Frequently Asked Questions:
Independence Chair™

No, please see our product comparison for more information on why an Independence Chair™ may be a better fit for you than a standard wheelchair.

No, the Independence Chair™ is easy to operate. The design includes pictograms on all knobs and levers that illustrate what each one of them is used for, so you always know what each lever does and how to make the chair do what you need it to do. Whether you choose a manual height adjustment or an electric height adjustment, you can find comfort in the fact that you are able to easily adjust your chair. If you have the electric height adjustment, you can stay seated in your chair while pressing a switch underneath the armrest that allows you to raise or lower your chair to your desired height. If you have the manual height adjustment, you will have to bear weight on your feet to change the height setting, but once you are up, adjusting the height is as easy as pressing the lever on the side.

The Independence Chair™ Manual has a manual gas spring, so you will need to be able to bear weight on your feet. The Independence Chair™ Electric has buttons on the armrest to help move you up and down electrically.The Independence Chair™ Plus is like the Cadillac of the chairs—it has a higher backrest for better lumbar support, a neck rest, and the capability to rotate 90º left and right. Find out more about these models on our product page.

We sell three models in our main line, the Independence Chair™ Manual, Independence Chair™ Electric, and Independence Chair™ Plus. However, we do have other add-on special feature options available upon request or while in a consultation with one of our Quality of Life Experts.

Multiple sclerosis Stroke Parkinson’s disease Muscular dystrophy Cerebral palsy Arthritis Aging in place Back problems Amputation Apoplexy

Yes, your doctor can prescribe one for you. If they do, you can submit the prescription to your insurance.

We have customers that are working with private insurance to get their Independence Chair™ covered. However, we do not work directly with insurance. If you are interested in getting insurance to cover your Independence Chair™, you will need to reach out to your insurance company directly.

Yes, you can use the Independence Chair™ as an accommodation under the ADA. Many of our customers have done so. We are listed as a vendor at the Job Accommodation Network (JAN).

If an annual service inspection is performed and necessary wear and tear parts are changed (for example: the batteries, which have an expected lifespan of 3–5 years under normal use), you can expect your Independence Chair™ to last at least 10 years. With proper use, the chair will last 15 years or more.

These chairs are used primarily in the home or workplace to help our users get back to living and working more independently. Whether it’s cooking in the kitchen or getting back to projects so you can further your career, the Independence Chair™ helps you function where you need to.

Yes, many of our chairs are used in the business environment. Find out why companies like Apple, JP Morgan Chase, Southwest Airlines, AT&T, Lockheed Martin, and many others have purchased an Independence Chair™ for their facilities and their employees.

The weight limit for the Independence Chair™ Manual, the Independence Chair™ Electric, and the Independence Chair™ Plus is 352 pounds. We do have other accommodations that have a weight limit of 660 pounds upon special request.

The Independence Chair can be used on different kinds of flooring, but some carpets may cause difficulty. When you order your chair, be sure to discuss your home environment with your Quality of Life Expert so they can make recommendations customized to your needs.

The Independence Chair™ Manual weighs 50.7 pounds. The weight for the box, pallet, and the Independence Chair™ Manual is 75 pounds. The Independence Chair™ Electric weighs 63.9 pounds. The weight for the box, pallet, and the Independence Chair™ Electric is 85 pounds. The Independence Chair™ Plus weighs 75 pounds. The weight for the box, pallet, and the Independence Chair™ Plus is 95 pounds. Additional information about other models is available upon request.

The Independence Chair™ offers different height settings based on user measurements. Depending on the model you choose, you can customize the height settings towards your daily lifestyle.

The highest the Independence Chair™ Manual can go is 28.7 inches. The highest the Independence Chair™ Electric and Independence Chair™ Plus can go is 33.4 inches. Find out more about our height settings here. Disclaimer: you will need to pick one of the height settings in the chart when you place your order. This height setting is a range of the highest and lowest measurements your chair will be able to reach at that chosen height setting. Once you have placed your order and it is shipped, it is difficult to change the height settings at home, so make sure to discuss with your Quality of Life Expert the highest and lowest measurements you need to stay productive and get the most benefit and value from your chair. For more information and to receive a consultation on which height setting is best for you, please reach out to a Quality of Life Expert at 866.738.6552, Option 1, or email us at hello@enableme.com.

