Power add-on for manual wheelchairs

"The Single Most Important Piece of Equipment I Own"

- Beau H. (pictured above), when asked about his Companion with Alternative Controls

Companion was designed in consultation with end-users and therapists to balance function with practicality. Ensuring that Companion meets clinical objectives with end-users' needs in a compact and easy to use package was our priority.

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Easy to Connect & Disconnect

Did you know?

  • Manual wheelchair users complete 2,000 to 3,000 pushes on average per day (Koontz et al., 2006). That can be over 1 million pushes per year!

  • A power wheelchair user travels about four times the distance in a day compared to a manual wheelchair user!  (Cooper et al., 2004).

  • Shoulder pain occurs in 37%–84% of the [SCI] population according to studies published over the last decade (Alm et al., 2008; Mulroy et al., 2011).

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Features & Benefits

Compact & Easy to Handle

Companion's small form factor makes it easy to use independently. Easily disconnect the unit and load it into a car while remaining seated in your wheelchair. The unit weighs approximately 20lbs.

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Indoor & Outdoor Capable

Companion can maneuver in tight places thanks to its compact design and non-marking tire. It's also capable of handling outdoor terrain like sidewalks, gravel trails, and some grass.

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Rigid & Folding

Companion is compatible with both rigid and folding wheelchair frames. Our patented folding mount collapses with your frame without having to remove any hardware.

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Customizable

Your Companion can be as unique as you are. Available options allow you to customize the look and function of your Companion. Options include:

  • Wraps & decals
  • Baskets, lights, horns
  • Throttle and brake options
  • Handlebar types and shapes
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NEW!

New 8-inch Tire

Experience improved indoor/outdoor performance thanks to our new in-house-designed tire. Featuring a tread pattern that provides more surface tension and greater surface contact. Shipping now on new Companions and available to order as a replacement.

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NEW!

SoftLaunch

SoftLaunch delivers gentle power ramp-up, reduced tire wear, and controlled, consistent takeoffs. Purposefully
engineered for riders who value a smoother start, it prevents wheel spin even at full throttle, making tight indoor spaces and everyday motion feel effortless. A favorite among pediatric users and anyone who values a smoother start to every ride.

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ActiveLaunch

ActiveLaunch delivers instant torque, rapid acceleration, and zero hesitation. Precision-engineered for experienced riderswho expect fast, confident takeoffs, it makes ramps, intersections, and open roads feel effortless.

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Your Companion is as Unique As You Are

Companion is a highly customizable power add-on designed to meet complex rehab needs. Each device can be uniquely configured to adapt to the ends user's clinical requirements.

  • Handlebars

    Choose from three styles of handlebars.

  • Throttles

    Choose from left or right twist throttle or left or right thumb throttles.

  • Brake Levers

    Choose from left or right brake lever, available in standard or paediatric sizes.

  • Speed

    Speed can be limited at the time of order to either 6km/h, 8km/h, or 12km/h.

  • Handlebar Height

    The handlebar height can be adjusted and set to fit paediatric to tall users.

  • Handlebar Angle

    The angle of the handlebars can be positioned to maximize comfort and ergonomics.

  • Brake Tension

    Loosen or tighten the brake tension to adjust the sensitivity of the brakes.

  • Distance

    The mounting hardware allows the distance between the Companion and the wheelchair to be adjusted for comfort.

Alternative Controls for Limited Hand Function

Companion is thoughtfully engineered with accessibility in mind. For users with limited hand function, our innovative “Q” Controls offer a smarter way to steer. Instead of the traditional throttle and brake, this adaptive system features spring-loaded handlebars: simply press down to accelerate and push upward to brake. It’s intuitive, responsive, and puts effortless control at your fingertips—no grip strength required.

Companion Client Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Companion compatible with my wheelchair?

Companion is compatible with nearly all major complex rehab wheelchair brands. Our patented mounting brackets are available for rigid frames and folding frames. We don't recommend Companion with type 1 wheelchairs as their frames are not strong enough for power add-on devices.

Can Companion be installed on a tilt-in-space (type 5) wheelchair?

In most cases, Companion is NOT compatible with type 5 wheelchairs. Some brands can be custom modified to fit our bracket.

Is funding available?

Companion is listed in ADP (Ontario) catalogue of mobility devices. In some cases, other funding sources such as private insurance or organizations that help to fund unmet equipment needs have been used to cover the cost of the device. Your local vendor can refer you to the funding sources available in your area.

Can I take Companion on a plane?

Yes, Companion has a built-in lithium battery that conforms to the UC 38.8 schedule of tests. The unit must be stored in the cabin, and cannot be stowed in cargo. However, airlines are allowed to develop their own policies of what they will or will not allow onboard, including for medical devices. Check our Airline Handling Instructions page for more information on travelling with your Companion.

