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Motorcycle Style Attachments for Manual Wheelchair Users

Having an electric assist motor is a must for every manual wheelchair user. It is nice to give your arms a break every once in a while, and it definitely opens up terrain options. It provides a huge increase in freedom in terms of distance and hill grade, and allows you to enjoy more activities such as bike rides, or long walks with others.

Plus it keeps your hands dirt free and you aren’t wearing down your gloves trying to muscle through rough terrain. This review will focus on “motorcycle” or “scooter” type attachments which clamp on to the main frame of your wheelchair. (There are also devices such as the smart drive , smoov or moving booster which attach to the back axel of the wheelchair and push you from behind).

There are several different models available, each with their pros and cons. The best model for you will largely depend on the type of terrain and topography you will be traversing. They all use lithium batteries.

The Batec

The Batec bike attachments are the biggest and most robust models on the market. It has a 18 inch wheel and a maximum speed of up to 25km/h, and a battery that can last between 22 and 40 km (depending on the battery type) on a single charge (although I wouldn’t recommend trying to run the battery completely out and stranding yourself somewhere). A special 280w battery can be ordered that is compliance with Airline standards, so it can be taken on a plane and used while travelling. It is quite heavy with a weight of 16 kg, but easily managed with the kickstand. It has an easy attachment mechanism that allows it to be attached and detached in seconds. The batec is the best option if you plan on doing a lot of off-road terrain or want something very heavy duty.
Pros: High performance and power
Cons: Quite large and higher end of the price range

The Firefly

The Firefly attachment by Rio Mobility is more scooter style than motorcycle style, with a smaller more compact design and front wheel. This is more suited for urban use on pavement, or sidewalk rather than going off road. But even with its smaller size it still provides a lot of power. It has a maximum speed of 19 kph (12mph) and a battery that can last for up to 24km at max speed. The Firefly also has a Airline compliant lithium battery, so it can be a great accessory to travel with as well. It’s lightweight makes it extremely portable and it can be attached/detached in seconds with the quick release system.
Pros: Easy attachment and compact
Cons: Higher end of the price range

TriRide

The TriRide brand motorcycle attachments are designed and manufactured in Italy. They are at the higher end of the price range, but they are worth mentioning since they are the only brand that offers models which can be outfitted with push/pull controls for tetraplegic users. The larger levers allow the motor attachment to be controlled with the palm and is ideal for those with limited or weak hand function.
Pros: Able to be outfitted for those with limited hand function
Cons: Higher end of the price range and limited suppliers in North America

DIY Method

If you are crafty and a DIYer there is the option to “create” you own using an electric scooter and making some modifications to allow it to hook and secure under the footplate of your wheelchair.
Pros: Most cost effective method
Cons: Need access to tools and the capacity to safely build it yourself.

Direct From Manufacturer

You can also order an E-bike Attachment directly from the manufacturers. This is the option that I went with and it has been awesome. It is amazing to cruise around with, especially on pavement, and, it makes grass and gravel feel like nothing. It isn’t as large as the batec, and it is not as quick attach since it must be clamped on each time. Nor is it as light and transportable as the Firefly model. However, for the price point it has been incredible, and well exceeded my expectations. I never let my battery completely drain, but by extrapolation over several journeys, a single charge lasted me around 50km (≈31 miles). The manufacturer specifies 25km (≈15.5 miles). on a full battery at maximum speed of 23km/h (≈14 mph) . The only downside is that the lithium battery is a 36V 11.6ah and cannot be taken on a plane. But it is an amazing piece of equipment to have and opens up way more recreation options for wheelchair users. It also comes with a 2 year manufacturer warranty to give you piece of mind. If you are not comfortable ordering from the manufacturer, the same make and model is also available on Amazon.
Pros: Best value (in my opinion)
Cons: Not able to take lithium battery on the plane and longer shipping time

Whichever option you decide is best for you, an electric motor attachment for your wheelchair will open up the terrain option available to you in your manual wheelchair and offer so much more freedom!

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