Alice Kina Diehl courtesy of Permobil
Options for power assist have exploded in the past few years. Scroll through to view manual wheelchair power-assist devices currently available in the U.S. If you know what you’re looking for, you can jump to a specific section by clicking the hyperlinks below. And be sure to check out our handrims and wheels guides as well.
- Rear-Wheel Attachments
- Power-Assist Wheels
- Power Wheelchair Conversions
- Front-Wheel Scooter Attachments
- Power-Assist Handcycle Attachments
Rear-Wheel Attachments
Rear-wheel attachments are a newer style of power assist. They are relatively lightweight and attach easily, making them ideal for travel or if you want extra power only in certain situations. You control the unit either via a frame-mounted dial or a bluetooth-connected wristband or watch. Control can be more difficult than with power-assist wheels, and rear-wheel power-assist devices often struggle with bumpy or off-road terrains.
Alber
Smoov One
The Alber Smoov One is a rear-mounted power-assist device that can be attached to rigid or folding wheelchairs. The Smoov One uses a drive wheel that enables you to propel your chair with little effort or without pushing at all. To control the wheelchair, you steer the way you normally would. The Smoov One control unit can be mounted on the wheelchair wherever it’s easiest for you to reach it. Once the drive unit is charged and turned on, you tap a dial on the control unit to put it into drive mode. You control the speed by pushing the dial forward to go faster and backward to go slower. The Smoov One has a top speed of 6 mph and a maximum range of 12 miles. The settings can be changed with the app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Best for: Manual wheelchair users who want to reduce arm fatigue from pushing. Manual wheelchair users who need a boost getting up ramps and hills.
Pricing/Availability: The Smoov One retails for $6,895, but can be found as low as $5,516 from Rolling in Paradise.
This video from the Center for Independent Living – Berkeley compares the pros and cons of the Smart Drive rear wheel power-assist attachment and Rio Mobility’s Firefly front wheel power-assist attachment.
Permobil
SmartDrive MX2+
The SmartDrive MX2+ is a rear-mounted power-assist device that can be attached to rigid or folding wheelchairs. The SmartDrive MX2+ uses a drive wheel that enables you to propel your chair with little effort or without pushing at all. To control the wheelchair, you steer the way you normally would. The SmartDrive MX2+ is compatible with several devices that can be used to control and manage the ride, including the SpeedControl Dial, SwitchControl, PushTracker E3 and Apple Watch. The SmartDrive MX2+ works with the PushTracker smartphone app to track performance, change settings and download firmware updates. The SmartDrive MX2+ has a top speed of 5.5 mph and maximum range of about 12 miles.
Best for: Manual wheelchair users who want to reduce arm fatigue from pushing. Manual wheelchair users who need a boost getting up ramps and hills.
Pricing/Availability: The SmartDrive MX2+ retails for $7,417, but can be found as low as $5,668 from Rolling in Paradise.
Power-Assist Wheels
Power-assist wheels are the original power-assist attachment for manual wheelchairs, and they’ve gotten much lighter and more advanced in recent years. Each wheel features its own motor — some have batteries within the wheels, and others have a separate battery pack. Versions with in-wheel batteries are good if you don’t often break down your wheelchair. Those with separate battery packs feature lighter individual wheels, making it easier to remove wheels down for stowage on a plane or in the back of a car. Power assist wheels provide safe, effective operation for those with limited arm and hand function. You control the wheels via the pushrim, just like a typical manual wheelchair wheel.
Alber
e-motion M25
Alber’s e-motion M25 power-assist wheels allow users to push their manual wheelchairs with an added boost from the in-hub motor. The e-motion M25 wheels have sensors in the pushrims that respond to your pushes, activating the motor and giving an assist. The e-motion M25 wheels can be programmed using the Ergonomic Control System remote or the smartphone app that is available for most iOS and Android devices. They offer braking-assist, a roll-back delay useful for climbing hills and a cruise mode that maintains speed without pushing. The e-motion M25 wheels weigh approximately 17 pounds each and can be mounted to almost any manual wheelchair. They have a top speed of 5.3 mph and a maximum range of 15.5 miles. You can choose from many options including flat-free tires and a variety of handrims.
Best for: Those who need an additional boost of power to be able to push a manual wheelchair over varied terrains. Those who want to drive a vehicle from their wheelchair without detaching their power-assist device.
