SmartDrive MX2: the device that turns wheelchairs into electric power chairs

The SmartDrive MX2, an electric drive that can be attached to a hitch on the back of any standard wheelchair, is designed to give people a boost to get around effortlessly.

Featuring push to go and tap to stop functions that allow the chair to automatically activate when moving forward and stop when the brake is tapped, the MX2 received FDA approval in August 2015.

In order to move slowly, the user must push the chair wheels lightly, and vice versa to go fast. The MX2 maintains the speed of the chair based on the speed it was last set. To turn, the user pushes the wheelchair’s pushrims found alongside the unit, which is similar to the way he or she would turn while going downhill.

Designed by Max Mobility, the SmartDrive is incredibly powerful, allowing one to cruise up the steepest hills and sidewalks, whereas a built-in anti-rollback feature permits the wheelchair to remain stationary on a sloped surface before easily resuming its ascent.

Weighing just 12.5 lbs, the SmartDrive has Bluetooth LE Drive Control that allows you to access useful apps on your smartphone while you’re wheeling, such as tracking fitness.

The device is powered by a 250W brushless DC motor, combined with a LiFePO4 36 V, 3.4 Ah battery, has a 12 mile range, and can go from 0.5 mph to 5.5 mph.

While the company does not have an official listing price for the device, we can expect the SmartDrive MX2 to be somewhere around $6000.

Via Gizmag