Does it make sense to add an electric drive to the folding wheelchair for ALS?

An electric drive for wheelchairs is an add-on for a folding wheelchair if the patient’s arm strength is not sufficient to drive the wheels of the wheelchair independently.

In the case of ALS, upgrading a folding wheelchair with a power drive only makes sense in exceptional cases. If the patient’s hands and arms start to become restricted, a fully-fledged power wheelchair should be provided. In practice, it has been observed that various health insurance companies recommend upgrading folding wheelchairs with an electric drive. From a neurological perspective, this approach does not make sense and should be avoided.

A folding wheelchair with an added electric drive does not have the essential features of an electric wheelchair: the adjustability of the electric backrest and a lifting, reclining or even standing function. Furthermore, the armrests and torso stabilization cannot be adjusted. Options for special control and connection to a communication system are limited or impossible. Overall, an electric drive for folding wheelchairs should be viewed with “skepticism” and only makes sense in exceptional cases.