The lowest the Independence Chair™ Manual can go is 16.7 inches. The lowest the Independence Chair™ Electric and Independence Chair™ Plus can go is 17.2 inches. Find out more about our height settings here. Disclaimer: you will need to pick one of the height settings in the chart when you place your order. This height setting is a range of the highest and lowest measurements your chair will be able to reach at that chosen height setting. Once you have placed your order and it is shipped, it is difficult to change the height settings at home, so make sure to discuss with your Quality of Life Expert the highest and lowest measurements you need to stay productive and get the most benefit and value from your chair. For more information and to receive a consultation on which height setting is best for you, please reach out to a Quality of Life Expert at 866.738.6552, Option 1, or email us at hello@enableme.com.

We offer two types of height adjustments: manual and electric. The manual one utilizes a gas spring and lever to change the chair’s height. The electric height adjustment is battery-operated and has a switch located underneath the armrest. With this switch, the user can stay seated while raising or lowering the chair.

The height of the seat from the floor varies with the height settings that the user has chosen for their chair. To measure your seat from the floor, you will need to take the measurement from the back of your knee to the floor while seated, then add a couple inches to accommodate for the seat cushion.

There are two methods: a lever and a knob. The short and skinny lever towards the top pulls upward and unlocks the backrest, allowing you to adjust the angle of it. Once you find the angle that works best for you, you can secure it back in place by pulling the lever back down. The second method is a knob toward the bottom of the seat. If you pull this knob, it allows you to loosen the backrest post. From there, you can move the backrest up or down, giving you a taller or shorter backrest. Once you adjust it, go ahead and pull that knob down again to lock it into place.

Find the lever with the pictogram that shows the seat. Pull this upward. It loosens the seat, allowing you to angle the seat into an anterior or posterior tilt.

To set the wheel lock, pull forward on the long locking lever that is on the side of the seat—the castors will lock. If you ever forget which lever is the locking lever, the pictograms on the lever will help you easily identify which one you will need to pull.

The chair comes with a two-wheel locking system, which means that the back two wheels lock the chair firmly and securely into place. They offer very stable support for entry and exit.

The Independence Chair™ Manual and the Independence Chair™ Plus offer a 90º swivel of the seat to the left and the right, offering additional range of movement to the user while performing their daily activities. The Independence Chair™ Electric is fixed, which means that this option does not swivel. However, due to the 360º rotation of the wheels, you can easily move around in the chair while seated—especially while grabbing on to other surfaces.

Both options are great. However, if you are not able to bear weight on your feet, the Independence Chair™ Electric may be the better choice, as it allows you to raise or lower the chair without having to get up out of your seat. Some of our users even use the Independence Chair™ Electric to raise the height of the seat to an almost standing position in order to help them exit the chair and reduce the amount of pressure on their knees, joints, and muscles. It also helps the user with limited mobility stay safe because they do not have to reach for a lever to raise or lower the chair.

The chair does not operate when it’s plugged into the charger, so there is no need for an extension cord. You only need to have the chair plugged in overnight to charge it.

The 12V 2.3AH battery has a lifespan of 3–5 years.

If you purchase directly through Enable Me, they will be much more expensive because we have to import them from Denmark. You can find them at your local battery store—like a Batteries+—or on Amazon. The cost ranges from $10–$35. The Independence Chair™ electric models use two 12V 2.3AH batteries.

We recommend you charge your chair every night. However, the charge may last for 6–8 weeks, depending on your use.

Remove the cord from the armrest and plug it into the charger. Plug the charger into the wall. Allow it to charge overnight.

