Versatile Chassis
Australian-based Magic Mobility have manufactured off-road powerchairs for over 25 years, giving them the experience to develop highly capable and durable chassis. The Magic Mobility Magic 360 Powerchair is designed with versatility at the forefront - whereas most off-road powerchairs are massive chunky bits of kit that turn like a tractor, the Magic 360 has a compact chassis and true mid-wheel drive, so it turns on the spot and can manoeuvre comfortably around indoor environments.
Mid-wheel drive is not traditionally associated with off-road performance, but the unique design of the Magic 360 makes it a highly impressive performer. It features independently articulated castor arms with adjustable coiled suspension springs on each arm, ensuring that each wheel remains in contact with the ground while providing a smooth ride. The 6 mph 4-pole 800W motors provide punchy performance and impressive torque; these motors are significantly more powerful than conventional all-rounder chairs such as the Q700M whose motors are just 450W - you can really feel the difference.
A choice of three wheels are available on the Magic 360:
Crossover wheels - the standard option, and providing the best balance of off-road performance while still being usable indoors.
Urban wheels - narrower and more suited to conventional usage.
Offroad wheels - the biggest and chunkiest wheels that provide the best off-road performance, they also increase the width of the chair further.
Notably, the wheels can be changed quickly and easily - one bolt each, and the Magic 360 comes with the option for a jack. This means that for those comfortable doing so, you can quickly switch between different wheels for different usage. In most cases, however we find that the Crossover wheels are best, or the Offroad ones if you don't intend to make any significant use of your chair indoors.
Premium Seating
The seating on the Magic 360 is designed to withstand the rigours of off-road driving, keeping you comfortable and supported at all times. To this end, it is highly adjustable and configurable, with the same range of seating options you would expect to find on any high-end prescriptive model. This includes powered seating functions such as lift, tilt, recline and elevating leg rests. The powered lift module comes with C-Me function for driving at walking pace when fully elevated, keeping you at eye level with your companions.
With seat widths of just 12 x 12" available, the Magic 360 can also be used by children, its high degrees of adjustability allowing it to subsequently grow alongside them to provide a continuous fit over time. Complex needs for both adults and children can be catered to by a choice of rehab backrests, or the ability to fit third-party specialist seating systems if desired.
Transport
The Magic 360 is fully crash-tested for occupied transport in a wheelchair adapted vehicle. Both Q-Straint and Dahl docking systems are compatible with the 360, and you can even get a retractable docking pin fitted, which is operated via the joystick.
If needing to hoist the Magic 360 into your vehicle, a fold-down backrest option is available to aid this.
Personalise
Your Magic 360 can be personalised with a range of options both practical and stylish. RAM mounts are a popular addition, to hold phones, tablets, cameras or cups. Other accessories include luggage racks, USB charging ports, and the all-important fishing rod holder.
Three standard shroud colours of black, red and blue let you personalise your Magic 360 - but a much wider range is available at an upcharge, with everything from "vivid pink" to "flames fury".
Our Verdict
Magic Mobility's Magic 360 really sits in a category of its own - a truly capable off-road chair that is also capable of "everyday" use around the town, at home, or in work. Other mid-wheel drive chairs have claimed a level of off-road performance before, such as Quickie's Q700 M or Permobil's M5, but neither come close to what the Magic 360 can do for you off-road. Other off-road models such as Permobil's X850 and Meyra's Optimus2 RS are worth trying, but don't have the same versatility.
