Rigid Frame
The box frame provides a high level of rigidity, reducing energy lost to "flex" in the frame compared with a folding wheelchair. It is also 1.5 kg lighter than the Action 5 Folding, meaning less effort is expended on pushing the weight of your wheelchair around. With the wheels popped off, and backrest folded down, the Action 5 Rigid remains transportable, able to fit easily into the back of most cars.
Handbikes
The strength and robustness of the frame makes the Action 5 Rigid a great partner for a handbike attachment, such as the Alber E-Pilot. Use of a handbike tends to really put your wheelchair through its paces, which is why a rigid box frame is the best option for them.
Adjustments
The Action 5 has a wide selection of post-supply adjustments, allowing it to be adjusted to fit your improving balance as you gain in confidence. The set-up and seating of the chair can be tweaked, including centre of gravity, seat height, backrest height and angle, and far more. The modular design also allows more significant adaptations further down the line if needed.
Seating and Options
Like all wheelchairs in the Action range, the Action 5 Rigid has highly configurable seating, which is made to measure in your size. All aspects of the seating can be chosen, from the backrest upholstery to sideguards and armrests; more clinical seating including pressure cushions and Matrx posture-supporting backrests can be fitted too. Both a lighter fixed front frame and swing-away legrests (good for forward transfers) are available.
The Rigid has a sleeker profile than the Folding equivalent, and can be customised with a choice of sporty, stylish and practical castors, wheels, handrims and tyres. The frame can be painted in a colour of your choice, and set off with a choice of three accent colours (silver, light blue, purple). Our favourite combinations are a white frame with purple accents, and a black frame with blue highlights.
Junior version
An Action 5 Junior Rigid variant exists for younger wheelchair users. Available in paediatric seat widths, it also has the option for adjustable seat depth - ideal for growing children, so they don't outgrow the wheelchair.
Our Verdict
We like the Invacare Action 5 Rigid Wheelchair - it sits opposite Quickie's Life R (or Life R Teens for the Junior version), and offers the same performance at a slightly lower cost. It doesn't have the same level of personalisation when it comes to appearance - the Life can have a sportier look, but it is still well worth considering.
