Power Assist for Manual Wheelchairs
Power assist adds motorized help to the manual wheelchair you already use, for hills, ramps, long distances and tired shoulders, without switching to a power chair. Compare push-assist units, power-assist wheels, clamp-on front attachments and caregiver assists from Permobil SmartDrive, Quickie, Empulse and Rehasense, with expert fitting in Tustin, CA.
Four types of power assist
Each type attaches differently and suits a different user. Your chair’s frame, your hand function and where you go decide which fits.
Rear push-assist
A single drive wheel behind the axle pushes the chair while you steer with the handrims. It’s light and discreet. Examples: SmartDrive MX2+, Empulse R90.
Power-assist wheels
Motorized rear wheels replace your standard wheels and amplify each push on the handrims. Examples: Quickie Xtender, Empulse M90.
Front attachments (clamp-on)
A motorized front wheel with handlebars lifts your casters and turns the chair into a trike, which is great for distance and rough ground. Examples: Rehasense PAWS, ECO ASSIST, Empulse F35.
Caregiver assist
A motor unit helps the person pushing the chair, especially on slopes and longer walks. Example: Empulse R20.
Protect your shoulders
Years of manual pushing can strain wrists and shoulders. Power assist lowers the effort of each push or replaces it.
Keep your manual chair
Most units attach and detach in seconds, so you push by hand indoors and switch on assist outside.
Shop Rehasense clamp-on power add-ons
Available to buy online. Rehasense front attachments clamp onto a wide range of rigid and folding wheelchairs without altering the frame. Open a product for current pricing, wheel options and batteries.
Rehasense ECO ASSIST
A lighter clamp-and-lift front attachment with standard controls, for everyday trips around town.
- Weight15.5 kg / 34 lbs (10 kg transport)
- RangeUp to 30 km / 18 mi
- Battery48V 278 Wh lithium
- FitsRigid & folding, fixed front frame
Rehasense PAWS City 12″ / 14″
A compact front power attachment for city streets and sidewalks. It clamps on, so the wheelchair frame doesn’t need altering.
- Front wheel12″ or 14″
- Motor350 W / 400 W
- RangeUp to 40 km / 25 mi
- Battery48V 557 Wh lithium
Rehasense PAWS Cruiser 16″
A 16″ wheel that balances everyday agility with more capability on rougher paths and park trails.
- Front wheel16″
- Battery48V lithium, ~557 Wh
- FitsMost rigid & folding chairs
- UseUrban & light trails
Rehasense PAWS Tourer 20″
A 20″ × 4″ fat-tire attachment with a 500 W motor for gravel, grass, sand and longer adventures.
- Front wheel20″ × 4″ fat tire
- Motor500 W, 87 Nm
- RangeUp to 35 km / 22 mi
- WeightFrom 28.8 kg / 63 lbs
Specifications are taken from each product page and are set by the manufacturer. Range is measured on flat ground and varies with rider weight, terrain and battery. Batteries and chargers may be sold separately, so check the product page.
Power assist we fit & configure
These devices are matched to your wheelchair model and your hand function. Some are fitted at the factory with a new chair. Ask about any model and we’ll check compatibility and funding options.
SmartDrive MX2+
A single drive wheel mounts behind the axle and pushes you along. You control it with a wrist-worn sensor or optional push-button, so you keep the feel of your manual chair.
- TypeRear push-assist
- ControlWrist sensor / PushTracker
- FitsMost rigid & folding chairs
- Best forActive manual users
Quickie Xtender
Motorized rear wheels boost every push on the handrims. They come off with quick-release axles, and the battery pack slings on and off.
- TypePower-assist wheels
- Average rangeLithium 22 mi / Nickel 14 mi
- Capacity265 lbs
- HCPCS codeE0986
Empulse M90 Wheel Assist
Lightweight 24″ power-assist wheels with a wireless dual controller, for most Sunrise Medical folding and rigid chairs.
