Ride Designs Custom back, molded to the sitter's shape

The Ride Designs Custom Back is a custom molded wheelchair back, built to the sitter's captured shape in virtually any width and height.

What does it do and how does it work?

• Shape capture: A bead bag and vacuum, or a 3D scan in the RideWorks app, capture the shape for the mold.
• Shell and insert: a polypropylene shell with a styrene inner shell; the insert is 3D spacer mesh or polyurethane foam.
• FlexLoc mount: six axes, with height, depth, angle and rotation set independently and infinite recline on the single FlexLoc option.
• Cover: breathable polyester spacer fabric, or a wipeable incontinence-proof cover.

Who is it for, and who should choose something else?

It is for traditional custom seating users, growing users and active users.

• Choose it when a sized back does not match the sitter.
• Choose the Java back for a sized aluminium back at 300 lb (136 kg).
• Choose the Java Decaf back for a growing child up to 200 lb (91 kg).

An occupational therapist or physiotherapist captures the shape.

Will it fit?

Width and height follow the captured shape, in virtually any size.

• Capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg) with one FlexLoc kit; 300 lbs (136 kg) with two.
• Second kit: above 250 lbs, above 28 in (71 cm) tall, or with severe extensor tone or spasticity.
• Chair width: four FlexLoc sizes cover chairs 10 to 14, 15 to 18, 19 to 21 and 22 to 24 in (25 to 61 cm).
• Back canes: round tubular canes of 3/4 in (1.9 cm), 7/8 in (2.2 cm) or 1 in (2.5 cm).
• Seat depth: adjustment reaches 10.5 in (26.7 cm) or more, depending on the hardware.

Using it day to day

• Fitting: a qualified healthcare professional installs and adjusts it, with fasteners at no more than 75 in-lb (8.5 Nm).
• Cover care: machine wash warm 40 C (104 F), no bleach, drip dry or tumble low, no iron.
• Shell care: damp cloth or mild disinfectant; no isopropyl alcohol or solvent.
• Product life: four years; inspect and tighten the hardware before use.

What does it work with, and what are its limits?

• Insert and cover: use the back with both in place.
• Lifting: never lift the wheelchair by the back.
• Stability: a new back can alter the chair's centre of gravity, so assess for anti-tippers.
• Vehicle use: tested to RESNA WC-4:2012 Section 20 and ISO 16840-4, but the wheelchair must also be tested.
• Returns: a custom back is not returnable once production starts.
• Warranty: 24 months on the back and 90 days on the cover.

How does it compare?

• The Java back has an aluminium shell and a 300 lb (136 kg) capacity, with pelvic support and trunk balance set separately.
• The Java Decaf back is the child's version, up to 200 lb (91 kg).

Browse all wheelchair backrests.

Funding may help: see who may help pay.