Molten Rock: Your Boma7 Questions Answered

We are often asked the same questions during the Boma demonstrations and exhibitions; how do I transfer? Does the chair have reverse? How fast will a Boma go?

In this blog post we hope to answer some of these frequently asked questions and show the main points that make the chair so accessible and adaptable. If there is anything we missed, please feel free to contact us.

How do you transfer onto the Boma7?

The Boma7 is designed for quick and easy transfer. The handlebars can be removed and the front wheels can be swung around, enabling you to bring your everyday chair right up to the Boma 7 seat for sliding transfer. A hoisted transfer is also possible.

Are there various sizes of Boma 7 chair?

The Boma 7 is available in one standard size (seat base 17×17″/ 42x42cm). However, the seating, controls and footplate are fully adjustable, allowing the Boma 7 chair to be enjoyed by riders of different ages and heights (from 4ft. to 6’6ft.). The maximum user weight for the Boma 7 is 110kg.

What is the speed of the Boma 7 chair?

As a mobility device that is legally allowed on footpaths and bridleways, the Boma7 is limited to a maximum speed of 8mph (faster than it sounds when riding through the forest!). And, yes, the Boma does have reverse.

What is the range of a Boma 7 chair?

On typical farm trails (hard broken surface, slight gradients, grass and mud) we would expect 12-16 miles from a Boma 7 on one set of batteries. This figure is approximate and depends on terrain conditions, loading of the chair and ambient temperature.

Some users purchase a second set of batteries and simply swap them at a journey halfway point. These can be carried in the Bob cycle trailer or in a backpack.

What is the price of the Boma 7 chair?

Price is dependent on options and any bespoke requirements you may have. We would recommend a demonstration so you can try the Boma for yourself. Please contact us to arrange this. (As an indication a basic chair is £8,775 GBP ex VAT.)

Price Includes: Boma chair with standard seating, Two batteries & charging unit. Excludes delivery. International shipping can be arranged. Are you registered disabled? Should you be paying VAT? Find out more.>

Can I ‘try before I buy?’

Yes! Please contact us to arrange a free demonstration in your local forest or field!

Does the Boma 7 come with any guarantee or warranty?

Yes, the Boma 7 has a 12 month warranty.

Can I purchase a Boma 7 chair internationally?

Yes, we can ship a Boma chair to Europe or you can purchase through our dealers in Spain or France.

New Zealand customers can get a demonstration from Independent Journeys, our New Zealand dealer.US customers currently need to purchase in the UK and arrange shipping to the United States (we can provide specialist shipping containers). Please check our international contacts

Is the Boma 7 road legal in the UK?

The Boma 7, when fitted with our optional road lighting kit, becomes a Class 3 Mobility Device and is covered by the appropriate regulation. More information can be found here.
Together with the free registration process with the DVLA, you should also obtain at least third party insurance cover for the Boma. See below. We would recommend the use of high visibility clothing, a cycle helmet and warning flag when using on the road. Always ride responsibly.

Do I need insurance to ride the Boma?

We recommend that anyone operating a Boma 7 in a public area should have at least third party cover. Fish Insurance are a specialist company working within the mobility sector and have existing experience of the Boma product. We would recommend their services

If you would like any more information about Molten Rock or to read about our involvement with SIA please visit our Ruby Corporate Partner page here

Molten Rock: Mud & empowerment

Mobility is a basic right; the freedom to move around an environment independently, to make your own decisions about where you’re going and how you will get there. For someone with a severe mobility impairment using a powered wheelchair can deliver that freedom in the day-to-day urban environment, but what about when the tarmac stops?

At Molten Rock we have been developing all terrain wheelchair solutions that meet a range of conditions; from riders with minor mobility issues through to those with more complex needs such as high-level quadriplegia.

There’s a big difference between mobility in a built-up area and mobility in the countryside or on the beach, in the mountains, or in the Forest or even just a local Park. Boma gives the rider the confidence to cross difficult surfaces and obstacles; instead of worrying about gravel, grass, curbs and mud simply drive straight and Boma will take care of it. Rider feedback is that using a Boma is freeing; an escape from the mobility limitations of powered wheelchairs.

A Boma looks exciting. A powered wheelchair can be negative to the user’s self-image, but a Boma is definitely a positive. It tends to generate envy amongst onlookers, even able-bodied and there aren’t many wheelchairs with that power.

