Powered Wheelchairs Occupant Controlled Electrically Powered Indoor/outdoor Chairs (E.P.I.O.C.)s

The client must:

• Be in receipt of an indoor powered wheelchair (EPIC), provided by the wheelchair service, or satisfy the conditions for supply of an indoor powered wheelchair, i.e:
  • Be unable to walk effectively in their own home and/or
  • be unable to self propel a manual wheelchair effectively indoors and outdoors.
• Have potential to benefit functionally from, and have long term regular need of, an indoor/outdoor powered wheelchair.
• Be medically fit to control a powered wheelchair indoors and outdoors:
  • Free from conditions causing loss of consciousness or epileptic seizures in waking hours for the last twelve months (subject to medical review).
  • Free from any combination of medical conditions and/or treatments likely to make independent control of a powered wheelchair unsafe.
• Have a visual acuity which is functional and have a field of vision of 120deg in a horizontal plane and 20deg above and below this plane. All clients referred will be assessed individually including their ability to compensate for any visual impairment.
• Have no problem with visual, auditory, cognitive, visuo-spatial or higher cortical function which would make them a danger to themselves, pedestrians or other road users.
• Have completed training as required and have demonstrated in a driving assessment and by other means, that they have the insight, intellectual capacity and dexterity to operate a powered wheelchair safely and responsibly on their own without assistance.
• Not exceed the weight limits stated in the manufacturers' specification (i.e. total weight - seating plus user).
• Have a home environment which includes:
  • Adequate space for storage of the wheelchair with power supply for a battery charger (including ventilation as specified by the manufacturer).
  • Adequate space for movement of the wheelchair within the home.
  • Safe and easy access for the power chair to be driven out of doors.
• Or
  • Have a home environment which is suitable for adaptation as agreed by the user, property owner and relevant authorities.
• Be able to complete the basic wheelchair maintenance tasks (such as recharging the battery) or have a carer who is able to do so.
• Have a local outside environment which is accessible to a powered wheelchair and compatible with its use.
• Agree to comply with E.P.I.O.C service conditions of loan and take every step possible to take out insurance to cover third party liability, theft and damage.
• Agree to regular review by the E.P.I.O.C service. If at any review the client fails to meet any of these criteria, the wheelchair may be withdrawn.