Permobil has launched the M4 Nexa, a compact mid-wheel powerchair aimed at smaller users, from adolescents to adults, who still need full power seating. It comes in three versions: standard, low height (LH) and junior (Jr). In the UK and several European markets it launches from 1 November 2026.
What is new
- A smaller chair with power seating. Seat width starts at 30 cm (12 in), seat depth at 25 cm (10 in) and seat-to-floor height at 39 cm (15 in), with anterior (forward) tilt available. Permobil says it is the only chair in its class with a seat-to-floor height that low together with anterior tilt.
- The Nexa Seating System. Permobil describes it as patent-pending and built around the body’s natural pivot points. The company says it reduces unwanted body movement during powered positioning by 25 to 50 per cent compared with its Corpus seating. That figure is Permobil’s own measurement, and we have not seen independent data.
- Power seating functions. Tilt, recline, elevating leg rests, seat elevation and anterior tilt. The product page lists up to 50° of tilt, 150° of recline, up to 300 mm of seat lift and up to 10° of forward tilt.
- Tool-based adjustment. Seat width, seat depth, foot supports and arm supports are adjusted with two Allen keys, and seat depth can be changed with the user seated.
- Connected from the factory. Permobil Connect is fitted to every chair and supports remote service, configuration and fault alerts. The MyPermobil app shows battery, range and usage.
- Compact base. Compact front casters let the footplates tuck under the chair. Permobil also lists quieter driving and braking.
Specs at a glance
| M4 Nexa | M3 Corpus (as reported by New Mobility) | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest seat-to-floor height | 39 cm (15 in) | 17.5 in (about 44 cm) |
| Narrowest seat width | 30 cm (12 in) | 17 in (about 43 cm) |
| Shallowest seat depth | 25 cm (10 in) | 14 in (about 36 cm) |
| Turning radius | 54 cm (21.1 in) | 20.5 in (about 52 cm) |
| Base (width × length) | 54 × 85 cm (21.5 × 33.5 in) | 24 × 35.5 in (about 61 × 90 cm) |
The M4 Nexa’s seat goes up to 56 cm (22 in) wide and deep. Permobil quotes a range of more than 20 miles (33 km) with long-range batteries, including on the smallest configuration. Note that the turning radius is slightly larger than the M3’s, even though the base is smaller.
Where and when
- UK, Ireland, Germany, France and Switzerland: from 1 November 2026, with more European and distributor markets through 2027.
- Australia: 1 November 2026. New Zealand follows in the first quarter of 2027, and Japan in late 2027, subject to regulatory approval.
- United States and Canada: Permobil expects the chair to be available initially through the Department of Veterans Affairs, after FDA 510(k) clearance it anticipated in early October 2026. Full commercial availability in both countries is planned for January 2027, subject to regulatory and market access requirements. We have not yet seen confirmation that clearance has been granted.
What we don’t know yet
The launch material we have seen does not give a price, top speed, battery capacity or type, maximum user weight, or the weight of the chair itself. Nor does it cover how the chair will be funded or supplied in the UK. We will update this article when Permobil publishes them.
The performance and comparison claims above are the manufacturer’s. As always, the right chair depends on the individual, so speak to a qualified clinician before choosing equipment.
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