Boma 7 can give everyone the opportunity to experience the freedom and exhilaration that comes from travelling independently through wild environments, regardless of mobility impairments. Chin control, switched head control, light operation joysticks, Micro joysticks and even attendant control for those who may need help due to fatigue or the constraints of their condition.

Boma control options are virtually limitless; if you can operate a powered wheelchair, you can operate a Boma.

Throughout 2015 we are evaluating the Now Technologies gyroscopic, fully proportional head control system which has the potential to make operating a powered wheelchair an almost intuitive process. The system uses a wireless head set with built-in sensors which drive/steer the Boma according to how the rider moves their head. One advantage is that because the headset moves with the rider, you can be sure to always have control; in comparison with systems fixed to the wheelchair, where the rider can move away from switches.

If you have a particular control requirement or concern, please contact us to talk it through.

 

Boma can also be equipped with a range of specialist seating options to provide additional support and pressure relief as required. The majority of aftermarket seating accessories manufactured for powered wheelchairs will clip into our seating frame. Such items include J3 contoured backrests, Ottobock armrest pads, head rests and seating harnesses.

Over the years we have supplied a number of seating solutions and would be happy to discuss your particular requirements; please drop us a line.

We believe Boma to be the most exciting, capable and accessible All Terrain Wheelchair available today.

If you would like any more information about Molten Rock or to read about our involvement with SIA please visit our Ruby Corporate Partner page here

Molten Rock: “There is no such thing as bad weather; only the wrong clothes”

Getting out and about on your Boma in the summertime can offer so much, but when the nights are drawing in and the temperature drops the outdoors loses its appeal for many.

 
As the saying goes, with the right kit (jacket, trousers, boots and gloves) you can enjoy the great outdoors year-long without having to worry about the weather. But what is the right kit for you?

The problem is that modern outdoor kit comes in a massive range of layers, specifications and materials which can often be confusing to the uninitiated. Moreover, most outdoor kit is designed for the able-bodied rather than fitting well on someone using a wheelchair.

Expedition camp shoes

Keeping warm and dry is critical to those with reduced mobility, as it often takes a great deal of time to warm up again once their temperature drops. If you are permanently seated then changing clothes/trousers may require assistance from others and can be a further hassle. We believe the aim should be to make going outside quick and easy, by removing the negatives so you can focus on the fun stuff; like riding a Boma in the snow!

There are a growing number of specialist manufacturers producing clothing specifically designed for wheelchair users, but are often expensive and don’t feature the latest and best outdoor protection.

In this blog post, we have teamed up with our friends at theoutdoorshop.com to show you some of the standard outdoor kit which we believe would work really well for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments.

Keeping Warm.

Traditionally the best way to keep warm is with a down jacket. Modern jackets come in a range of sizes and shapes and thicknesses. Down has the advantage of being incredibly lightweight, so even those with limited strength will find they can still move freely.

Top Tip: look for the “technical mountain” jackets rather than walking/lifestyle jackets. Technical jackets tend to be cut shorter to give good range of movement; very useful for wheelchair users. You might also consider purchasing a jacket from the women’s range… These are usually identical to men’s jacket in styling, but are also cut shorter.

 

A great new development is PrimaLoft; a synthetic down material which is equally lightweight but unlike down, PrimaLoft is able to retain 96% of its insulating capability when wet by maintaining its loft.,, It may not keep you dry, but it will maintain heat which normal down would loose.

PrimaLoft is also available in trousers, providing thin manageable super insulated leg protection.

Getting waterproof trousers on and off has traditionally been a real hassle, particularly if you need assistance with dressing. Modern, mid-range waterproof and thermally insulated over trousers feature full-length zips along the side of each leg; literally all the way from top to bottom. All you have to do is wiggle the middle section under your backside and then zip down each leg, making them easy to use.

And for your feet… Keeping your extremities warm is crucial to being comfortable outdoors in the winter. Fortunately down lined “camp slippers” (originally designed for mountaineers to keep warm camping on a mountainside) are now available. These are extremely lightweight and extremely warm, but are generally not waterproof. A solution would be to use in conjunction with a waterproof overshoe such as Held overshoes.

Keeping Dry

Over boots; no need to change your shoes!

