What Is Complex Powered Mobility Equipment?

What Is Complex Powered Mobility Equipment?

For many people new to powered mobility, one of the first questions is “What makes some power wheelchairs more complex than others?”

In Australia, complex powered mobility equipment refers to individually configured power wheelchairs and seating systems that are prescribed to meet a person’s specific clinical, functional, and lifestyle needs. These devices are not off the shelf products. They are carefully selected and configured around the individual to support posture, mobility, independence, safety, and long term health.

Unlike standard power wheelchairs, complex systems allow for a high level of customisation. This can include specialised seating, advanced electronics, alternative drive controls, and features designed to manage fatigue, pressure, tone, or changing physical needs over time. The goal is always to match the equipment to the person, rather than asking the person to adapt to the equipment.

Who Is Complex Rehab For?

‘Complex Powered Mobility’ is often prescribed for people living with complex or long-term mobility needs that require more than an off-the-shelf solution.
This may include conditions such as:

  • Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
  • Cerebral Palsy (CP)
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Stroke or Brain Injury

Each of these conditions can affect movement, posture, endurance, or pressure tolerance, so the seating, controls, and electronics must be tailored precisely to the individual.

Why Complex Rehab Technology Matters

A properly prescribed Complex Powered Mobility Device chair doesn’t just restore mobility - it enables function, participation, and independence in daily life.
That’s why Quantum Rehab® power chairs are clinically focused and consumer inspired. Every chair is built around the person using it, with the goal of increasing independence & comfort, reducing fatigue, and empowering a more active life.

Unlike standard power chairs, Quantum’s Power Wheelchairs feature advanced technologies such as:

  • Power tilt, recline, and elevating leg rests for pressure management and positioning
  • iLevel® technology, allowing users to drive at walking speed while elevated for improved social interaction and functional reach
  • Expandable electronics and alternative drive controls, supporting joystick, head array, or switch operation
  • Custom seating systems to optimise posture and reduce the risk of pressure injury

Every configuration is prescribed in consultation with a clinical team - occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and ATPs and built in Quantum’s Melbourne facility for Australian conditions.

NDIS and Funding in Australia

 In Australia, complex powered mobility and seating systems are commonly funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) under the Assistive Technology category. When equipment is customised or clinically complex, the NDIS requires clear clinical justification to demonstrate that the recommended solution meets a participant’s functional needs and goals.

Your prescribing therapist will work alongside your Supplier to prepare the required Assistive Technology assessment and supporting documentation, including an itemised quote. In addition to our Quantum Product Specialists, Quantum also has an in-house clinical team available to consult and assist with clinical questions, equipment configuration, and evidence requirements throughout the process.

Quantum’s strong local presence, headquartered in Melbourne with additional warehouses in New South Wales, Queensland, and regional Victoria, means support, service, and expertise are always close at hand.

Real-World Example

“Unlike standard power chairs, complex powered mobility and seating systems are built to meet individual clinical and functional needs.”

A person with a C5 spinal cord injury may require power tilt, recline, and elevating leg rests to redistribute pressure throughout the day—paired with a chin control system for independent driving. Another individual with MND may need configured seating with lateral trunk supports and integrated communication access.

Each setup is uniquely built, programmed, and fine-tuned before delivery to ensure it truly fits the person’s body and lifestyle.

Why Choose Quantum Rehab®

Quantum Rehab® is Australia’s leader in Complex Powered Mobility , offering a full range of advanced power chairs that are engineered for clinical performance, comfort, and style.

From the newly designed Edge 4 to the rugged 4x4 Outback, every model combines robust design with precision engineering and smart technology.

Whether you’re exploring your first powered mobility solution or upgrading to a prescribed configuration, Quantum’s experienced team and nationwide dealer network are here to help.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Choosing a complex rehab power chair starts with an individual assessment.
Book a consultation today to explore the Quantum range and discover which configuration best meets your needs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a standard power chair and a complex rehab power chair?

 

Unlike standard power chairs, which come in fixed configurations, complex rehab power chairs are individually configured for each user’s medical and functional needs. They include specialised seating, power positioning, and alternative drive controls designed by clinical professionals to maximise comfort, posture, and independence.

Who typically uses complex rehab power chairs?

Complex power wheelchairs are prescribed for people who need a higher level of seating support, mobility, or control than a standard power wheelchair can provide. They may be used by people with neurological, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, or other complex physical needs, whether those needs are stable, changing, or long term.

Each system is individually prescribed and configured to support safe seating, effective mobility, and participation in everyday life.

Are complex rehab power chairs funded by the NDIS?

Yes. In Australia, Complex Powered Mobility and Seating is typically funded through the NDIS as Mid or High-Cost Assistive Technology (AT). Your prescribing clinician will help submit an NDIS Assistive Technology assessment, and work with Quantum to provide the required documentation, quotes, and clinical justification.

Where are Quantum Rehab power chairs built?

All Quantum Rehab power chairs for the Australian market are assembled and configured locally in Melbourne, with additional support facilities in New South Wales, Queensland, and regional Victoria. This ensures every chair is set up, tested, and supported to meet Australian conditions.

How can I trial or be assessed for a Quantum Rehab power chair?

Start by booking an assessment with your prescribing clinician (occupational therapist or physiotherapist), local Supplier or local Quantum dealer. During the session, your seating, controls, and postural needs are reviewed, and your clinician works with Quantum’s technical team to configure the best solution for your daily life.

How Do I Get a Power Chair Funded Through the NDIS?

For many Australians exploring powered mobility, one of the most common questions is:

“How do I get my power chair funded through the NDIS?”

To receive NDIS funding for a power chair, you’ll need an assistive technology (AT) assessment from your prescribing clinician (occupational therapist (OT) or physiotherapist (PT)) and supporting documentation that demonstrates the equipment is reasonable and necessary for your daily life.

Quantum Rehab works with NDIS participants nationwide through our authorised dealer and therapist network to make this process as smooth as possible.
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