Power add-ons for manual wheelchairs

Wheelchair add-ons are devices that fit onto your wheelchair to aid the user, either by providing a power element to the chair, so reducing effort in pushing, or to make the chair more suitable for outside use, accessing rough terrain, hills and even beaches. 

Using a manual chair for as long as possible helps to maintain independence and fitness, however, we also need to be mindful of protecting joints such as shoulders and wrists. Our hip and knee joints are designed for stability to walk, but our shoulders and wrists are designed for dexterity, so overuse can cause pain and damage to the joints. 

These add-ons can help bridge the gap between manual and electric wheelchairs. 

They generally fall into two types, those that fit to the front of the chair and those that add to the frame of the chair, or the wheels. There are many different options out there, but listed below are some of the current popular ones.

Front fitting - electric hand trike 

These attach to the front of your wheelchair, converting it into a powered trike. Some are hybrid, meaning you can hand power at times too. 

Benefits include increased freedom and independence, especially when outside. Many types are suitable for indoor and outdoor use and for longer distances. They are also useful for uneven or rough surfaces. Examples: The Triride and Speedy.

Things to consider 

  • How easy is the unit to attach and remove?  
  • Can you transfer out with the device attached?  
  • Can you manage the controls?  
  • Is it going to work if you are shopping or working in a small space?  
  • Storage when not in use?  

Electric wheels 

These convert your wheelchair with a motor in the wheel itself, which matches your speed when you push the chair. Examples: The E-Motion and The E Fix.

Things to consider 

  • Electric wheels do not change the overall size of your chair and can generally be fitted to any rigid-framed manual chair. They still allow you to move your chair as before, but take the effort out of pushing.
  • The wheels are heavy, so removing and putting them back on could be a challenge if you need to put your chair in a car.
  • They do not have the range of the front-fitted hand trikes. 
  • Some designs require good dexterity.  

Rear drive add-ons 

Rear drive add-ons clip on and off the rear of your wheelchair to provide extra power. They are more discrete, lighter to lift and can be clipped on and off easily. Example: The Smart Drive.

Things to consider 

  • They do require a degree of coordination and control, and are not so good over rough ground.

Non-powered add-ons

If you choose a rear-powered or wheel-powered add-on and want to go over uneven ground this can still be tricky because you will still have small castors at the front. There are products that raise the castors off the ground and provide a bigger front wheel.  These can be used on their own or together with a powered add-on. Examples: Rehasense and Freewheel.

Choosing and purchasing the right product 

If you are considering one of these products, you should consider why you want it and what you want it to do for you.  If you have access to a Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist, do speak with them as they may be able to make a recommendation. 

Try out a range of products. Attending events like Naidex in Birmingham and KidztoAdults events run by independent living can be a good way to try different products without any pressure to purchase.

If you plan to purchase, ensure you use a reputable dealer.  Make sure they are registered with the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) or a similar professional body. They should offer a range of equipment for you to try and should not pressure you to make a quick decision. It is always important to ask about aftercare, servicing and insurance. 

Cost

The one thing all these products have in common, unfortunately, is the cost.  This equipment can cost anything from £2000 to over £5000 (apart from the manual attachments, such as the freewheel, which are around £500).

Note: The NHS do not provide any type of add-ons.

If you have an NHS chair, you must get the permission of the provider before using an add on with the chair. 

 

Help available for funding the equipment 

  • Through the Motability scheme, if you are eligible for this. 
  • Charities can sometimes help towards funding these items.  
  • For children and younger people, there is a range of charities who may support.   
  • For adults, there are fewer charities.  
  • You can try the site https://www.turn2us.org.uk, where you can search for grants. Some people have also tried a GoFundMe page to good success, although you do need to be aware that self-fundraising can have an impact on some benefits.


Shine can offer advice and guidance about applying for grants towards equipment. Contact us on 01733 555988 or via email at firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk.