Power assist wheelchairs: How one simple addition made family outings fun again
We love seeing our clients enjoy greater freedom and connection — and that’s exactly what happened recently when we helped a client upgrade her wheelchair with a clever power assist option.
This client was keen to keep using her upper limbs to propel herself, especially over short distances. Not only does this build her strength and endurance, but it also gives her that satisfying sense of self-mobility. However, when it came to longer trips — like visiting the shopping centre with her family or spending the day exploring Crocodylus Park — she often found pushing her manual wheelchair just too tiring. It limited how far she could go and sometimes meant sitting out on parts of family outings.
That’s where adding a power assist feature became a real game changer.
The right solution for her lifestyle
Instead of buying two separate wheelchairs (a manual one for day-to-day use and a heavier powered one for longer distances), we explored options that could give her the best of both worlds.
During a collaborative one-hour meeting with the team from Keep Moving, our client’s family, and her therapy team, we worked through all the choices. There are many types of power assist add-ons for manual wheelchairs — from discreet motor hubs to stylish clip-on handcycles. In the end, the family chose a groovy handcycle that clipped right onto her existing wheelchair.
It was a fantastic choice that gave them complete choice and control in tailoring the wheelchair to suit her needs and lifestyle.
What difference did it make?
Now, our client can:
✅ Propel herself manually over short distances and keep her arms strong.
✅ Travel much longer distances without fatigue when the power assist kicks in.
✅ Enjoy outings with her family — from shopping trips to wildlife adventures — without worrying about running out of steam.
It’s more than just a piece of equipment. It’s given her greater independence, confidence, and joy, all while keeping the focus on staying active.
Supporting independence through smart solutions
At Outreach Physiotherapy, we’re passionate about finding practical, innovative solutions that help people live the lives they want. Whether it’s working closely with local suppliers to get the perfect wheelchair setup, prescribing home exercise programs to build strength, or problem-solving how to navigate everyday environments — we’re here to help.
If you’d like to explore how physiotherapy or assistive technology could help you or your loved one stay active and involved, get in touch with our team. We’d love to help you find your best path forward.
👉 Contact us at Outreach Physiotherapy
Darwin, NT
📍 Address: Unit 5, 396 Stuart Highway, Winnellie
📞 Phone: (08) 7918 0879
📧 Email: reception@outreachphysiotherapy.com
Adelaide, South Australia
📍 Address: Mobile Service in Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula and remote SA
📞 Phone: 0475 921 397
📧 Email: reception@outreachphysiotherapysa.com
✅ For more on the updated Australian Fall Prevention Guidelines, visit safetyandquality.gov.au.
