Power Base
The Q700 M Sedeo Ergo features the same power base as on the standard Q700 M - the top mid-wheel drive performer outdoors in the Quickie powerchair range, with off-road capabilities and notably improved power and suspension compared to the Q500 M. Mid-wheel drive keeps the base manoeuvrable and allows it to turn on the spot, and it is therefore aimed at those who particularly need high-level performance outdoors, but wish to retain a good measure of manoeuvrability for indoor use.
A modernised version of the renowned Jive M base, the Q700 M features unique Spidertrac 2.0 suspension that offers improved durability over its predecessor, and means that the Q700 M has none of the limitations outdoors that more basic mid-wheel drive powerchairs can sometimes experience. Spidertrac 2.0 provides a stiffer, more responsive ride, as preferred by experienced powerchair users, with independent movement keeping all six wheels in contact with the ground to maximise traction. The Q700 M can smoothly climb up and down kerbs of up to 10 cm, and ascend gradients of up to 10°, whilst maintaining stability through the patented Quickie anti-pitch system.
Powerful 4-pole motors come as standard, and are available in speeds of up to 8 mph - though we would recommend 6.5 mph for the best torque. 60 Ah Gel batteries are standard, though 80 Ah Gel batteries are a common upgrade for a range of up to 25 miles. The optional Gyro-Tracking System automatically detects and corrects small deviations from your direction, giving you an easier drive - while this is more commonly used on rear or front wheel drive powerchairs that tend to go off-track on cambers, it remains useful on mid-wheel drive particularly if using special controls, or just wanting a more relaxing drive.
Seating
The Sedeo Ergo Biometric seating system is designed to uniquely adapt to your body like no other seat. A significant step above the Sedeo Pro system that the standard Q700 M comes with, it features significantly improved comfort and support for those with the highest levels of needs. The Q700 M Sedeo Ergo comes as standard with 175° powered recline that allows you to lie flat, and which has a unique patented anti-shear mechanism that ensures the backrest, headrest, and even head or chin controls stay in the same place relative to your body while reclining to avoid friction and provide continuous support. Similarly, the articulating and elevating centre-mount footrest maintains contact with your feet, which ensures that your posture and comfort remain constant. Options for both 50° powered tilt and a 30 cm seat lifter are available should further powered positioning options be desired.
If the powered lift module is ordered with the Sedeo Ergo, it comes with C-Me, allowing you to drive at 3 mph when fully elevated 12 inches or reclined 120° - so you can drive in a comfortable position, and at eye level with people around you. This steady walking pace is much faster than the crawl that most powerchairs are limited to when elevated and makes socialising in your wheelchair much easier. Unlike Quantum's similar iLevel feature, it also doesn't lock out the suspension, meaning you benefit from the full Spider-Trac 2 suspension when driving elevated.
The seating is fully adjustable as one would expect from a powerchair of this level, allowing it to be set exactly to your size, with infinite adjustment rather than stepped adjustment, making for a more precise fit. The Q700 M Sedeo Ergo uniquely comes with lateral side cushions to provide further support and comfort, and these can be swung out and lifted off for side transfer should it be required. Should further postural support be required, JAY J3 backrests can be fitted, while advanced pressure relief can be provided by JAY cushioning.
Rather than having to spend time fine-tuning yourself to a comfortable position each time you wish to change between them, the Sedeo Ergo can save six customisable seating positions. These can include Sitting with individually tailored tilt, recline, leg length and leg angle for maximum comfort, Lift to bring you to eye level with your environment, and allowing you to drive at up to 3 mph with C-Me while fully lifted, Legs over head to improve circulation, Pressure relief position with more recline, tilt and leg elevation to aid pressure relief, and Lie-down to allow you to relax, sleep or stretch.
While those are the most popular positions, each can be fully tailored to match your needs. The advanced programming has allowed Sunrise Medical to create "gateway positions" which mimic natural movements, for example maintaining your pelvic position within the seat whilst the backrest. This allows the chair to naturally support and hug you in every position, without the need for you to reposition yourself.
Controls
The powerful and expandable R-Net 120 Amp control system comes as standard, which allows you to control multiple powered positioning modules and includes a high resolution LCD screen. Infrared and Bluetooth connectivity can allow you to seamlessly connect to and control your environment - such as home entertainment systems, computers and smartphones. We would strongly recommend the addition of the seat function Ctrl+5 Switch Box, which allows you to move into one of the five programmable seat positions at the touch of a button.
The Link-It mounting system allows an endless combination of special controls such as additional switches, head and chin controls to be attached should you have more specialist control requirements, and the clean design doesn’t compromise the appearance of your powerchair.
Appearance
The Quickie Q700 M Sedeo Ergo is an impressive-looking powerchair, and while beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there are few who will argue with it being the best looking chair on the market. Style has been at the forefront of the design throughout the Q-series range, whether that be the minimalistic approach to hiding wiring and components, to the matt-black chassis, or even the Sedeo Ergo seat's sharply-tailored upholstery. This can be complemented by your choice of seven colour inlays (green, black, blue, orange, red, silver and white), allowing you to customise your Q700 M - and which can even be easily replaced should you wish to change your style.
Our Verdict
The Q700M Sedeo Ergo is the most sophisticated powerchair in the Quickie Q-series range. However, there are alternatives to consider, the first of which is Permobil's M5 Corpus. This offers a similar balance of great outdoor and indoor performance as well as all the same advanced seating functions plus the addition of anterior (forward) tilt to extend your reach.
Invacare's TDX2 Ultra also offers a similar level of seating performance, and is cheaper cheaper, although it lacks the C-Me feature and doesn't have the same level of suspension.
Finally, Magic Mobility's Magic 360 is a more capable off-road powerchair, although not with quite the same level of sophisticated seating.