Again, waterproof jackets come in a wide range of sizes and specifications. We would recommend the technical mountain jackets for wheelchair users because they are generally cut shorter. Many of the waterproof systems require space between the inside surface of the jacket and the wearer. This is vital to maintain the breathable nature of these fabrics. Technical jackets often have foam padding in the back designed to maintain this, even when wearing a rucksack or backpack. We recommend you ask about this padding as it will also perform when you are leaning against a wheelchair backrest.

Top Tip: mid-range technical jackets usually have a double zip mechanism. Particularly useful when seated. Allows the jacket to be slightly open at the bottom, ensuring a good fit around the torso with minimal extra bulk.

We hope some of this information is useful to you and will help you get the right kit to get outdoors.

To help you on your way we have agreed a 10% discount on retail price from theoutdoorshop.com for all Boma owners.

If you would like any more information about Molten Rock or to read about our involvement with SIA please visit our Ruby Corporate Partner page here

Molten Rock: Boma & Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions

For young people progressing in employment is becoming increasingly reliant on showing skills and experience beyond the classroom. Participation in schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh Award carries increasing weight and should therefore be accessible to everyone.

Over the last five years we have helped four young people with mobility impairments achieve success with Duke of Edinburgh award expeditions; from hiking through the New Forest to journeys along the South Downs.

In this blog post we look at the points to consider when using a Boma chair as part of a Duke of Edinburgh expedition and where you can find advice to help you plan a trip yourself.

For wheelchair users travelling in tough off-road conditions there are limited options; if you have good strength and ability, then you could push yourself or maybe use a hand cycle. If you don’t have good strength, then you can either be dragged along or drive yourself using a Boma.

A Boma is extremely empowering, allowing the rider to be independent of the team, even in tough conditions and to carry their own kit/rucksack. Even for those with minimal strength and ability, the act of driving the chair and manoeuvring over rough ground means they are fully participating in the journey. A Boma can deliver an outdoor experience unlike anything else.

The rugged Boma chair is lightweight (approximately half weight of a standard powerchair), with batteries that can be quickly swapped for extra range. It is available with both handlebar and joystick control options to cater for all abilities, and can be easily transported between sites.

How will the Boma fit into the expedition?

If you would like to use a Boma as part of an expedition there are an increasing number of organisations who may be able to lend or rent a chair. Organisations will cover a particular area; Colchester, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Derbyshire, Perth & Kinross, New Forest and Brecon Beacons.

Top tip: We would recommend that the Boma be considered as part of the expedition from the very beginning. The earlier that points such as route planning, battery charging, secure storage and transport are considered, the easier it is to deal with each one.

Step One would be to arrange to try a Boma chair to ensure it is safe and comfortable for you to operate. If a member of the expedition team can also be present at this initial test, all the better. Bringing the team supervisor into the process at the beginning helps to any alleviate concerns they might have of working with the equipment and also enables a more informed planning process.

Step Two would be to plan the expedition, including considerations such as;

• what distances will be covered and over what terrain? What are the obstacles (gates, ditches, rivers)? Will a spare set of batteries be required? If so, how will they be carried?
• Does the overnight campsite have a power supply?
• Can the Boma be stored securely overnight?
• How will the Boma rider get around the campsite when not in the Boma? (Will they bring their everyday chair with them on the Boma? Will it be delivered to the campsite?)
• None of these problems are difficult to overcome, but it is important that they are considered to get the most out of the expedition experience.

Top tip: In the past organisers have said that having the Boma on the expedition really help to focus the teams planning and efforts; it could be said that doing an expedition with the Boma makes planning easier!

Step Three would be to run a short “shakedown” trip to bring up any problems or points that have been overlookedduring the planning process. There is always something overlooked and is better to find out in a short trip with easy access to support as opposed to halfway across Dartmoor!

Incidentally, you might be interested in our outdoor clothing blog looking at finding the right kit to keep you warm and dry when sitting (wheelchair users) while being easy to access (anyone with a mobility impairment).

After this and maybe a little bit more planning, it’s off to the expedition and hopefully a successful qualification.

We hope this information gets you thinking about how the Boma might fit in with the expedition/school trip you are involved with.

If you would like any more information or to enquire about one of our experience days then please visit our website: http://www.moltenrock.co.uk/