Seating
The Sunrise Quickie Hula features a range of customisation options to ensure the comfort of its user. The low seat height allows access under tables, and combined with the flip-up armrests, this makes access into and out of the wheelchair as easy as possible. The seat height, along with the seat angle and backrest angle, can be adjusted according to the preferences of the person in the wheelchair.
Importantly, the width and depth of the seat can be altered, meaning that the Hula will accommodate nearly every person in comfort. This feature is something not found on more basic indoor-only powerchairs such as the Go Chair, and allows the wheelchair user to have a seat that is configured for them - rather than a "standard" seat that may not fit perfectly, or provide the necessary support. For those that will be spending long amounts of time in their wheelchair, this is vital.
Drive base
The Hula is primarily designed for use inside, where its mid-wheel drive makes it incredibly manoeuvrable. While it is billed as being capable of outdoor use, from our experience the Hula's outdoor performance is limited. It can be used for short excursions outside over smooth flat surfaces, but struggles getting up ramps and over uneven surfaces.
The Hula is fully crash-tested and ISO 7176-19 approved, giving you the reassurance that it is both safe and secure to transport in a suitably adapted vehicle.
A range of up to 11 miles on a single charge comfortably covers regular daily use, and the Quickie Hula has a maximum speed of 4 mph – faster than the average walking speed, although for those using it just indoors the speed can be lowered. At the end of the day, the footplate can be flipped up to aid storage of the wheelchair, and an overnight charge will see the Hula ready for another day’s work the next morning.
Our Verdict
We have found that the Hula is particularly popular with people needing a powered wheelchair to get around a care home, who will often be spending much of the day in it, and therefore require more comfort and support from their seat than that found on basic wheelchairs. However, it lacks the advanced powered seating options found on outdoor capable chairs such as Quickie's Q500 M, which can cater to those who need powered lift, tilt or recline. We would also recommend trying the Hula alongside Quantum's Kozmo, which is a similarly manoeuvrable indoor chair with adjustable seating.