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.

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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Testimonials

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  • Martha - Para Athlete

    Martha - Para Athlete

    Martha SANDOVAL GUSTAFSON is one of Canada's most decorated Paralympic athletes. Companion has become a daily tool impacting her ability to complete errands and keep up with her social life. Read...

    Martha - Para Athlete

    Martha SANDOVAL GUSTAFSON is one of Canada's most decorated Paralympic athletes. Companion has become a daily tool impacting her ability to complete errands and keep up with her social life. Read...

  • Tracy Otto - US Paralympic Archer

    Tracy Otto - US Paralympic Archer

    Being a Para Archer comes with many challenges, especially when I travel. Oftentimes, I would find myself stuck in a hotel room in other beautiful countries, missing out on an...

    Tracy Otto - US Paralympic Archer

    Being a Para Archer comes with many challenges, especially when I travel. Oftentimes, I would find myself stuck in a hotel room in other beautiful countries, missing out on an...

  • Paul - Boccia coach

    Paul - Boccia coach

    The Companion provides me with the freedom to explore places I wouldn't have gone before, even with my own van. I can travel from one end of the Oshawa Lakeview...

    Paul - Boccia coach

    The Companion provides me with the freedom to explore places I wouldn't have gone before, even with my own van. I can travel from one end of the Oshawa Lakeview...

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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 15-20kms 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.

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 

  • Order Form (Online)

    Complete the fillable order form online to request a quote or place an order.

    Fill Out the Form 

  • 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