Rick's Reviews, Pacesaver Scout RF4

Edmond Wheelchair Repair & Supply

Fair and honest review of the Pacesaver Scout RF4 electric wheelchair.

PACESAVER SCOUT RF4 MWD POWER WHEELCHAIR. Rating
Recommended use, Indoor / Outdoor


To say I was impressed with The Pacesaver Scout RF4 would be an understatement. They managed to combine a 400 lb weight limit, good everyday performance, good reliability, and good looks into a package that is inexpensive enough to be sold at a reasonable price, or as a Medicare K0011. 

The Scout RF4 was designed for everyday use by larger individuals in both indoor and outdoor settings. It meets this design very well. A little large to be used in some smaller homes, ( something us larger folks are used to ) but makes up for its size by being very maneuverable. The Scout RF4 also has the power needed to handle everyday outdoor use. It runs and turns on grass just fine in the second lowest setting. While not a trail blazer kind of power wheelchair, it does just fine for running around the yard and should handle just about everything a normal person would run into in everyday life.

Like most other mid-wheel drive chairs when going down a slope the chair can tip forward onto it front anti-tip wheels. While this is not dangerous, it can scare the heck out of you the first few times it happens. If you are going to be cruising up and down hills a seat belt is in order.

The Dynamic manufactured electronics are in use by several of the best power wheelchair companies and have a good record of reliability. The controls feature 5 speed / power settings that are easily cycled through by the push of a couple of large push pads built into the joystick, one to raise the setting, one to lower it. The horn is a little better then most found on power wheelchairs today. These Dynamic controls also feature a magnetic key that when swiped across the on / off pad will lock the controls so that the chair can not be turned on.

The Scout RF4 has 12 x 4" drive wheels for good traction and floatation on softer ground. The rear casters are the standard 8 x 2". The front anti-tip wheels are 6 x 1" with a solid tire.

The only other concern I have about the Scout RF4 is the seat locking mechanism. It is a clamp type and even though I have never even heard of a problem with one, I wonder how well it will hold up to steady use. To swivel the seat you pull the lever on the right side towards the rear of the chair, to lock the seat you push it towards the front of the chair.

The Scout RF4 comes with a separate battery charger which plugs into the front of the joystick, a good feature for the larger person. The charger is the Soneil type which is smaller and lighter then a standard battery charger, great for traveling. The RF4 can use group 22 or Group 24 batteries.


The seat deserves special mention. While the design is nothing special, the construction is very good with a 21" standard width and 20" depth it is very comfortable for larger users. The armrest pads are also of a larger width for better arm support. A power seat lift is available.

Pacesaver has been in business for over 18-years and makes good quality power wheelchairs and scooters. In the many years that we have been in business, we have had very few brought in for repairs. Most have been to replace normal wear items like tires and batteries.

Of those we have sold, we have had to replace the motors on just two chairs. In all fairness to Pacesaver, of these two chairs, both have seen very heavy use, and normal care and maintenance was not performed.

All in all, a good heavy duty power wheelchair at a very good price.


PROS

Excellent reliability.
Easy to use, even to recharge.
Parts are readily available.
Fits it designed purpose very well.
A good chair at a good price.


CONS

I am not sure about the seat lock mechanism, but I have not heard of any problems.

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12/30/2005