When it comes to complex rehab technology, precision is everything. No two diagnoses or postural challenges are exactly the same, which means power wheelchairs must be adaptable, configurable, and clinically sound.
That’s where Avid by Merits stands out.
Avid is the advanced rehab range from Merits, offering intelligent and flexible powerchair solutions for long-term users with evolving clinical and functional needs. With robust construction, adaptable seating, and thoughtful electronics integration, each powerchair is designed for both end users and prescribing clinicians.
Today, we’ll introduce the Avid line available in the UK, highlight core clinical features, and explore specific models including the Axcel, Axcel Narrow, Velocity, and Ultra Series.
What Is Avid by Merits?
Avid represents the pinnacle of Merits Health Products’ innovation in complex rehab technology (CRT). While Merits is already known globally for its reliable powerchairs, electric scooters, and mobility products, Avid goes a step further. It’s built with serious clinical performance in mind, supporting:
- Long-term, progressive conditions
- Postural and pressure management
- Adaptive drive control needs
- Complex transfer environments
- Medically involved users with specific requirements
For users with conditions like ALS, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, or muscular dystrophy, Avid powerchairs enable fully personalised mobility and seating solutions.
Better yet, Avid is backed by Merits’ integrated support network, so clinicians, dealers, and service providers have the resources they need for efficient set-up, training, and ongoing service.
Related: Power, Precision, and Performance: What Sets Merits Powerchairs Apart
Clinical Features That Make Avid Different
Avid powerchairs aren’t basic powered wheelchairs with bolt-on accessories. Avid models are rehab-intelligent, built with the flexibility and programming needed for complex clinical demands.
1. Power Tilt and Recline with Shear Reduction
Encourages pressure relief, tone management, and safer repositioning without causing skin shear, ideal for clients at risk of pressure injuries.
2. Low Seat-to-Floor Heights
Customisable heights allow for safer side transfers, easier access to desks and surfaces, and even foot propulsion in select cases.
3. Adjustable Centre of Gravity
Fine-tuned CoG promotes base control and drive stability, especially helpful for users with high tone, asymmetries, or trunk instability.
4. Rehab-Compatible Electronics
Each model integrates easily with alternative drive systems, including head arrays and switch input, supporting users with limited upper limb function.
5. Flexible Seating Systems
Compatible with:
- Third-party seating systems for full customisation
- Additional supports like laterals, pelvic thigh supports, and headrests
Together, this ensures true postural support from head to pelvis.
6. Designed for a Range of Conditions
Avid chairs are clinically suited to support individuals with:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cerebral palsy (CP)
- Stroke or acquired brain injury
- Parkinson’s disease
- Age-related functional decline
Whether you’re working in a hospital discharge setting or managing community-based rehab clients, Avid gives you a high-performance toolkit.
The Avid Lineup
These models are currently available in the UK, each offering its own blend of clinical adjustability, comfort, and user-focused engineering.
1. AXCEL – Front Wheel Drive Powerchair with Power Elevate & Tilt
The AXCEL FWD Power Wheelchair is a rugged, field-serviceable front-wheel-drive powerchair that doesn’t sacrifice clinical capability.
Key Specs:
- Front-wheel drive
- Power tilt and recline with shear reduction
- Rehab-compatible electronics
- Multiple widths and seat depths
- MK battery system, up to 30.6km per charge
- Tool-free rear battery access
Best For:
- Individuals requiring high postural support and powered positioning
- Clinics seeking highly configurable, reliable bases
2. AXCEL Narrow – Compact Design, Full Rehab Capability
The AXCEL Narrow is one of the few narrow-bodied chairs that retains full clinical adjustability.
Key Specs:
- Just 57.15cm wide
- Front-wheel drive
- Same power tilt and recline as Axcel
- Hydraulic suspension for rough terrain
- Awarded for compact design and clinical usability
Best For:
- Indoor users navigating tight doorways and corridors
- Community clinicians needing rehab capability in smaller spaces
3. Velocity – Mid-Wheel Power with Elevate and Tilt
The Velocity Advanced Mid-Wheel Drive Power Wheelchair features a highly adjustable base for both active and clinical users, offering advanced seating and suspension in a compact footprint.
Key Specs:
- Mid-wheel drive
- Power tilt, recline, and elevating legrests
- Optional 304.8mm (12″) power seat lift
- 136kg user weight capacity
- Tension-adjustable suspension
- 609.6mm base width, seat-to-floor height as low as 420mm
Best For:
- Users with progressive conditions requiring dynamic positioning
- Rehab teams seeking a nimble, fully adjustable base
4. Ultra – Compact Mid-Wheel Drive for Enhanced Stability and Versatility
The Ultra is a compact mid-wheel-drive powerchair engineered for both indoor and community use. Its six-wheel-on-the-ground design provides exceptional traction and stability, ideal for users navigating uneven terrain or needing consistent base support for safe powered tilt.
Key Specs:
- Mid-wheel drive with six-wheel stability
- Power tilt (0°–50°) with posterior centre of gravity adjustment
- Recline (90°–110°) with shear reduction for pressure relief
- Optional 304.8 mm (12”) power seat elevation
- Adjustable seat width and depth: 406.4 mm to 558.8 mm
- Seat-to-floor height options: 419 mm – 495 mm
- Range: up to 30.6 km per charge
Best For:
- Individuals with postural challenges who benefit from power tilt and recline
- Users seeking increased independence through elevation and adjustability
- Clinics needing a reliable, versatile base that works across a wide range of rehab needs
Why Clinicians Trust Avid
At Merits, we stand by what we build. That means more than just features; it means standing behind our equipment with a strong support structure.
We offer:
- Warranty coverage for equipment and replacement parts for manufacturing defects
- Ongoing clinical training and setup support
- Fast turnaround on service and part orders
- UK-based representation and product access through our trusted dealer network
When your clients depend on their chairs, you need to depend on your manufacturer.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re a clinician, equipment provider, or rehab decision-maker, we invite you to explore the Avid range:
- Request product brochures or order forms
- Get guidance on seating system compatibility
- Start building your next configuration
Related Reading
Looking for more seating and powerchair insight? Check out:
- Power, Precision, and Performance: What Sets Merits Power Chairs Apart – A look at the broader Merits mobility lineup, including non-rehab models.