How to convert a manual wheelchair into a power wheelchair: a power assist guide
Are you looking to expand what you can do with your manual wheelchair by adding a powered motor? Or maybe you’re at the limits of your physical endurance with manual wheelchair propulsion? Then this guide’s for you.
In this article, we’ll explain how you can turn a manual wheelchair into a power wheelchair in all possible use cases.
Can you turn a manual wheelchair into a power wheelchair?
Yes, you can convert a manual wheelchair into a power wheelchair by adding a power assist device. Wheelchair power assists come in different forms for different use cases, but they all consist of four basic elements: a battery, motor, drive wheel(s) and controller.
What wheelchair power assists are available for manual wheelchairs?
Wheelchair power assist devices split into two categories;
1. Powerpacks designed for operation by an attendant to reduce the physical effort of pushing a transit wheelchair.
2. Power add-ons designed for operation by the wheelchair user to reduce the physical effort of driving a self-propelled wheelchair.
Let’s look at each type in more detail.
Powerpacks
Powerpacks designed for transit wheelchairs are typically mounted between the rear wheels and consist of single or dual drive wheels with a battery box on top. The controller is fitted to the wheelchair’s push handles for easy operation by the person pushing.
Powerpacks have a maximum speed of 4mph (brisk walking pace) and most have forward and reverse functions.
 |
Drive Lightweight Powerstroll Powerpack A dual-wheel powerpack which fits to most standard transit wheelchairs. It can be removed so you can fold the wheelchair for transport. |
 |
Alber Viaplus Powerpack Designed for larger comfort transit wheelchairs, including tilting wheelchairs, such as the Invacare Azalea. |
Power add-ons
Power add-ons are a newer class of wheelchair power assist devices designed for self-propelled wheelchairs. Some, like transit wheelchair powerpacks, consist of a drive wheel mounted to the rear of the wheelchair, while others are mounted to the front. The key difference is they are controlled by the wheelchair user themselves.
 |
Rehasense Eco Assist A wheelchair handbike designed to easily dock on and off for power assistance as and when you need it, across a variety of terrains. |
 |
Alber Smoov Power Assist A small and unobtrusive power assist device designed for use with active wheelchairs. |
 |
Alber e-motion M25 Power Assist Wheels Power drive wheels with sensors which activate the motors as you initiate pushing, providing you with tailored power assistance. |
Summary
I trust this article has given you a better understanding of how you can convert a manual wheelchair into a power wheelchair. If you still have questions relating to your specific needs, or would like to book a demo, why not get in touch for some expert advice?