The Pride Jazzy Air 2 is an electric wheelchair with a seat that rises up to 12 inches. It's also one of the chairs we hire out at Stratford Shopmobility, so Tracy and Mike have both spent plenty of time in it. Here's their honest review, including the one thing they still argue about.
The short version
"It's really comfortable, and the seat lift changes everything," says Tracy. "In Sainsbury's I reached things on the top shelf without asking anyone for help." Mike's favourite thing is how it handles: "It almost turns on the spot. You could nearly have a boogie on a dance floor."
| Price | From £3,359 |
| Speed | 4 mph, even with the seat raised |
| Seat lift | Up to 12 inches (30 cm) |
| Carries | Up to 21 stone (136 kg) |
| Range | Up to 15 miles |
| Turning space | About 62 cm |
What Tracy and Mike love
- Eye level with everyone. "Raise the seat and you're at the same height as people standing," says Tracy. "It's a level playing field. It gives you confidence, and people talk to you, not to the person next to you."
- Reaching the top shelf. At home or in the supermarket, you can get things down yourself.
- Full speed when raised. "Older powerchairs slowed right down when you raised the seat. This one still drives at normal speed, and most don't slow down now."
- The captain's seat. "It's really comfortable and supportive. You can adjust the back angle and slide the seat forwards or back to suit your legs and the footrest." Some people find it more comfortable than a scooter.
- Manoeuvrability. "Compared with anything else we have, it's the best thing about it," says Mike. "It's easy in and out of shops, and once you're used to the joystick you can weave through people."
The one thing to get used to
The Jazzy Air 2 is driven with a joystick rather than handlebars. On our hire chair the joystick is on the right. "It takes a little practice, then it's easy," says Mike.
This is where they disagree. Tracy holds the joystick between her thumb and first finger. Mike uses his fingertips. "It's personal preference," says Tracy. Try both and see which suits you.
Not sure if a powerchair or a scooter is right for you?
"Most people don't know what they need, and when you're spending thousands you want to get it right," says Mike. "Hardly anywhere lets you take a chair out for the day to try. Hiring a Jazzy Air might not give you the perfect chair, but it shows you whether a powerchair suits you or whether you'd rather have a scooter. Then you can decide."
You can hire a Jazzy Air 2 from Stratford Shopmobility. Call first on 01789 339 736. For other options, see our best Electric Wheelchairs.
Worth knowing before you buy
The Jazzy Air 2 takes users up to 21 stone. It doesn't come apart or fold, so it won't go in a car boot. It's best if you mainly use it from home, or have a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with a ramp or lift. If you need a chair for the car, see the folding chairs in our best Electric Wheelchairs.
"We're not about selling, we're about helping," says Mike. "Our advice isn't to sell, it's to help."
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Pride Jazzy Air 2 cost?
From £3,359 at Active Mobility.
How high does the seat go?
Up to 12 inches (30 cm), and it still drives at 4 mph when raised.
Does the Jazzy Air 2 come apart for the car?
No. It doesn't come apart or fold, so you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to take it out.
Is a joystick hard to use?
It takes a little practice, then most people find it easy.
Can I try one before I buy?
Yes. Hire one from Stratford Shopmobility on 01789 339 736, or call us on 01789 339 738 to arrange a demonstration. Please call first.
