«With BRO, I’ve found my second pair of legs.»
Anne H. lives in Winterthur, a city as vibrant and versatile as she is. Originally from Western Switzerland, Anne has overcome countless challenges over the past decades. More than 40 years ago, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition that progressed gradually. Despite this, Anne has never lost her optimistic outlook on life. With her stair-climbing electric wheelchair, the Scewo BRO, she has found a solution that enriches her life in ways she describes as «liberating».
The former food engineer places great importance on healthy eating and high-quality, regional organic products. It’s no surprise you’ll often find her at Winterthur’s weekly market, picking out fresh ingredients for her recipes. Just in time for the festive season, we accompanied Anne to the Winterthur Christmas market. Confidently and at a pace that left us struggling to keep up, she effortlessly navigated through the lively crowd with her BRO. Anne then shared how much her life has changed since having the BRO by her side.
Anne’s Second Legs
More than 40 years ago, Anne’s life was turned upside down by her MS diagnosis. Since then, she has tried countless mobility aids to make her daily life easier. She first came across the BRO in a magazine that featured the then-experimental prototype – a wheelchair capable of climbing stairs. The concept immediately fascinated her. When she had the opportunity to try out the BRO in person, she didn’t hesitate. «I thought it was super cool», she said with a smile. Today, three years later, she calls her BRO her «second legs» – a reliable companion that has opened up possibilities in her life she once thought were out of reach.
One feature Anne particularly values is the BRO’s flexibility. Due to her condition, she often feels exhausted throughout the day. With the push of a button, she can recline her wheelchair into a position that allows her to relax and recharge. «No other wheelchair makes it this easy», she explains. This functionality enables her to regain energy even on demanding days and remain active.
Multiple Sclerosis – The Disease with 1,000 Faces
Worldwide, around 2.8 million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – a disease often called the «disease of 1,000 faces» due to its diverse symptoms. MS is a chronic, progressive neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, causing inflammatory changes in the brain and spinal cord. While MS remains incurable, modern therapies can slow its progression and significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Alongside medical treatments, mobility aids such as wheelchairs play a vital role. Statistically, about 50% of people with MS will require a wheelchair 26 years after their diagnosis. Choosing the right wheelchair with MS can help maintain mobility and independence in daily life.
(Source: Deutsche Multiple Sklerose Gesellschaft, Bundesverband e. V.)
Above the Crowd, Yet Always on Eye Level
One of the features Anne appreciates most about her BRO is the height-adjustable seat—or, as she affectionately calls it, the «Music Festival Function.» Each year, during the Winterthur Music Festival, Anne uses the BRO’s height adjustment to enjoy an unobstructed view of live bands while feeling fully immersed in the action.
In her daily life, the BRO’s seat lift helps her sit comfortably at table height in restaurants or communicate effortlessly with others. «In a standard wheelchair, you always feel like a child looking up», she explains. Thanks to the BRO’s height adjustment, she can now interact with others on eye level – a change that means the world to her. The BRO’s height-adjustable seat provides not only comfort but also a true sense of inclusion and belonging.
No Challenge Too Big
Life often presents unexpected challenges – but for Anne, insurmountable barriers are a thing of the past. This became clear recently when she wanted to attend a lecture, only to find it had been moved to a room accessible only by stairs. What would have been an unsolvable problem with another wheelchair was easily managed with the Scewo BRO: Anne switched to stair-climbing mode, ascended the stairs, and took her seat at the lecture as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
«In the past, I wouldn’t have known what to do, but with the BRO, situations like this are no problem anymore», Anne shares. This newfound independence gives her not only flexibility but also the confidence to be part of any event. Her personal motto sums it up perfectly: «There are no problems, only obstacles – and for every obstacle, there’s a solution.»
Financing Without Barriers
Acquiring an innovative mobility aid like the Scewo BRO doesn’t have to be a challenge – Anne’s experience with financing her wheelchair proves just that. While she covered part of the costs herself, the remainder was funded by the Swiss Invalidity Insurance (IV). She recalls the process positively, especially the support provided by the Scewo team: «The Scewo team practically did everything for me; I didn’t have to do a thing», she says with satisfaction.
Anne encourages others to start the process early and not hesitate to submit their applications. With the right support, she believes, it’s easier than one might think. Her advice to anyone considering financing the BRO through the IV or a health insurance provider is simple: «You never know until you try.»