Sizes Available: 22 inches, 24 inches, 25 inches.
Pricing/Availability: The base model e-motion M25 wheels retail for $7,733 but start at $6,325 from Rolling in Paradise.
Quickie
Xtender
The Quickie Xtender is a power-assist wheel with a rear-mounted battery pack. The Quickie Xtender enhances your pushing effort — Quickie says the wheels can reduce energy expenditure by up to 45%. Xtender wheels synchronize with each other to accommodate for uneven arm-strength and include rollback prevention and downhill speed control. The Quickie Xtender is available in 22- or 24-inch sizes and can be purchased with nickel or lithium-ion batteries.
Best for: Those looking for power-assist wheels that are easier to travel with. Those who want to drive a vehicle from their wheelchair without detaching their power-assist device.
Pricing/Availability: The Quickie Xtender has a retail price starting at $8,045, but can be found starting at $7,881 at Living Spinal.
Yamaha
NaviOne
The Yamaha NaviOne is a power-assist wheel with a rear-mounted battery pack. The NaviOne utilizes Yamaha’s Smart Control System technology, which allows you to customize the level of power assist, adjust for uneven arm strength and set the coasting distance between each push. The system also offers side slope and braking assistance. The NaviOne is available in 22- or 24-inch sizes and can be purchased with either nickel or lithium-ion batteries.
Best for: Those looking for power-assist wheels that are easier to travel with. Those who want to drive from their wheelchair without detaching their power-assist device.
Pricing/Availability: The Yamaha NaviOne starts at $6,995 and is available from Living Spinal.
Power Wheelchair Conversions
Power wheelchair conversions take a manual wheelchair frame and give it a drive system similar to a power wheelchair. Power comes from a battery pack and drive wheels, and the units are controlled by a frame-mounted joystick. There are a variety of styles of power wheelchair conversions, from units that look like power-assist wheels with joystick control, to a tank-track unit that traverses soft sand and other difficult to manage surfaces.
Alber
e-fix E35 and e-fix E36
The Alber e-fix E35 and E36 are power-assist attachments that transform manual wheelchairs into power wheelchairs. Both models consist of a pair of drive wheels that replace the standard wheels on a wheelchair, a battery pack that attaches under the seat and a control unit that can be mounted on either side. They have a top speed of just under 4 mph and a maximum range of 10 miles. The E35 has a maximum weight capacity of 265 pounds while the E36 has a maximum capacity of 352 pounds. Weight capacity is the only difference between the two models.
Best for: Those who want to use their manual wheelchair as a power wheelchair, but don’t need functions like tilt and recline. Those who want to drive from their wheelchair without detaching their power-assist device.
Pricing/Availability: The e-fix E35 retails for $6,500, but the E35 and E36 can be purchased for as low as $5,700 from Rolling in Paradise.
e-fix Eco
The Alber e-fix Eco retains the same basic functionality as the E35 and E36 but comes with new options that include a quieter motor, newly designed control unit, improved battery bag and new colors for the wheels and battery. The e-fix Eco also has more joystick options, an adaptable control unit to allow for attendant control, and energy-recovery braking technology that transfers energy from the motor back to the battery and results in longer battery life. The e-fix Eco has a maximum weight capacity of 265 pounds.
Best for: Those who want to use their manual wheelchair as a power wheelchair, but don’t need functions like tilt and recline. Those who want to drive a vehicle from their wheelchair without detaching their power-assist device.
Pricing/Availability: The E-Fix Eco is available from Alber and DME providers.
Spinergy
ZX-1
The Spinergy ZX-1 is a power-assist attachment that transforms a manual wheelchair into a power wheelchair. The ZX-1 includes two drive wheels that that slide under your wheelchair frame and are powered by two, 24-volt gear-driven electric motors. The ZX-1 is controlled by a joystick that can be mounted on either the right or left side. Once calibrated for the wheelchair, the ZX-1 requires no tools for attachment, as the user backs up onto it and it locks into place. The ZX-1 can handle a variety of terrains, has a maximum range of 5 miles with the standard batteries, and can be upgraded to 10 miles with lithium-ion batteries. The ZX-1 is compatible with most manual wheelchairs 15 to 20 inches wide with rear wheel diameters of 24, 25 and 26 inches. The ZX-1 has a maximum user-weight limit of 250 pounds.
