Seating
Each Sunrise Medical Zippie Simba Rigid Wheelchair is custom-built to your child's exact requirements, with a wide range of options that allow you to maximise comfort, safety and freedom. Whereas basic entry-level children's wheelchairs have limited capacity for adjustment after being built - or require additional parts to do so, the Simba uniquely features 2 cm of seat width growth and 4 cm of seat depth growth, without extra parts. Combined with other adjustments, such as to the legrest length and backrest height, this ensures that your Simba grows as your child does, and thus last several years.
The Simba's seat is fully configurable in a range of sizes to allow a perfect fit for your child, as well as outstanding comfort and support. Backrest options include the popular EXO Pro padded and breathable upholstery, sized down from the adult Quickie range, as well as the full selection of paediatric Jay posture-supporting backrests. Cushioning can range from the stylish and comfort-focused Jay Zip to more advanced pressure relieving options if required. Alternatively, if your child has an existing pressure cushion, this can be easily fitted to their new Simba.
Self-propelling
As a rigid wheelchair, the Simba is notably lighter and more energy efficient to propel than a folding model. Innovative technology such as the carbotecture carbon-fibre castor forks are extremely lightweight and stiff, giving the Simba the levels of efficiency usually only found on adult wheelchairs. The Simba can be geared towards your child's level of experience with the rear wheel camber and centre of gravity both fully configurable for the best drive performance, while the convincing Safari side guard wheel lock lets the Simba be stopped quickly and safely. Further to this, a selection of anti-tips keep your child stable even when interacting with their environment and playing with friends.
Pushing and Transport
The Simba is all about ergonomics, with a selection of push handles including the popular push bar (pictured on the green chair) - easily angle and height adjusted for a comfortable pushing position. While at first glance you may think the Simba is harder to transport than its folding equivalent, the Youngster 3, the quick release wheels easily pop off, and the double folding backrest option reduces it to a compact size and offers a handy lifting point - making it just as transportable (and even lighter) than a folding wheelchair. The Simba is also fully crash-tested, allowing it to be safely used for occupied transport when tied down in a suitably adapted vehicle.
Styling
Over 30 colour options allow your child to customise their Simba to match their style, with colours ranging from bright Pink to Kiwi, as well as having a large selection of spoke guards. Unique light up front castors are even available should you want to turn heads with the flashiest of wheelchairs.
Our Verdict
The Zippie Simba is a brilliant children's wheelchair - extremely light, easy for your child to use, and able to be adjusted as both they and their confidence grow. While rigid wheelchairs are perhaps less common for paediatric users, they are notably lighter and easier to propel (both for you and your child) than folding models, and still compact for car travel - you really need to try it to see the benefits. The closest rival is the Little Wave Clik by Ki Mobility - which has some different options, but lacks the Safari side guard. We feel the Simba is a top lightweight wheelchair out there for kids, and is well worth seeing alongside the Little Wave.
