Bowhead Nano Journey Chair: Reviewed

As a handbook wheelchair person for 22 years, I like to remain updated on the “newest and biggest” instruments and mobility gadgets designed for our neighborhood. It’s not usually that I come throughout a product that actually excites me, however once I noticed the Bowhead Nano I immediately hoped this product would actually and metaphorically take a weight off my shoulders with regards to touring. 

The Bowhead Nano is a small, foldable chair with out giant rear wheels, designed to assist customers navigate tiny areas the place on a regular basis chairs can’t normally match. The one strategy to propel it’s to seize onto furnishings or objects within the space and pull or push your self backwards or forwards. It’s totally waterproof so it may be used as a bathe chair. It weighs underneath ten kilos and may slot in a carry-on suitcase, making it very transportable. Adjustable wheel positions permit Nano to splay outward for added stability or to put flat for a decrease switch top, starting from 9 to 13.5 inches. 

As an avid traveler, I instantly acknowledged the independence I might achieve if the Nano functioned as marketed. The principle attraction of the Nano is that it suits in airplane aisles so you aren’t pressured to make use of the dreaded aisle chair supplied by airports. I might write one thousand pages on my disdain for aisle chairs, however in brief, they merely don’t really feel secure. The Nano permits me to steer myself down an airplane aisle at my very own velocity, and its brief seat top erases my worry of falling. Throughout my first use, I used to be nervous that airline employees wouldn’t allow me to make use of it or state a legal responsibility challenge, however there have been no hiccups. Each the flight attendants and aisle chair employees saved exclaiming, “So cool! I’ve by no means seen something like that earlier than!” whereas being supportive and letting me take my time to get to my seat.  

The Nano can be useful with regards to small bogs. I like to remain in Airbnbs and on the houses of my pals when attainable, however I at all times get anxious about lavatory layouts and door widths. I’ve spent hours on Airbnb asking hosts to take measurements and report again, simply so I’ve the peace of thoughts that I received’t be scooting on the ground to in some way attain the bathroom. With the Nano, I can park my on a regular basis chair on the lavatory entrance, switch to the Nano, and pull myself round tight corners or too-small areas with ease. I also can use it within the bathe so I now not have to sit down on a towel on the ground. The chair has brakes and feels a lot sturdier than the common makeshift bathe chair supplied by many inns. Once more, the seat top of the Nano was nice as a result of I wasn’t afraid of falling far.  

The Nano exceeded my expectations when it comes to power and maneuverability. I at all times felt steady within the chair, the brakes had been sturdy, and when the brakes had been off, I rolled with excessive ease. It didn’t take plenty of power to propel myself forwards or backwards. The one change I want to see from Bowhead is a backrest that locks in place. Typically once I would switch, or once I would lean ahead within the bathe, the backrest would start to fold inwards on me. It by no means felt unsafe, however it was an annoyance that would simply be addressed. 

I assume the query on most individuals’s minds is, “Is it well worth the $1,500 price ticket?” [That’s not even considering the $300 if you’d like a 3D-printed cushion. As cool as the cushion sounds, I didn’t find it necessary.] 

As somebody who travels ceaselessly, together with internationally no less than every year, with the ability to use the restroom with out employees help greater than justifies the funding within the Nano. I additionally favor to remain in Airbnbs, so the Nano will drastically enhance my choices when on the lookout for a spot to guide. In the event you can dwell with aisle chairs, usually fly domestically, or normally guide ADA-compliant lodging, the Nano might not be as interesting for you. Personally, I shall be taking the Nano with me in every single place as it’s simple for me to hold on my lap and completely suits my way of life. 

The Bowhead Nano is obtainable for pre-order for $1,499 with an non-compulsory cushion add on for $299 and can ship beginning this month. Go to Bowhead’s web site to preorder.