The Firefly Wheelchair Project

Most everyone who uses a wheelchair knows there are realistic limits to the distance that can be traveled. Heavy use of hands, arms and shoulders for self population risks irreversible damage. 

Taking walks and sojourns with spouse and friends. Shopping. Giving the dog a good walk. These activities are not realistically possible for most wheelchair users.

The solution for many is a dedicated powered mobility device located like a scooter or a powered wheel chair. Most of these are heavy and not easily transported. And they lack the ability to use an often convenient combination of self propulsion and battery power. 

A very practical solution is to add a power assist device to a wheelchair. There are three general categories: 1) A motor incorporated in the main wheel chair wheels: 2) A motorized device that attaches to the rear of the chair; and 3) A motorized device that attaches to the front of the chair making it essentially a tricycle.

I found the third option to be the most attractive. Since the tricycle power assist provides handlebars, there are familiar hand controls for throttle and braking. No Bluetooth wifi required. They are easily steered and can be driven with one hand. The only two disadvantages are: 1) A single front powered wheel loses traction going up steep inclines- this can be overcome by driving in reverse; and 2) The device adds considerable length to the chair. 

Here is my “story” of adapting a RioMobility Firefly 2.5 to my folding Motion Composites Helio A6 wheelchair. 

My Firefly Project:

One major appeal of the Firefly was that it attached to the wheelchair using a two part latching mechanism. The stationary “post” attaching permanently to the chair; the latch with a closing lever part of the Firefly. (Somewhat similar to the way an automobile door is connected to the car chassis.) This system seemed superior for a folding wheelchair.