Written by Susan Griffitts, MSN, RN, FCN
Many wheelchair users have difficulty operating a manual wheelchair for extended period of time. Whether it be reaching overhead, transferring, or maneuvering around the house, a manual wheelchair can be tiresome. It puts strain on your arms, back, muscles, and joints. Approximately 71% of manual wheelchair users report shoulder pain within their lifetimes.
So, why not try a power assist device for your wheelchair? Power assist devices have an ergonomic design and bring the convenience of electric power propulsion to your manual wheelchair for easier maneuverability.
In this article, we will be discussing the best power assist add-ons, important feature considerations, and frequently asked questions.
 | 1) Smart Drive MX2+ Wheelchair Power Assist View Product |
The mounting style is how the power assist device (PAD) is coupled to the manual wheelchair. There are several different mounting styles, suited for your personal needs and preferences. Power Assist devices come in three main mounting styles, which include rear-mounted, front-mounted, and powered wheels. Let’s detail them below.
The weight of your PAD will determine portability and ease of storage. Their lighter product designs make it easier for transport and travel.
The battery range is the number of miles you can travel before charging. Power assist devices typically have a battery range of about 12 miles. Consider your battery needs before purchasing and if you need a longer battery range for running errands, traveling, etc.
Power assist devices make mobility easier and provide more speed than manual wheelchairs. Most power assist devices have programmable speeds that you can control. Consider this feature before purchasing depending on where you are going to use your wheelchair the most.
Some power-assist wheelchairs are compatible with Bluetooth devices. You can make phone calls, listen to music, and connect to other Bluetooth-capable devices. Though this may not be the first consideration, it makes for a very neat addition.
Starting off our list is Smoov Wheelchair Power Assist system by Alber USA, ranked as #5. This rear-mounted wheelchair is sleek and is safety-designed. Needing only one person to install, its clamp-on mounting design allows you to easily attach to your manual wheelchair and power on the device. It is operated by a user-friendly speed control dial, which attaches to the side of your chair. The control is easy-to-use and can be operated by most users.
The Smoov substitutes speed for safety with a top speed of 6 miles per hour and allows for quick turns of the wheel's swivel fork. This combo means that you’ll have no problems navigating any tight turns when heading to your kitchen for your morning cup of coffee.
This power assist device comes with extra perks, such as a USB-C port and Bluetooth. The Smoov also has a locking claw feature and a 12-mile battery range. It also features the Smoov Mobility App which allows you to adjust the driving mode, battery life, and range. While on the move, it easily manages all terrains, including hills and inclines. Weighing just 16 pounds, it is perfectly portable and can be easily stored or carried along on trips, including flights. That’s right! It’s airline-approved.
If you’re looking for speed and durability without breaking the bank, the EZRide+ Wheelchair Motor Assist Device by EZ Ride is the choice for you. It attaches to the front of your manual wheelchair, transforming it into an independently-driven unit with a top speed of 12mph! This unique model delivers cheaper, lighter, and more comfortable alternatives to powered scooters. Due to its simple design, it’s easier to operate than other models and has three-speed options. It features handlebars, headlights, and a horn that attaches to the front.
Its 360-degree turning radius offers seamless maneuverability and has built-in cruise control. It also has treaded wheels that provide traction for navigating difficult terrains. While it is heavier than our other top picks, the EZRide+ still qualifies as lightweight.
The EZ Ride+ can travel across asphalt, concrete surfaces, average length grass, hard-packed dirt, and hard-packed gravel.
There are many times when you fall in love with your current wheelchair. There's nothing bad about it, it's comfortable, sturdy, and with a good weight, but it lacks one little detail: it requires some effort to move around. The Companion Power Assist for Manual Wheelchairs by Cheelcare is perfect for users who love their current wheelchairs and wish for a little upgrade to pursue convenience and make their wheelchairs even better. This reliable companion is easy to install and is compatible with all manual wheelchairs.
