Adam is a photographer and musician, whose life changed dramatically after a helicopter crash while working as an aerial photographer in Montana. The accident caused a serious brain injury and complete paralysis on the left side of his body.
Adam’s first wheelchair was manual with a one-handed drive system and while it worked indoors, it quickly became clear that it wasn’t suitable for the kind of independence he wanted. Travelling longer distances was exhausting and getting around his local area became a daily challenge.
Determined to regain more freedom, Adam then purchased a powered wheelchair. Although it helped initially, it wasn’t designed for the kind of reliability and durability he needed day to day.
Public transport was frustrating and he often found himself left behind at bus stops because of accessibility barriers. He then had a crash in his powerchair and realised he needed something safer and more capable for long-term use.
He began looking for a new powerchair that would allow him to move around independently, travel longer distances, and handle real-world environments safely and with confidence. He looked at a wide range of options, including Segway style chairs and, of course, the Series 5.
When Adam first tested the Series 5, it quickly stood out from anything he had used before.
Instead of trying it in a showroom, the Freedom One Life team spent two hours outdoors with Adam exploring his local area and environments he regularly travels through. He got to test out kerbs, local terrain and everyday obstacles to ensure it would perform where he actually uses it.
The chair was set up with a right-hand joystick allowing him to drive comfortably using his right hand, a simple adjustment that his test drive so much more enjoyable. Adam found the team friendly and knowledgeable – every feature was explained clearly, helping him understand how the Series 5 would work for him.
Since getting his Series 5, Adam has travelled over 5,000 kilometers, one of our customers with the highest mileage!
The long battery range, onboard charger and custom fitted cushions means Adam can go where he wants without having to worry about running out of charge or getting uncomfortable. He regularly visits his mum without needing to use the bus, takes overnight trips up to Glasgow to visit the Freedom One Life team and is a regular in his local pub – things that that simply wouldn’t have been possible with his previous chairs.
For Adam the entire experience of purchasing a Series 5 was seamless, supportive and empowering. One thing that really stood out for him was knowing the chair had been designed by someone who truly understands the realities of using a powerchair.
“The Series 5 has completely changed my life. I may now actually have a better life as a Freedom One Life customer and Series 5 wheelchair user than I did when I was able-bodied.”
Test drives can be booked at home, at work or at our office.