Power Base
Featuring the same power base as the standard Q700 R, this offers the best outdoor performance of the Q-series power bases - rear-wheel drive typically provides the best traction and kerb-climbing ability, and this is enhanced by the Q700 R's impressive suspension. If your powered wheelchair is to be used mainly outdoors, and you wish to tackle rougher ground rather than just sticking to paved areas, the Q700 R Sedeo Ergo is the best option. Rear-wheel drive is also the most intuitive to drive, so is a good pick for beginners. However, it doesn't have the level of manoeuvrability that mid or front-wheel drive offers indoors - while the chassis is relatively compact, we would not recommend this if you have to deal with restricted spaces inside, or will be using your wheelchair extensively to get around your house.
The advanced Full Track Suspension has been upgraded to 4 wheel SpiderTrac with independent suspension on each wheel and a new articulating castor arm that helps to absorb jolts. The Spirit Level Technology sees the drive wheels connected by a pivot bar that helps to keep both wheels in contact with the ground at all times, absorbing the pull when driving across slopes or around corners. This results in a softer, cushioned ride, ideal for those who struggle to deal with bumps.
The optional kerb climber allows you to overcome obstacles up to 10 cm, and is a common choice with the Q700 R. Large 60 Ah batteries come as standard, but can be upgraded to high capacity 80 Ah ones for an extremely impressive 25 mile range. High torque 4-pole motors are the norm on the Q700 R, and can be supplied in speeds of up to 8 mph, although our recommendation is no more than 6.5 mph to ensure the best torque and battery life. The Gyro-Tracking System is recommended for those requiring special controls, as it automatically corrects any deviations from your course, such as when you are driving across a camber. Even if using a regular joystick, the Gyro is worth considering as it gives you a much easier drive, with less effort required to maintain your direction.
Seating
The Sedeo Ergo Biometric seating system is designed to uniquely adapt to your body like no other seat. A significantly step above the Sedeo Pro system that the standard Q700 R comes with, it features markedly improved comfort and support for those with the highest levels of seating requirements. The Q700 R 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.
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 R 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 Q-series range has been designed with a sleek, modern appearance, and this minimalistic ethos can be seen across the Q700 R Sedeo Ergo - wiring and components are hidden, the chassis is matt black, and the cushioning features sharply-tailored upholstery. You can customise your Q700 R further with your choice of seven striking coloured inlays (green, black, blue, orange, red, silver and white) - which can be easily replaced should you wish to change your style.
Our Verdict
The flagship rear-wheel drive model in the Quickie Q-series range, the Quickie Q700 R Sedeo Ergo offers the best outdoor performance and an outstandingly comfortable and supportive seating system. While it is significantly more expensive than the standard Q700 R, the seating is a massive step up, and highly recommended for those who will the entire day in their wheelchair or who have more clinical seating needs. It has to be tried to be truly appreciated, and we can arrange a home demonstration for you to find out just what the Sedeo Ergo seat can do for you.
There is no other rear-wheel drive chair that offers the same level of seating - for other models to consider, you would need to look at either the front or mid-wheel drive versions of the Q700 Sedeo Ergo, Permobil's M5 Corpus and F5 Corpus, and Invacare's mid-wheel drive TDX2 Ultra, which offers a similar level of seating performance at a lower cost, but lacks the C-Me feature.