The Companion Power Assist for Manual Wheelchairs by Cheelcare is the only addon you need not to only start moving around with your wheelchair effortlessly, but to get even better maneuvering and control while inside of small spaces and tight rooms. This convenient power assist improves your independence and is a high-quality help when going through tilted roads or hills.
This easy-to-install power assist can be ready to use in your wheelchair in just minutes. The Companion Power Assist for Manual Wheelchairs by Cheelcare will provide you with up to 18 miles of effortless traveling per charge, more than enough for enjoying your favorite activities outside the house confidently, like going to the mall or visiting your favorite park.
Our top choice is the Smart Drive MX2+ by Smart Drive. Smart Drive attaches to the rear frame of your manual wheelchair and is operated by a PushTracker wristband. The Smart Drive MX2+ has been proven to reduce up to 80% of pushes - it’s time to give your arms a break.
The Smart Drive comes with the built-in anti-rollback safety, so you could be climbing a hill, stop at any point, take some pictures of the beautiful scenery, and continue your ride with no worries about sliding downhill. Gravity’s got nothing on you! With a powerful battery, the SmartDrive MX2+ will run a wheelchair for up to 12 miles before needing a recharge.
You don’t have to worry about compatibility because this device is designed to work just fine with virtually any wheelchair. The motor is installed by simply attaching it to the back of the chair, just like the Smoov. The wheels allow you to spin in place, beat curbs easily or even pop a wheelie; this device is really designed for an active lifestyle.
If you choose, you can power down your wheelchair and push it manually. It weighs about 12 pounds, making it easily detached and stored. It’s also compatible with the PushTracker App, where you can monitor your daily statistics, like mileage.
A power assist device is a motorized accessory that can be coupled to a manual wheelchair. It allows a wheelchair user to propel without spending much energy. Additionally, some power assist devices can help wheelchair users overcome physical barriers, like hopping over sidewalk curbs.
The motor in the power assist device helps to move the wheelchair without the user having to push. A power assist device transforms a manual wheelchair into a powered wheelchair. Having a power wheelchair can be immensely beneficial, as they are known to have a positive effect on health, occupation, and quality of life.
Any manual wheelchair user seeking to expand their travel capabilities and distance traveled. If you want to avoid muscle strain or are exhausted from operating a manual wheelchair, then a power assist wheelchair device is the right choice for you.
A PAD doesn’t exactly convert a regular wheelchair into an electric one. The PAD’s motor brings the speed, and fluid mobility of the power wheelchair, while preserving the light weight, maneuverability, portability, and exercise potential of their manual ride; giving users the best of both worlds.
Power assist devices are very dynamic devices that add life and color to the lives of users by providing automatic wheelchair movement for manual wheelchairs. They also provide easier movement, enabling the user to travel farther distances with considerably less effort! They are designed around the concept of providing broad functionality in a wide array of situations. However, different brands have different specifications that suit individuals differently.
The Smoov Electric Power Assist comes first on our list for its unique clamp system of assembly, ability to drive through difficult roads, lightweight, and easy portability. It gets extra points for its helpful add-ons such as the wireless Bluetooth controls and the USB type C ports for charging your smartphone and the device itself.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article! You can browse our category of Wheelchair Power Assists and Wheelchair Power Add Ons. If you are interested in similar education resources, we encourage you to check out Caregiver University.
After battling (and winning) cancer, Susan changed careers from being a paralegal to nursing. This decision was a direct result of the care received during her battle and all of her healthcare providers taking an interest in her as a person and not just a diagnosis. Thanks to those amazing experiences, this is the way Susan approaches nursing and caring for her patients. She is passionate about caring for all individuals but her primary focus is providing relief from the symptoms & stress of serious illnesses, the process of aging, and the particular problems of seniors.
Susan lost her right leg above the knee, to cancer, in 2013. Since that time, she has been very active in the amputee community helping to bring awareness and independence to other amputees. Read how Susan helped shape the future of new prosthetic devices.
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