A power assist device adds a motor to a manual wheelchair. You keep the chair you know and still push it, and the motor does much of the work on hills, ramps, long distances and soft ground. Some devices are made for the rider, and others are made for a caregiver who pushes the chair.
Power assist devices are made to fit certain chairs, so the most important question is whether a device fits yours. This guide explains the four main kinds of device, which chairs each one suits, and what to check before you buy. The figures here are typical ranges. Each product page says which chairs that device fits and gives its exact figures.
Is power assist right for you?
Power assist suits you if you push yourself and want to keep a manual chair, and pushing on hills, over distance or through a long day tires you or hurts your shoulders. It also suits a caregiver who pushes a heavy chair or a heavier rider.
If you cannot push a chair at all, or you need power all day, a power wheelchair may suit you better.
The four kinds of device
| Kind | How it works | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Rear push device | A single drive wheel clips on under the back of the chair and pushes it. You control it with a wrist band, a small control on the chair or an app, and you steer and brake with your hands on the push rims. | An active rider who wants a light device that comes off when it is not needed. |
| Power assist wheels | Powered wheels replace your rear wheels. Depending on the model, the motors add to each push on the rims, or you drive the wheels with a small controller. | A rider who wants help all the time, and whose chair the wheels are made for. |
| Front pull device | A unit with its own front wheel and handlebar clips onto the front of the chair and lifts the casters off the ground. It pulls the chair like a small scooter. | An active rider who wants to cover distance, rough paths and curbs at a higher speed. |
| Caregiver device | A drive wheel under the chair, controlled by a button on the push handle. | A caregiver who pushes the rider, on folding, standard or tilt chairs. |
Will it fit your chair?
Each device lists the chairs it fits on its product page. Check these points against your chair before you order.
- Frame type. Some devices fit rigid ultra lightweight chairs only. Others fit folding chairs, or folding and tilt chairs with a box shaped frame. Some fit most manual chairs.
- Brand and model. Power assist wheels are often made for one maker's chairs, because they mount on that maker's axles.
- Axle and wheels. Wheels that replace your own need the right axle and wheel size, commonly 24" quick release wheels.
- Mounting point. Rear push and caregiver devices clamp to the frame or the axle tube, so check the frame tube size and the space under the chair.
- Seat width. Caregiver devices list the seat widths they fit.
- Rider weight. Devices are rated for a rider weight, commonly about 240 to 375 lbs. Choose one rated above the rider's weight.
Not sure it fits?
Send us your chair's make, model, seat width and wheel size before you order, and we will check the fit with you.
Speed, range and weight
- Speed. Rear push devices and power assist wheels commonly top out at about 3.5 to 5.5 mph. Front pull devices can go faster, up to about 9 mph. Caregiver devices are slower, about 3 mph, to match walking pace. Many let you set a lower top speed.
- Range. Most go about 9 to 12 miles on a charge, and some go about 20 miles with a larger battery. Range drops with rider weight, hills, rough ground and cold weather.
- Weight. Rear push and caregiver devices weigh about 7 to 15 lbs., so they are easy to take off. Power assist wheels add more weight to the chair, because they replace your wheels.
Travel and flying
Power assist devices run on lithium batteries. Some batteries are approved for air travel, and each product page says so when it is. Airlines set their own rules for batteries, so check with your airline before you fly.
Insurance and Medicare
Some plans cover power assist with a doctor's order and a therapist's evaluation, and approval is never guaranteed. Hieline sells direct and does not bill Medicare, Medicaid or any other insurance, so the price you see is the price you pay. If your private insurance covers durable medical equipment, keep your receipt for a reimbursement claim. Medicare pays only for equipment from suppliers enrolled in Medicare, so it will not reimburse a purchase from us. If you want Medicare to pay, start with your doctor and a Medicare-enrolled supplier before you buy. For the steps to take with private insurance or Medicare, read our insurance and Medicare guide.
Buying from Hieline
Shipping follows our shipping policy. Financing is available through CareCredit on purchases of $200 or more. Low price guarantee: find it advertised for less and we will work with you. Returns follow our returns policy, and each product page says whether that item can be returned.
How to decide
- Decide who controls the device: the rider, or a caregiver who pushes.
- Choose the kind: a rear push device, power assist wheels, a front pull device or a caregiver device.
- Check that it fits your chair: frame type, make and model, axle and wheel size, mounting point and seat width.
- Check the rider weight rating, the top speed and the range.
- If you fly, check the battery and your airline's rules.
Common questions
Will a power assist device fit my wheelchair?
It depends on the device and your chair. Each product page lists the chairs it fits. Check your chair's frame type, make and model, wheel size and seat width, or send them to us and we will check.
Do I still push the chair?
With power assist wheels that respond to the rims, yes, and the motors add to each push. Some power assist wheels are driven with a small controller instead. With a rear push device you push to start and use the rims to steer and brake. A front pull device and a caregiver device do the pushing for you.
How far does power assist go on a charge?
Most go about 9 to 12 miles, and some go about 20 miles with a larger battery. Hills, rider weight and cold weather shorten the range.
Can I take a power assist device on a plane?
Some batteries are approved for air travel. Check the product page, then check your airline's rules before you fly.
See every device in our power assist collection, or start on our manual wheelchairs page.
