Carbon Fibre Frame
T700 high-tensile strength carbon fibre is used in the construction of the Motion Composites Helio C2 Wheelchair, one of the lightest and sturdiest materials available - this makes it significantly lighter than an aluminium or titanium framed equivalent wheelchair. The material also has vibration dampening properties, helping to reduce discomfort and wear to your body. The frame itself is a unibody construction, making it stronger and requiring less maintenance than a conventional two-part frame.
The standard Helio C2 has a 120 kg weight capacity; a HD upgrade is available that has a 159 kg capacity, far higher than most active wheelchairs. Seat widths of up to 22 inches are available, allowing the Helio C2 HD version to accommodate heavier and larger people in comfort.
Newton Accessories
Motion Composites' unique range of premium Newton accessories are available on the Helio C2, allowing you to fully customise your wheelchair. These include Newton UltraCasters, angle adjustable footplates, Newton Gravity ultralight wheels, and our favourite Newton Air Grip handrims, available in a range of colours to match or contrast your frame and with a unique finish to aid your grip.
Unlike the other carbon fibre folding wheelchair we do, the Krypton F, the Helio C2 has swing-away front legrests, aiding access to the front of the chair for transfers, and with a range of legrest angles available.
Finish
We think the Helio C2 is a great looking wheelchair - its manufacturers say it has an "impeccable finish", and for once this is marketing language that is wholly accurate! While most carbon chairs are only available in a black or raw carbon finish, the Helio C2 has a range of other frame colours available, which you can match up with Newton Air Grip coloured handrims too.
Our Verdict
We brought the Helio C2 into our range, as the combination of a carbon fibre folding frame with swing-away legrests wasn't served by any other products we offered. If that's what you're after, it's a great product - extremely light, sturdy, very configurable, and good looking.
We've found the Helio C2 to be a popular partner with the Light Drive power add-on for those that favour a folding frame but want to minimise the weight of their wheelchair.