Best for: Those who want to use their manual wheelchair as a power wheelchair, but don’t need functions like tilt and recline.
Pricing/Availability: The base model ZX-1 retails for $9,995, but can be found as low as $7,995 from Living Spinal or Rolling in Paradise.
Freedom Trax
FT1
The Freedom Trax FT1 is a motorized manual-wheelchair attachment made to traverse soft sand and other rough surfaces. The FT1 is a platform with tank treads that you roll onto and lock your wheelchair into place. The FT1 comes with a lithium-ion battery, joystick, and battery charger. The battery has a maximum range of 8 miles. The FT1 is compatible with manual wheelchairs of widths between 18 and 26 inches and can be adjusted for multiple wheelchairs.
Best for: Those looking for an off-road attachment for a manual wheelchairs.
Pricing/Availability: The FT1 retails for $6,355 and is available directly from the manufacturer and many online retailers.
Front-Wheel Scooter Attachments
Front-wheel scooter attachments lift the casters of your manual wheelchair off the ground, replacing them with a single wheel that provides your drive power. They usually have a thumb-operated throttle and a bicycle-style brake lever. You steer via flat, bicycle-style handlebars. They provide a smoother ride over bumpy surfaces and are a comfortable, speedy means of traveling longer distances in your manual wheelchair.
Cheelcare
Companion and Companion Plus
The Companion One and Companion Plus are electric trike attachments compatible with most manual wheelchairs, including folding frame models. Cheelcare says that after initial setup, you can attach or remove either Companion in as little as 10 seconds. With their small size, 20-pound weight and tight turning radius, these power-assist devices are designed with portability and maneuverability in mind. The Companion One features a 250-watt motor with a top speed of 15 mph, while the Companion Plus has a 350-watt motor with a top speed of 18 mph. The Companion Plus also has more range, up to 18 miles per charge versus 15 miles for the One. The Companion Plus offers a reverse gear, while the One does not. You can outfit both models with a variety of accessories including a removable front basket, headlight, cup holder and handlebar bell, as well as front wraps available in a variety of colors and designs.
Best for: Those who want a trike-style attachment built for busy city streets. Those who want a travel-ready power-assist device.
Pricing/Availability: The Companion One retails for $2,850, though it can be found for as low as $2,200 from Living Spinal. The Companion Plus retails for $4,000, though it can be found for as low as $2,848 from Living Spinal.
Companion Q
The Companion Q is an electric trike attachment compatible with most manual wheelchairs, including folding frame models. It features the same specs as Cheelcare’s Companion Plus — a 350-watt motor with up to an 18-mile range — but with innovative, quad-friendly controls. You push down on the handlebars for throttle, release for a slow stop or push up for a quick stop. The Companion Q has a standard top speed of 8 mph, though for no charge you can opt for an 18-mph top speed. It’s compatible with the same accessory options as the other Companion models.
Best for: Those who want a trike-style attachment built for busy city streets. Those who want a travel-ready power-assist device with quad-friendly controls.
Pricing/Availability: The Companion Q retails for $4,435. It can be found for as low as $3,785 from Living Spinal.
Rio Mobility
Firefly 2.5
The Firefly 2.5 is an electric trike attachment that is compatible with most manual wheelchairs. Once the initial installation is complete, the Firefly 2.5 latches onto the wheelchair in a matter of seconds. The Firefly 2.5 is controlled by a hand throttle and braking system. The system has five speeds, with a top speed of 12 mph and a maximum range of 16 miles per charge. The Firefly 2.5 is available in four colors and can come equipped with either a road tire or an off-road tire.
Best for: Those with good hand function looking to use their manual wheelchair as a scooter-like device.
Pricing/Availability: The base model Firefly 2.5 retails for $2,649 from Rio Mobility and other online vendors.
Stricker
Lipo Lomo and Lipo Lomo Pico
The Stricker Lipo Lomo and Lipo Lomo Pico are power-assist attachments offering scooter-like functionality for manual wheelchairs. The Lipo Lomo comes with either a 16- or 20-inch tire, with speeds between approximately 4 and 9 mph. The Lipo Lomo Pico offers similar functions but with a smaller motor and either an 8- or 12-inch tire. Both models come with hand throttles and hand brakes.
Best for: Those with good hand function looking to use their manual wheelchair as a scooter-like device.
