When searching for a Drive Medical Viper Plus Reclining Wheelchair for stroke recovery, individuals, physical therapists, and family caregivers need an adaptable seating solution that delivers pressure relief and posture flexibility without unnecessary bulk. Built upon a high-strength, lightweight aluminum chassis with an over-center cross brace and a chip-resistant black finish, this medical chair supports everyday mobility while safely carrying occupants up to 300 lbs. Designed specifically as an institutional-grade reclining manual wheelchair, it provides dependable positioning support across private homes, clinical rehabilitation gyms, and long-term care facilities.
Custom therapeutic alignment, pressure redistribution, and transfer simplicity are built directly into this Viper Plus platform. Outfitted with a smooth hydraulic reclining mechanism, the backrest angle adjusts seamlessly from 5 degrees up to 20 degrees, allowing caregivers to relieve pressure on the spine and improve upper trunk comfort. A customizable backrest height adjusts from 17 to 19 inches in 1-inch increments, while built-in telescoping seat rail extensions adjust seat depth from 16 to 18 inches to match under-thigh length. Padded desk-length armrests allow users to sit flush against dining tables and study desks, flipping backward cleanly on secure latches to open an unobstructed lateral path for sliding transfers to bed. Tool-free swing-away elevating leg rests with composite footplates lift lower limbs smoothly to encourage venous circulation and reduce dependent edema. Outfitted with 24-inch quick-release composite mag-style wheels, puncture-proof urethane tires, precision sealed bearings, dual-axle hemi-height adjustments, 3-position adjustable 8-inch front casters, flip-up anti-tippers, push-to-lock brakes, an integrated backrest carry pocket, and flame-retardant nylon upholstery, this self propelled wheelchair delivers reliable performance indoors and outdoors.
Key Features & Performance Benefits
- Lightweight aluminum chassis combines high-strength durability with easy caregiver handling and loading
- Hydraulic reclining mechanism provides smooth back angle adjustments from 5 degrees to 20 degrees
- Backrest height adjusts from 17 to 19 inches in 1-inch increments to match individual spinal support needs
- Built-in telescoping seat rail extensions allow seat depth adjustments from 16 to 18 inches without tools
- Padded desk-length armrests roll close to dining tables and flip backward out of the way for lateral transfers
- Tool-free swing-away elevating leg rests lift lower limbs to promote circulation and reduce lower-leg swelling
- Quick-release 24-inch composite mag-style rear wheels detach quickly via push-button axles for compact transport
- Solid urethane rear tires and 8-inch front casters provide flat-free, puncture-proof performance on all floors
- Dual-axle frame brackets allow seat-to-floor height adjustments between standard adult and low hemi positions
- Over-center cross brace design eliminates seat guides while accepting specialized cushions and inserts
- Integrated flip-up rear anti-tippers provide critical backward stability during position changes
- Heavy-gauge flame-retardant nylon upholstery resists mildew and bacteria, wiping clean with hospital wipes
- Convenient backrest carry pocket keeps personal belongings, therapy notes, and charts easily accessible
- Backed by a dependable Drive Medical Limited Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty on structural frame components
Technical Breakdown & Specifications
| Engineering Attribute |
Measurement / Specification |
| Product Model Line |
Drive Medical Viper Plus Series |
| Manufacturer Model Number |
10971B |
| Product Classification |
Lightweight Hydraulic Reclining Manual Wheelchair |
| Frame Construction |
High-Strength Tubular Aluminum with Over-Center Cross Brace |
| Frame Color Finish |
Sleek Black Powder Coating |
| Seat Width & Depth |
18-Inch Seat Width × 16-to-18-Inch Telescoping Depth |
| Backrest Height Range |
Adjustable from 17 to 19 Inches (in 1-Inch Increments) |
| Backrest Recline Angle |
Adjustable from 5° to 20° (Hydraulic Control) |
| Seat-to-Floor Height |
19.5 Inches (Dual-Axle Hemi Adjustable) |
| Overall Length with Riggings |
42 Inches |
| Occupant Weight Capacity |
300 lbs Maximum Certified Load |
| Armrest Engineering |
Padded Flip-Back Detachable Desk-Length Arms |
| Front Rigging Hardware |
Tool-Free Swing-Away Elevating Leg Rests with Composite Plates |
| Primary Drive Wheels |
24-Inch Quick-Release Composite Mag-Style Wheels |
| Front Casters |
8-Inch Wheels on 3-Position Adjustable Caster Forks |
| Tire Composition |
Solid Puncture-Proof Urethane (Non-Pneumatic) |
| Wheel Bearings |
Precision Sealed Bearings (Front Forks & Rear Hubs) |
| Brake System |
Push-to-Lock Direct Tire Engagement Wheel Locks |
| Safety Hardware |
Adjustable Flip-Up Rear Anti-Tippers Included |
| Upholstery Composition |
Flame-Retardant Mildew-Resistant Wipe-Clean Nylon |
| Onboard Storage |
Integrated Backrest Utility Carry Pocket |
| Warranty Coverage |
Limited Lifetime Manufacturer Frame Warranty |
Who Benefits Most & Clinical Applications
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Stroke Survivors & Neurological Recovery: Hydraulic back recline and elevating leg rests support trunk stability and reduce postural fatigue.
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Post-Surgical Orthopedic Care: Elevating leg rests lift lower extremities to alleviate dependent edema, joint swelling, and surgical discomfort.
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Users Needing Barrier-Free Transfers: Padded desk-length arms flip back and detach completely to clear an open side path for sliding-board transfers.
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Dining & Computer Workstations: Desk-length arms slide neatly under standard dining tables and desks without arm pad interference.
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Foot-Propelling Walkers: Lowering the dual-axle system to hemi height lets individuals touch the floor to walk the chair forward independently.
Simple Setup, Adjustment & Routine Care Guidance
To unfold the wheelchair, place hands flat on the outer seat rail tubes and push downward firmly until the over-center cross brace snaps fully horizontal and the nylon seat is flat. Slide the swing-away elevating leg rests onto the front frame receiver pins and swing them inward until the locking pins click into place. Lift the leg rests to the desired elevation angle to support the legs, or depress the release lever to lower the footplates. To adjust backrest height, release the back canes and set between 17 and 19 inches before locking securely. To extend the seat depth from 16 to 18 inches, adjust the telescoping rail extensions beneath the upholstery. If lower hemi-level seating is desired for foot walking, reposition the rear wheel axles into the upper frame mounting holes and adjust the 8-inch front casters into the corresponding fork holes to level the chassis. Always engage both push-to-lock wheel locks before adjusting recline angles or performing transfers. Clean the black aluminum frame and nylon upholstery using a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and warm water or hospital surface disinfectant wipes, drying completely with a clean towel.
Explore More Mobility Solutions at All Care Store
Delivering high-performance, clinical-grade mobility equipment that accelerates physical rehabilitation and enhances daily comfort is our core commitment. Shipped promptly from our main distribution facility in Plano, Texas, our extensive catalog supplies durable medical hardware to residential homes, hospitals, and outpatient clinics nationwide. Browse our specialized mobility collections to find the right equipment for your caregiving needs:
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