Mobility That Lasts—and Keeps You Moving

Two user stories show how different PARAVAN wheelchairs enable long-term independence, quality of life, and participation—in everyday life, outdoors, and in family life.

Mobility means more than just getting around—it is the key to self-determination, joy of life, and social participation. Two user stories from Paravan’s real-world experience show just how different this journey can be:

Michelle has been actively getting around in her PR 30/II electric wheelchair for many years—quickly, outdoors, and with a great passion for movement. She has now covered over 6,000 kilometers and uses the wheelchair as her “feet in the world.” Mehmed, on the other hand, fought his way back, step by step, to a more active life after suffering several strokes. With the PR 40 standing wheelchair, he not only regained some mobility but also gained important opportunities for therapy and participation in everyday life. Two life situations, two sets of needs—and yet one common goal: as much independence and quality of life as possible in everyday life.

6,100 kilometers of freedom on wheels—the PR 30/II

“I’ve fully embraced the chair as my new legs. The wheelchair is a gem,” Michelle said as early as 2022 about her PARAVAN PR 30/II. Today—four years and about 6,100 kilometers later—one thing is clear: that enthusiasm has remained. The Munich resident, who has relied on a wheelchair since 2009 due to a rare neuromuscular disorder, continues to use the PR 30/II extensively in her daily life. Whether in the woods, in the city, or on long trips along the Isar River—the electric wheelchair is her primary means of transportation and allows her a high degree of self-determination. “You want to experience things and be present,” she says. And that’s exactly why she’s out and about so much—preferably outdoors and often at a good pace. “10 km/h is boring. 13 km/h would be better,” she says with a smile. “It’s just fun, and you make good progress.”

The suspension on the PR 30/II has proven particularly reliable over the years. Especially on longer trips and rough terrain, it provides the necessary comfort. “Speed, durability, and comfort—that’s what’s important to me,” Michelle emphasizes. The custom-fitted seat shell with a harness also gives her the support she needs—especially off-road. She makes extensive use of additional features like the lift and tilt functions, for example, when taking a break in the park.

She contributed her experiences right from the wheelchair’s development phase. A crucial aspect was fine-tuning the suspension, particularly in combination with solid rubber tires. Today, the system is optimized so that she can navigate even challenging routes reliably and comfortably. And Michelle is always on the go: She’s already been to Hamburg, regularly travels long distances—and has even circled Lake Tegernsee once. “I wanted to know if it could handle it—and we just barely made it,” she says.

When covering very long distances, she also uses transportation services. Visually, too, the PR 30/II is something special to her: purple, paired with black tires. People often comment on it. “And then you want to be fast, too,” she says. For Michelle, the wheelchair is far more than just an aid: “It’s my everyday companion—the feet that take me out into the world. A gateway to the world.” Since her early retirement, this mobility has been of central importance to her. “Because you can get from A to B”—and thus actively participate in life.

Back to everyday life—the PR 40

A quiet, relieved sigh can be heard as Mehmed brings himself into a standing position in his PR 40. For him, standing upright means more than just a different perspective—it makes it easier for him to breathe and brings noticeable relief. For a moment, it’s not just his body that straightens up, but also a part of his everyday life. That’s how the story began just under six years ago. After several strokes and a long period in a coma, the now 68-year-old was severely limited in his mobility . The left side of his body is paralyzed; many tasks were difficult, and many took time. Little by little, he fought his way back to life—supported by his family and with a great deal of patience.

The PR 40 standing wheelchair became an important part of his daily routine. It not only provided him with mobility but also enabled him to perform regular standing exercises on his own. The family learned about this therapeutic option during his rehabilitation. This allowed Mehmed to practice standing up at his own pace—without being tied to fixed schedules. What had previously been possible only in a therapeutic setting thus became part of his daily life.

A crucial factor—as with any assistive device—is individual customization. Mehmed’s seating position, padding, and standing function were repeatedly fine-tuned. Additional padded supports provide the necessary stability and help ensure long-term comfort and safety. Features such as tilt-in-space also help relieve pressure on the body and make sitting for longer periods throughout the day more comfortable.

This allowed Mehmed to cover short distances on his own—around his home or for quick trips outside. It’s often these seemingly small trips that make all the difference in everyday life. Today, several years later, his health situation has changed. The PR 40, however, has remained—as a reliable companion in his daily life. It continues to enable him to be mobile and participate in family life. A measure of independence that remains of great importance to him and his loved ones.