FAQ: Does Installing a DRBi void the wheelchair manufacturer’s warranty? Part one: OEM
Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
When installing a Dynamic Rocker Back interface (DRBi) on a manual or power wheelchair, the back canes must be cut to accommodate the height of the dynamic hardware. A common concern from suppliers is whether or not this voids the warranty on the wheelchair frame. It all depends on the manufacturer. In this blog, we will address how this is handled by OEM manufacturers who include the DRBi on their order forms.
The words ‘back canes’ and ‘back posts’ are interchangeable. We have used the wording from each manufacturer’s order forms below.
A common concern from suppliers is whether or not this voids the warranty on the wheelchair frame.
PDG Mobility (now under Permobil)
The DRBi is available on this manufacturer’s order form. When ordered on-chair, the DRBi does not void the manufacturer’s warranty. When the DRBi is retrofitted to an existing PDG Mobility wheelchair, the DRBi does not void the manufacturer’s warranty, even if the back posts are cut to length as a part of installation.
Freedom Designs (operating subsidiary of Invacare)
The DRBi is available on this manufacturer’s order form. When ordered on-chair, the DRBi does not void the manufacturer’s warranty. When the DRBi is retrofitted to an existing Freedom Designs wheelchair, the DRBi does not void the manufacturer’s warranty. However, if the back posts are modified (cut to length as a part of installation), the warranty will no longer cover the actual back posts.
Invacare
The DRBi is available on this manufacturer’s order form. When ordered on-chair, the DRBi does not void the manufacturer’s warranty. When the DRBi is retrofitted to an existing Invacare wheelchair, the DRBi does not void the manufacturer’s warranty. However, if the back canes are modified (cut to length as a part of installation), the warranty will no longer cover the actual back canes.
As the DRBi is designed to prevent breakage of the back canes, warranty of the back canes themselves should not be an issue. It is important to share with consumers and their caregivers how use of Dynamic Seating impacts frame warranties.
