EVO Custom – Are Tailored Solutions Right for You?
Your wheelchair is more than just a mobility device; it’s an extension of your body, and, for many, a part of their identity.
Customizing your wheelchair isn’t just about the little “extras”; it’s about ensuring your wheelchair works for you, fits your lifestyle, matches your needs, and ultimately reflects your unique self.
Whether you’re tweaking your setup for performance, adapting it to your daily environment, or just adding some personal flair, the right changes can make a big difference. But how do you know which customizations are really right for you? Let’s break it down.
Why customization matters
Before you start adding sparkle or swapping colors, take a moment to check the basics. Prior to any customization, it is important to ensure that your wheelchair fits you and supports your body based on your individual needs.
This is where your clinical team (a seating specialist or occupational/physical therapist) can be a game changer. These specialists have been trained to assess everything from your posture to your functional needs and goals to help you choose the correct seat cushion, back support, and wheelchair frame configuration. Getting this right is everything; it can help you maximize your function, reduce pain, minimize fatigue, and prevent potential injuries, while at the same time ensuring that any other customization is truly beneficial for your needs.
You can learn more about what a customized wheelchair can do for you here.
The right customization solution can be life-changing for wheelchair users, whether it is a simple personalization for comfort or a fully redesigned accessory to address a specific need.
EVO Custom
At Motion Composites, we are passionate about offering wheelchairs that provide greater postural support, functional independence, and maximize comfort by addressing the unique requirements of wheelchair users. This is why we created EVO Custom, a part of the EVO ProgramEVO Program.
EVO Custom focuses on improving the quality of life for wheelchair users by offering personalized customization services that cater to a broader range of mobility and comfort needs.
- Provides Awareness: Customization possibilities are endless. Sometimes the simple adjustments are precisely what you need, and you might just not know it!
- Minimizes Wait Times: Customization processes can be lengthy, which might cause delays in receiving an essential mobility aid. With optimal coordination and clear communication, we ensure that customized solutions that meet your needs are delivered in the quickest possible way.No matter the type of customization you are seeking, EVO Custom is here to support your individual needs.
Types of customization: Personal Expression vs Clinical Fit
There is a big difference between aesthetic or personal customization and functional customization.
Aesthetic & Personal Expression:
If you already have a properly fitted wheelchair and you just want to add some “pazzaz,” there are many ways to have fun personalizing it while showcasing your true self.
EVO Custom is here for you, whether by color, a cool accessory, or simply a little “extra” that could make your life easier.
Here are some examples of options that are available through EVO Custom:
Custom-Colored Spinergy Wheels: Spinergy wheels in any hub and spokes color variations.
- Facilitate stability and rigidity while being lightweight.
- Offer vibration-damping properties (available in some models only).
- They are a fun way to express yourself.
Custom-Colored Ultracasters: The same exceptional performance, durability, and sleek design that you know and love from Motion Composites’ Newton brand.
Velcro Patch: USA Military service patches on the back supports. Can be pre-installed or delivered with adhesive Velcro for easy installation.
- Air Force patch
- Army patch
- Navy patch
- Marine Corps patch
- Purple Hearts patch
- Coast Guard patch
- Space Force patch
- USA Flag patch
If you are still looking for ideas on different ways to personalize your wheelchair, make sure to read the two articles that we prepared for you:
Functional Customization
A functional customization can be anything from subtle tweaks for comfort and mobility improvements to fully reimagined components tailored to your unique needs. These customizations can help give you more independence, be more comfortable in your wheelchair, and ultimately improve your quality of life.
Here are some key customization examples that the EVO Custom offers:
Folding Back Canes: Allows the back support to fold down on folding chairs. Comes with any back cane configuration.
- Facilitates ease of storage and transportation.
Anti-Rollback Wheel Lock System : This anti-rollback mechanism can be sold as parts. It locks the rear wheels when the user gets up for the wheelchair seat.
- Prevents the wheelchair from rolling back during user transfers.
- Facilitates safety during user transfers.
Arm Trough Assembly: Arm trough support is installed onto the armrest post, and comes with arm and hand support.
- Facilitates optimal positioning of the upper extremity at the desired height.
- Facilitates optimal positioning of the upper extremity due to abnormal tone or movement.
How to know if a customization is right for you
Here are a few tips and ideas that could help you decide:
- Schedule a professional wheelchair evaluation: Your therapist will assess whether you have any specific needs for which customization may be beneficial.
- Test before committing: Product trials are more common than you think! If you are unsure about a specific product, don’t hesitate to ask if trials or demos are available.
- Check your lifestyle needs (terrain, transportation, sports): Be sure to mention these to your therapist; your wheelchair must not only meet your functional needs but also accommodate your environmental access.
- Pay attention to pain, discomfort, or issues with your posture: This might seem obvious, but communication is essential. Sometimes, all you need for the perfect fit of your wheelchair is a few tweaks. Call you therapist, your dealer or your supplier and ask what product may be right for you.
- Advocate for your needs with funders or insurance providers: Sometimes, customization might seem like a “luxury,” but in most cases, it is not. Your therapist can help provide clinical justifications for your customization needs, which could be very helpful when seeking funding sources. Plus, with EVO Custom, we have simplified this process, so make sure to check out the full program here.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Prioritizing looks over comfort or safety: Remember that the most important thing is having mobility equipment that allows you to live more independently. Just because it looks good does not mean it is the correct match to meet your functional needs.
- Copying someone else’s setup without understanding your own needs: Talking with other wheelchair users to get inspired on what could work for you is great! But remember, your needs are unique, and the custom solutions should be tailored to you. This will ensure that you are satisfied with your equipment.
- Skipping the clinical input: Your clinical team is here to support you. Sometimes we don’t know what we don’t know. Your therapist will be able to guide you to find the most optimal wheelchair configuration, seating options, accessories, or any customization that you might need. If you have any questions, make sure to contact them.
- Not thinking ahead: Finally, remember that your mobility equipment should also match your lifestyle. Ensure that your customization options won’t get in the way of your everyday needs. For example, if you travel a lot, add customization options to make this easier, not harder.
Customization options can help wheelchair users find the right balance between comfort and functionality. A poorly fitted wheelchair or accessories can lead to discomfort, pain, or long-term health issues, while a wheelchair designed to fit the individual can last even longer.
Tailored solutions don’t have to be a headache; we simplify them for you! Don’t forget to check the EVO Custom Catalog, and if you are ready to order, feel free to check the EVO Custom Request Form.
Customization starts here!
