Power Assistance

The pushrim-activated power-assist wheelchair (PAPAW) was developed by Yamaha with assistance from HERL. A PAPAW uses a small motor located in the wheel hubs to provide an extra  boost when users propel themselves via the wheelchair’s handrims. Studies have found that the power assist wheels reduce stress on upper extremities during wheelchair propulsion and put less stress on arm joints while still offering some of the aerobic exercise benefits of manual wheelchair propulsion. The “Power Apparatus for Wheelchairs” was granted U.S. Patent # 7,204,328 in April 2007.

Power Assistance