For millions of people with mobility impairments, traditional wheelchairs are the standard, but they’re also limiting. Reaching for everyday items, navigating tight spaces, and even maintaining eye-level conversations can feel like constant obstacles. The Tek RMD M1, Matia Mobility’s flagship device, is changing that by allowing users to stand, move freely, and engage with their surroundings in ways that weren’t possible before.
Dr. Ian Brown, an operating room physician in New York, understands this firsthand. Standing in the ER is second nature for most surgeons, but for him, it was a barrier. The Tek RMD M1 changed that, allowing him to move freely, work at eye level with his colleagues, and perform procedures without the limitations of a traditional wheelchair.
The former chief of the Reno Fire Department has a similar story. Once a leader in high-stakes situations, losing mobility meant losing the ability to fully engage in his world. With the Tek RMD M1, he found a way to take back control. Stories like his and Brown’s show that mobility is about more than just getting around, it’s about maintaining independence and control over daily life.
Wheelchair users have long been forced to adapt to designs that prioritize function over freedom. Standing wheelchairs exist, but many are bulky, restrictive, or impractical for everyday use. Matia Mobility took a different approach, designing a device that blends the benefits of a standing wheelchair with the support and control of an exoskeleton. The Tek RMD M1 balances weight for an easy transition to standing, moves through tight spaces with a compact frame, and can be controlled remotely, eliminating reliance on others to retrieve or position the device.
Beyond convenience, these features have real health benefits. Standing improves circulation, reduces pressure sores, and strengthens bones, which are all key concerns for anyone using a wheelchair long-term. And while medical advantages are crucial, so are the everyday moments that define quality of life. Making eye contact during a conversation, cooking in the kitchen, or simply standing to reach something without assistance can make all the difference in how someone experiences their day.
As more people recognize the importance of mobility beyond just getting from place to place, the industry is evolving to meet those needs. The global wheelchair market is expected to more than double from $5.64 billion in 2024 to $14.44 billion by 2037, driven by demand for smarter, more adaptive solutions. Users and healthcare providers aren’t just looking for mobility aids, they want technology that actively improves independence. Matia Mobility is leading that shift, and recent milestones are making its innovations more accessible to the people who need them most.
Approval from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and new coding for insurance coverage mean that the Tek RMD M1 is now covered by insurance programs that serve a broad population, including veterans. Cost has always been a barrier to life-changing mobility technology, but these approvals are a step toward ensuring more people can benefit without the financial burden.
This change isn’t just improving mobility options, it’s reshaping expectations. The demand for solutions that prioritize independence is growing, and companies that recognize this are laying the groundwork for the future. And Matia Mobility isn’t just keeping up with evolving needs, it’s pushing the industry forward.
For the people who rely on wheelchairs, mobility has always been about more than getting from place to place. It’s taking part and moving through the world on their own terms. With the right technology, those possibilities are no longer out of reach.
