What Is the Genny Zero? A New Approach to Powered Mobility
The Genny Zero is a self-balancing powered mobility device designed for people who have difficulty walking or use powered mobility for everyday independence. Rather than driving like a conventional power wheelchair, Genny Zero balances on two large wheels and responds to controlled changes in the rider’s body position.
What is the Genny Zero?
The Genny Zero is an electric, self-balancing mobility device manufactured by Genny Factory and distributed in Australia through Ottobock.
It looks and behaves very differently from a conventional wheelchair or mobility scooter. Instead of four wheels and a traditional joystick, Genny Zero balances primarily on two large drive wheels using an electronic self-balancing system.
Sensors continuously monitor the position of the device and rider. The motors respond almost instantly to maintain balance while the user controls movement through small, deliberate changes in body position.
How does the Genny Zero move?
Its control system is one of the biggest differences between Genny Zero and a conventional powered wheelchair.
When the rider is stationary, Genny Zero’s electronic balancing system continually works to keep the device upright.
To move forward, the rider makes a controlled forward shift of their centre of gravity. Moving back slows the device or allows reverse movement.
Steering, acceleration and braking are managed through the interaction between the rider, the self-balancing platform and the retractable steering controls.
Because the two main wheels rotate around the centre of the device, Genny Zero has effectively a zero-radius turn.
What makes Genny Zero different from a power wheelchair?
Joystick-led control
- Typically four or more wheels
- Usually controlled by joystick
- Motors determine direction from electronic input
- May offer specialised powered seating functions
- Numerous scripted control options may be available
Body-responsive control
- Two-wheel self-balancing platform
- Movement responds to changes in centre of gravity
- Zero-radius turning
- Compact 625 mm overall width
- Retractable steering controls
Genny Zero features worth understanding
Self-balancing technology
The platform makes continuous electronic adjustments to maintain balance while the device is operating.
Zero-radius turning
The two-wheel layout allows Genny Zero to rotate around its own axis rather than requiring a large sweeping turning circle.
Retractable controls
Retractable hand controls assist with steering and control while also providing additional support when required.
Active braking
The system includes active braking functionality to assist with controlled stopping.
Digital display
A colour touchscreen provides information such as speed, battery status and operating settings.
Parking supports
Retractable stabilising supports provide a stable position for stopping, transferring and getting on or off the device.
Genny Zero specifications
Key figures to consider when comparing Genny Zero with other powered mobility devices.
Can the Genny Zero be used indoors and outdoors?
Indoor manoeuvrability
At approximately 625 mm wide and with on-the-spot rotation, Genny Zero can manoeuvre through many environments where turning space is limited.
- Shopping centres
- Offices
- Lifts
- Restaurants and cafés
- Public venues
Outdoor mobility
Large pneumatic drive wheels and the balancing system allow the device to operate across a variety of appropriate outdoor surfaces.
- Paved paths
- Urban environments
- Cobblestone surfaces
- Suitable gradients
- Some light unsealed surfaces
Who might the Genny Zero suit?
There is no single diagnosis that determines whether someone is suitable for Genny Zero. The more useful questions are about function, control, positioning and environment.
Transfers
Consider how the user will safely transfer on and off the device.
Trunk control
The control method relies on appropriate interaction between the rider’s body and the balancing system.
Seating needs
More complex postural or powered seating requirements may be better supported by a scripted power wheelchair.
Operating environment
Doorways, lifts, gradients, surfaces, storage and vehicle transport should all be considered.
Control ability
The rider needs to understand and reliably interact with the device’s operating and braking systems.
Mobility goals
Consider where the device needs to go and what independence the user wants it to support.
Can the NDIS fund a Genny Zero?
A Genny Zero may potentially be considered as assistive technology for an eligible NDIS participant where it relates to their disability support needs and meets current NDIS funding requirements.
Current NDIS guidance classifies assistive technology costing more than $15,000 as high-cost assistive technology. High-cost items generally require an appropriate assessment and quote before the NDIA considers funding.
The NDIS may also ask a participant to trial higher-cost assistive technology where they have not used the equipment previously.
Mobility Rentals and Sales is an NDIS Registered Provider and can work with a participant and their occupational therapist, physiotherapist or other assistive technology professional during the product trial and quotation process.
Funding approval remains subject to the participant’s individual circumstances, plan and NDIA decision.
Read the current NDIS guidance on assistive technology trials.
Does a Genny Zero need to be registered in Queensland?
Queensland requires a qualifying motorised mobility device used on a footpath or road-related area to be registered with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Registration of a qualifying motorised mobility device is currently free and registered devices receive compulsory third-party insurance cover.
Mobility Rentals and Sales is a TMR authorised plate dealer
For eligible Queensland Genny Zero purchases, we can complete the registration process and issue the registration plate as part of delivery, avoiding the need to separately collect and fit the plate yourself.
View Queensland registration requirements →Can I trial a Genny Zero in Brisbane?
Yes. Mobility Rentals and Sales has Genny Zero available to view and trial from our Loganholme showroom, south of Brisbane.
A demonstration allows you to experience how the balancing system responds, learn the controls and determine whether the seating, transfers and driving characteristics are appropriate.
We can also work with your occupational therapist, physiotherapist or other treating professional where a clinician-supported trial is appropriate.
Genny Zero frequently asked questions
Quick answers to some of the questions people commonly ask about Genny Zero in Australia.
What is a Genny Zero?
Genny Zero is a two-wheel self-balancing powered mobility device designed for people with reduced mobility. Electronic systems continually maintain balance while the rider controls movement through body position and the steering controls.
Is Genny Zero a wheelchair?
Genny Zero is a powered medical mobility device and is classified within electric wheelchair medical-device nomenclature, although its self-balancing two-wheel design and control method are very different from a conventional power wheelchair.
Does Genny Zero use a joystick?
Not in the conventional power-wheelchair sense. Movement is primarily controlled through interaction between the rider’s centre of gravity, the electronic balancing system and the retractable steering controls.
How wide is a Genny Zero?
The manufacturer’s current technical information specifies an overall width of approximately 625 mm.
How much does Genny Zero weigh?
The device weighs approximately 65 kg excluding its batteries.
What is the user weight limit?
The manufacturer’s specified user weight range is approximately 40 kg to 120 kg.
How far can a Genny Zero travel?
Manufacturer information specifies a range of up to approximately 20 km. Actual range varies according to rider weight, terrain, gradients, riding style, battery condition and other operating conditions.
Can the Genny Zero turn on the spot?
Yes. Its self-balancing two-wheel platform gives it a zero-radius turn, allowing the device to rotate around its own axis.
Can I use a Genny Zero outdoors?
Yes. Genny Zero is designed for appropriate indoor and outdoor environments. Surface condition, slope, obstacles, weather and individual rider capability still need to be considered.
Can NDIS funding be used for a Genny Zero?
Potentially. Funding depends on the participant’s disability support needs, plan and the NDIA’s assessment. Higher-cost assistive technology generally requires supporting evidence, assessment and a quotation.
Where can I trial a Genny Zero in Brisbane?
Mobility Rentals and Sales has Genny Zero available to view and trial from our Loganholme showroom, south of Brisbane. Contact our team before visiting so we can arrange an appropriate demonstration.
Interested in the Genny Zero?
Specifications explain what Genny Zero can do. A trial is the best way to understand how different self-balancing mobility actually feels.