Can I use Companion off-road?

Companion is an indoor-outdoor power add-on made to meet your basic and essential mobility needs. Though it is capable of outdoor terrain such as sidewalks, gravel trails, and manicured grass, it was not developed with the intention of off-roading. If venturing off the beaten trail is your mobility objective, we recommend considering a larger front-mount option in combination with larger/wider wheelchair wheels. Companion is compatible with Batec mounts and can be used as part of a more comprehensive mobility combination.

Speed, Range, Battery, and Charging

Companion has a top speed of 12 km/h, and can be configured with a lower speed cap at the time of order. The battery has an average range of 15-24kms per charge. It takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to charge. Companion has a lithium-ion battery that is tested for air travel with an expected lifespan of 5 years - as with all lithium batteries, it will gradually loose some capacity over the course of its lifespan. the battery can be replaced by Cheelcare.

Wheelchair Compatibility

Companion is compatible with nearly all major complex rehab wheelchair brands, with few execeptions. Our patented mounting brackets are available for rigid frames and folding frames.

We don't recommend Companion with type 1 wheelchairs as their frames are not strong enough for power add-on devices.

TiLite

Aero T, Aero Z, TR, TRA, ZRA

  • Rigid Docking Module
  • 2x 1-inch clamps
  • 2x 1.25-inch clamps.

Aero X

  • Rigid Docking Module
  • 4x 1.25-inch clamps

Pilot

  • Rigid Docking Module for TiLite Pilot

Twist

  • Rigid Docking Module with Extended Clamp Tube
  • 2x 1-inch clamps
  • 2x 1.24-inch clamps

CR1

  • Rigid Docking Module
  • 2x 1-inch clamps
  • 2x 1.25-inch clamps
  • Requires SmartDrive Ready Camber Tube from TiLite (CCBR2)

TiLite X

  • Folding Docking Module
  • Requires compact wheel locks

Motion Composites

Apex

  • Rigid Docking Module
  • 2x 1-inch clamps
  • 2x 1.25-inch clamps

Apex (with profiled crossbar)

  • Rigid Docking Module
  • 4x 1.25-inch clamps
  • Rubber clamp inserts

Helio, Helio C2, Move, Veloce

  • Folding Docking Module
  • 4x 1.25-inch clamps

Ki Mobility

Rogue, Rogue 2

  • Rigid Docking Module
  • 2x 1-inch clamps
  • 2x 1.25-inch clamps

Catalyst

  • Folding Docking Module
  • 4x 1-inch clamps.

Little Wave Clik

  • Rigid Docking Module with Extended Clamp Tube
  • 4x 1-inch clamps
  • May require additional long clamp tube, depending on configured size.

Ethos

  • Not Yet Compatible. Contact Sales for Assstance.

Quickie

NOTE: Companion's folding frame hardware requires a minimum of 8" depth from the edge of the seat sling to the front of the crossbrace. Due to Quickie's design, it is possible that a portion of the mounting hardware protrudes beyond the seat sling.

Quickie 2

  • Folding Docking Module
  • 4x 1-inch clamps

Quickie GPV Swing Away

  • Rigid Docking Module
  • 4x 1-inch clamps

Nitrum

  • Rigid Docking Module
  • 4x 1-inch clamps
  • Clamp inserts set for Quickie Nitrum

PDG

PDG Elevate

  • Rigid Docking Module
  • 4x 1.25-inch Clamps

Tilt-In-Space

Companion is not compatible with most tilt-in-space wheelchairs.

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Find Your Local Vendor

Cheelcare's network of dealers can help you with expert advice on the most appropriate solutions for your mobility needs. Find a local vendor or speak with a member of our sales team.

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Resources

  • Clinical Guide

    Cheelcare has developed clinical justification guidelines in consultation with occupational therapists.

    Download 

  • Brochure

    Download the latest brochure or contact us for paper copies.

    Download 

  • Order Form (PDF)

    Download the latest order form for Companion with all configuration options available.

    Download PDF 

  • Companion Wrap Options

    Download the latest Companion Wrap designs to customize your device.

    Download 

  • Webinars & Training

    Cheelcare offers a series of webinars and training both in-person and virtually for clinicians, sales associates, and technicians.

    Book a Session 

  • How-To Videos

    Cheelcare has created a series of how-to videos that cover the Companion's installation and operation on our YouTube channel.

    YouTube Playlist 

  • Airline Guidelines

    Companion is designed to be airline-friendly. Each airline sets out their own policies for what they allow on-board. For more information on flying with Companion, visit our help section.

    Flying with Companion 

  • User Manuals

    Companion is a user-friendly medical device. The User Manual should be read and understood by all end-users prior to use.

    Find Your User Manual