The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) is aware of a voluntary Field Safety Notice issued by BHTA member company Permobil concerning a limited number of M- and F- Corpus series power wheelchairs. This article explains what the notice means, who may be affected, and what steps users and providers should take.

What has been identified?

Permobil has confirmed that an incorrect bushing was used during assembly on some M- and F- Corpus series power wheelchairs manufactured between 10 July 2025 and 25 July 2025. Further technical detail is set out in the official Field Safety Notice published by the MHRA, which can be viewed here.

A bushing is a small protective sleeve designed to reduce friction and vibration between moving parts. In the affected chairs, the incorrect bushing may reduce structural integrity during a hard front-end impact.

The component most affected is the integrated neck injury protection mechanism, which is designed to help reduce the risk of neck injury in the event of a collision.

What is the level of risk?

According to Permobil’s risk assessment, the likelihood of failure is low. However, because an increased risk has been identified under specific conditions, Permobil is carrying out a re-work on all affected units as a precaution.

There have been no instructions to stop using the chair in everyday situations. The notice focuses on ensuring that the device continues to meet its intended safety performance.

Which devices are affected?

Only a limited number of Permobil M- and F- Corpus series power wheelchairs are affected. The official Field Safety Notice includes full technical details and the complete list of affected serial numbers. These are specific units identified by serial number and manufacturing date.

If a chair is affected, the owner or service provider will be contacted directly. If you are unsure whether a device is included, your local provider can confirm this for you.

What happens next?

Permobil has instructed local providers to arrange a re-work of affected chairs. This corrective action will replace the incorrect component and restore full compliance with safety requirements. Providers will contact users directly to arrange the work at a suitable time.

Advice while waiting for re-work

While waiting for the corrective work to be completed, Permobil recommends avoiding car transportation of the chair, where possible, to minimise any risk associated with high-impact situations This is a precautionary measure and does not affect normal day-to-day use.

Contact information

Permobil advises that if you have any questions relating to this Field Safety Notice, you should contact your local provider or Permobil Customer Support.

Permobil Customer Support:

• Telephone: +46 60 787 90 60
• Email: customer_support_se@permobil.com

Permobil also requests that any device-related incidents are reported directly to the manufacturer at incident.report@permobil.com.

Mobility equipment supplier Dash Rehab has introduced the second smart powerchair in its range, the Robooter E40.

Dash Rehab is part of RHealthcare, which was formed through the purchase of Remploy Healthcare. RHealthcare is a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA).

The Robooter E40 is a 4mph manual-fold powered aluminium wheelchair, which can be controlled with a smartphone and comes with added features built into the chair. These include the ability to change the voice on the chair and cruise control.

A ‘fault find’ feature highlights if there is an issue with the chair and the end-user can receive handy updates via an app.

Built-in Bluetooth technology also turns a smart phone into an attendant control. The E40 can be ‘sent away’ or up a ramp into a car, for example. 

Navigation is made easier with lighting to the front and rear of the chair.

Brent McIvor, sales and marketing director at Dash Rehab, commented: “The Robooter E40 is a great follow-on product from the X40 model. Our focus is to move the design and technology forward with this latest release, appealing to an increasingly tech-savvy end user.  So far, we are encouraged by the positive feedback from end users.”

The Robooter E40 and X40 are exclusive to Dash Rehab in the UK and Ireland. 

The E40 features a streamlined design. Its classic curves and contours are enhanced by a range of contemporary colours: pearl white, peacock blue, modern grey, ink lake green, and graphite black. The main frame is powder coated for a superior and long-lasting smooth finish.

Ergonomically, the E40 is designed to offer an immersive seating experience. The backrest is integrated with the ergonomic seat. The backrest mesh fits the body curve better providing support for the lumbar spine and helping muscles stay more relaxed when sitting for a long time. Luxe leather on the armrests adds to the user experience.

The E40 has a travelling distance of 16 miles, powered by a 20amp lithium battery.

It is easily transported due to its weight and compact size. The overall lifting weight is 21kg, excluding battery, with a maximum user weight of 150kg. The powerchair can be folded at the touch of a button. 

With rear pneumatic tyres and honeycomb front castors, the E40 is designed for everyday terrain. It can also be used on a bus or train.

To discuss the E40 in more detail, call 0845 146 0600 or email sales@rhealthcare.co.uk.

Dash Rehab will also be exhibiting at this year’s OT Show on 22-23 November at the NEC, Birmingham on stand D33.