When it comes to your patients, you want what’s best. As clinicians, you may be wondering about how the iBOT® can help your patients: what the device does, where you can try one, and how it could change a life. Continue reading below for an introduction to our team of experienced clinicians, as well as information on the most commonly asked questions.
Rob Tacker
MS, OTR/L, ATP
Rob has over 22+ years of experience in the field of Assistive Technology. His clinical expertise includes seating & wheeled mobility, alternative positioning, alternative controls for power mobility, computer access, augmentative/alternative communication, and environmental modification. He joined the staff of ATECH Services in 1999 (an organization specializing in assistive technology evaluations of home, work, community, and education settings), and then came to Mobius Mobility in 2019. Rob has a BS in Health Planning and Administration from the Pennsylvania State University, an MS in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Carolina and is certified as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP).
Dawn Hameline
OTR/L, ATP
Dawn has worked for Mobius Mobility since 2018. She is currently the Clinical Education Manager here at Mobius Mobility. In this role she provides education and support to medical professionals across the country and internationally as well as direct training and evaluation support for new iBOT users. Dawn has over 30+ years of clinical practice experience as an Occupational Therapist and over 7 years as Assistive Technology Professional. She has worked both within the VA system and the private sector specializing in the areas of spinal cord injury/disease and rehabilitation. She applies her knowledge of seating and mobility by volunteering at local and national adaptive sporting events.
Andrew Clifford
OTR, ATP
Andrew graduated from The Ohio State University in 2015 with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. He has been certified as an Assistive Technology Professional since 2016 and has worked with complex rehab technology (CRT) since he graduated. Andrew’s experience with CRT includes a wide range of equipment, from pediatrics to geriatrics, and everything in between. He enjoys problem solving and the collaborative aspect of working with individuals to achieve the best possible outcomes. His goal is to help optimize independence for all wheelchair users and is incredibly excited to be a part of the Mobius Mobility team!
Frequently Asked Questions for Clinicians
The iBOT® can be a life changing device for those who need it. Members of the iBOT® community include but are not limited to people with:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lower extremity amputations
- Congenital deformities
- Neurological conditions
- Other mobility challenges
For the iBOT®, patients don’t get ruled out by specific diagnosis, but rather by symptom or situation. As we know, everyone is different and unique. What matters most are an individual’s goals, and that their needs are met.
Some justifications for the iBOT® may be:
- Terrain Following feature maintains seated posture up/down slopes.
- Promotes independent mobility over ramps, slopes greater than 6 degrees up to 12 degrees, curbs, or uneven terrain.
- Increases access to vertical environment.
- Being at eye level has been associated with improving comfort during conversation. A standard seated position significantly limits line of sight and requires excess neck extension to look up to talk with someone who is standing. This contributes to neck and upper-back pain.
- An elevated seat position may allow a person in a wheelchair to hear and engage in conversations within a noisy environment, as well as to see and navigate more safely through a crowd of people.
- Stair climbing may allow access independently or assisted into homes of friends/family for social interaction, access to community buildings that are not accessible in standard mobility devices
We are dedicated to making sure the iBOT® is a good fit for your client. If any of the following statements are true for your patient, the iBOT® may not be right for them, and further conversation may be necessary.
- Weight is outside of the 50 pounds to 300 pounds range.
- Risk of fracture while driving over rough terrain or while experiencing jarring forces related to iBOT® PMD transitions.
- Risk of seizure or loss of consciousness.
- Complete vision loss or significant visual impairment impacting spatial awareness.
- Requires a mechanical ventilator.
- Impaired memory or judgement.
- Requires tilt/recline more than 20 degrees.
If you have questions, please reach out to us at Mobius Mobility. We are here to guide the equipment selection. We understand that the equipment must fit the person – not the other way around.
In the past, the iBOT® has been known only as the stair-climbing wheelchair. It’s true that users can climb stairs on their own or with the help of an assistant – but the device can do so much more!
Below are a few of its features:
- 6 available modes all in 1 device – Standard, 4-Wheel, Balance, Stair, Remote, and Docking*.
- Navigate varied terrain – sand, snow, grass, gravel, uneven surfaces – then drive inside; one device to meet all needs.
- Leave the dirt outside – the closed design allows for hosing off the base of dirt and grime.
- Ability to climb 5” obstacles, such as curbs, and traverse slopes up to 12 degrees in 4-Wheel Mode.
- In 4-Wheel and Balance Modes, the iBOT® maintains its seat angle automatically, which is called Terrain Following.
- Tire rotation technique to allow for continued driving until a flat tire is repaired.
- Transportability – in Remote Mode, the iBOT® can fold and climb a 20-degree slope to be loaded in a vehicle using portable ramps. No modified vehicle required.
- Ability for a user solely, or with help of an assistant, to climb stairs.
- Lithium-ion battery technology – these lightweight batteries are more efficient and offer longer battery life.
- Ability to use the iBOT® as a seat in a Motor Vehicle with EZ Lock Docking or 4-Point Tie Down*.
- Powerbase weight of ~175 lbs.
- Allowing more activities of daily living to be performed independently! 1
*When all seating components meet occupied seating requirements
(1) Arthanat, S., Desmarais, J. M., & Eikelberg, P. (2011). Consumer Perspectives on the usability and value of the iBOT®wheelchair: Findings from a case series. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology , 7(2), 153–167.
