Ki Mobility
While US-based manufacturer Ki Mobility are relatively new to the UK market, they have taken the US by storm, rising rapidly from their establishment in 2005 to become the 2nd biggest supplier in the North American market for active wheelchairs. Ki Mobility specialise exclusively in lightweight active wheelchairs, giving them an unrivalled focus and expertise, recognised by a number of patented innovations unique to their chairs.
Frame
Strategically designed with oversized 7000 series aluminium, the Rogue offers the ideal combination of vibration dampening and rigidity. It features one of the most responsive rigid frame rides on the market today, and the incredibly light frame conserves your energy. While it is often believed that folding chairs are more transportable than rigid ones, the Rogue defies these expectations. The quick release wheels pop easily off, and the integrated folding backrest locking mechanism (which comes as standard) provides a convenient lifting point. Weighing from just 4.8 kg, the frame can be lifted over your body to sit on a car seat - making the Rogue the ideal wheelchair for transport and travel. If you wish to use the Rogue for occupied transport, integrated tie-down brackets are available rather than traditional heavy bolt-on brackets, and feature a clean aesthetic that maintain the sharp look of the chair while maximising rigidity.
Seating
Each Rogue is bespoke built to fit you as an extension of your body. This includes a good range of seat sizes - widths of 12 - 20 inches, and depths of 14 - 20 inches, allowing it to accommodate larger people who might not fit in equivalent chairs, as well as those of particularly slender or paediatric sizes (although the Rogue XP is the better choice for growing children and adolescents, with its adjustable seat sizes). Ki Mobility's new Axiom range of cushions and backrests can be supplied with the chair - providing high levels of comfort, as well as postural support and pressure relief for those who require it. Alternatively, third-party backrests and cushions such as the Matrx or Jay range can easily be fitted if you have a preferred seating set-up already. Despite being a high-end lightweight chair, the Rogue still offers a significant amount of post-supply adjustments, allowing fine tuning of its fit, and for your Rogue to accommodate your changing needs. This includes the patented RP Tuning, which is the only indexed castor adjustment system that gives a perfect alignment whatever your seat angle, allowing easy adjustment even while you occupy the chair.
Options
A large selection of footrests, armrests and other options provide further support where you need it - our favourite is the angle-adjustable flip-under footplate, which flips back out of the way for standing transfers. To minimise the weight of your Rogue, lightweight options include carbon fibre sideguards, while comfort options such as carbon Frogs Legs castor forks are available. Ki Mobility's new Maxx Performance spoke wheels come as standard, but are anything but standard. With eighteen straight pull radial spokes, a high flange hub, and 6061 series aluminium rim, they live up to their name - while the durable black satin finish complements your style. The ultra-sleek and lightweight X-Core mags defy traditional expectations for mags, with far greater stiffness and rigidity than traditional ones - allowing you maintenance free wheels without compromising weight or performance. Other wheel options include the ever-popular Spinergys, as well as industry standards such as Natural Fit handrims, and puncture resistant Marathon Plus Evolution tyres.
Style
The Rogue is minimalist in everything but the tubing, and catches the eye. The sleek and simple design of the adjustment tower makes the Rogue appear like a full-on custom welded rigid chair - adjustments are discreet and hidden, so they're only seen when needed. The frame is available with a compact 90° front angle, as well as a sporty 2 inch taper. The frame is available in your choice of 12 gloss or 9 matte colours - or even a selection of hydrographics, while the optional anodizing colours provide a crisp contrast - our demo chair is matte Shadow Black, with striking orange highlights - but the combinations are endless.
Our Verdict
The Ki Mobility Rogue Rigid Wheelchair really is an impressive chair - light, responsive, stylish and fully customisable to your comfort and convenience. It's for those after a top performing chair that still retains a level of adjustability should your lifestyle requirements change. It is a direct competitor to Quickie's Nitrum and Progeo's Joker R2, and comes out lighter than both.
Ki have just released the Rogue 2, which we would recommend considering instead.
