Michele’s Journey: From Challenge to Innovation
Michele’s story is one of resilience, faith, and determination. Once a star college athlete excelling in basketball and track, her life took a drastic turn at the age of 26 when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. By her late 30s, the disease had progressed to the point where she could no longer stand or walk and became permanently reliant on a wheelchair. Michele faced the heartbreaking challenge of needing caregivers for even the most basic tasks, from eating to bathing. The rapid progression of her condition shocked her family and led to the end of her 17-year marriage.
But Michele never gave up hope. Driven by her faith and vision of walking again, she underwent six total joint replacement surgeries and dedicated herself to countless hours of physical therapy. Slowly, she regained her mobility and independence, transitioning out of what she called her “Big Bertha” wheelchair.
First Steps in 3 Years
Learning to Walk Again
A Vision for Better Mobility Solutions
As Michele learned to walk again, she was struck by the limited options for mobility devices. The choices were a manual wheelchair, a bulky electric wheelchair, or a scooter—none of which met her unique needs. Her arthritis prevented her from using a manual wheelchair, and the large, heavy electric wheelchairs were far from portable.
Michele envisioned a better solution: a folding electric wheelchair that was portable, weatherproof, and travel-friendly.
MUST be PORTABLE:
Michele dreamed of a wheelchair that could fold compactly, like a baby stroller or folding chair, and fit into the trunk of any car.
MUST be WeatherPROOF:
Knowing that weather doesn’t stop the need for appointments or daily tasks, she wanted a wheelchair that could handle rain or shine.
MUST be TRAVEL-FRIENDLY:
Michele’s passion for travel inspired her to design a chair that goes anywhere—on cruises, flights, or exploring exciting new destinations.
Michele’s determination to create the perfect mobility device led to countless hours of hard work and many prototypes. Out of her vision, FOLD & GO WHEELCHAIRS® was born.
TODAY, Michele has had 6 joint replacement: both knees, both hips, and both shoulders.
From First Chair to Helping Thousands
The very first FOLD & GO wheelchair was designed specifically for Michele, painted in her favorite color—red. Today, these wheelchairs are available for everyone who needs a portable, electric mobility solution.
Michele continues to use her own FOLD & GO Electric Wheelchair for tasks that require extended walking or standing. Her personal experience drives the company’s commitment to producing high-quality products and delivering exceptional customer service to every single customer.
A Company Built by People Who Understand
FOLD & GO WHEELCHAIRS® is proud to be the only folding electric wheelchair manufacturer owned and operated entirely by people in wheelchairs. Michele and her team know firsthand the challenges of limited mobility and have reimagined what a wheelchair can do—providing freedom, independence, and the ability to keep living life to the fullest.
Life is too short to let challenges hold you back. With FOLD & GO, it’s time to embrace mobility, independence, and the freedom to keep going. Join us on this journey to take back control and rediscover the joy of living.
Double Knee Replacement Rehab
Learning to Walk Unassisted
The Story Behind the MagSHOCK® Patented Design
At FOLD & GO, we’re incredibly proud of our flagship design, the MagSHOCK® wheelchair. This revolutionary folding electric wheelchair, crafted with a magnesium mountain bike frame, represents nearly two years of dedicated design and innovation from concept to launch.
As industry leaders, we’ve seen our designs imitated countless times—proof of their quality and impact. However, these imitations led to confusion among customers who assumed that just because a product looked like a FOLD & GO, it would perform like one. Spoiler: it doesn’t!
Unlike the look-alikes, our wheelchairs have always been weatherproof, capable of climbing a 25-degree incline, and built with a mountain bike frame for superior comfort. Imitators use aluminum frames that are less durable, not waterproof, and limited to climbing standard 12-degree ramps—far from the real-life hills and terrains our users navigate daily.
The Birth of MagSHOCK®
Determined to redefine the industry once again, we set out to create a wheelchair that not only performed exceptionally but also stood apart visually. The result: the MagSHOCK®. This chair is built on the foundation of innovation, functionality, and customer feedback—a hallmark of our company since day one.
What Makes MagSHOCK® Different?
- Magnesium Frame: We swapped aluminum for magnesium, which is just as strong as titanium but 10% lighter than aluminum.
- Oval Frame Design: The new oval shape enhances bump-dampening, delivering a ride so smooth it glides over rocks, cobblestones, pavers—and yes, even small bushes—like butter.
