Opening up the outdoors with Luke

When Luke was no longer able to walk due to a rare neurological condition, he looked for a power wheelchair that would allow him to maintain his independence and the same level of activity he’d had before.

Now on his second Extreme X8 he says the model is appropriately named, as he’s been able to take it on awesome adventures all around Australia

Luke loves to get outdoors and challenge himself and his Extreme X8. He’s now on his second Extreme X8 model, and says his wheelchair has opened up his outdoor world again.

He lives in Melbourne near the beach, and says the 4×4 capabilities of his chair are essential for his everyday life. It was a trip to Wilsons Promontory that proved his wheelchair was up for any challenge.

“My mates and I were walking (I was driving) along the beach, and my friends wanted to go to a point on the beach in the distance,” Luke said. “We had to go on a narrow, rough and rocky trail behind the beach to get there, and my Extreme X8 was showing yellow and needed a charge. We went anyway, and we made it there and back.

“That trip gave me confidence in the abilities of my Extreme X8.”

Luke has also taken his powerchair on adventures to the snow, to Uluru in the Northern Territory and to Tasmania. His hobbies include bushwalking, camping, kayaking, abseiling, bike riding and woodwork.

“In my Extreme X8 I’ve been able to go to festivals, bushwalk, drive on the beach and take my dog out in local parks,” Luke said.

In addition to the 4×4 capabilities, Luke found that the seat lift function made a big impact, particularly in social situations.

“Being at the same level as other people who were standing made me feel so much more comfortable and confident.”

He finds the steering lock mechanism invaluable for tackling obstacles, reversing and making it safely to the other side.

Are you interested in accessing more of the outdoors in an Extreme X8? Contact us to find a dealer in your area and arrange a trial.