Embedded Files
If you have spent any time looking at wheelchairs in the UK, there is a good chance you have already come across the Roma Medical name. Roma has been manufacturing mobility equipment in Wales since 1970 and has grown in to one of the largest and most widely recognised wheelchair manufacturers in the country. Its chairs are used in NHS hospitals, care homes and private homes across the UK, and its range now covers everything from simple steel transit models through to lightweight aluminium chairs, heavy duty bariatric wheelchairs and electric powerchairs. In this review we take a look at the main models in the Roma range and what each one is likely to offer in practice.
About Roma Medical
About Roma Medical
Roma Medical has been supplying wheelchairs to the NHS and the wider UK market for well over fifty years. Its Welsh manufacturing base gives it a good deal of control over production quality, and the range reflects a consistent approach of building chairs that are reliable, practical and sensibly priced rather than loaded with premium features that push the cost up considerably.
Its worth knowing that Roma chairs are not positioned at the top end of the market. They are honest, well built chairs that represent good value for money and are designed to last. If you are looking for the lightest possible chair or the most sophisticated seating system available, there are specialist manufacturers that may serve you better. But if you want a well made, dependable wheelchair at a fair price, Roma is genuinely hard to fault.
Roma 1100 Transit Wheelchair
Roma 1100 Transit Wheelchair
What it is
What it is
The Roma 1100 is arguably Roma Medical's most recognisable model and has become something of a standard in NHS wards, care homes and day centres across the country. Its an 18 inch steel framed transit wheelchair designed to be pushed by an attendant rather than self-propelled by the user.
Key features
Key features
The 1100 comes with puncture proof 30cm rear wheels and 20cm solid tyre swivel castors at the front, which means there is very little maintenance required. The upholstery is nylon cord which is both flame retardant and hardwearing, and the padded armrests are detachable to allow easier side transfers. Swing away footrests are included as standard and can be removed entirely when not needed. The backrest folds down to reduce the size of the chair for storage or transport.
The chair has been crash tested, which is an important consideration for anyone who regularly transports a wheelchair user in a vehicle and needs a chair that can be safely secured.
Who its suited to
Who its suited to
The 1100 works well for users who need a reliable, easy to use transit chair for regular use. Its a good deal sturdier than it looks and has a maximum user weight of around 18 stone. For care homes, day centres or family use where the chair will be pushed by a carer or family member, its a well proven and cost effective choice.
Roma 1500R Lightweight Self-Propelled Wheelchair
Roma 1500R Lightweight Self-Propelled Wheelchair
What it is
What it is
The 1500R is Roma's mid-range self-propelled option and represents a step up from the standard steel models in terms of both weight and specification. The aluminium alloy frame brings the total chair weight down to 15 kilograms, which is lighter than a steel chair but still on the heavier side for a self-propelled model.
Key features
Key features
The chair comes with quick release 60cm puncture proof rear wheels fitted with aluminium hand rims, and a four position adjustable rear axle which allows the seat height and angle to be varied to suit the user. This is a useful feature that is not always found at this price point, and it makes a genuine difference to propulsion comfort and efficiency.
Flip up and detachable padded armrests make side transfers straightforward, and the swing away footrests can be moved in and out of position without tools. The fold down backrest reduces the overall dimensions of the chair for storage or loading into a car. Anti-tip wheels are included as standard and can also be used as step tubes to help with kerb negotiation.
Who its suited to
Who its suited to
The 1500R is a good everyday chair for users who have enough upper body strength to self-propel across the distances they need to cover on a typical day. It is not the lightest self-propelled chair available, but its well specified and very well made for its price. Please bear in mind that if you are regularly lifting the chair in and out of a car, 15 kilograms is a meaningful weight to manage and it may be worth considering a lighter model if this is a frequent requirement.
Roma Heavy Duty and Bariatric Wheelchairs
Roma Heavy Duty and Bariatric Wheelchairs
The 1472 and 1473 range
The 1472 and 1473 range
Roma Medical offers a solid selection of heavy duty wheelchairs for users who need a chair that goes beyond standard weight capacity. The 1472 is a steel framed self-propelled bariatric wheelchair available in 20 and 22 inch seat widths, with a maximum user weight of 22 stone. The frame uses a double cross brace construction for additional rigidity, and the vinyl upholstery is both flame retardant and wipe clean, which is a practical consideration for heavy duty use.
The 1473 steps up further, supporting users up to 35 stone, and the 1473X widens the seat to 26 inches for an exceptionally high maximum capacity of up to 50 stone. Both models include detachable armrests, large footplates on the swing away footrests and chrome plated steel frames. The 1472 has been crash tested, which is worth noting if vehicle transport is required.
What we think
What we think
Roma's bariatric range is one of the stronger parts of the overall range. The chairs are well built, practical and sensibly priced. The double cross brace construction genuinely adds rigidity rather than just being a specification detail on paper, and the range of seat widths and weight capacities means there is a model to suit most requirements. Folk who need a heavy duty chair and do not want to spend a great deal more than they need to will find Roma a very reasonable choice here.
Roma Reno Elite Powerchair
Roma Reno Elite Powerchair
What it is
What it is
The Reno Elite is Roma's compact electric powerchair and is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Its a portable model that dismantles without tools, making it a practical option for users who need to transport the chair regularly in a car.
Key features
Key features
The chair is driven by a Dynamic Shark joystick controller which allows smooth, responsive control at speeds up to 4 mph outdoors or more sedately indoors. The swivel seat adjusts in height and can be turned to allow easier transfers from the side. A useful storage basket is fitted beneath the seat for carrying everyday items when out and about. The range on a full charge is around 12.5 miles, which is more than enough for most daily use and a good deal further than many compact powerchairs in this class.
The chair dismantles into sections without tools, and no single section is particularly heavy or awkward to lift. The batteries can be removed from the base when needed, so charging does not require the whole chair to be positioned near a socket.
Who its suited to
Who its suited to
The Reno Elite is well suited to users who want a reliable, practical powerchair at a sensible price. Its not the most feature rich powerchair on the market, but it does what it is designed to do very well. Its maneuverability in tight spaces is good, with a turning radius of just 55cm, which makes it comfortable to use indoors as well as out. Its worth noting that the standard Reno Elite is not crash tested, so if vehicle transport in a wheelchair accessible vehicle is a requirement, the Reno II Captain version should be considered as that model has been crash tested to ISO standard.
What We Think of Roma Medical Overall
What We Think of Roma Medical Overall
Roma Medical makes genuinely dependable wheelchairs at prices that are fair and transparent. The range is wide enough to cover most everyday requirements, from a basic transit chair for occasional use through to a bariatric powerchair for full time users with complex needs. Build quality across the range is consistent and the chairs hold up well to regular use.
The main trade off is weight. Roma chairs tend to be on the heavier side within their respective categories. For users who need the lightest possible chair for intensive self-propulsion or frequent car loading, there are lighter and more technically refined options available from specialist manufacturers. But those chairs come at a considerably higher price.
If reliable build quality, a solid warranty and good value for money are your priorities, Roma Medical is well worth considering. We hope you have found this review useful, and if you would like some help in deciding which Roma model is right for you, please feel free to call us.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse