Eliminate the hassle of pushing around with Wheelchair Power Pack

If you have spent the day propelling your loved one in a wheelchair, you'll understand how exhausting it is. Your back hurts, arms feel sore, and the hills which used to feel like gentle ones but now like mountains. That's where the wheelchair power pack comes in. These are tools that are affixed to your wheelchair and all the work will be done by them.

Following our experience selecting a motorised attachment for my father's wheelchair recently, I decided to compile our findings for others' benefit.

Single Wheel vs Twin Wheel: What’s the Difference?

When we started researching power packs, the first decision was whether to go for a single-wheel or twin-wheel model. We tested both, and the difference was immediately clear.

Single-wheel power packs are so lightweight and more affordable. Propulsion comes from a centralised wheel located at the rear of the wheelchair, which provides forward motion. They are best used on flat areas and for less heavy users but can struggle with traction when travelling on loose surfaces or when tackling slopes.

Twin-wheel power packs, by contrast, feature two side-by-side wheels, both of which in contact with the ground. This provides much greater traction and is thus best for heavier users or steeper terrain. Taking Dad along a gravel path in the park, we noticed the twin-wheel model held its grip impressively, whereas the single-wheel one tended to slip slightly.

The TGA Twin Wheel model seems to be especially popular — the store told us that they've sold thousands worldwide. Capable of reaching maximum velocities of 4mph, the device offers a travel range extending to 10 miles on a single charge. That's more than enough for a day out without worrying about running out of battery.

Heavy-duty options for heavy users

Dad's not a small chap at 19 stone, so we needed something sturdy. If you want a power pack for a heavier user, there are a few heavy-duty models worth a look.

The TGA Heavy Duty Bariatric Wheelchair Power Pack was the stand-out — it's designed to handle users weighing up to 26 stone. It's 25% more powerful than their standard model, but still offers a full 10-mile range. In our tests, the build quality was reassuringly robust — obviously made to handle additional weight.

For even bigger users, the TGA Powerpack Plus is an excellent option. It features 24-volt technology and a 200-watt motor powering twin wheels and can accommodate users weighing to a whopping 32 stone in users. I love this model because of its soft start technology, which enables the chair to move gently and stop smoothly. That adds an extra layer of comfort and improved control, particularly indoors where space may be limited.

There’s also a heavy-duty version of the S-Drive Powerstroll, built with a 200w motor and designed to support users weighing up to 28 stone (180kg). It copes with most gradients easily and has light-up controls — something we especially appreciated when we were out on darker winter nights.

Lightweight options for easier transport

Weight became a genuine consideration for us, as Mum has to lift the power pack in and out of the car boot. Not everyone needs heavy-duty gear, and there are some fantastic lightweight alternatives available.

The Excel Click & Go Lite II has 3" wide drive wheels with great grip yet keeping the overall weight low. It's intended for a combined weight of up to 21 stone (chair plus user) and weighs only 14.6kg including battery. The battery is easy to remove too, which makes it even lighter more manageable when needed.

We were also impressed with the Lightweight Powerstroll from Drive Medical. It’s built to support users up to 18 stone (115kg), yet the whole unit weighs only 14kg. Assembly is easy, taking only a couple of minutes once you're familiar with the components. Best of all, once the brackets are fitted, no tools are needed to fit or remove the power pack to the wheelchair.

Fitting and compatibility

Something we were concerned about was whether a power pack would fit Dad's current wheelchair. Most power packs are designed to be universal and will fit a large number of manual wheelchairs.

Typically, power packs are suitable for wheelchairs with a seat width of 16" to 20", but there are some models designed for wider bariatric chairs. The Roma Medical attendant power pack, for example, adjusts to fit most wheelchairs within this range" with little hassle.

Some wheelchairs do have greater ground clearance, which can cause fitting issues. We discovered this while examining Dad's Invacare model. Luckily, a lot of power packs, such as the Roma Medical, do provide optional drop-down plates for wheelchairs with a floor-to-tubing height of over 13cm (5").

Installation is usually straightforward. Most can be fitted in minutes, and once the initial setup is done, connecting and disconnecting the power pack is even faster. This is especially useful if you don't require the power pack all the time or if you want to carry the wheelchair with the power pack detached.

Battery life and charging

Range anxiety is real — even with wheelchair power packs! Most models offer a range of between 8–10 miles on a single charge, which is usually sufficient for a day out shopping or sightseeing.

TGA models and others provide a full 10 miles of range, while the Click & Go Lite II delivers around 8 miles under normal conditions. The battery chargers are typically fully automatic, supplying the correct amount of charge to the maintenance-free batteries.

What’s especially convenient with some models — such as the S-Drive — is the ability to charge the power pack either on or off the wheelchair. This flexibility means you can leave the pack in place to charge, or remove it and charge it elsewhere.

We found it helpful to fall into the habit of charging the power pack overnight after day trips, ensuring it’s ready to go for the next outing.

Speed and control

Most power packs provide speeds of 3-4mph, which matches a comfortable walking pace for the attendant. The TGA models offer up to 4mph, while the Click & Go Lite II runs at about 3 mph (5kmh).

The navigation mechanism generally consists of a compact manual interface featuring graduated speed control options. Many also feature a forward/reverse switch, which we've found invaluable for manoeuvring in tight spaces like restaurant seating areas or crowded shops.

The S Drive Powerstroll includes illuminated controls to aid use at night - a thoughtful feature that makes evening outings safer and more convenient. Some models also allow you to reduce the maximum speed convenient, which is useful in busy pedestrian areas.

Practical considerations for daily use

After a year of using a power pack with Dad’s wheelchair, we’ve picked up a few practical lessons that are worth sharing:

Weight distribution: Putting in a power pack does move the centre of gravity slightly. It's seldom a problem, but it's worth knowing about—particularly when just getting used to it.

Kerbs and obstacles: Power packs do make life considerably easier on level or sloping ground, but steep kerbs are still a problem. The extra kick is certainly useful, but a reasonable technique (and a bit of patience) still works wonders.

Storage: Most power packs can just be pulled out when not being used, and some include their own small holdall bag. It's a tidy way to have everything contained and protected in transit or storage.

Battery care considerations: The energy storage components in most propulsion units generally demand little maintenance, though periodic supplemental charging may slightly enhance longevity. We never allowed Dad's battery to run down completely—charging it overnight has become second nature.

Airline travel: Thinking of flying abroad? Be sure to cheque the battery rating. As an example, the S-Drive model features a 24-volt 12-ampere-hour sealed lead acid power cell with valve regulation that meets airline approval standards. That makes it a lot easier to bring on holiday than earlier, non-approved models.