RGK Tiga FX – Manual Wheelchair

Wheelchair Description:
Purple rigid frame with purple accents, which folds just above the castor wheels. The side guards (fenders) and backrest also fold down, and it has quick-release wheels. It has a carbon fibre footplate, a ‘stroller’ type adjustable push handles, and attachment points for an RGK FrontWheel. The chair also has rainbow coloured spoke covers and clear spoke guards with penguins on them. Unlike regular Tiga FX’s, mine has a backrest bar to accommodate the push handles. This means it’s probably too big for airplane storage compartments.

Source of Wheelchair:
RGK Wheelchairs

Diagnosis:
Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

Personal Opinion:
I wanted to get a new folding wheelchair to replace my old Quickie Neon 2. The Tiga FX appealed to me because it looks and behaves like a rigid chair, while also having the convenience of being able to fold it if needed. I usually just fold the backrest and side guards since it fits into my car without folding the front of the frame.

I’ve had the chair for about 18 months now, and absolutely love it. It was measured very accurately by my local RGK rep, although he could have added a little extra width for my big coat (it rains a LOT here). It wasn’t until I received the chair that I realised how badly my NHS chair fitted! Instead of being terrified every time I have to go down a slight slope, I’m now much more confident and can manage the occasional wheelie.

I am very glad I went for the fender-type side guards since they protect my clothes from mud etc. I’m also pleased I went for adjustable push handles since they’re really versatile. If I’m going somewhere I might need assistance, then my partner/mum etc can adjust them to the right height. When they’re not needed I either lower them and tuck them into the chair, or remove them entirely! Because they’re not a standard option with the Tiga FX, RGK did have to add a backrest bar to my chair – but actually, this comes in very handy (I have a bag hanging off it, and it helps with lifting the chair etc) and I’m glad my chair has it. It does mean the chair is bigger than the ‘standard’ set-up and probably wouldn’t fit in the overhead compartments on a plane, but considering I haven’t flown in years, that’s not really an issue for me.

I got the RGK FrontWheel as a ‘freebie’ with this chair, and it’s great. Makes going off-road much easier, and I much prefer it to the longer (and less stable feeling!) FreeWheel.