How much does an Omeo cost?
For more information about pricing and how to order an Omeo, please contact us.
Will NDIS cover an Omeo?
Omeo Technology is an NDIS registered provider in Australia and there are many Omeo users that have had success in getting their Omeo covered. Contact us and your local Australian agent will help you through the process.
What can I use an Omeo for?
Omeo is a personal mobility device that has many uses. It can be used as an additional wheelchair, a piece of sports and recreational equipment, a general means of personal mobility for those who find it difficult or prefer not to walk. Use it indoors, outdoors, work, and play. Omeo levels the playing field.
Some will want to replace mobility scooters, golf carts, or use Omeo for city or park tours. Ideal for the beach, off road/farms, formed mountain bike tracks and sports venues. We have many wanting to use it for football, tennis, basketball, polo, fencing, field athletics, archery, hunting, fishing – the possibilities are almost endless.
Omeo is designed to be used wherever a pedestrian has access, with some limitations for example stairs, escalators, extremely rough or slippery terrain.
The bottom line is freedom, independence, and coolness.
Is this a Medical Device?
No, the Omeo is classified as a personal mobility device.
Will it go through common household doorways?
The Omeo will go through standard household doorways, which are typically 28-30 inches, or 710-760 mm. Omeo specs: Standard tyres: Width – 650 mm / 25.6 inches. Off-Road Kit – 865 mm / 34 inches.
The “All-Terrain” wheels (that come in the Off-Road Kit) will likely not fit through standard household doors.
More information about the Omeo Specifications can be found on the Omeo Technical Specifications page.
Can I take the Omeo into a public bathroom?
No two public restrooms are the same! Provided the restrooms comply with accessibility regulations the Omeo will easily fit. The Omeo is one of the most compact and manoeuvrable chairs available. It will turn on its axis.
How much warning do you have before the battery dies and you are stuck somewhere?
The remaining battery power is shown on the InfoKey controller with a series of bars. The Omeo will warn you, alarm and shake; when the battery is close to needing a charge. It also has several built-in safety features.
Note the battery will discharge more quickly when used off-road, at speed or up slopes.
Refer to the Segway PT User Manual for more information about the main Lithium-ion Batteries.
How steep an incline can it go with someone on it?
Provided sufficient traction 20°-25° incline up, and about 30° incline down for <110kg. We have some video clips of Marcus going down 30° ramp.
The self-balancing platform and Active Seat Control ensures the user is kept horizontal up or down.
Can I transport the Omeo by air?
You need to check the airline’s policy, as the Omeo has powerful Lithium-ion Batteries that are considered Dangerous Goods. Their inital position is to refuse to allow Lithium-ion onto the aircraft.
You are advised to familiarise yourself with each airline’s policy before you travel. The protocols are frequently well buried in their travel conditions/policy documents,
The Omeo can be safely transported by plane as the body is made of high-density polyethylene that is very impact resistant, and it does seem to comply with the protocols of the airlines we have travelled with. Our team have flown with the Omeo as Marcus’ recreational personal mobility device and therefore as checked in baggage (free of charge) on a number of airlines both within New Zealand, to Australia and throughout the USA. Buried within the airline’s terms were rules around allowing wheelchairs with Lithium-ion batteries provided they are left intact- affixed to the chassis of the Omeo, and the controller (start/stop switch) remains separate.
We suggest you allow yourself a bit more time at check in, ask the operator to discuss/find out about the airline policy with their cargo manager or supervisor.
Does the Omeo have an adapter for use in other countries?
The Omeo has its own built-in transformer so the Batteries will handle all Voltage. You will just need the local adaptor for both the Main Power Cord (to charge the Lithium-ion Batteries) and the Auxillary Batteries Charger (to charge the Omeo electronics).
Does it come with armrests?
Most users find that they don’t need armrests. The Active Seat Control does all the work and keeps them very secure. Nevertheless, some people will want armrests. The team may in the future, look at a range of adjustable and removable armrests and back supports.
Can I transport the Omeo in a car?
The Omeo Evolution 1 can be easily transported in a small hatchback, van or SUV. Perhaps one, but normally two able-bodied people can either lift it manually into the back of the vehicle, or it can be driven or pushed easily up a ramp.
