27 replies to this topic

[Kev-O]

I am looking into getting one of these but dont want to wast the $500 if it does not work. If you have tried it please let me know what you thought of it! http://gofreewheel.blogspot.com/

Edited by Kev-O, 12 February 2010 - 02:41 AM.

[pistol_pete]

Mind if I sit in on this one Kev-O, I'm considering getting one myself. I know there are a few people here who have them and the reports generally seem pretty good.
Do a search and you'll find quite a few discussions about it.
Try this one.
http://www.apparelyz...heel attachment

Edited by pistol_pete, 12 February 2010 - 03:08 AM.

[Kev-O]

Thanks pete that's just the info i needed. But if anyone else wants to add anything please feel free to.

[Stickman]

I think i'll be saving up for one of these too, looks awesome.

[ClaraTaylor]

Greybeard had one for a while. I know this because I now have it (unfortunately I'm waiting for my new foot plate to arrive as my current one grounds out too much so haven't had much of a chance to try it out.)

[greybeard]

.................and GB loved it.

I sold it on simply because shoulder injuries stopped me pushing a wheelchair outside the house. I use a mobility scooter outdoors now.

Just make sure that before you order one, you speak to Pat to confirm that your footrest design is compatible with the clamping mechanism - for example, it will not work with a folding chair's foot plates.

Edited by greybeard, 12 February 2010 - 08:05 AM.

[wheelywendy]

hi i have one and i love it, i use it a lot at dog agility shows to get around between runs, which can sometimes be on farmers fields, previously i had to be pushed when it got too much, now i do it all myself (i use manual chair between runs to save battery on electric chair for the runs as i run 3 dogs sometimes each dog in 3 or 4 classes )
i've also used my freewheel on holiday along a very sloping prom that previously i struggled with, it was great, i could walk my assistance dog myself whilst my carer prepared breakfast and got her own shower.
i've also used it at a weeks dog agility camp, which was very wet, without the freewheel i'd have had to give up and come home but the freewheel gave me independence and the ability to get across the rougher grass on the camp site, would have struggled to even get to the nearby toilets in my manual chair without it.
i know at the time i ordered mine there were 4 others on this site that imported them at the same time (we did a batch order to save on shipping) but dont remember any names,
there has been a few postings from users of freewheel on this site, i searched but couldnt find them, i think maybe the postings were under other headings and freewheels got meantioned throughout the postings, i think the only one i've heard that didnt get on with it, (but really liked it) was greybeard whos posted on this posting already
speak to pat, hes on this forum and is really helpful and his support and aftercare is second to none.
hope this helps

Edited by wheelywendy, 12 February 2010 - 12:16 PM.

[fatcrx]

it looks like it wud be a good job but $500 is ridiculous, i cud hav one made for less than $200

[greybeard]

fatcrx, on Feb 12 2010, 05:24 PM, said:

it looks like it wud be a good job but $500 is ridiculous, i cud hav one made for less than $200

Feel free. I'd love to see the result so please post some pics when it's finished.

[fatcrx]

greybeard, on Feb 12 2010, 05:44 PM, said:

fatcrx, on Feb 12 2010, 05:24 PM, said:

it looks like it wud be a good job but $500 is ridiculous, i cud hav one made for less than $200

Feel free. I'd love to see the result so please post some pics when it's finished.

if i ever want one i will, any decent metalworking engineer cud knock that up cheaper, i have one i know knockin me up a custom weight bench at the minute and thats bit more complicated.

[Rockupandroll]

Hi Kev-O

I've not tried one of these but I have tried something called the Freedom Wheel http://www.spokesnmo...product_id=1049. This was good the first few times that I tried to use it but then it started to get a bit annoying taking it on and off all the time. I also didn't find this wheel that sturdy and after a while it started to damage my frame. If the one you are looking at is easier to put on and you feel sturdy then go for it. If it works it will make a huge difference. There is a photo of me using mine on my blog, it's the third picture on a rolling slideshow that you can see by clicking here http://www.rockupand...s-ive-got-up-to.

I've decided to save up and bite the bullet and order one of these <a href="http://www.epc-wheelchairs.co.uk/products/574/invacare-top-end-crossfire-all-terrain-wheelchair---15--online-discount---from-andpound-1360-00.htm" target="_blank">http://www.epc-wheelchairs.co.uk/products/...und-1360-00.htm</a>. I've tried one out and its superb.

Good luck and I'd be keen to hear how you get on

Rockupandroll

[mellowgator]

pistol_pete, on 12 February 2010 - 03:02 AM, said:

Mind if I sit in on this one Kev-O, I'm considering getting one myself. I know there are a few people here who have them and the reports generally seem pretty good.
Do a search and you'll find quite a few discussions about it.
Try this one.
http://www.apparelyz...heel attachment

hi pistol pete,

i want to ask you about your freewheel. i can't go fast while walking my dog due to the vibrations of my casters. i looked at the freewheel site and didn't see where it helps with this situation. they only said it was good for rough terrain. would it suit my purpose of running with my dog? i would hate to get it to see that it vibrates as well.

thanks,

mellowgator

[AussieBrad]

I pick my freewheel from the post office in the morning...can't wait
I have heard great thing's about it and if it gives me the ability to go walking with my wife and puppy
w/out having to worry about the smallest crack or pothole in the sidewalk then I would pay anything..
I don't think people should worry about what things cost because if it gives you back even a little
then it's worth every cent.