Pricing/Availability: The Lipo Lomo starts at $5,700, and the Lipo Lomo Pico starts at $4,250. For more information, contact Rolling in Paradise.
Crossbike
The Stricker Crossbike is an electric trike attachment for manual wheelchairs. The Crossbike has many features suitable for handling off-road terrains. The Crossbike is equipped with a 16-inch front tire, a powerful motor, a display with a speedometer, a maximum range of 25 miles and a top speed of 19 mph.
Best for: Those with good hand function looking a scooter-style attachment designed for going off-road.
Pricing/Availability: The Crossbike starts at $5,600. For more information, contact Rolling in Paradise.
Power-Assist Handcycle Attachments
Power-assist handcycle attachments let you turn your manual wheelchair into a commuter bike. They lift your front casters off the ground, and you power a front drive wheel by cranking, which activates an electric motor that gives a boost to every pedal stroke. You steer like you would a typical handcycle, and although these devices don’t provide the same aerodynamics or powerful riding position as a recumbent handcycle, they do offer a shoulder-friendly way to get your heart rate up and let you travel much faster than you normally would in a manual wheelchair. Plus, you don’t have to make an awkward transfer and you can disconnect from the unit whenever you need.
Rio Mobility
eDragonfly 2.0
The eDragonfly 2.0 is a power-assisted handcycle attachment for manual wheelchairs. The eDragonfly 2.0 combines the manual cranking of a regular handcycle with an electric assist to navigate hills and rough terrain. The eDragonfly 2.0 can be mounted to most manual wheelchairs and is easy to attach and remove for traveling. The eDragonfly 2.0 has five power-assisted speeds and a maximum range of 20 miles or more.
Best for: Those looking for handcycle functionality while using their manual wheelchair.
Pricing/Availability: The base model eDragonfly 2.0 retails for $2,399 from Rio Mobility and is available as low as $2,199 from HowiRoll Sports.
Stricker
Lipo Smart
The Stricker Lipo Smart is a power-assisted attachment for manual wheelchairs. The Lipo Smart comes in two versions: the Para for paraplegics and the Tetra for tetraplegics. The Tetra model comes with additional axle weights and special grips for tetraplegics. The Lipo Smart has sensors that engage the electric motor when assistance is needed. The amount of assistance can be customized for the individual user.
Best for: Those looking for handcycle functionality while using their manual wheelchair. Those who want a handcycle attachment with quad-friendly grip and braking options.
Pricing/Availability: The Lipo Smart Para starts at $5,750, and the Lipo Smart Tetra starts at $7,000. For more information, contact Rolling in Paradise.
Smart Wild
The Stricker Smart Wild is an power-assisted handcycle attachment for manual wheelchairs. The Smart Wild allows the user to crank the handles like a traditional hand cycle but can reach a top speed of about 15 mph with the electric assist engaged. The Smart Wild includes an LED display, five speeds and water protection for all-season riding.
Best for: Those looking for handcycle functionality while using their manual wheelchair.
Pricing/Availability: The Smart Wild starts at $7,250. For more information, contact Rolling in Paradise.
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I have had Spynergy’s ZX-1 for over 8 years now and, as a complete C5-6 quad, find it to be a great answer for me living in a rural town. I have LiIon battery version.
I love the totally independent mounting by just backing into it and activating an electric docking clamp, 20 seconds and I’m off. Does require a rear axle tube of a rigid chair and clearance between the wheels, so not for every chair.
I am on my 4th Firefly I gave one away, to upgrade. That one was stolen on a trip to Paris. My third still works, but I upgraded again in June. All together, I have put more than nine thousand miles on them, on 4 continents. I’m writing this midway across the Pacific on my way to the 5th continent with my Firefly in the overhead bin above me. It is simply the best, and one of the least expensive. Thank you Rio Mobility! You’ve truly made these adventures possible.
That’s good to hear. I’ve wanted a Batec but so expensive. Alan Toy the actor btw?
😉
Hi Alan, do you store it in anything or just throw it up as is? Thanks.
It breaks down fairly easily in about five minutes. I didn’t put it in a heavy duffel bag. Sometimes, I have been able to convince the Cabin crew to let me store it in a closet onboard.
Sorry, voice to text error. Second sentence should read, “I then put it in a heavy duffel bag.”
