What are the risks associated with using a propulsion assist device?

Author: Sharon Jang | Reviewer: Jaimie Borisoff | Published: 15 May 2020 | Updated: ~

Although propulsion assist devices can facilitate the use of a manual wheelchair, there are also some risks associated with their use. While this is not an exhaustive list, risks include:

Most manual wheelchair frames may not have been designed to withstand the different forces applied by propulsion assist devices. This may lead to premature wear and tear, or possible breakage, on some parts of the wheelchair, such as the footplate. Sudden breakage during use may lead to injury of the wheelchair user.

Using a propulsion assist device may increase the risk of tipping when going up or down hills.³

The addition of a propulsion assist device either in front or behind the wheelchair may alter the center of gravity on the wheelchair. This may result in greater instability, increasing the risks of tipping backwards when going up and down steep hills. Forward stability may be compromised as well and induce tipping (e.g. when moving down at the bottom of a curb cut).

Propulsion assist devices, especially motorized ones, allow wheelchair users to travel at a greater speed. However, hitting obstacles such as a rock or a curb in your wheelchair at a higher speed can result in greater forces, which may lead to a decrease in stability and increase the risk of falls.

Propulsion assist devices that attach to the front pose a risk of tipping sideways. Particularly when travelling at higher speeds, sudden turns can result in tipping over.