Alber E-Fix E35

Attachment Description:
Electric wheelchair attachment wheels with a controller. Converts your manual chair into an electric one.

Battery Life:
Up To 10 Miles

Source Of Attachment:
Second Hand

Diagnosis:
Not Disclosed

Personal Opinion:
This product is great for those with fatigue issues that make pushing difficult, but for some reason, you do not have, or do not want to have, or do not feel ready for an electric wheelchair yet. It’s also an excellent product for holidays, as the chair can very easily be taken apart. If you have a high prescription wheelchair but haven’t been issued an electric wheelchair yet or don’t qualify for one, it can also help you. The other two positives about this attachment are: a) it looks cool! b) It’s fun to drive and very versatile.

The negatives are that if you’re thinking of taking it apart yourself to transport it in a car, especially if you have weak arms, low energy, or limited upper body strength, this is not the right product for you. The main reason is that the wheels are incredibly heavy, making it difficult to transport by yourself. Also, if you think you’re going to push this chair in manual mode, then you can think again.

This is essentially a design made for tricky moments, as the wheels are not really compatible with being pushed over long distances or up steep inclines, etc. That being said, the chair is incredibly versatile and can handle certain off-road terrains with quite a lot of success, despite the manufacturer’s specifications. Some users even fit off-road tyres to make different terrains more accessible. The E-Fix E25 is probably better suited for people wanting to use it for this purpose, as it has a heavy battery at the front, which means you are slightly weighted.

There are two battery sizes you can purchase – the larger battery lasts me all day from start to finish, the smaller battery is suitable for a day trip but would need to transfer into another chair once home. The battery life for both is very short, meaning you’ll need to replace them quickly if used daily. However, if you are able to change a battery yourself, you can replace the smallest size battery with a lithium type, which has a longer lifespan.

If you don’t like things breaking down on you, consider factors such as the warranty period, who will maintain your chair, and whether you have a reasonable backup plan while waiting for parts. If you won’t have a backup, you might want to consider similar options supplied by mobility dealers who keep a certain amount of spares on site.

Overall, the biggest benefit of the E-Fix E35 is that it genuinely folds into a corner without having to remove anything! The unexpected benefit of this system is that it is incredibly fun to drive!