The latest ‘go anywhere’ Sunrise Medical Magic 360 powered wheelchair has been put through its paces by the team at Lifestyle Magazine. This article tells all, and first appeared in Lifestyle* in November 2024.
The Lifestyle team joined the Wild with Wheels group – which organises strolls for people with disabilities on the Kent heritage coast – to test out the new Sunrise Medical Magic 360 powered chair.
The Magic 360 is one of the world’s first everyday electric chairs with off-road ability. With a maximum speed of 6 mph, it has 800-watt motors delivering an impressive 68Nm torque to
the central wheels to help overcome obstacles and uneven terrain.
Gini Mitchell and Tony Dimmer, members of Wild with Wheels, were our testers for the day and
chose a lovely stretch of the Kent coastline, near Folkstone. They were keen to see if the technology matched up to their challenges. They travelled steep uphill sections with loose gravel and rocks, damaged downhill areas with flood damaged ruts and finally a wide beach section.
A great all-rounder “I was very impressed with the overall comfort, ride and stability of the Magic 360 especially when going over rough ground and inclines both up and down,” says Tony. “I always felt safe and secure in the wheelchair whatever the conditions underfoot. I also like the fact the chair is small enough to be able to use it in the home and in tight spaces like shops.”
Sunrise specialist John Barnsley came along to adjust the Magic 360 to make sure Gini and Tony were comfortable and understood how to use the controls. John explained that each castor wheel arm is individually sprung to dampen every bump in the road – and they articulate independently, keeping the chair level and stable even at slow speeds.
Crucially, the Magic 360 is fully crash tested with wheelchair docking systems for use in WAVs. Tony adds: “The only time it failed was on the pebble beach, where most other chairs would struggle, but as I don’t go to the beach every day it wouldn’t put me off.”
The Magic 360 costs £74.01** weekly rental on the Motability Scheme and has comfort seating, fixed tilt, a flip-down back and either a fixed-centre mount, or swing-away leg rest. Gini, who organises many of the Wild with Wheels days out, also enjoyed the experience: “I was really impressed by the Magic 360,” she says. “It’s for anyone who wants the benefits of a compact indoor powerchair, but with the ability to deal with off-road environments and rough terrain.”
Our review ended on the wonderful beach at The Warren. Our testers said the Magic 360 had passed the test with flying colours and is one of the most capable powered wheelchairs on the market for all environments.
It could introduce a new generation of holidaymakers, this time on wheels, who can access the most beautiful coastal views.
Interested in joining the Scheme?
The Motability Scheme offers an all-inclusive package. If you are in receipt of a qualifying mobility allowance, you can use it to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.
*Lifestyle Magazine
Discover the latest Motability Scheme news with Lifestyle, the quarterly customer magazine. This is available to all Scheme customers and delivered free of charge. You can read the latest issue online or sign up to receive Lifestyle in the post.***
***Only available for Motability Scheme customers free of charge.
**Prices correct until 31st Dec 2024
