Is It Worth Buying the Current Version of the Meyra Optimus 2 Electric Wheelchair?

There are many unfavorable reviews about the currently available Meyra Optimus 2 model. Various sources indicate that the current version of the Meyra Optimus 2 electric wheelchair has less and less in common with its original design. It's not just about the improved appearance and updated joystick panel, but also about its reliability and issues with easy maneuverability.

Since a friend of mine at the assisted living facility recently acquired a new Optimus 2, I had the chance to test the latest model. Unfortunately, my impressions disqualify this wheelchair. The joystick sensitivity is far too high, allowing for smooth driving only at 5 km per hour. When I tried to drive faster, it threw me from side to side, preventing a steady, comfortable ride.

The new display in the joystick panel, although aesthetically pleasing, is unreadable even in low sunlight. Only indoors, in a dim setting, can you check the traveled kilometers and other settings.

After three hours of driving the new Meyra Optimus 2 electric wheelchair, I've decided not to purchase it in this form. The issues I mentioned are unacceptable and would be inconvenient for me and likely for others as well.
I also know a friend who has been using the original version of the Meyra Optimus 2 for many years. Although he owns the new model, he prefers the older wheelchair because it doesn't limit him like Meyra's latest release.

Unfortunately, the Meyra Optimus 2 currently has no competitors in its category. If you want a dual-purpose off-road electric wheelchair, you have to purchase an older, used model from this brand. That is, unless joystick sensitivity and screen clarity are secondary concerns, or you enjoy testing your patience with unresponsive service (I'll detail this elsewhere).

Despite its drawbacks, the Meyra Optimus 2 remains a wheelchair with impressive range and a stylish design. However, spending a significant sum on a vehicle with so many flaws suggests either desperation or a tendency for risk-taking, especially considering the reports of failures that new Optimus 2 users have shared online. These match the view of a wheelchair technician I know, who mostly repairs new Optimus models, while repairs of older ones—over a decade old—are rare.
That said, my friend at the assisted living facility has driven his new Optimus for five years without a single issue. However, he doesn't cover many kilometers yearly (a few hundred) and uses it on less demanding terrain.