[AussieBrad]

mellowgator, on 04 July 2010 - 04:22 AM, said:

pistol_pete, on 12 February 2010 - 03:02 AM, said:

Mind if I sit in on this one Kev-O, I'm considering getting one myself. I know there are a few people here who have them and the reports generally seem pretty good.
Do a search and you'll find quite a few discussions about it.
Try this one.
http://www.apparelyz...heel attachment

hi pistol pete,

i want to ask you about your freewheel. i can't go fast while walking my dog due to the vibrations of my casters. i looked at the freewheel site and didn't see where it helps with this situation. they only said it was good for rough terrain. would it suit my purpose of running with my dog? i would hate to get it to see that it vibrates as well.

thanks,

mellowgator

mellowgator,

if you check out the web site there are some video's posted.
one show's a girl being towed by her dog on a dirt road..she was getting along at quite a pace.
as i said i am picking mine up tomorrow so let you know how it goes.

aussiebrad

[rue2you]

I got on today to post a new topic about my FreeWheel I just got and this topic was up already!! I just got mine in the mail yesterday and I could not wait to try it out.
Here is my review:

1. Remember I have 6 kids so this was a BIG expense for me and I wanted to be sure it would be beneficial and worth the money I was putting out for it. I wrote Pat (the inventor) several times with different questions about it. He answered me every single time almost within the hour! I was very impressed with the customer service.

2. My aggravations are trying to get across my very gopher infested, bumpy and rutted back yard. It doesn't look that way until you try to roll across it. It is horrible and I would have to pop a wheelie, go a tiny bit, pop another wheelie and on and on. It would take forever just to go about 15 feet and I would be worn out. My other trouble spot in the end of my ramp/sidewalk. The guys who poured it were helpful but not professional concrete guys and the end just kind of stops and roughly curves down to meet the ground. I can go down it front ways but I have to lean WAY back and pray a gravel isn't in the way. Mostly, I have to turn around backwards and go of it that way, or I have to go in the street to avoid it.

3. I LOVE THIS THING!!! I went across my back yard with my hands up flying like an airplane and it just rolled and rolled and rolled! It is wonderful! I am already going to recommend it to every wheelchair used I know. I'm telling you, it is great. The end of my ramp is not big deal at all. I cannot imagine anyone not liking this thing. It is great - well worth the money! I will get pictures and video of it whenever I get another camera. Mine just died!

Out of the mouth of babes - here's what Macey had to say about it:
My 3 year old saw it on my chair and started laughing her head off (belly chuckling). I said "What are you laughing about?" She said "WHAT is that thing on your wheelchair! I love it!! It should be green!!"

So there you have it! BUY ONE!!

[Tetracyclone]

Tell Pat it should be green. Any low production item like this will cost more than it would if they could set up to sell thousands of them. Just the way it is.

[ClaraTaylor]

I used mine all weekend in a field with a delightful mix of tractor ruts, over grown meadow, lumps bumps and an absurdly steep hill (my shoulders now have more muscle than Pop-Eye)....


It was brilliant, so light and easy to steer - and quick! I could really high speed it though the rough terrain. We tried to see what my chair would have been like without the free-wheel as a comparision. I lasted less than two yards before I'd gotten stuck and another yard before I'd fallen flat on my face (graceful!)

Only disadvantage with it.. the amount of people in chairs / scooters asking what it was and how it worked!

[pistol_pete]

mellowgator, on 04 July 2010 - 04:22 AM, said:

pistol_pete, on 12 February 2010 - 03:02 AM, said:

Mind if I sit in on this one Kev-O, I'm considering getting one myself. I know there are a few people here who have them and the reports generally seem pretty good.
Do a search and you'll find quite a few discussions about it.
Try this one.
http://www.apparelyz...heel attachment

hi pistol pete,

i want to ask you about your freewheel. i can't go fast while walking my dog due to the vibrations of my casters. i looked at the freewheel site and didn't see where it helps with this situation. they only said it was good for rough terrain. would it suit my purpose of running with my dog? i would hate to get it to see that it vibrates as well.

thanks,

mellowgator

Mellowgator
I don't think you'll have any problems.
The whole concept of the freewheel is that it lifts the casters off the ground.
I don't think you will regret the expense.

I have only one gripe and that is mine came a bit off centre so it pulls to the right when I'm on smooth ground.
which can be annoying, but that's just mine.
hitch your dog up in a harness and 'mush mush', you'll be breaking the land speed record.
enjoy

[rue2you]

Pete, mine came with directions on how to adjust that so it would steer straight. Did yours? If not, I will copy mine and email them to you if you want. Just let me know!

