bar I could easily twist it to control it when I tried out the demo Batec. Below the handle bars are four buttons: lights, reverse, forward and speed level. I also have a phone holder which I got complimentary with my Batec when I bought it. There are other accessories available. There is also a control panel but I haven’t worked it out yet other than switching it to MPH. I’ve tried to find an instruction video about it but I haven’t found one yet. The turning circle is also quite small with the Batec Mini which can be really useful. It’s also quite powerful and can take you up and down kerbs. I’ve also found my Batec Mini compact enough to be able to take into my local Co-op and go up and down the aisles.
Even though it’s on the Mini 2 it’s very powerful and it can take me over rough terrain and over kerbs and up steep slopes and so on so it’s allowed me to go places I wouldn’t be able to otherwise go if I didn’t have my Batec and I’m looking forward to going to more places once I have my new wheelchair and wheels with better suspension than my current uncomfortable solid tires. Obviously what you plan to do with your Batec will determine what model will suit you best, for me trips round the park and to the postbox and short journeys suit me having a small Batec fine but there are Batec’s out there for people who are more adventurous and want to go off-roading.
My Batec has given me a lot more freedom to be able to get out and it’s really helped my mental wellbeing. It’s also given me the independence I craved as wheelchair user as I no longer need someone to push me, in the kindest way possible I don’t feel like a little old lady being pushed around by their carer. I feel more like a young independent disabled person (if that makes sense?) I also can’t wait to get my new wheelchair (blog posts to come out on that) and have more freedom and independence and have more adventures riding with my Batec. I also am saving up for some loop wheels once I get my new chair so I have better suspension when I’m riding with my Batec. I think as well going back to how it’s helping my emotional wellbeing with me having my physical disabilities, especially my M.E. I can’t predict my good and bad days and my physical health impacts on my mental health. Days spent inside or even in bed I feel cooped up, trapped by my M.E. and it’s symptoms so when I have a good day and I’m able to get out with my PA/carer for a ride on my Batec even just for a few minutes I’m in my happy place riding with my Batec and I feel free because I’m outside and my Batec has enabled that much more easily and to me my Batec is much more than a mobility aid it’s freedom, independence and happiness.
If you want to check out the models of Batec’s at Cyclone Mobility click here you can also contact Cyclone Mobility for a free demo of the Batec you are interested in. I can honestly say I experienced no pressure when I tested out the Batec. They also sell ex-demo and second hand Batec’s for a fraction of the full cost of a new Batec so keep an eye on their website for Batec offers.
I would say do your research as there are similar products to the Batec’s. Here my tips when looking for a powered wheelchair add-on:
- Powered wheels or a front clip-on attachments - what would meet your needs best. Cyclone Mobility sell powered wheels and when I asked them this and they asked me some questions they advised me that a Batec would better meet my needs personally.
- Compare makes and models and what would suit you, your needs and your wheelchair best
- Speak with others who have that make/model of powered wheelchair add-on
- Look at your budget
- How often should you use it and how often would it need need charging?
- Compare companies who sell the different powered wheelchair add-ons, get recommendations, see what services they off such as the warranty cover once you’ve bought the product, what areas the company cover, do they offer home delivery and repairs etc.
- Look at hidden costs, like with the Batec I had to pay extra for the docking station
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| The Batec folded up, the control panel and the docking station on my folding wheelchair |