Mobius Mobility
Trailblazing a New Era in Powered Mobility

Manchester, NH-based Mobius Mobility’s journey of commercializing their ground-breaking product— iBOT® Personal Mobility Device (iBOT®PMD)—is a story about innovation and persistence in the field of disability. Initially developed by DEKA Research and Development nearly three decades ago, the production of the iBOT® ceased when their commercial partner, Johnson & Johnson, decided to stop selling the devices, citing low reimbursement rates and the hurdles in reclassifying the iBOT from a Class III to a Class II medical device. This was when Mobius Mobility took over the reins and successfully received the FDA’s clearance to release the new generation of iBOT® as a Class II medical device in 2019.

Today, the company’s revolutionary multi-modal powered wheelchair with all-terrain capabilities is putting an end to many long-standing mobility-related issues faced by people with disabilities. The fully redesigned iBOT®PMD by Mobius Mobility comes with configurable rehab seating features to customize a variety of backrests, armrests, and footrests— tailored to the specific needs of each particular user. The iBOT® is built with advanced electronics and sensors, battery technology, and the latest software, all of which help users overcome barriers to mobility and accessibility. “We want to make iBOT® PMDs available for all the people who want to move around the world without limitations, and improve their quality of life,” says Megan Yeigh, Program Manager, Mobius Mobility.

Embedded with terrain-following technology, the iBOT® PMD’s four-wheel mode performs like a quieter, smarter cousin of an ATV, engaging all of its large drive wheels while automatically keeping the seat level. This not only helps users go up and down curbs but also allows them to cross steeper inclines and traverse a wide variety of terrain—be it dirt, mud, gravel, or snow.

Most importantly, iBOT® PMD’s patented balancing technology provides a never-before-felt mobility experience. Whenever the user switches to the iBOT® PMD Balance Mode, the seat is elevated and the device stands on two wheels, enabling users to interact with others at eye level, thereby eliminating the sense of disability from being seated at waist level. U.S. Army veteran, Gary Linfoot describes his experience of using the iBOT® PMD for travelling through fields, muddy grounds, or forests and also for leisurely travel around the town and indoors: “Especially when I am up in Balance Mode, my disability just fades into the background and makes me feel like any other person having a conversation with the people around me,” says Linfoot.

The device also has a Stair Mode, which allows users to easily ascend or descend stairs on their own or with the help of a trained assistant, for situations when handrails are unavailable. What’s more, the highly sophisticated wheelchair also has a Remote Mode where users can operate the iBOT® PMD unoccupied to transfer in and out of a motor vehicle, and allow the device to climb inclines up to 20 degrees and easily load it into vehicles.

As Mobius Mobility plans to make iBOT® PMD accessible to a larger population, they are looking forward to helping and supporting more people with disabilities in affording the device. The company has partnered with many notable financial institutions, nationally known credit unions, and non-profit organizations to resolve the issues regarding medical coding and funding and financial reimbursement. Meanwhile, Mobius Mobility is also expanding into Europe, Australia, and New Zealand to gain a more global footprint, to provide personal mobility across several countries using iBOT® PMDs. The company ultimately offers a beacon of innovation and independence for anyone who wants to overcome barriers to their personal mobility.