Land Mobility : Electric Power Unit for Wheelchairs

Product Profile

Wheelchairs facilitate the mobility of the elderly and persons with disabilities, and are broadly divided into manual and electric types. Yamaha manufactures and sells electric power units and wheels that can be after-fitted to manual wheelchairs to supplement their light weight and flexibility with the convenience of electric power. Our after-fit electric power units come in two types: electric units to convert a manual wheelchair into a fully electric one, and power-assist units that make manual wheelchairs easier to use.

- Electric Type -
These units preserve the benefits of manual wheelchairs while converting them to electric power. These power units can be attached to a variety of wheelchair models and use a joystick for smooth operation.

JWG-1 electric power unit and unit mounted on wheelchair

- Power-Assist Type -
Adapting the technologies used for our electrically power-assisted bicycles, the electric motor supplements the user’s turning of the handrims with corresponding electric power. Using the dedicated software, the assistive force to the handrims can be adjusted according to the user’s physical condition and/or operating environment, such as settings to move the wheelchair forward in a straight line even on a horizontal slope or altering the length of the assisted distance for each push or pull on the wheel.

JWX-2 electric power assist unit and unit mounted on wheelchair

Background of the Business

As part of contributing to the health and social welfare sector and as a response to an aging population, Yamaha Motor began limited region-based sales of power units for manual wheelchairs in 1995 (followed by nationwide sales in 1996). Since then, we have applied our proprietary control and drive technologies to create and offer products that are not only comfortable and convenient for users, but also help alleviate the effort required by caregivers.

Current Market Conditions

Primarily in Japan, the United States and Europe, in addition to being used by persons with disabilities, electric wheelchairs are being rented by the growing number of elderly through systems in those areas.

Production