Drive Base
Meyra's Optimus2 is their ultimate off-road model, backed up by high quality German design and manufacture. It has a 950 watt transaxle motor and gearbox, giving it outstanding power and climbing ability, comfortably tackling hills and rough ground. Front wheel drive combines with the chunky pneumatic tyres that have studded treads, to easily overcome kerbs and other obstacles. Your Optimus2 will drive across dirt, sand and snow, rough fields, forest tracks and more - it's great for country hikes and long dog walks.
Massive batteries are available - the standard 70 Ah twin batteries can be upgraded to 107 Ah batteries for a whopping 37 mile range - more than enough for a full day's work. Speeds of up to 8 mph are available, although we generally recommend 6 mph for the best traction.
Having said that, the Optimus2 is not just for off-roading; it's a multi-terrain vehicle just at home on roads, pavements and urban environments. While larger than a conventional powerchair, it is not too large to be able to use indoors, providing your space isn't too restricted, and it remains relatively manoeuvrable thanks to its front-wheel drive. The obstacle climbing ability makes it particularly adept at overcoming gaps to board trains and buses.
Seating
The standard seating on the Optimus2 is a large captain's style seat - as pictured on the blue wheelchair. This is a comfortable seat for general use, but has limited adjustability to it, with a "one size fits all" approach. Most people opt for the ErgoSeat upgrade (as seen in the black/red wheelchair) that is more adjustable in size, providing the support and comfort for longer drives. Recaro seating is also available for those that prefer car-style seating.
Powered seating functions are available on the Optimus2, including tilt, recline and elevating legrests - some other all-terrain models exclude these entirely. While the Optimus2 cannot cater to the most advanced postural needs, it offers a level of seating above and beyond most off-road products, allowing it to be used throughout the day.
Optimus2 RS
Most people getting the Optimus2 choose the RS upgrade - the red and black wheelchair pictured. This is taken alongside the Ergo Seat for the ultimate Sport version of the Optimus2 - high performance, stylish and comfortable.
Motability
Uniquely for off-road powerchairs, both the standard Optimus2 and Optimus2 RS are available on the Motability scheme, the latter coming with powered tilt as well, and is well-worth the extra cost. Being on the scheme makes the Optimus2 far more attainable - you won't find other all-terrain models available on Motability.
Our Verdict
There are lots of off-road powerchairs on the market, but none that offer as much as the Meyra Optimus2 Powerchair at such a competitive price. We've put it through its paces off road, and it really does perform - it goes straight up kerbs as if they weren't there, and muddy fields are no issue.
There are off-road models with even higher levels of performance - four-wheel drive powerchairs or models such as Permobil's X850 and Magic Mobility's Magic 360 - but these all have five-figure base prices far in excess of the Optimus2. If you want a very capable powerchair for off-road use that won't break the bank, and which has configurable seating and looks good as well, the Optimus2 RS is the one to get.