- Customer-Centered Improvements: We listened to our users and made upgrades they asked for:
- Lighter Weight: The chair is now 5 lbs lighter.
- Taller Seat Height: A seat height of 20” ensures better comfort and accessibility.
- Wider Seat: With a 20” wide seat and no armrest support bar underneath, there’s extra room for maximum comfort.
- Enhanced Comfort: The MagCONTOUR™ ergonomic cushions on the seat and backrest follow the body’s natural curves for optimal support.
- Leg Support: A removable leg strap helps users with paraplegia, quadriplegia, stroke recovery, or drop foot keep their legs securely on the footrest.
- More Color Options: We added two stylish new colors: Pearl and Slate (a sophisticated blue-grey mix).
Leading Through Innovation
The MagSHOCK® isn’t just a wheelchair; it’s a testament to what’s possible when we refuse to settle. By combining cutting-edge materials, thoughtful design, and direct feedback from our customers, we’ve once again set the standard for folding electric wheelchairs.
Whether you’re navigating hills, cobblestones, or everyday life, the MagSHOCK® delivers the freedom, comfort, and reliability you need—because you deserve nothing less.
MagSHOCK®: Patented and Trademarked Worldwide
We are thrilled to introduce the MagSHOCK®, a groundbreaking weatherproof wheelchair designed to empower users around the globe. At FOLD & GO, we pride ourselves on leading by example, creating innovative solutions that enable individuals to stay active and pursue their passions, regardless of physical limitations.
Michele, our founder, holds four patents registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and globally through WIPO. Her drive to think outside the box inspires designs that improve not only her own daily life but also the lives of countless others in the disabled community.
The MagSHOCK®, one of Michele’s patented innovations, represents a bold step forward in mobility solutions, combining innovation, functionality, and durability. This wheelchair is a testament to our mission: to empower and inspire everyone to live life without limits.
Balance Work at the Gym
Interview with Orthopedic Surgeon
The Story Behind the Neudol® Patented Design
We’re proud to introduce our latest innovation, the Neudol®, the first-ever all-terrain folding electric wheelchair designed specifically for little people. This groundbreaking magnesium mountain bike-framed wheelchair took nearly three years to develop, from concept to launch, and represents a significant milestone in accessibility solutions.
The Neudol® is tailored for individuals up to 5 feet tall and 150 lbs, making it ideal for children, teens, little people (those with dwarfism), and smaller adults.
Unmatched Performance and Durability
At FOLD & GO, our wheelchairs have always set the standard:
- Weatherproof: Built to perform in all weather conditions.
- All-Terrain Capability: Capable of climbing up to 25-degree inclines, compared to competitors that can only manage a 12-degree ramp.
- Superior Comfort: Constructed with a mountain bike magnesium frame that provides durability and shock absorption for smooth rides over rocks, cobblestones, and uneven surfaces.
Why Magnesium?
The Neudol® features the same high-performance magnesium frame material used in our other models:
- Lightweight Strength: Magnesium is as strong as titanium and 10% lighter than aluminum.
- Enhanced Comfort: The oval frame design offers superior bump-dampening qualities, ensuring a ride that’s “smooth like butter.”
Designed with Feedback in Mind
Our customers’ input is at the heart of every design. Here are the unique features we added based on your requests:
- Adjustable Seat Height: The seat height ranges from 15″ to 20″, accommodating growth and ensuring the perfect fit at every stage of life.
- Customizable Fit: As your child grows, the adjustable seat height allows the chair to grow with them.
- Enhanced Comfort: The Neudol® includes our MagCONTOUR™ innovation, featuring ergonomically curved backrest, seat, and cushions designed to support the body’s natural shape.
The Neudol® Difference
The Neudol® is not just another wheelchair—it’s a revolutionary solution designed to empower smaller individuals with the same durability, versatility, and reliability that define FOLD & GO. Whether navigating uneven terrain or growing with your child’s needs, the Neudol® ensures that no adventure is out of reach.
This innovative design reinforces our mission: to create products that improve the lives of our customers, giving them the freedom to explore the world comfortably and confidently.
Neudol®: Patented and Trademarked Worldwide
We are proud to introduce the Neudol®, a stunning and innovative weatherproof wheelchair available to customers worldwide. As leaders in mobility solutions, we’re committed to empowering individuals to live actively and pursue their passions, regardless of physical limitations.
The Neudol® stands as one of our protected patents, exemplifying our dedication to creating groundbreaking designs that inspire freedom, independence, and a more active lifestyle.
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