A New Raise for Standing Wheelchairs: Motion Concepts’ Seat Module Adds Noticeable Lift for Users

Quick take: a larger lift for standing wheelchairs and why it matters

Motion Concepts, the mobility-products division of Invacare America, has announced an upgraded seat elevation module for standing wheelchairs that gives users about 10 inches of extra vertical reach, according to the company’s press release. The change aims to let people reach higher, meet others at eye level, and make some transfers easier. The company says the module works with its standing wheelchair platforms and with compatible power-seat systems, and that it was designed to keep motion smooth and stable as seats rise higher.

How the new elevation module works and where it fits on a chair

The module is an add-on for Motion Concepts’ power-seat architecture used in Invacare America standing wheelchairs. In plain terms: it raises the seat frame itself, adding roughly ten inches to a wheelchair user’s standing height when the chair is in its lifted position. The company says the change comes from an upgraded elevation mechanism paired with updated seat controls so the lift happens in a controlled way.

The release describes the module as compatible with existing Motion Concepts seat systems and certain Invacare standing wheelchair models, so some current users could have the new part fitted without buying a whole new chair. The company also notes engineers paid attention to stability and the motion profile—how quickly and smoothly the seat moves—so that the lift feels predictable for users and aides. The announcement did not list a new gross vehicle weight rating, specific motor specs, or detailed engineering test data in the release.

What this extra lift changes in everyday life

For users, the appeal is simple: being ten inches taller while in a standing position can make a real difference in social and practical moments. Eye-level interactions matter for comfort and dignity; users report feeling more included when they can meet someone at the same height. The extra reach also helps with everyday tasks like grabbing items on kitchen counters, shelves or from higher desks. Clinically, standing positions can help with pressure relief and circulation for some people, and a higher standing point may assist certain transfer maneuvers.

There are caveats. A higher seat shifts the chair’s center of gravity and can change how it moves in tight spaces or on slopes. Ceiling height in homes and vehicles becomes more critical. Insurance coverage for add-on modules varies widely; not all payers approve upgrades unless they’re justified by a clinical need. Users with complex medical profiles may still need therapist clearance to use higher elevation safely.

Where this sits in the mobility-aid market and what it could mean for buyers

Motion Concepts operates within Invacare America’s mobility portfolio, a recognized name in wheelchairs and seating systems. The new module brings more modularity to standing chairs: providers and clinics that buy seat systems can potentially offer a higher-lift option without replacing entire chairs. That could sway procurement choices, particularly for clinics looking to standardize parts and upgrades.

Competitors in the powered seating and standing market already offer various elevation and standing functions, so this module is more an incremental product improvement than a market shake-up. Still, for end users and suppliers who prioritize greater eye-level access or expanded reach, an add-on that fits existing chairs is a practical sales point.

What the company actually said and what needs checking

The company’s announcement, issued on December 18, 2025 via its press release, described the module as an “enhanced seat elevation solution” that provides increased independence and better engagement in daily activities. Motion Concepts emphasized design updates to maintain stability and smooth operation as seats travel higher.

The release presents performance and user-benefit claims but does not publish independent test data, certification certificates, or peer-reviewed clinical results. Those are the items that would need outside verification—especially claims about safety, durability under long-term use, and clinical benefits like pressure relief. Buyers and clinicians will reasonably want to see third-party testing, fall-risk data, or explicit certification details before treating the upgrade as a clinical solution.

Availability, price signals and what to watch next

The press release says the enhanced elevation module is being offered through Motion Concepts and Invacare America sales channels. The company did not list a public retail price in the announcement; pricing and insurance coverage will likely vary by supplier and region. Watch for follow-up stories on real-world user testing, rehab-clinic adoption, and any formal safety testing or field reports that detail how the higher lift performs in everyday use.

Sources

• prnewswire.com