- Weight13 lbs per wheel
- RangeUp to 9.3 mi
- Max speed3.7 mph
- Capacity265 lbs
Empulse R90 Push-Assist
A rear drive wheel on a V-Lock bracket, controlled by a wireless push-button and app. It lifts off the ground when you want to push on your own.
- Weight13 lbs (no battery)
- RangeUp to 9.8 mi / 19.5 mi (ext.)
- Max speed5.5 mph, adjustable
- FitsMost rigid & folding chairs
Empulse F35 Pull Device
A light handlebar-style front attachment that turns a manual chair into a powered trike for city trips.
- Weight19.8 lbs (16.5 lbs transport)
- RangeUp to 9.3 mi
- Max speed9.3 mph or 3.7 mph
- FitsFrames 10″–19″ wide
Empulse R20 Caregiver Assist
Takes the strain out of pushing for a caregiver or attendant. One-button control and three speed settings, and it folds for storage.
- Weight9.9 lbs with battery
- RangeUp to 9 mi
- Max speed3.1 mph (3 settings)
- FitsMost folding & tilt-in-space chairs
Specifications are from manufacturer literature and can change. Range varies with surface, user weight, temperature and terrain. Compatibility depends on your wheelchair’s make, model and frame.
Compare power assist types
A quick guide. Your evaluation confirms the best fit for your chair and body.
| Rear push-assist | Power-assist wheels | Front attachment | Caregiver assist | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who drives | User | User | User | Caregiver |
| How you steer | Handrims | Handrims | Handlebars | Caregiver pushes |
| Added weight | Lightest | Heaviest on the chair | Removable unit | Light |
| Best terrain | Sidewalks, ramps, campus | Hills, everyday use | Distance, trails, rough ground | Slopes, long walks |
| Examples | SmartDrive MX2+, Empulse R90 | Quickie Xtender, Empulse M90 | Rehasense PAWS & ECO ASSIST, Empulse F35 | Empulse R20 |
How it works
The right device depends on your chair, your hands and where you go.
Tell us about your chair
Share your wheelchair’s make, model, frame type and width. We’ll check which devices fit.
Match the device to you
We look at your hand and arm function, your terrain, your transport and whether a caregiver will use it.
Buy online or get fitted
Rehasense add-ons can be ordered online. Clinical devices are configured and fitted with your therapist’s input.
Funding (where applicable)
For insurance-funded devices, we help gather the documentation your plan needs.
Setup & training
We mount the device, set speeds and profiles, and show you how to attach, remove and charge it.
Power assist FAQ
What is a power assist for a wheelchair?
It’s a motorized device that attaches to a manual wheelchair to make pushing easier or to drive the chair for you. Types include rear push-assist units, power-assist wheels, clamp-on front attachments and caregiver assists.
Will a power assist fit my wheelchair?
Most devices fit a wide range of rigid and folding wheelchairs, but each has its own requirements, such as frame width, front-frame style and tubing size. Send us your chair’s make and model and we’ll confirm compatibility.
What’s the difference between a front attachment and a push-assist?
A front attachment, like a Rehasense PAWS, lifts your front casters and adds a motorized wheel with handlebars, which is best for distance and rough ground. A rear push-assist, like the SmartDrive MX2+, pushes from behind while you steer with your handrims. It’s lighter and more discreet.
Does Medicare cover power assist devices?
Some power assist devices may be covered when medical necessity is documented and coverage criteria are met. Coverage varies by device and plan. Front attachments and caregiver assists are usually bought privately. We review your options before you order.
Can I fly with a power assist device?
Airline rules depend on the battery’s watt-hour rating. Rehasense offers an optional smaller flight battery for its PAWS City. Always check with your airline before you travel.
Not sure which power assist fits your chair?
Talk to our team in Tustin. We bring 22+ years of mobility experience to help you match the right device to your wheelchair, your body and your routes.
Ask a specialist