This instalment of our three-piece powered add-on comparison series looks at rear-mounted powered add-ons. These are a popular option for manual wheelchair users wanting that bit extra to take them further. They also overlap with attendant-controlled add-on options. There are 6 manufacturers’ products to be compared here. We’ll be looking at offerings from Invacare, Drive Devilbiss, TGA, Sunrise Medical, Van Os, and Permobil.
Powered Add-On Specifications Breakdown
As might be expected, given the price point of the product, the Permobil SmartDrive MX2+, as shown to the left, scores highest in all three categories. Not only is it the lightest of these six rear-fitted powered add-ons, but it has a slightly longer range than the others and an unbeaten maximum user weight figure.
The MX2+ has been on the market for some years now. Consequently, its reputation arguably benefits from being an established product. So, perhaps the question should be whether any newer rear-mounted powered add-on looks likely to take its crown?
One contender would be the Sunrise Medical Empulse R90. In the third part of this comparison series, we will be looking at other products within the Empulse range, but this one is a little different. Fitting partially underneath the wheelchair, as opposed to largely behind it, it has a reduced “footprint”. This can easily be seen in comparison to other powered add-ons. The below image makes this rather unique and revolutionary product characteristic clear.
Further Powered Add-On Questions and Answers
Both the SmartDrive MX2+ and the Empulse R90 are premium products. But it may be that, particularly for an attendant-controlled situation, a more modest solution works better. There is a substantial price range across the spectrum of rear-mounted powered add-ons. The Click and Go “Lite” from Van Os Medical is an example of a solidly-performing attendant-controlled product. With an impressive maximum safe user weight of 21 stone, and delivering a 9 mile maximum range, it is a good option for an attendant-controlled powered add-on. Do note though that it, like other rear-mounted powered add-ons, is for attendant control only. This means that the actual wheelchair user cannot operate the product – in contrast to, say, the Empulse R90.
In fact, this difference between wheelchair user-controlled, and attendant-controlled, is highly important to pricing. There is a substantial price premium to be paid for the former variant. However, if you use an active wheelchair and find yourself needing powered assistance, then attendant control is unlikely to be desirable. Out of the variants looked at in this powered add-on comparison, all except the R90 and the SmartDrive are only available as an attendant-controlled model. So do bear this in mind when making decisions.
As always, if you have any questions, do get in touch with us here at Lifestyle & Mobility, and thank you for reading!