How clinicians can help users benefit from wheelchair power assist technology

The transition from a manual wheelchair to power assist can enhance mobility, aid independence and reduce physical strain. Now, with advancements in wheelchair power assist technology, the demand is growing.

In this feature, Wendy Busby, Clinical Trainer at Sunrise Medical, discusses how power assist can meet a wide range of patient needs. She outlines which users can benefit most from this type of equipment, the key considerations clinicians should keep in mind during assessment and the potential barriers that may affect whether a product is suitable for an individual. #lightweightmobilityandseating #empulser90 #empulsem90 #activewheelchairs

Which patients could benefit most from power assist?

Power assist comes into its own when supporting patients who experience difficulty with manual propulsion. This may include individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity, those affected by repetitive strain injuries, or people who are beginning to feel the long-term impact of self-propulsion on their upper body.

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It can also be particularly beneficial for individuals living with conditions that can cause fatigue, such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis or certain neurological conditions. In these cases, power assist reduces the energy required to move, helping patients conserve stamina and manage daily activities more effectively.

What are the clinical benefits of power assist?

From a clinical perspective, power assist can offer several important advantages. By reducing the need for repeated manual propulsion, it helps minimise strain on the shoulders, elbows and wrists, which are common sites of injury among long-term wheelchair users. Over time, this can reduce the risk of overuse injuries and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Power assist may also support improved posture. Manual propulsion can sometimes lead to compensatory movements, leaning or asymmetrical pushing, all of which can contribute to postural imbalance. By assisting movement, power assist can promote a more neutral sitting position and reduce unnecessary physical effort.

Together, these benefits support a more active lifestyle while helping to protect the body from excessive strain or pressure. For many users, this can translate into improved comfort, reduced pain and greater long-term mobility.

Beyond physical support, power assists can also play a significant role in promoting independence. It enables users to travel further distances, manage slopes and uneven terrain more easily, and remain active for longer periods without fatigue or reliance on assistance from others. For many patients, this additional confidence can be just as important as the physical benefits.

What are the barriers to using power assist?

As with any mobility solution, individual assessment is essential. Power assists arenot suitable for everyone, particularly users who may lack the cognitive ability to understand speed control, steering and safe operation. In these cases, clinicians must consider whether a patient can use the equipment safely in different environments.

Weight is another consideration. Power assist systems add additional weight to a manual wheelchair, which may affect portability. This can be a challenge for users who need to lift their wheelchair into a car regularly, though the extent of this issue varies depending on the specific device.

Some newer systems aim to minimise added transport weight and preserve manoeuvrability… For example, Sunrise Medical’s Empulse range of power‑assist solutions, innovations such as the R90 are designed with a focus on lightweight, compact construction.

The unit, which comes with a removable battery with a 20-mile range, is quick and easy to attach or remove from a manual wheelchair and is positioned neatly beneath the seat preserving the chair’s original size and handling. As a result, patients or carers can lift, carry and transport the wheelchair as they normally would, without compromising on weight or portability.

What are the key misconceptions around power assist?

One of the most common misconceptions is that power assist is the same as a power wheelchair. In reality, it is designed to support and enhance manual mobility, not replace it entirely. Users remain actively engaged in controlling their movement, with power assist providing added support when needed.

The experience will also vary depending on the power assist. For example, the joystick-driven Empulse  M90 is closer to powered mobility behaviour, due to its power being built into the wheels, and can be switched from drive to manual propulsion at the turn of a dial.

It is also important to recognise that power assist is not a simple accessory. Like all medical equipment, it must be carefully assessed and prescribed based on individual needs, physical ability and lifestyle. Suitability varies from person to person, and a thorough clinical assessment is essential to ensure safe and effective use.

Selecting the right product involves balancing clinical need, lifestyle goals and practical considerations. When matched correctly, power assist can make a meaningful difference to a patient’s daily mobility and overall quality of life.

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