Whether you’re a paraplegic, quadriplegic, or have mobility issues that force you to use a wheelchair, power assist can be an excellent option for your manual wheelchair.
Below is a list of power assist devices I use, trialed, or heard about through peers. I encourage you to do your own research and attempt to trial the devices before purchasing, as they can be expensive.
NaviONE Wheels
It’s more than just a new spin on mobility technology. It’s an empowering new way of exploring-and experiencing-your world, on your terms. NAVIONE is Yamaha’s innovative and intuitive power assist system that can enable manual wheelchair users to expand the range of their day-to-day lives. Employing Yamaha’s legendary electric power assist technology, NAVIONE provides additional power, helping to potentially reduce rider fatigue and pain. NAVIONE’s versatile and adaptable system can integrate with most modern manual wheelchairs. And the sleek, efficient design retains the manual wheelchair look, for an entirely new level of confidence, reassurance and independence.
Permobil Smartdrive
Give it an easy push to go slow or give it a few quick pushes and the SmartDrive will increase speed to a maximum of 5.5 mph. This gives you the freedom to roll slowly next to someone who’s walking, or roll faster to fly around at a running speed.
Freedom Trax
A motorized track system designed to transform any wheelchair into an off-road vehicle that can traverse sand, snow, gravel and mud. Lightweight, versatile and rugged, the Freedom Trax is a portable and cost effective track solution to off-road mobility. If you thought you needed to spend over $10k to get a capable track chair, think again.
Rio Firefly
An amazing way to make your manual wheelchair more fun, versatile, and all-terrain capable, the Rio Firefly Power assist is a great off-road solution for wheelchairs! Rio has zeroed-in on the details, and improved every feature on the firefly from it’s useability to it’s durability.
SMOOV One
The SMOOV One by Alber is a cutting-edge power assist wheelchair system designed to provide users with increased mobility and independence when using a manual wheelchair.
Batec
Batec electric handbikes are a comprehensive solution to your mobility problems:
- Go from reduced mobility to augmented mobility, from needing help from others to being self-sufficient and proactive.
- Get a 2-in-1: a motor for your wheelchair without sacrificing the benefits of a manual chair.
- Overcome barriers: curbs, cobblestones, irregular terrain… Don’t let anything slow you down!
- Attach it to your chair in just seconds without transfers. The fastest anchor system on the market!
They’re also available in versions for quadriplegics and hemiplegics.
Everyday Quad 