The Esprit Action4NG has now been superceded by the new Esprit Action, completely redesigned for improved performance, and a modern stylish look.
Transport
The key to the Esprit Action 4NG's innovative design is that the motors are built into the rear wheels, both of which can be detached by simply pushing and turning them. This keeps the weight of the main frame down to the same as that of a manual wheelchair, allowing it to be easily lifted into and out of a car for transport. With no tools required, the Esprit Action 4NG has no fiddly parts to remove, and is as easy to disassemble and reassemble as a boot scooter, requiring just one person to do the job.
Performance
As a result of its design, the motors sit inside the wheels, giving the wheelchair an extremely narrow frame. This allows it to be manoeuvred around tight spaces indoors, such as in shops. The wheelchair is equally capable outdoors, though it lacks the longer range found on more traditional electric wheelchairs, unless upgraded to the larger 17Ah batteries. Clever wheel protection bumpers are fitted to protect the tyres and alloys from accidental hits.
Options
A number of customisation options are available for the Esprit Action 4NG, including seat widths of 15 - 24 inches, and seat depths of 16 - 20 inches. Further options such as a reclining backrest, attendant controls, headrests, and a table are available. Additionally, self-propelled wheels are available, which can be easily fitted to quickly convert the wheelchair between a powered one and a manual one - another unique feature of the wheelchair. Several frame colours are also available to personalise the appearance of your wheelchair.
Esprit Junior
A paediatric "Junior" version of the Esprit Action 4NG is available, with smaller seat sizes that can be adjusted as the child grows. This is one of the few transportable powerchairs available in paediatric sizes.
Our Verdict
A truly unique wheelchair, the Invacare Esprit Action 4NG is best suited to people for whom easy car transportability and good seating are both vital. Requiring just one person to disassemble and lift into a car, it allows you to regain your independence in a way unrivalled by any other powered wheelchair. While folding powerchairs like the iGo Plus and Foldalite Pro are easier to fold up, they tend to require lifting 20-30 kg at once, rather than a mere 15 kg with the Esprit. They also have much more basic seating than the Esprit, with no adjustability.
There is a more modern alternative available for purchase and on the Motability scheme, the Alber E-Fix E35 power wheels with the lighter Action 3NG wheelchair. However, this works out as significantly more expensive than the Esprit.