Please email info@mobiusmobility.com or give us a call at 833-346-4268; we would be happy to help.
- Similar for your process for any other mobility device: Obtain a physician order and complete a clinical seating evaluation. Mobius Mobility ATPs will remote in to clinical evaluation, to assist with completing the order form.
- We work individually with each client to identify the training location that best suits their circumstances.
The client will work with Mobius Mobility to identify dates that work for everyone. They will travel to Manchester, New Hampshire or a certified iBOT® Training Center for the 2-3 day comprehensive training. Training will include fitting of the device per the clinician order form with our in-house ATPs.
As needed, at some facilities and for some learning styles, training may be split up into multiple sessions across multiple days.
No, but we can assist with reservations and getting the best rates. We understand that travel costs may be a barrier for some clients and will be expanding our geographic reach in the future. In the meantime, if travel would be an undue hardship for a particular client, please call us so we can discuss.
If one of our iBOT® Certified Training Centers is more convenient we can connect you with their team:
- Casa Colina in Pomona, California
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Wheelchair Seating & Mobility Clinic
- Actual device build time is 4-6 weeks from receipt of completed paperwork.
- Do your best to send in a FULLY completed wheelchair seating evaluation, signed physician order, and signed assessment form.
The iBOT® PMD offers the Motion Concepts Ultra Low Maxx Rehab Seating line. This includes a variety of backs and sizes, leg rests/footrests, arm rests, head rests and positioning components. Accessories may be added from brands such as Ride Designs, Jay/Sunrise Medical, BodyPoint, KiMobility, Roho and more! Contact us today to talk to a member of our clinical staff and discuss how the iBOT® may be configured to fit your needs. 1-833-346-4268 or clinical@mobiusmobility.com.
- It’s more about technique than strength, but a user must have sufficient grip strength in both hands to hold onto a railing.
- Stair climbing will be part of the assessment process. Only those who successfully pass training on Stair Mode will have access to this mode.
- Contact us to discuss each individual clinical@mobiusmobility.com or 1-833-346-4268
Following clinician input and user training, if Balance or Stair Mode are not recommended, access to those Modes can be removed.
YES! The batteries meet the FAA requirements for a wheelchair traveling with a passenger.
The iBOT® PMD is purchased directly from Mobius Mobility in the United States and 2KERR in the Netherlands (for EU purchases please visit www.meetibot.com). Veterans who receive care through the VA may be eligible to receive an iBOT® through VA FSS #36F79721D0202. At this time, these are the only authorized dealers.
Current certified training facilities in the US include:
- Casa Colina in Pomona, California
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Wheelchair Seating & Mobility Clinic
- VA SCI/D Centers
Yes – with a prescription, clinical evaluation, and referral. We can work directly with you and your client.
95% of cases are resolved either over the phone or by shipping customer replaceable parts directly to the end user via customer/assistant replaceable parts. For example, the wheels and batteries have been designed for easy replacement with only the use of hand tools.
You can call us at 833-3GO-IBOT (833-346-4268) or email service@mobiusmobility.com to resolve the majority of service needs over the phone, including when your device displays a service code.
For repairs that require a technician, we will provide a service call, connect you to a certified iBOT® service technician, or assist you in shipping your device back to us in New Hampshire (only for major service).
Call us at 833-346-4268 and press 2 for service. We can help identify the problem over the phone and in the majority of cases we can resolve the issue over the phone.
95% of cases are resolved either over the phone or by shipping customer replaceable parts directly to the end user via customer/assistant replaceable parts. For repairs that require a technician, we will provide a service call, connect you to a certified iBOT® service technician and send them to the clients home to conduct the repair.
Mobius Mobility is accredited through ACHC and can now direct bill some private insurance plans, striving to help you receive the maximum allowable benefit.
For others, we can assist with documentation, including preliminary quotes for prior approval, but we do not direct bill your insurance carrier. Call for more information 1-833-346-4268. We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Mobius Mobility is accredited through ACHC and can now direct bill some private insurance plans, striving to help you receive the maximum allowable benefit.
For others, we can assist with documentation, including preliminary quotes for prior approval, but we do not direct bill your insurance carrier. Call for more information 1-833-346-4268. We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Yes, we have lots of funding options, and we have Funding Specialists on staff to help clients directly. Please call us at 833-346-4268 and visit our Funding Your Mobility page for information and resources.
Yes, quoting will be adjusted according to the clinical evaluation.
Yes – changes to weight, weight distribution (body shape) or adjustments to seating may occur over the lifetime of your iBOT® PMD. If you notice an increase in the amount of space needed when transitioning in or out of balance mode, we advise refitting of your center of gravity (CG Fit). Call us at 833-346-4268 and we can help with that.
- The iBOT® PMD is designed only for use in accordance with the user’s manual, by individuals who have been assessed and trained in the safe and effective use of the device.
- Certain types of terrain and obstacles are not appropriate for the iBOT® PMD, and some driving modes should not be used in certain situations and terrain.
- The iBOT® PMD does not determine the appropriate mode selection for the environment and terrain. It is up to the user to select the appropriate mode, given the obstacle, terrain, and slope.
Yes, the iBOT® is approved for Occupied Transport*. The securement options include 4-point tie down and an iBOT® EZ Lock docking system.
*When all seating components meet occupied seating requirements
To quote Henry Ford: “You can have any color, as long as its black.”
