Phoenix Instinct

Based in Forres, Scotland, Phoenix Instinct is a company focused on designing and manufacturing mobility equipment to foster greater independence for wheelchair users. The company was founded in 2015 by Andrew Slorance, who has been a wheelchair user since a spinal injury at the age of 14. His personal experiences over nearly four decades fueled his frustration with the lack of significant advancements in wheelchair technology since the 1980s and inspired him to revolutionize the industry. Prior to Phoenix Instinct, Slorance had a career in TV production and also founded Carbon Black Systems, where he designed a pioneering lightweight carbon fibre wheelchair.

Phoenix Instinct's product line addresses key challenges faced by wheelchair users in daily life and travel. The company first introduced a range of wheelchair-compatible luggage and bags. This system features a telescopic trolley with multi-directional wheels that attaches to the wheelchair, bearing the full weight of the luggage to prevent the chair from tipping. This design makes transporting heavy items like groceries or travel bags significantly easier. The company sells directly to consumers worldwide through its website and offers various bag sizes and sets. Prices for their products reflect their specialized design, with individual bags on a trolley system starting from around $350 and complete sets costing more.

A significant milestone for the company was winning the $1 million Toyota Mobility Unlimited Challenge in 2020. This funding supported the development of their flagship product, the Phoenix i Hybrid wheelchair. This smart wheelchair features a lightweight carbon fibre frame (with a transfer weight of about 6.5-7 kg) and is distinguished by its powered front caster wheels that provide automatic power assist and electronic braking. This 'hybrid' system reduces the manual pushing effort by up to 80%, navigating difficult terrains like gravel, thick carpet, and steep slopes with ease. A key feature is its smart, adjusting center of gravity, which enhances both stability and agility, a combination not typically found in conventional wheelchairs. The Phoenix i is designed to be easily disassembled for car transport, with quick-release batteries and a fold-down backrest. The company aims to price the Phoenix i competitively with conventional high-end wheelchairs, believing the life-enhancing benefits will justify the cost to users and insurers.

Keywords: wheelchair accessories, adaptive technology, mobility solutions, carbon fibre wheelchair, smart wheelchair, power assist wheelchair, wheelchair luggage, assistive devices, independent living, mobility equipment, Andrew Slorance, Toyota Mobility Unlimited Challenge, accessible travel, rehabilitation technology, electronic braking wheelchair, lightweight wheelchair, ergonomic design, adaptive equipment, mobility independence, assistive mobility