Description
Optimum Reclining Power Wheelchair with 180° Rotating Seat – Transfer & Rehabilitation Chair
The Optimum is a reclining power wheelchair built around one purpose most chairs ignore: making transfers easier. Its 180° rotating seat turns to face you, the backrest reclines to lie almost flat, and the leg rest extends — so getting in and out of bed, a chair or a vehicle becomes far simpler for both the user and the carer. If you have been searching for a transfer wheelchair, a fully reclining or lay-flat electric wheelchair, or a rehabilitation chair in NZ, the Optimum is designed for exactly these needs.
Built from aeronautical-grade aluminium with dual 250W brushless motors and selectable front- or rear-wheel drive, it combines genuine comfort and capability with thoughtful, carer-friendly design.
See the Optimum in Action
Who the Optimum Can Help
The Optimum’s rotating, reclining design may assist:
- People recovering from a stroke affecting the lower limbs, hip replacement, fractured neck of femur, or abdominal surgery
- Carers who find lifting, hoists and transfer-board slides difficult or exhausting
- Users who want to regain independence by getting out of bed and moving freely
- People with more complex needs who find transferring difficult
- Anyone who prefers an alternative to hoists and transfer boards
The Optimum is a mobility aid, not a medical treatment. We recommend confirming suitability with your occupational therapist or clinician before purchase, particularly for post-surgery or complex-needs use.
Why Choose the Optimum
- 180° rotating seat – manually spins to face you for easy, low-strain transfers
- Reclining backrest & extending leg rest – reclines to lie almost flat for rest, comfort and pressure relief
- Adjustable headrest, armrests and footrest – tailored support for different heights and longer legs
- Front or rear-wheel drive – selectable for different surfaces, roads and gaps
- Splits into three parts – for loading into a car boot
- Airline-safe – detachable lithium-ion batteries for travel
Designed for Comfort & Pressure Care
The high-density cushion is contoured with a luxurious leather-look finish and is designed to keep the user comfortable while helping to reduce the risk of pressure sores during longer periods of sitting. The fully adjustable headrest and reclining backrest let the user find a supported, restful position, while flip-up armrests create room for transfers and access to tables and basins.
Easy Transfers & Carer-Friendly Design
The standout feature is the manually rotating 180° seat: instead of awkwardly twisting to move from bed to chair, the seat turns to meet the user. Combined with the reclining back and extending leg rest, this makes the Optimum a practical solution for users and carers who are tired of straining with hoists and slide boards.
Folding & Transport
The Optimum can be folded using the intelligent controller, and the body separates into three parts for boot loading. At 55kg it is a substantial rehabilitation chair rather than a lightweight travel model, so for vehicle loading we strongly recommend pairing it with a portable boot hoist.
Key Features
- 180° manually rotating seat for easy transfers
- Reclining backrest that lies almost flat
- Extending leg rest and adjustable footrest (180° foot rotation)
- Fully adjustable headrest
- Flip-up, adjustable armrests
- Front or rear-wheel drive selectable
- Aeronautical-grade aluminium frame
- Splits into three parts for boot loading
- Detachable airline-safe lithium-ion batteries
- Remote control included
- LED front lights
- Castor safety locks for added stability
- Maintenance-free design
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 100 kg
- Total weight: 55 kg
- Seat width: 49 cm
- Seat depth: 47 cm
- Armrest to armrest: 450 mm
- Seat-to-floor height (without cushion): 440 mm
- Total height (excl. headrest): 1000 mm
- Total length: 1150 mm
- Total width: 580 mm
- Packing size: 115 × 58 × 58 cm
- Seat rotation: 180°
- Battery: 15.6Ah lithium-ion (detachable)
- Drive range: 20 km
- Max speed: 6 km/h
- Climbing ability: 15°
- Ground clearance: 60 mm
- Max obstacle height: 80 mm
- Max turning radius: ≤0.74 m
- Front caster: 8″ PU solid / drive wheel: 12″ PU solid
- Drive: front or rear-wheel selectable
- Motors: 2 × 250W brushless
Funding in New Zealand
Rehabilitation, reclining and transfer wheelchairs may be funded for some users through ACC or Ministry of Health equipment funding (administered by Enable New Zealand or Accessable). We can provide a detailed quote or invoice for you to submit to your funder. Please note we are not a registered supplier with these bodies — approval, eligibility and payment are determined by your funder, not by us. Contact our team for a quote you can put forward for funding.
Important Safety Notice – Battery Installation & Storage
Ensure the battery is inserted correctly into the wheelchair. Do not install the battery upside down or in the wrong orientation, as this can cause serious damage, including risk of fire. Do not leave the battery inside the wheelchair if the wheelchair is left in a vehicle.
Support & Warranty
The Optimum ships New Zealand-wide and is covered by a 12-month manufacturer warranty. Support is provided remotely by phone and email — we do not have a physical outlet or on-site service in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the rotating seat help with transfers?
The seat manually rotates up to 180° to face outward, so the user can move between the chair and a bed, seat or vehicle without awkward twisting. This reduces strain for both the user and the carer.
Does the backrest fully recline?
Yes. The backrest reclines to lie almost flat and the leg rest extends, allowing the user to rest in a near-horizontal position for comfort and pressure relief.
Is it suitable after surgery or a stroke?
It may assist during recovery, but the Optimum is a mobility aid, not a medical device or treatment. Please confirm suitability with your occupational therapist or clinician before purchase.
How heavy is it and can it be transported?
It weighs 55kg and splits into three parts for boot loading. Because of the weight, we recommend a portable boot hoist for vehicle loading.
Can I take it on a plane?
The Optimum uses detachable airline-safe lithium-ion batteries. Always confirm your airline’s battery requirements before flying.
How It Compares
The Optimum is built for transfers, rest and rehabilitation rather than lightweight travel. If you mainly need a light chair to fold into the car, see the Air Hawk or the reclining-backrest Falcon. For a wider seat, see our bariatric electric wheelchair. Choose the Optimum when easy transfers, a rotating seat and a full recline matter most.
Order Your Optimum Today
The Optimum is one of the few rotating-seat reclining power wheelchairs for sale in New Zealand. Add it to your cart above for delivery anywhere in NZ, or contact our team for a funding quote or advice on whether it suits the user’s needs.
Explore More Options
- Portable Boot Hoist – strongly recommended for loading this 55kg chair
- Falcon Reclining Folding Wheelchair – lighter chair with adjustable backrest
- Electric Wheelchairs New Zealand
- Contact our team














































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