Wheelchair power assist.You push, we help.
UK-made wheelchair power assist for your manual chair. Sensor-driven wheels boost each push, keeping self-propelling familiar and intuitive — with far less effort.
Your manual chair, now with assistance power.
SD Motion Assist is a wheelchair power assist system that attaches to your manual wheelchair and boosts every push with sensor-driven, electric assistance. It feels natural, smooth and responsive — you stay fully in control, but with far less effort.
Whether it's a hill, a long day out, a stretch of grass or simply keeping up with the family, this wheelchair power add-on gives you the freedom to say yes to more. UK-manufactured in Hemel Hempstead since 1999.
Book a Demo & Try for Yourself →
Push, and it helps.
Ease off, and it fades.
Each push on your hand rim is detected by electronic sensors that instantly deliver the right level of assistance from the wheels. The response feels natural and intuitive from the moment you try it — as close to your normal self-propel as you can get, just easier. Your shoulders, elbows and wrists do far less work. Long days, slopes and uneven ground stop being the deciding factor in where you can go.
Indoor mode.
Outdoor mode.
A mode switch on the wheel lets you choose between two levels of power — gentle support for indoors and tight spaces, or stronger assistance for slopes, grass and longer distances. Even hills can be managed without having to ask for help.
Quick-release wheels.
In your car in seconds.
Pull the D-ring on the centre hub and the powered wheel comes off in seconds — for lifting into a car, storing at home, or folding the wheelchair normally. Your chair still behaves like a manual chair when you want it to.
Tuned to you.
Not the other way round.
Our engineers can program the assist response to suit your strength, style and the terrain you spend most time on. More help when you need it, less when you don't — so the chair always feels like an extension of you.
Engineered to last.
Every part of the SD Motion Assist is fitted and supported by us in the UK — we've been making powered wheels since 1999.
Wheel hub motor
Highly efficient brushless motors, with a built-in braking function for safe, controlled speed on downhill slopes.
Battery pack
Choose Ni-MH (18 km) or Li-Ion (25 km). Carry handles for easy removal; optional battery bag for under or behind the seat (wheelchair dependent).
Quick-release wheels
D-ring quick release. Opt for standard grey pneumatic tyres or upgrade to black Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres.
SD Motion Assist — full spec.
Every weight, range and performance figure in one place.
*Range figures based on 24" wheels at a continuous 5 km/h on a flat surface, with a fully charged new battery and 75 kg user weight.
Options & upgrades.
The SD Motion Assist can be configured to suit your chair, your strength and the terrain you use most — from battery type and tyre upgrades to anti-tippers and battery bag mounting.
Real people. Less effort.
From people using the SD Motion Assist every day — at home, at work and out in the world.
"I am a big fan of the SD Motion Assist wheelchair system which I came across 15 years ago and have been using ever since. It easily navigates rough ground and grass, and the wheels can be taken off and on to transfer if necessary. This system has helped me 100% with life from a wheelchair."
"I still feel like I'm pushing my own chair — that mattered to me. But the slopes near home that used to be a no-go are now just part of the route. It's quietly brilliant."
"We had it fitted to my existing Quickie. No drama, no compromises. I get further, my shoulders are less sore at the end of the day, and the wheels pop off for the car."
The discreet power add-on.
Your chair, with assistance.
The SD Motion Assist is a discreet power add-on that fits to your manual wheelchair — the same chair you know and love, now with power assistance when you need it. No new chair, no new footprint. You still self-propel, and sensors detect each push to add a helping hand.
- ✓Fits your existing manual wheelchair
- ✓The same chair, the same feel — just easier
- ✓Wheels come off in seconds, no tools needed
Sound is off by default — tap the speaker icon in the player to listen.
Common questions.
The questions we hear most from people considering the SD Motion Assist.
What is the SD Motion Assist and how does it work?
The SD Motion Assist is an add-on electric propulsion system designed for manual wheelchairs. It uses motorised rear-wheel hubs to give power assistance when you push the hand rims — so you maintain upper-body drive while using less effort.
Who is it suitable for?
It's ideal for manual wheelchair users who still want to self-propel but need a little extra assistance — for example, if uphill slopes, fatigue or uneven terrain make pushing harder.
How is it different from a full powered wheelchair or a joystick system?
Unlike a full powered chair or a joystick control system, the Assist keeps you pushing on the rims (so you stay active), but the motors amplify your effort. It's less of a complete switch-out and more of a "powered boost" for your manual chair.
Will it fit my wheelchair (make/model)?
Yes — the system is compatible with many 24"-wheel manual wheelchairs. If your chair isn't listed, tell us your make and model and we'll confirm fit.
What wheel size is required?
The specification is for 24" driving wheels.
What is the installation process and how long does it take?
After demonstration and order, your wheelchair is converted by fitting the motorised hubs and battery, typically over 1-2 days. You'll also receive familiarisation on operation.
Can I use it indoors and transport it easily?
Yes — the SD Motion Assist adds minimal width (about one inch) and retains quick-release wheels so folding and transport remain feasible.
What is the maximum speed?
The top speed is up to 8.5 km/h (forward) in powered mode.
What are the battery options and the expected range?
Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery: range up to ~18 km (11.3 miles). Lithium-Ion battery: range up to ~25 km (16 miles).
How much extra weight does the system add?
The unit adds about 14.5 kg without battery; with battery add another ~3-4 kg depending on type.
What is the maximum user weight?
The system supports a total load (user + chair + luggage) up to 130 kg.
What kinds of terrain and inclines can it handle?
It includes features such as uphill-assist, rollback prevention and side-slope stability control — making it suitable for moderate inclines and outdoor pavements.
How do I operate the system?
You switch from manual to power via a switch; then you push the hand rims as usual and select one of two speed levels via a mode switch. The motors assist as you push.
Can I customise accessories or appearance?
Yes — options include choice of tyres, colours, battery bags, quick-release wheels, and other accessories.
How much does it cost / what is the starting price?
From around £5,485 for the standard version.
What is the warranty and maintenance requirement?
The power system is covered by a 12-month warranty. Regular annual servicing is recommended for safe, reliable performance.
Can I take it on a vehicle or travel abroad?
Yes — the wheelchair remains foldable for vehicle transport. For air travel, you should check airline requirements for batteries and supply a battery safety data sheet.
How do I order or book a demonstration?
You can contact us via the enquiry form, email or phone to arrange a demonstration, then place your order. A 50% deposit is typically required.
Try it on your chair.
Free of charge.
We'll bring the SD Motion Assist wheelchair power add-on to you, fit it to your wheelchair and let you try it on the surfaces and slopes you actually use. No obligation.