Power Base
The Q700 R offers the best outdoor performance of the Q-series power bases - rear-wheel drive typically provides the best traction and kerb-climbing ability, and this is enhanced by the Q700 R's impressive suspension. If your powered wheelchair is to be used mainly outdoors, and you wish to tackle rougher ground rather than just sticking to paved areas, the Q700 R is the best option. Rear-wheel drive is also the most intuitive to drive, so is a good pick for beginners. However, it doesn't have the level of manoeuvrability that mid or front-wheel drive offers indoors - while the chassis is relatively compact, we would not recommend this if you have to deal with restricted spaces inside, or will be using your wheelchair extensively to get around your house.
While the Q700 R base is superficially similar to the Q500 R, the suspension is notably improved to provide a softer ride - ideal for those who struggle to deal with bumps. The Full Track Suspension has been upgraded to 4 wheel SpiderTrac with independent suspension on each wheel and a new articulating castor arm that helps to absorb jolts. The Spirit Level Technology sees the drive wheels connected by a pivot bar that helps to keep both wheels in contact with the ground at all times, absorbing the pull when driving across slopes or around corners.
The optional kerb climber allows you to overcome obstacles up to 10 cm, and is a common choice with the Q700 R. Large 60 Ah batteries come as standard, but can be upgraded to high capacity 80 Ah ones for an extremely impressive 25 mile range. High torque 4-pole motors are the norm on the Q700 R, and can be supplied in speeds of up to 8 mph, although our recommendation is no more than 6.5 mph to ensure the best torque and battery life. The Gyro-Tracking System is recommended for those requiring special controls, as it automatically corrects any deviations from your course, such as when you are driving across a camber. Even if using a regular joystick, the Gyro is worth considering as it gives you a much easier drive, with less effort required to maintain your direction.
Seating
The modular Sedeo Pro seating system features on the Q700 R - with a broad selection of options, this allows us to tailor-make your wheelchair seating to provide a precise fit, with the comfort and support that you require. The seating can be formed to you shape, to the extent that it becomes an extension of your anatomy. Should your needs change, the Sedeo Pro seat can be quickly adjusted to accommodate this, whether that be just a simple tweak to the size, or fitting new components.
There is a massive range of adjustability, including seat widths of 15 - 22 inches, and depths of 16 - 22 inches available - with a weight capacity of 25 stone, meaning we can fit the seat to those of all shapes and sizes. The Sedeo range of cushions and backrests offer unrivalled comfort, and our recommendation is the Deep and Extra Deep Contour backrests, which feature flexi sides that form to your body shape, "hugging" you in place. Should you require more clinical pressure relief or postural support, we can fit the full range of JAY cushions and backrests, as well as Whitmyer headrests, to the Sedeo Pro seat. Other positioning accessories such as lateral supports are available too, and third-party components can also be fitted, for example if you have an existing pressure cushion supplied by the NHS that you wish to transfer across.
Powered positioning options include a 30 cm seat lifter that gets you to eye-level in social situations, and also has practical benefits. Powered tilt assists with pressure relief, and is available with up to 50° of tilt for the highest levels of pressure relief. Powered recline is often combined with powered elevating and articulating leg rests to allow you to lie back in a more relaxed position - for example if sleeping in your wheelchair. An anti-shear recline is available to avoid friction as you recline, and to ensure your postural support is maintained as you change positions.
The Q700 R with Sedeo Pro seat is fully crash-tested, making it suitable for use as a seat in a wheelchair accessible vehicle, when secured down. Pre-prepared for a DAHL docking station, the addition of one of these allows you to easily lock your wheelchair in place in your car, whether you are driving or travelling as a passenger.
Controls
The standard controls on the Q700 R are the reliable and simple to master VR2 control system, with basic button joysticks, and the ability to control up to two powered seating options (such as lift and tilt). For those after a more advanced control system, you can upgrade to R-Net controls (a no-cost option), which allows you to use more than two powered seating options, and has a range of joysticks include a high-definition LCD screen. You can also master your environment with R-Net, bluetooth and infrared options letting you seamlessly connect with and control household electronics and gadgets such as your television, laptop, tablet and smartphone.
If you require special controls, such as additional buttons and switches, alternate joystick options, or head or chin controls, then these are all available on the Q700 R. The Link-It mounting system allows special controls to be set up in limitless combinations and configurations to precisely match your needs, and the clean design of them doesn't compromise the appearance of your wheelchair.
Appearance
The Q-series range has been designed with a sleek, modern appearance, and this minimalistic ethos can be seen across the Q700 R - wiring and components are hidden, the chassis is matt black, and the cushioning features sharply-tailored upholstery. You can customise your Q700 R further with your choice of seven striking coloured inlays (green, black, blue, orange, red, silver and white) - which can be easily replaced should you wish to change your style.
Our Verdict
The Q700 R is the pinnacle of the Quickie Q-series rear-wheel drive powerchairs, matching the best that's on offer from other manufacturers. Modern and stylish, it offers powerful performance outdoors whilst remaining extremely comfortable - both from the advanced suspension, and the Sedeo Pro seating. If you're after an incredibly comfortable powered wheelchair to use primarily outdoors on challenging terrain, but want one compact enough to remain capable indoors, the Q700 R is that.
The closest alternative from another manufacturer is Invacare's Aviva RX40, which is well worth considering alongside the Q700 R. Invacare's Storm4 X-plore offers better outdoor performance, but is significantly larger, and not recommended for regular use indoors unless you have a very spacious residence. From the Q-series range, the Q500 R is the "next chair down" of their rear-wheel drive models - while superficially similar, the suspension has a different feel, being stiffer and more responsive, rather than the softer, more cushioned ride of the Q700 R. The Q500 R is cheaper - however, when both chairs are loaded up with powered positioning options, there is very little difference in price.