The handgrips are strong, and can easily take the weight of the Omeo when lifting or with a hoist.
Do you know of a lightweight, transportable ramp one could use to get the Omeo in & out of a regular (not specifically accessible) vehicle?
Handi-Ramp® has fairly lightweight ramps that could be used to get the Omeo into a vehicle like a mini-van or small SUV. They cost under USD400, but there may be better deals out there. We will be developing our own ramp.
I have a wheelchair van with ramp; how can I secure it for transport?
You will find the Omeo, with you on board; will easily go up ramps of say <25deg. and into a van. There are many points on the Omeo one can secure it (with legs down) to the tether points of the vehicle – through the handgrips, through the wheels, and simply by strapping over the top.
How does the Omeo deal with obstacles?
If the Omeo comes across an “obstacle” that it is unable to handle say over 50 mm/2 inches. The machine would stay balanced but keep trying to go in the direction you are pointed. It would then give you warning vibrations to let you know you are pushing the machine to do something beyond what it is capable.
We recommend that if you are travelling at high speed in an off-road environment, you use the All-Terrain (in the Off-Road Kit). These reduce the impact of rocks/bumps/etc and make for a much smoother ride.
The Omeo is near impossible to tip over. The only way this would happen would be if the tyres loose traction with the ground, for example on a wet, steep slope.
The balancing system will continue to keep the user upright until the Omeo is switched off. In the unlikely event something happens to the mechanics, the Omeo will sound a warning and shake – giving the user plenty of time to stop and lower the Stabilising Legs.
When navigating around an office, the Omeo is able to turn with extreme precision, becoming a part of your body.
When using at night, use the lights.
Like any machine, the Omeo does have its limits, but if used responsibly, it is extremely safe and fun.
Can we get third party funding to purchase our Omeo?
It depends. We do know of some instances where, on the recommendation of health professionals/occupational therapists, some will because of the unique benefits to the user.
Omeo Technology is an NDIS registered provider in Australia and there are many Omeo users that have had success in getting their Omeo covered. Contact us and your local Australian agent will help you through the process.
Apart from cash, are there other ways to fund the purchase?
An Omeo is ideal for crowd-funding friends, family, interest groups or public campaigns. There are a number of foundations and charities that will assist and service groups such as Rotary and Lions may also be able to help. We have heard of charities running competitions (for an Omeo).
It’s best to speak to your local Omeo Agent about the financing options available in your area.
Can you give me some idea of delivery fees, customs duties and taxes?
We are presently working hard to improve the logistics and cost of delivering the Omeo to you. As it stands, all purchasers are responsible for all costs related to delivery.
Where are the controls on the Omeo located?
The controls can be located on either side (left or right) of the Omeo. The Joystick is at the front, and the on/off, steering mode and seat control adjustment controls are at the rear – to avoid accidental knocking.
There is an accessory lock on the opposite side to the Joystick for trays, smartphone holders etc.
What do family members and professionals think of the Omeo?
Omeo is not just about the users. Family and friends of those with restricted mobility love it too. They have told us that their homes are a happier and healthier environment – that Omeo means more freedom and independence for them and increased opportunities to get back into activities they had given up – walking the bush trails, sports, rediscovering the beaches and parks, shopping. Just participating in life with their partners. “Grabbing life by the wheels!”.
Caregivers tell us that they are not required to be in constant attendance, there is less strain on their own bodies having to manage manual wheelchairs or hefting heavy powered chairs.
Health professionals tell us they like the Omeo because it requires upper body movement – exercising the core muscles. There is less wear and tear on shoulders and arms and it helps with effective digestion. The increased freedom and independence also assists mental and spiritual well being, often resulting in a more positive outlook which aids recovery or therapy.
How does the Joystick on the Omeo work?
There are two modes you can use to operate your Omeo. Joystick mode and Active Seat Control (ASC) mode. In Joystick Mode you use the Joystick to move left and right and you use your body to move forward and back. When you switch to ASC Mode, the full movement of the seat is unlocked and you use your body to control all forward, back, left and right movements.