Power Base
Mid-wheel drive gives the Edge outstanding manoeuvrability, able to turn on the spot with a radius of just 20.5 inches. Powerful 4-pole motors can provide a top speed of up to 6 mph, and new Smooth Ride Suspension provides stability and a comfortable ride, a significant improvement over the predecessor Edge 2.0. This allows the Edge 3 to excel both indoors and outdoors, with no compromises on performance. Fully crash-tested, the Q6 Edge 3 can be used for occupied transport in a wheelchair adapted vehicle.
Seating
The headline feature of the Edge 3 is the iLevel seat raiser, which allows you to drive at walking pace while fully elevated. As the name suggests, this allows you to drive at eye level - in contrast to most other powerchairs with powered lift, which are limited to crawling along at slow speeds. Being at eye level enhances social interactions, even when on the go. Faster actuators allow the full lift to be attained within 24 seconds, all at the press of a single switch. The iLevel feature has been enhanced for the Edge 3, with the max speed now upped to 4.5 mph, and the seat lifter raising an impressive 12 inches.
A fully range of other powered seating options are available, including 175° of shear-reduced recline - allowing you to lie flat when combined with powered elevating leg rests - few powered wheelchairs offer this level of recline. 50º of powered seat tilt is also available to aid in pressure relief.
TRU-Balance 3 seating is entirely configurable, allowing your Edge's seat to be set up to provide a precise fit to your size, comfort and clinical needs. Seat widths and depths of 12 - 22 inches are available, allowing the Edge to cater to the smaller dimensions of paediatric users. Its highly modular nature allows the seating to be modified to accommodate your changing needs, and third-party components such as pressure cushions can easily be fitted.
Controls
Control options range from the basic NE+ system that comes as standard, to the advanced Q-Logic 3 expandable control system. Q-Logic includes the option for a high-definition LCD screen on your joystick, as well as Bluetooth to interact with your environment. Further control options include switch boxes for one-touch access to seating options, as well as attendant controls and special controls for those that cannot use a regular joystick. A USB charger is built-in to keep your smartphone or other personal electronics topped up.
Style
The Quantum range is renowned for its stylish looks, with the Q6 Edge 3 being no exception. It features slimline ultra-bright LED fender lights and drive wheel colour accents - these along with the shroud are available in your choice of 14 colour options. This allows you to customise your Edge to match your style - from Lemon Crush through Green Machine to Raspberry Beret.
Our Verdict
Quantum are the biggest manufacturer of high-end powerchairs in the US, and it's easy to see why with their flagship Edge 3 - which blends advanced technology with impressive styling. It's a versatile model, good both indoors and out, and with a seating system that can be adapted to suit your requirements. It is well worth considering, and measures up against its nearest competitors, Invacare's TDX SP2 NB, Permobil's M3 Corpus and Sunrise Medical's Quickie Q500 M.
If you're primarily looking to use your powerchair indoors, the Stretto version of the Edge 3 is worth considering, as it has a market-leading 52 cm slimline base that helps it reach places other powerchairs cannot access.
We'd recommend the Edge 3 for people after a chair to spend a good portion of the day in, using in all aspects of their life. In particular, anyone wanting to drive at eye level, or to sleep in their powerchair would be well-worth considering the Edge 3.
