Power Assist Device Buyers Guide

The Power-Flex creates a new category of wheelchair power assist solutions by combining the compact lifestyle of manual wheelchairs with the flexibility and comfort of powered mobility.

Find the Right Power Assist Device for Your Life

Two men in wheelchairs sitting on a bridge, smiling, with trees and other people in the background.

Choosing the right wheelchair power add-on or power assist device should not feel overwhelming — it should feel empowering. Today’s power assist add-ons give manual wheelchair users the ability to travel longer distances, reduce physical effort, and maintain independent living without giving up the compact lifestyle of their own wheelchair.

Whether you are exploring power-assist wheels, electric wheelchair attachments, or a complete power wheelchair alternative, the right mobility solution starts with understanding your everyday life, physical needs, and the environments you navigate daily.

At Soul Mobility, we believe the best mobility equipment is not just about adding extra power — it is about creating a better daily mobility experience that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Step 1:

Start With Your Daily Routine

Where will you use it most?

  • Indoors and tight spaces

  • Urban environments (sidewalks, stores, ramps)

  • Outdoor or uneven terrain

How much assistance do you need?

  • Reduce push effort for longer distances and busy days

  • Powered assistance for challenging terrain and hills

  • Daily assistance to reduce fatigue

  • Intermittent joystick powered mobility support

Step 2:

Understand Your Physical Needs

Two people sitting in wheelchairs on a sidewalk with sunlight behind them, in an urban setting with buildings and parked cars.

Ask yourself:

  • Do you want to push actively, but with less strain?

  • Do you need full powered control at times?

  • How easy or intuitive is the product to use in various situations?

  • How is the product activated and controlled – how much dexterity is needed?

  • Are you trying to prevent shoulder or joint injuries over the long run?

Step 3:

Know Your Device Options:

Push Options

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  • Mounted behind the chair to “push” you forward reducing effort and push strokes

  • Provides straight line propulsion for longer distance on flat, smooth surfaces

  • User continues to push, steer and brake to maneuver the chair

  • May have buttons or dials to activate and control the device

Close-up of a wheelchair's motor and wheel, showing spokes and electric components.

Wheel Add-Ons

  • Replaces standard wheels with powered wheels

  • Provides push assistance when needed reducing effort and push strokes

  • User continues to push, steer and brake to maneuver the chair

  • Adds weight and increases width of your lightweight, everyday wheelchair

Close-up of a wheelchair with a portable electric bike attached to it, labeled E-Z Ride+

Pull Devices

  • Attach to the front of your chair with handlebars for control

  • Better for outdoor use and longer distance

  • Full powered control eliminates pushing and fatigue

  • Increased turning radius, can limit indoor maneuverability

  • Can require more upper body strength and hand dexterity for use.

Power Base Attachments

Power wheelchair with large rear wheels and small front wheels, black seat, and red frame, outdoors on a sidewalk.

  • Mount under the wheelchair to deliver power chair–like performance and function.

  • Provide a compact power solution for indoor and outdoor use across many terrains

  • Intuitive Joystick control eliminates body strain and fatigue

  • May be heavier than some solutions

Every mobility option has its own advantages and limitations, especially when it comes to transportability, driving experience, and day-to-day convenience.   Many power assist devices require continued upper body input or specific hand function and dexterity to operate effectively or they may not be well suited for both indoor and outdoor environments and all type of terrains.

Talk to a Specialist at Soul Mobility
A custom wheelchair with large rear wheels and smaller front wheels, positioned outdoors on pavement, with a brick wall and greenery in the background.

Meet the Power-Flex

The Power-Flex is  a power base attachment with intuitive joystick control to provide complete control in a compact package that fits seamlessly into your daily routine with superior indoor and outdoor capability. 

The Power-flex bridges the gap between manual and large dedicated power chairs with its unique ability to easily transform your chair to a compact power chair on your terms with the added features of manual tilt and suspension.

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The Power-Flex Difference

Before and after images of a wheelchair showing the manual mode at the top and the powered mode at the bottom.

True Hybrid Mobility

It bridges the gap between traditional manual wheelchairs and large dedicated powerchairs.

Close-up of a person in a wheelchair holding a handheld control device with various buttons.

Intuitive Joystick Control

Many power-assist add-ons still require continued pushing, steering, and braking.

People in wheelchairs crossing a city street at a crosswalk with buildings and cars in the background.

Better Outdoor Capability

Where many wheelchair power add-on systems struggle outdoors, Power-Flex delivers.

A man with sunglasses sitting in a motorized wheelchair on a bridge with metal railings and a brick building in the background.

Comfort & Protection

Power-Flex was developed to support long-term joint health and reduce strain associated with everyday pushing.

Three men in wheelchairs sitting together outdoors at a casual event, with colorful tables and chairs and a Shell gas station in the background.

Power-Flex may be the ideal solution for you.

Power-Flex was designed specifically around the real-world needs of active wheelchair users who do not want to sacrifice their mobility identity or daily independence.

Talk to a Specialist at Soul Mobility

  • DescrWant to maintain your manual lifestyle

    • Need extra power during busy days

    • Experience fatigue or overuse injuries

    • Need flexibility for both short and long distances

    • Want the functionality of a power chair without a bulky full powerchair

    • Value independent living and mobility freedomiption text goes here

  • Many insurance providers, including Medicare, Medicaid, VA systems, and private payors, may help cover medically necessary mobility equipment depending on a user’s specific health needs and clinical evaluation.

  • An ATP, healthcare provider, or physical therapy professional can help determine:

    • Medical necessity

    • Appropriate mobility support levels

    • Initial evaluation requirements

    • Compatibility with models of wheelchairs

    • Long-term mobility goals goes here