We have four different accessories, as well as an accessory bundle. Foot Ring The foot ring is a type of foot rest that is attached to the base of the frame of the chair. This allows the user to rest their feet while using the chair, adding additional comfort and support. It stays securely at the bottom of the chair while the user is seated. If the user does not need to use the footrest, they can fold the footrest up and out of the way. Foot Lock The foot lock is at the base of the chair. This will allow the user to use their foot to lock the chair into place while standing so they do not have to bend over and lock the chair into place by hand. This is also beneficial for a companion or caregiver who is guiding the chair around the house along with the user. Companion Bar The companion bar attaches to the back of the chair. This allows the user to use the chair as a walker. It can also be used by a caregiver or loved one to walk the chair around. Durable Seat Protector The durable seat protector keeps the chair safe from any accidental spills or damage. Accessory Bundle With this package, you will receive all four accessories. By purchasing all four accessories together, you will receive a cost savings of $150.

Aalborg, Denmark. Read more about our manufacturer here.

The frame is black. However, we have a variety of colors to choose from for the seat.

Yes, the chairs come in 5 different colors:

Onyx Black – IF059	Dove Grey – IF058	Midnight Blue – IF020
Charcoal Grey – IF276	Ruby Red – IF101

We can provide all the colors that you see on the supplier's website on special request. However, this will have a longer lead time as the chair will have to be special ordered from Denmark, which will take approximately 6–8 weeks.

Main Line Plus is a popular quality fabric that has very good abrasion resistance, great comfort, and is easy to clean. The fabric is a durable, firm, and cozy wool and viscose fabric that—when coupled with the lumbar support of the seat—allows the user to comfortably perform their daily activities. Clean with a vacuum cleaner, professional cleaning, or wiping with a clean, damp cloth.

Main Line Plus is a popular quality fabric from Camira Fabrics that is 67% wool, 20% flame-retardant viscose, and 13% Viscose.

The width of the Independence Chair™ is 25 inches. The locking lever sticks out about another inch, but it does not prevent you from going through a doorway or entryway because it trails behind the chair.

Yes, our durable seat protector is an additional accessory available for purchase. It covers the seat cushion and keeps it protected from everyday wear and tear, as well as the occasional spill. This waterproof plastic seat protector prolongs the longevity of the fabric of the chair. It is breathable, hygienic, and can be easily removed and thrown into the washing machine.

Yes, we do have backrest covers available upon request. They are ordered from Denmark and will take about 6–8 weeks to arrive.

The chair will work over low pile carpeting, like nylon. If the carpeting is thicker or tall, like shag, the wheels will have a harder time traveling over it.

Yes, the chair will work on Mexican tile. However, due to the uneven surfacing of Mexican tile, the two-wheel locking system will not securely lock into place on this surface.

We accept all major credit cards, checks, Paypal, FSA cards, and wire transfers. We accept purchase orders by facilities only.

Yes. If you buy two or more chairs, we will be happy to work with you on a discount for your order. Please speak with one of our Quality of Life Experts for more information.

We have financing options available. Payments can go as low as $54 (Independence Chair™ Manual), $85 (Independencce Chair™ Electric), or $101 (Independence Chair™ Plus). Speak with one of our Quality of Life Experts to learn more about payment options.

Yes, we accept FSA cards.

If the chair is in stock, it will be shipped to you within a week.

No, it comes fully assembled. However, the backrest will need to be slid on, which is very simple. This is to ensure the quality of the chair during shipping.

Yes, the warranty covers:

• Lifetime warranty on the welded steel frame
• 2 years on the lifting mechanism
• 1 year for all other parts

Service, parts, and shipping.

You can return it. However, we know that you will love it.

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it. A restocking fee of 20% will be applied. We will take your chair back if your return is initiated within two weeks of delivery. Read our full return policy here.

We do not have any demos available. However, our 14-day no-risk return policy allows you to try out our chair and see if it is a good fit for you. Discover how the Independence Chair™ by VELA changed our customers’ lives on our Customer Testimonials page.

Our manufacturer recommends that you clean the Independence Chair™ with a vacuum cleaner, professional cleaning service, or by wiping it with a clean, damp cloth.

No, but we do offer an optional waterproof seat protector to help prevent stains or damage to the seat.

In those rare situations, you can either ship it to us or find a local repair location near you. We will always try to find the most affordable solution for you.

You can order replacement parts through our service team. However, the odds of something breaking on your chair are miniscule.