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Please Note: This is an independent review, and all opinions are solely my own. This post contains an affiliate link. If you chose to purchase through the link, I may get a small commission; however, this is without any extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

I may have found my new favourite wheelchair attachment!

For more information and to get your own, click here. (Once the alibaba page opens and loads, click the ‘send inquiry’ or ‘contact supplier’ button to start the ordering process)

I recently purchased a moving booster and have been extremely happy with it! It attaches to the wheelchair axel and provides some extra push assistance when needed. When not in use it can be powered off, and while it adds a bit of extra weight and sticks out slightly in the back, it is barely noticeable when powered down.

The unit provides powered push assist, allowing you to save your energy and enjoy your surroundings. Keep in mind, you still need to use your hands to steer.

It is operated with an attached control unit in which the speed is moderated with a four setting knob (park mode, low speed, medium speed, and high speed). This control unit can be attached to the front of wheelchair to allow for independent use, or to the back if used by an attendant or caregiver.

On the control unit, there is also a main power button to turn the unit on and off, as well as an emergency stop button, that can act as a kill switch if needed. To reset the emergency stop, the red button must be twisted so it pops back up. Combined with the parking mode setting on the control knob, there are 3 separate ways to power off the push assist.

The unit is 6.25kg (13.78 lbs) so it is not heavy, but not light to carry around either. Size wise it is 47x15x20cm and is a very compact and portable size.

The control unit is attached to the moving booster with a cord that can be plugged into either side of the moving booster, and is secured by a ring that threads over top to ensure it stays in place while in use.

There are indicator lights on both the main unit and the control unit that denote the amount of battery charge and indicate the device is turned on.

Each blue light lasts approximately 5-6km or so, and each red light lasts around 2 km, this depends on the incline, terrain type and chair weight, but lasts close to 20km per charge.

Even when the unit is in the red zone the moving booster still powers along, it was able to get me up a steep hill without a problem, although I noticed it was moving a bit slower compared to when it was at full charge.

Charge time from completely dead to full charge was 4 hours.

On flat and smooth pavement, low speed translates to a slow walking pace, medium is a regular walking pace, and high speed is a jogging or speed walking pace. This unit does not go as fast as some of the other more expensive “big brand” models, but it goes a comfortable and safe pace that allows you to go for a stroll with friends or family independently.

Terrain wise it obviously works best on smooth and flat surface. But I have also used it on rocky gravel paths, through dirt, through grass, and up a fairly steep (approx 8% grade incline) hill in the river valley, and while it doesn’t go super fast, it powers through all of the different terrain no problem. It also pulled my friends on skateboards behind me while on a paved pathway. In addition, it works great for me for at work for travelling long distances on carpeted surfaces without straining my upper body muscles.

It is not as easy as the ‘big name’ brands to attach and detach, it uses a lever and clamp to attach it into place. However, it is easiest to have someone else attach for you, as it would be difficult to attach while sitting in your chair. However, with a simple modification, adding a sliding plate and bracket, I have set mine up so I am able to attach and detach the unit independently sitting on the fold out seat of my vehicle. The red plate is an at home modification to enable me to detach and attach the unit with one hand. Basically it is a plate that slides overtop of the trough where the metal bar sits, which secures it in place when the lever is tightened. It is painted a contrasting colour to make it easier for me to see what I am doing when I am attaching the unit.

The battery life has been excellent so far, and I only lost one notch of battery life after approximately 7km. I will have to do more testing with trying to drain the battery a bit more, but so far I am very impressed. Even with everyday use, I may only have to charge it once every few days or once a week!

I would highly recommend this product to everyone. It adds a huge increase of independence, and while it is still a chunk of change, it is a far more reasonably priced alternative to other brands out there.

The only downside, it that it may be hard for people without finger function to control the knobs. The cord and control unit must also be zip tied onto the chair so that stay secured and do not dangle down.

Shipping can also take a long time. Mine came as one single shipment in around 30 days or so. However, others have experienced it as coming as two separate shipments, with the battery shipping separately with a 2-3 week delay.

I would highly recommend a Moving Booster to any manual wheelchair user! I have only had mine for a few weeks so far, but I have used it almost every day. Even when not in use you can leave it attached and barley notice it, it is nice knowing you can rely on an extra power boost whenever you need!

For more information and to get your own, click here.

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