May I ask, do you store under plane with wheelchair when you fly? Doesn’t get separated?
I try to prevent that from happening, because I just don’t trust the baggage handlers. See my comment above about storing the firefly on board. But my wheelchair does go below though.
Just curious what you need to fly with your Firefly due to airline battery restrictions?
you have to take the batteries on board with you and there are restrictions about the size and wattage of batteries. But the firefly batteries are FAA approved. Just to reassure the airlines folks I have a fire proof bag that I carry them in which also doubles as my under the seat bag for small items I might need on board.
After 2 shoulder surgeries and hitting my senior years I’m waiting for a Cheelcare companion plus to be delivered. Will be my 2nd addon after my smartdrive battery crapped out from not keeping up on the charge when not in use.
The smartdrive is excellent for steep ramps as well!
We live in MN and found the Smartdrive didn’t have the traction on inclines we needed in the winter. Had e-motion wheels way back and they were in repair more than in use (hopefully that has changed). Looking for a travel option you can fly with.
I have a SMOOV, and find it to work exceptionally well, as long as it worked. Apparently, Alber has seen some of the control units crap out due (reportedly) to the failure of a substitute ‘chip’ in the control unit. Waiting ‘months now’ for a replacement controller, despite the best efforts of my ATP. It’s a German product, and US-based service and support is clearly second-rate.
I agree.
Your dealer should be able to get you an RMA and get this handled quickly. We find that Alber has some of the best customer service of all of our manufacturers. We are also happy to help if you’re not getting the service you need!
I would love to see a Gear Guide piece comparing folding motorized wheelchair models. For those who have experience with both, how do the power assist options compare to folding motorized wheelchairs, especially when traveling?
Smoov vs SmartDrive:
I used a SmartDrive for years and was with them through all of their upgrades. Even met the developer at an Abilities Expo. I did have trouble with it in the rain and getting into my rampvan. It would slip on my ramp.
So with my new chair, I gave Smoov a try. I got it about a year ago and have had nothing but problems. My control unit has frozen three times.
The Smoov has no alternate way to control the drive unit like SmartDrive has. With SmartDrive you can use switches, a control unit or a smart watch like Apple or Google. So when the Smoov control unit freezes, you’re out of luck until they ship you a new one. Its reset button doesn’t work.
I have also had problems with the brackets falling apart as well as the battery charging components. Service is slow like Bill below has mentioned. I think the problem is that the company isn’t US based.
My rep at Invacare has been very responsive, but he seems to be dealing with the same issues. Right now I am waiting for another control unit which even though it is still under warranty may take awhile. My rep is trying to get me a whole new system due to all the problems I’ve encountered. That would go a long way to restoring my faith in this Company.
And hopefully they will develop a backup way with a watch or manual switches to power it. Also reduce the price of the control unit which is about $2K as opposed to a Smart watch which is about $500.
When working, the Smoov is pretty good, though unlike the SmartDrive, its wheel needs to be lined forward or it won’t engage. This may cause you to be stuck in a ditch. SmartDrive engages in any position.
Smoov seems to have more power than the SmartDrive.
Also the Smoov on/off switch needs to be improved. You can’t tell easily if you have switched it on when you reach behind you to push the button. They should consider adding the on/off function to the control unit. The SmartDrive has a toggle switch and a confirmation beep when you turn it on, so it’s easy to know it’s on.
The Smoov control unit is charged by a charging cord inserted into the drive unit. This cord is not easy to attach. The SmartDrive control units are charged separately. Both have similar charging systems for their drive units.
If I knew what I know now before I got a new power assist, I’d probably have chosen the SmartDrive again. But maybe Smoov will come through with its customer service and give me a new system with their new control unit that doesn’t have the switch problems that causes it to freeze unexpectedly. I’ll keep you posted.
If you have a repair issue with your unit, contact your dealer that it was purchased through with one phone call they can get you an RMA to send it back to Alber to be repaired. Honestly, Alber has some of the best customer service that we’ve dealt with for our customers. If you’re still having trouble, feel free to reach out to us we’re happy to help.
I’m currently working on getting a new manual wheelchair with the Quickie xtender power assist wheels. The one question that i have is are you able to push the chair without having the power switched on while the xtender wheels are installed. Hopefully that makes a lil sense. I’m unable to find that information and the rep I’m using isn’t sure.