[Complete Guide] An in-depth look at the advantages and disadvantages of WHILL’s electric wheelchairs!

I also ride an electric wheelchair, and was wondering which electric wheelchair to choose when purchasing a new wheelchair in the future, the “Mr. YAMAHA series” or the “Mr. WHILL series”. So I thought I would summarize my experience with the “WHILL” power wheelchair.

My impression of WHILL Model F

Here is a summary of what I found good and what I would like to see improved when I rode WHILL Model F.

Good points

Because the front wheels are larger than those of conventional electric wheelchairs, it is so comfortable that it is not uncomfortable even when swinging over bumps such as Braille blocks

It looks mature and cool. You can match it with any outfit.

Can climb over steps

Can get over steps of up to about 5 cm.

The electric wheelchair can be folded

The latest version of WHILL Model F can fold up the electric wheelchair so that it does not get in the way of placing it in a narrow space.

It is convenient to be able to fold it up when walking by yourself through a restaurant or narrow aisles.

You can remove the battery by yourself

It is surprisingly light and can be easily removed with the push of a button.

I have a hand disability, so I find it most difficult to remove the wheelchair battery from an electric wheelchair like YAMAHA’s, so I appreciate the easy removal of the wheelchair battery.

Portable battery charger

The battery charger is compact and similar in shape to a computer charger, so it is convenient for carrying around without having to prepare a spare battery, and can be charged by borrowing an outlet.

It would be nice to be able to borrow a power outlet when traveling, going to Disney, or traveling for long periods of time.

Price is lower than other electric wheelchairs

The WHILL Model F is half the price of a regular electric wheelchair. ‼️

It is nice that the price is about 300,000 yen cheaper than other electric wheelchairs, because most other electric wheelchairs cost about 500,000 yen at the cheapest or even more if you order a custom-made electric wheelchair.

However, the WHILL Model C2, with its high-performance features, is expensive.

The brakes are on from the original.

My current electric wheelchair shakes a little unless I apply the brake every time, but this latest model of electric wheelchair has the brake from the beginning even when the power is turned on or off.

Knowing the good points makes me want to try and buy one myself.

Points to be improved

There were some good points, but there were also some points that we would like to see improved, so we will introduce them from a wheelchair user’s point of view.

Photo from the side

It’s very simple.

Switching from electric to manual mode is difficult

When there is a step that cannot be overcome or when the battery in the wheelchair is about to run out, it is sometimes necessary to change from electric to manual mode, but it is difficult to do by oneself because there are two switching modes at the bottom of the wheelchair.

Just recently, there was a news story about a wheelchair user who got stuck at a railroad crossing, and it is a problem if you cannot switch from electric to manual mode by yourself.

Electric wheelchairs are heavy

It is too heavy to get over a step with the wheelchair folded by myself.
I want the switching mode to be changed to a position that I can reach.

Arm coverings in few colors

Arm covers have only 5 color variations.

No glitter or patterned patterns.

I still feel that some parts of the program are for older people.

Height cannot be changed

If you were short, you couldn’t reach the footstool, and that platform was just placed there, so you had to hold it down with your foot, and the sound of it flapping was loud.

I would like to be able to change the height.

No luggage storage in front of it

I would like to see an optional folding added to the front where I can put my luggage.
Many people put it in the back, but I can’t take it off myself and my luggage could be stolen.

I really think we need to expand the optional features because some people are really concerned.

Other questions

I forgot to ask, but don’t wheelchair tires and such get flat tires?

Summary

I talked about what I felt good about WHILL Model F when I rode it and what I would like to see improved from the viewpoint of a wheelchair user.

Good points	What would you like to see improved?
Can get over bumps	Difficult to switch from electric to manual mode
The electric wheelchair can be folded	The electric wheelchair is heavy
I can remove the battery by myself	Arm covers are not available in many colors
Easy to carry and convenient charger	Cannot change the height
Price is cheaper than other power wheelchairs	No luggage storage in front
The brakes are on from the start

I would be happy if it reaches wheelchair riders and those who are considering purchasing a power wheelchair, their families, dealers, and production companies.

Past WHILL Model articles

Since “WHILL Model F” and “WHILL Model C2” have become mainstream, we introduced their “features” and “types of arm cover colors.

I introduced “mileage” and “battery charge time.”

The differences between WHILL’s electric wheelchairs “WHILL Model F” and “WHILL Model C2” were introduced.

Past International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (H-C-R) articles

How did you learn about the International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (H-C-R)?

What does it mean to attend an event? (H-C-R)

How to get to the International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (from Kokusai Tenjijo Station)

How to get to the International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (from Tokyo Big Sight Station)

Tokyo Big Sight Recommended Restaurants

H.C.R. Products About YAMAHA’s electric wheelchairs

H.C.R. Products Yamaha Electric Wheelchair About Color Caps and Spoke Covers