Ventus
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Four testers – one wheelchair for active use. VENTUS – The Wheelchair for Active Use

Ottobock Ventus: one world, one wheelchair. The Ventus – a new dimension in quality and function for active wheelchair users. The idea is simple: we build a wheelchair, one for all. A wheelchair for active users that reflects the sum of our experiences in Mobility Solutions to the best advantage. A wheelchair with sophisticated technology, featuring excellent operating performance thanks to outstanding quality. A wheelchair that represents the ultimate combination of ergonomics and comfort. A wheelchair with an efficient design, resulting in an all-round high quality product at a fair...

The special needs of people are diverse. The demands on a wheelchair for active use are the same: unconditional suitability for everyday use, maximum stability with minimum weight, top quality and functionality, an attractive design. That is all: the Ottobock Ventus.

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"Even with my disability, I am an open person who enjoys life. My friends appreciate my positive attitude and that I always make the best of everything. I accept myself the way I am. I love myself ... and I love beautiful things."

"I believe every person is responsible for their own happiness. My attitude towards life is positive and I think everything has a purpose. I am happy that I can live independently, that I can handle life on my own and that I can move the way I want to move. For me, that is quality of life. Of course a wheelchair is an essential part of that for me. So it seems obvious that it cannot look just any old way, but that it has to be right for me. I am a woman, after all." Kim Elena, student Kim Elena is 20 years old, spina bifida, wheelchair user, social sciences student: "I came into this world...

Kevin, wakeboarder: "I'm a rebel. I want to prove that it's possible anyway. I don't want to be a role model. I only want to show that life is fun, even with a handicap. Doing crazy things, the thought of just trying it, to keep stretching the limits, that's my thing. My wheelchair must be able to stand up to me, it's that simple."

"Naturally, independence is most important for us as people with disabilities. Getting from point A to point B without extra help. I also really want to participate in a sport where I can show up a pedestrian. I am willing to give a lot in order to reach my goals. I'm not too good for anything. My motto: Just do it. Of course it's hard work. For me ... and for the equipment." Kevin, wakeboarder

Kevin is 33 years old, partial paraplegic TH 11/12 after an occupational accident, wheelchair user, ski racer, wakeboarder, hand biker and kite surfer: "I started out with a handicap. As a young boy, I had to wear a cast for two and a half years because of damage to my hip joint, followed by an exercise machine, and I couldn't participate in sports until I was 14. Then I went for it and really caught up in sports. I proved that I can do it. In 2002 I had an accident. I was working on a roof when I broke through the scaffolding and fell ten metres. Since then I've been a paraplegic. At the...

Marianne, world traveller: "I love to travel. Getting to know other countries and other people, seeing how others live, exploring their culture and lifestyles, all of that is really exciting for me. I need a reliable companion for my travels – a wheelchair I can trust."

"I am very fortunate. I have a husband who helps me when I need it. Not to mention that I live in a time of true awareness and empathy for people with disabilities. I experienced this in many countries, and it really gave me courage." Marianne, world traveller Marianne is 63 years old, hereditary spastic spinal paralysis, wheelchair user, world traveller: "Since 2006, my disability has been so severe that I need a wheelchair. At first my greatest fear was being dependent on others for help, isolated and lonely. Really it's the opposite. Of course I need help, but I get that help whenever I...

René, Design Engineer at Ottobock: "I am proud of the Ventus. Our team had long, intensive discussions, we kept improving every detail, questioned everything and found new answers. I am happy that I was able to work on this project."

"When mobility is no longer a matter of course, sensitivity for the conditions and quality grows. I consider mobility essential for a free, independent life. The car is a big part of this freedom for me. I need to be able to load and unload my wheelchair independently, so that weight and handling are crucial. With its low frame weight, my Ventus is among the lightest in its class and also features outstanding technology. It's very convincing." René, Design Engineer at Ottobock

René is 40 years old, tetraplegic C5/C6 after a traffic accident, wheelchair user since 21 years, employed in the development department at Ottobock Mobility Solutions: "Testing wheelchairs is my job. With more than 20 years of experience as a user, I am able to precisely assess their quality and operating performance. The offer from Ottobock to work for Mobility Solutions here in Königsee, Thuringia was perfect for me. It allows me to actively help myself and everyone else with similar disabilities. That and the acceptance of my colleagues are very special to me. I have been driving the...

Benchmark in quality and function. In concrete terms: Within the framework of financing options offered by paying parties, is it possible to build a rigid frame wheelchair with optimised weight, exemplary operating performance and also outstanding ergonomic qualities? Yes. With German engineering by Ottobock. Königsee / Thuringia. Here in the new Ottobock Centre for Mobility Solutions, a team of young, creative engineers and experienced technicians joined forces with users to rise to this challenge. The Ventus is based on a newly developed frame platform. Combining the use of components...