Power add on's to manual wheelchairs.

[Grapes12]

Has anyone got a Benoit LightDrive Power Pack added to their wheelchair?

I have got a Ti Lite chair and am looking for a power pack or similar to turn it into an electric wheelchair.

I was hoping that I would manage with a manual wheelchair for a while but my arms are getting weaker so need to look into a power add on asap.

Thanks for any help in advance.

[sheild]

A few things to consider, and possibly get the advice of an expert which is not easy without being talked into what they sell rather than what you need.

There are the new eMotion m25 add on wheels, hefty price tag so make sure you get a trial before committing. They are heavy to lug around but lighter than the older ones that have been around for a while. I found the 'roll back' sensation when you stopped off putting. The Smartdrive relies upon you using a wristband to control speed etc and thence some coordination, also bear in mind that a carer can't step in to push you if you get stuck. efix works similar to emotions except rather then self propelling you use a joystick which can be attached to the arm or back of the chair.

All these options are very expensive and may not be the answer to your query. I'm in a similar situation having incurred a rotator cuff injury and waiting for surgery so can't self propel anymore.

It might be worth considering a lightweight fold up electric wheelchair for longer jaunts, they comin half the price of the power add ons. The next step is then to consider a powerchair which start at goodish prices (less than £1000 for the most basic) right up to £15000+ depending on needs.

It is important to consider how long you can hang onto to the manual wheelchair without risking injury balanced against the beneift of getting around under power.

[Veteran250 in reply to sheild]

I have a powerchair with a hand control...... if you can afford it, an electric wheelchair would be better that a manual one converted to electric....... but another thing to consider with electric wheelchair is insurance, just in case you run into someone and they claim against you, having said that, I have run into no one in eleven years.

Power packs are available on Amazon but its better to talk to an expert first as shield suggests.

Good luck with your search. 😀