Wheelchair Powerpack vs Powerchair: what’s the difference and which is best for me?

If you’re looking for a powered wheelchair of some description, you may have realised there’s more than one way of adding power to a wheelchair and you’re wondering which is most suitable for you.

In this article, we’ll explain the differences between wheelchair powerpacks and powerchairs and discuss the advantages of each, so you’re in a better position to make a buying choice.

Before you read this article, you may find our What’s the difference between a power wheelchair and an electric wheelchair? guide a helpful introduction if you’re confused about the terminology we use!

What is a wheelchair powerpack?

A powerpack refers to an battery-operated drive wheel that’s added to a manual wheelchair to convert it into an ‘electric wheelchair’. Traditionally, these have been designed to assist, and be operated by, a person pushing a wheelchair.

There’s also a newer category known as power add-ons designed for active users who are using a self-propelled wheelchair. They do they same job as a powerpack in providing powered propulsion, but are operated by the person driving the wheelchair, not a family or care giver who is pushing.

Examples of Wheelchair Powerpacks and Power Add-Ons
Drive Lightweight Powerstroll Powerpack	Alber e-motion M25 Power Drive Wheels	Alber Smoov Power Add-On

What is a powerchair?

A powerchair, or electric wheelchair, is a powered wheelchair with an integrated motor and battery. There are several types and styles for different use cases. For example, there are three drive types: front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel drive. A powerchair is usually intended to be operated by the user themselves, but some also have an attendant control option.

Examples of Powerchairs
Joyrider Travel Powerchair	Quantum Outback All Terrain Powerchair	Quantum Stretto Bespoke Powerchair

Wheelchair Powerpacks vs Powerchairs: Similarities and differences

Is a wheelchair powerpack or a powerchair best for me?

It’s always a good idea to get personal advice, which is why our expert advisors are on hand to help you. But to get started, we’ll talk you through some pros of each option.

Pros of a powerchair compared to a wheelchair powerpack:

✅ Powerchairs are more robust and fit for purpose than, for example, if adding a powerpack to a cheap, lightweight wheelchair. In fact, there are many manual wheelchairs we strongly recommend against fitting a powerpack to, as it leads to disappointment!
✅ There’s a huge range of powerchair models available for a variety of uses, including lightweight folding electric wheelchairs for travel, as well as all-terrain powerchairs for outdoor adventures! Bespoke powerchairs for all-day use also offer advanced options, features and adjustability.
✅ A powerchair typically has a larger battery capacity for longer journeys.

Pros of a wheelchair powerpack compared to a powerchair:

✅ You can remove a powerpack and use the wheelchair manually when power is not needed e.g. indoors.
✅ Buying a wheelchair powerpack may be cheaper than buying a powerchair, depending on the type/model you opt for.
✅ A wheelchair powerpack may be more lightweight for transport than a powerchair – again, depending on the type/model.
✅ Not all powerchairs fold for transport, whereas you can remove a powerpack and fold your manual wheelchair as normal.

Summary

I trust this article has given you a better understanding of the differences between a wheelchair powerpack and powerchair so you know which is best for you. If you still have questions relating to your specific needs, why not get in touch for some expert advice?