[pistol_pete]

rue2you, on 05 July 2010 - 01:01 PM, said:

Pete, mine came with directions on how to adjust that so it would steer straight. Did yours? If not, I will copy mine and email them to you if you want. Just let me know!

Thanks Rue, but from looking at it, it's actually the way it's been welded wonky. nothing short of an oxy set and a qualified aluminium welder will fix it.
It wasn't major enough to warrant sending back, so I just deal with it. I use my right arm a lot when going along cement and footpaths etc, on rough ground it's not noticeable.

[Patd]

Hi All,

Pistol, Your FreeWheel is adjustable to make it roll straight. When mine gets out of wack, I know it's a pain to compensate with one arm. So, adjusting it back to straight is worthwhile. If you need directions let me know. Soon, I'll add the directions on my web site; www.gofreewheel.com.

Here's a video of the Qman in New Zealand.



Cheers,

Pat

Edited by Patd, 05 July 2010 - 06:35 PM.

[AussieBrad]

I got my freewheel today and all i can say is "Brilliant"..
best money I have ever spent..Thanks Pat

[rue2you]

Went to a rugged campground with the family yesterday. Zoomed across the gravel roads, over the grassy fields and down the paths. I love this thing!!! I woke up this morning and my shoulders are barely sore. Last week (pre-FreeWheel), we took our little boy to a park for his birthday and there was a lot of mulch and stuff. The next day I could barely raise my shoulers I was so sore from popping wheelies and trying to get across. As much as we went around yesterday (3 times as much as the park), I am just amazed at how well I feel!! THANK YOU PAT!!!!

[Tetracyclone]

People, I am bummed. My freewheel arrived in the mail and it cannot be used with my chair. My footplate is in front of the tubing so I can flip it up to stand often (for dishes, reaching things) and the device will not work with this unusual design. My salesman had the tilite people get creative for my needs, but...

Pat called me within an hour to discuss it. I had e-mailed him a photo and he agreed- just won't work.

[rue2you]

How hard is it to put on the other way (the plate)? I mean, does it unscrew and the footplate tubing could just go back in the other way - for long days outside? I probably have no idea what I am talking about - I just put my footplate on backwards the other day trying to adjust mine and that was what I was picturing when I read your story.
I have a friend with spina bifida and her knees won't bend so her legs stick out straight all the time so a FreeWheel wouldn't work for her either. Sorry.

[pistol_pete]

Patd, on 05 July 2010 - 05:52 PM, said:

Hi All,

Pistol, Your FreeWheel is adjustable to make it roll straight. When mine gets out of wack, I know it's a pain to compensate with one arm. So, adjusting it back to straight is worthwhile. If you need directions let me know. Soon, I'll add the directions on my web site; www.gofreewheel.com.

Here's a video of the Qman in New Zealand.



Cheers,

Pat

Oh...Ok, perhaps I'm mistaken. That's good.
I'll have a look at the literature that came with and see if I can't fix 'er up.

When it wasn't going straight I noticed that the bit that attaches to the footplate wasn't square on to the wheel arch thingo, so I assumed that was the problem. If I can adjust to counteract it, that would be great.
Will keep you posted.

[graphic]

Can't praise it enough. Great over grass, fields (within reason of course), smooths cobbles out nicely (I hate the trend for cobbled streets), gravel - just about any surface. Also ok on hard or wet sand but still difficult because you'll probably find your back wheels drive themselves into the sand. Having said that, the FreeWheel makes beaches easier. I tend not to use it in busy areas because it projects quite a way in front and obviously takes more room to turn. The latest model comes with a hook for hanging the wheel from the back of a chair so that might make things easier.

fatcrx, on 13 February 2010 - 12:27 PM, said:

greybeard, on Feb 12 2010, 05:44 PM, said:

fatcrx, on Feb 12 2010, 05:24 PM, said:

it looks like it wud be a good job but $500 is ridiculous, i cud hav one made for less than $200

Feel free. I'd love to see the result so please post some pics when it's finished.

if i ever want one i will, any decent metalworking engineer cud knock that up cheaper, i have one i know knockin me up a custom weight bench at the minute and thats bit more complicated.

It might be easy enough for a competent metalworker to copy a design like the FreeWheel but remember, Pat had to design the concept, make prototypes and ensure it worked well before it went into production. All these costs have to be included in the final sale price as well as a profit margin. He'll also have to pay for an insurance policy, not something your average local metalworker will have. Pat's running a business, it's not a matter of 'knocking' one up. In the same vein, I daresay you could have a wheelchair 'knocked up' - but I bet you don't. You pay your money and take your choice.

[Tetracyclone]

The freewheel was years in the design process, and when you use it you realize how inspired the flip around design idea on the wheel is that raises the castors off the ground. Price here is a matter of intellectual property, and these guys deserve to make a living from what they worked up. Probably in 10 years it will be lots cheaper, if there is a big enough market. Meanwhile applause comes in the form of paying without grumbling.