Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered.
The questions carers, clinicians and families ask us most about the WayZy 250.
How would you describe the WayZy 250?
A new generation, power driven, double arm, four point patient lifter. The two lifting arms move independently and above horizontal level. The whole unit drives forward, reverse, left and right and turns on the spot from a joystick, and it lifts the person the same way. It runs on 24 volt rechargeable batteries.
What sort of lifts can it do?
One lifter, different lifts. Floor lifts, sit to stand, gait training and walk assist, rolling and repositioning in bed, and taking a person from lying down to seated or standing. It covers ten lift positions that would otherwise need several different lifters side by side.
What is the rated lifting capacity?
250 kg rated patient lifting capacity, on a patented four point lifting system with two independent lifting arms.
Can it lift someone off the floor and into a bed or a chair?
Yes. The joystick drives the lifter into position, the sling goes under the person, then the cables are lowered and connected to the sling so you control exactly how they are lifted and where they are placed, whether that is a bed, a chair or the toilet.
Can it reach someone who has fallen in a toilet or another tight space?
Yes. The person is placed on the sling, the sling is attached to the winch system, and it draws them clear into a position where the lift can be completed to a wheelchair or a bed.
Can you roll or reposition a person in bed with it?
Yes. Drive into position, place the sling, lower and connect the cables, then use the independent arms to roll the person, sit them up or move them across the bed in a controlled way.
Can it support someone for walking rehabilitation?
Yes. A customised support sling such as a gait trainer holds the person in standing while the carer uses the joystick to move forward or in reverse with them.
How many people does it take to operate?
It is designed so one person can safely carry out most transfers, with no physical pushing. Always follow your own manual handling policy and the person's transfer plan, since some settings and some transfers will still call for a second person.
Does it work on carpet?
Yes. Because the WayZy 250 is motor driven rather than pushed, it moves on carpet and soft flooring where conventional lifters bog down. That is one of the main reasons it suits people's own homes.
What slings can be used?
Any commercially available sling with a four point attachment, so there is no sling library to replace.
Can it weigh a person?
Yes. Integrated weighing is built into the lifting process, giving a reading as the person is lifted from a bed, a wheelchair or the floor.
How are the batteries charged?
Straight into a normal power point, the same as any other battery. Four to six hours of charge gives up to eight hours of runtime, a full working day.
Where is it suited?
Hospitals, aged care, rehabilitation and disability services, and people's own homes. The one operator design and the floor pick up are what in home carers ask about most.
Has it been independently assessed?
The WayZy 250 patient lifting concept has undergone an independent commercial assessment by Flinders Partners, which interviewed Australian hospitals and aged care providers about the design. The motorised movement and the potential to reduce injury risk for both carers and the people they support were rated its strongest benefits. The design is protected by Australian Innovation Patent No. 2021102659.
