Wheelchair provides style, function

WASHINGTON POST
In a marriage of form, function and access, an iconic, ergonomic Herman Miller Aeron desk chair now tops a Permobil C2S motorized wheelchair.
The match was made by Permobil executives in the Swedish company's U.S. facility in Lebanon, Tenn., who were impressed by the Aerons in their offices.
"They thought it would be a good idea to put it on our power wheelchair base and let everybody have this comfort," said Permobil marketing manager Barry Steelman. "We have been working with Herman Miller for about a year on this project."
The alliance closes the loop for the Zeeland, Mich., furniture company, said Mark Schurman, Herman Miller's communications director. "Aeron's own earliest origins were related to research we did with the elderly and less abled, so it is interesting to see elements of the design coming back to serve this population."
The high-end C2S Aeron costs between $12,500 and $15,000, depending on automatic power options, Steelman said.
The chair reclines, its back tilts and seat height is adjustable as are the arm and leg rests. It weighs 350 pounds and can travel up to 7.5 mph. For information, call 800-736-0925 or see www.permobilusa.com.