Power base
While front-wheel drive can take a little longer to pick up than other drive configurations, once mastered it offers outstanding manoeuvrability, with small turning circles, as well as powerful outdoor performance. The 4Front2 is an excellent example of this - the turning radius is a mere 62 cm, which combines with the narrow width and responsive drive to make it great for getting around tight spaces.
The quiet yet powerful 2-pole motors give the 4Front2 a top speed of 6.25 mph as standard - an ideal balance of speed, control and range. Automotive-grade 'SRS' suspension combines well with the CASE castor technology (Castor Angle Sensor Encoder) and Smart Traction Control to provide smooth obstacle transitions and an excellent ride quality. The large 14" drive wheels are available as either pneumatics for improved comfort and kerb-climbing or solid puncture-proof tyres, and can also be upgraded to wider knobby tyres for extra off-road traction. Large 70Ah batteries provide a range of up to 16 miles on a single charge, while powerful LED lights come as standard - ensuring your visibility.
Seating
The 4Front2 features the advanced and configurable TRU-Balance 3 seating system. This allows a range of seat sizes from 14" x 14" up to 22" x 22" to be supplied, allowing a perfect fit. With the seat and backrest width set independently, this can cater to different body shapes and sizes. A wide selection of backrests and cushions are available, while third-party ones such as Sunrise Medical's JAY range and Invacare's Matrx backs and cushions can also be fitted - this ensures you can get the comfort, postural support and pressure relief you need.
Upgrading to 10" Safe Seat Elevation allows you to drive at up to 3.2 mph (walking pace) whilst fully elevated - keeping you at eye level with those around you whilst still moving. The 4Front2's independent wheel and castor travel provide the stabilisation necessary to allow this, in contrast to most other powerchairs with seat lifters, which are usually reduced to a crawl when elevated. Powered seat tilt of 0 - 50° can be added to the 4Front2, providing pressure relief whilst also maintaining your centre of gravity, and thus the stability of the wheelchair. Backrest recline of 85° - 175° allows you to lie flat and relax when on the seat - useful if you spend most of the day in your powerchair, and want to rest in comfort from time to time. The adjustable shear reduction avoids friction as you recline, and this is even compatible with third-party backrests too.
This is further complemented by the selection of other premium seating accessories and options on offer - including lateral supports, headrests, armrests, armpads, and transfer-bars. Both centre-mount foot platforms and independent swing-away legrests are on offer, and elevating, articulating versions of both are available - usually combined with powered recline to allow you to lie flat.
Controls
Pride Quantum's advanced Q-Logic 3e controls are supplied as standard on the 4Front2, including an LCD screen joystick module that can be expanded with Bluetooth environmental controls and a USB port for connectivity and easy charging of your own devices. An SD card slot also allows simple software updates as well as the option of storing images. Specialist controls, for example for those using their head to drive their powerchair, can be fitted, with a range of switches, sensors and proportionals and the i-Drive system available. Attendant and dual controls can also be supplied too.
Style
As can clearly be seen, the 4Front2 is a stylish and modern powerchair with stand-out looks. A range of 14 colour options are available, and can be selected independently for each of the main bodywork, drive wheel accent colour, backrest shroud and joystick shroud - at no additional cost. Depending on just how many heads you want to turn, you could use this to colour each part of the chair differently - though our preference is the Electric Blue shown in one of the pictures above.
Transport
Finally, the Quantum 4Front2 is fully crash-tested, with tie-down points allowing it to be safely used for occupied transport in a suitably adapted vehicle.
Our Verdict
The Quantum 4Front2 Powerchair is an exceptional powerchair, offering high levels of performance both outdoors and in, as well as advanced seating functions and stylish looks. The "2" is not significantly changed from the original 4Front, but does benefit from the new Smart Traction Control for improved performance, and a redesigned castor arm with enhanced durability.
We would recommend trying the 4Front2 alongside Permobil's F3 or F5, as well as Quickie's Q700 F before deciding, to get a feel for all the top-end front-wheel drive models available. If your focus is solely on the outdoors, then try Meyra's Optimus2 as well - this is an all-terrain model at a similar price point, but doesn't have the same sophistication to its seating.
