Wheelchairs

Power Wheelchair Accessories: The Hottest Trends

Written by Dayna C
Last Updated :
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In the past few years, technology companies have designed innovative power wheelchair accessories that offer you additional help and bring you more independence.

Below, we’re going over just a few of the hottest trends and best picks.

We’ll help you choose the best electric wheelchair accessories to totally upgrade your ride and help you live the best life possible.

Let’s start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.

Power Wheelchair Accessories Top Picks at a Glance

If you see the value in these products and choose to purchase via my referral links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Check the table below for a side-by-side comparison of our favorites!

Check: Wheelchair Batteries: Maintenance Guide

What Are the Hottest Power Wheelchair Accessories?

If you are content with your wheelchair, but still have a feeling like something is missing – that might be a power wheelchair accessory.

These accessories are an innovation in the world of wheelchair users, but why wouldn’t you spoil yourself a bit and make things even easier?

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Some of them proved themselves completely, while the others failed. Some really stand out by their functionality, design, safety, etc.

There is no doubt that the right one can bring you more convenience in using your wheelchair and upgrade your experience.

As you are curious about which accessories are the hottest on the market, here is the list:

  • Wheelchair cup holder,
  • Pouch,
  • Side bag,
  • Seat belt,
  • Lateral support for wheelchair,
  • Lap buddy for wheelchair,
  • Wheelchair tray.

Any of these would make your life SO much easier!

Below, we will describe each of these power wheelchair accessories, so you can estimate them well and choose one, or more, that you need.

Related: Tips on How to Extend the Life of Your Power Wheelchair Battery

6 Hottest Power Wheelchair Accessories (Review Guide)

1. Wheelchair Cup Holder

Universal Drinking Cup Holder

A wheelchair cup holder is a little addition that can help you a lot.

If you have a hard time using your hands and arms, then it is almost impossible to carry even a lightweight item.

On the other hand, if you don’t have any issues of this kind, but still don’t want to carry anything in your hands – a wheelchair cup holder is a solution.

You can choose between different designs, shapes, and sizes until you find a perfect fit for you and your wheelchair.

However, you might need to pay special attention to the cup holder’s size.

You like large bottles and buckets, but that is completely okay with the right cup holder.

This means that you should go for a cup holder model that has the capacity to hold the bottle or cup size that you use the most.

Still, we recommend you go for a medium cup holder size.

Even though most cup holders have a simple and basic design, if you like to experiment with colors, you can easily find the one in your favorite color.

This might cost you a few dollars more, but it is totally worth the delight.

What is the best feature of a wheelchair cup holder? They help keep you hydrated all day! A cup holder will hold your favorite drink firmly in place, so it is only a grab away.

AdirMed Universal Drinking Cup Holder - for Any Kind of Strollers, Walkers, Bicycles, Wheelchairs, Rollator, Cane & Crutch (Black)
1,843 Reviews
AdirMed Universal Drinking Cup Holder - for Any Kind of Strollers, Walkers, Bicycles, Wheelchairs, Rollator, Cane & Crutch (Black)
  • UNIVERSAL CUP HOLDER. When you’re out for a stroll, riding your bike or simply enjoying the fresh air, it’s convenient to always have a drink at hand. This cup holder mounts onto a 1-inch tube frame, easily clipping onto most walkers, wheelchairs, bicycles, transport chairs and bed rails so you can enjoy your beverage whether you’re indoors or out.
  • COMPACT SIZE. Measuring 4.5” x 8” x 1” and weighing less than half a pound, the AdirMed won’t add cumbersome weight or bulk to the product it’s attached to. Despite it’s lightweight, compact design, the universal holder is expertly crafted using molded plastic to provide long-lasting strength and use.
  • ADJUSTABLE CONVENIENCE. Whether you drink coffee, water, soda or juice, this universal holder can accommodate your beverage of choice. The grip adjusts to any sized beverage from 2.35" to 3.95" in diameter, making it suitable for holding a cup, bottle, thermos or can.
  • FOLDABLE DESIGN. Once attached, you don’t need to continuously remove and re-attach this accessory when it’s not needed. It conveniently folds down to 3.75" x 3.90" x 1.40" when not in use, allowing you to easily navigate your wheelchair or other mobility device through doorways and other narrow, tight spaces.

2. Wheelchair Pouch and Side Bag

DMI Wheelchair Bag

There are many travel accessories on the market and a wheelchair pouch and side bag are some of these.

As you will go out of your home at least a few times a week, you need a bag in which you can put your personal stuff.

It would be complicated to hold things in your hands, as something might slip off.

On the other side, you would feel pressure to keep everything in place. You don’t need that type of tension when going out.

Wherever you go – to a market, to take a walk, or if you are traveling to another city – you will always need a pouch.

We don’t recommend taking it on longer trips, as it doesn’t have that much capacity.

A wheelchair side bag is a great invention – as you can transfer it easily and load or unload items from it.

You don’t have to worry about extra storage, as the side bag will have it all.

Still, wheelchair organizers or side bags are very handy and cute accessories for picnics, everyday activities, or short trips, that will spark your interest for sure.

If you want your hands completely free, and store the needed items for that day, a wheelchair pouch or a wheelchair side bag is the right choice for you.

DMI Wheelchair Bag Provides Storage on Wheelchairs and Transport Chairs for Elderly and Disabled, FSA HSA Eligible, Straps for Quick and Easy Install, Black
5,473 Reviews
DMI Wheelchair Bag Provides Storage on Wheelchairs and Transport Chairs for Elderly and Disabled, FSA HSA Eligible, Straps for Quick and Easy Install, Black
  • WHEELCHAIR BACKPACK OFFERS NO HANDS storage with hook and loop closure for multiple items both small and large to assist with carrying purses, wallets, glasses, phones, laptops, water bottles, groceries, medical supplies and more
  • WHEELCHAIR BAG attaches easily on the back of any wheel chair or transport chair with slip on straps to easily transport accessories
  • LARGE LAPTOP BAG FOR WHEELCHAIR is constructed of water resistant black polyester material that is both durable and lightweight
  • MACHINE WASHABLE WHEELCHAIR BAG can be easily washed with regular laundry and air dried
  • WHEELCHAIR ACCESSORY PRODUCT SPECS: Large 14 x 19 size, machine washable

READ MORE: Best Umbrella for Wheelchair

3. Wheelchair Seat Belt

Wheelchair Strap Seat Belt

As we mentioned in the introduction, your wheelchair probably meets all the requirements from your perspective.

We are content that it fulfills your needs, but there is something more to care about – safety.

Even though wheelchairs are designed according to safety standards, it won’t harm you to take some additional measures. Some wheelchairs come with a built-in seat belt, but if yours doesn’t have it – then purchase it yourself.

We are aware that a wheelchair is not a small investment, but purchasing a seat belt might be life-saving equipment – that is why you need it. Additionally, you can find it at some reasonable prices, so don’t worry.

After all – is there a price for your safety?

You can choose between many wheelchair seat belt types.

For example, there is a transfer belt, which actually helps your caregiver to transfer you in or out of the wheelchair. You see, even if you have a wheelchair seat belt, there is another type that might be very useful.

On the other side, there is a one or two pieces seat belt, seat belt with a push button, and many more.

Whatever the design is, the most important feature of the wheelchair belt is to keep you safe and prevent slipping or falling off the chair.

HEALTHLINE Wheelchair Strap Seat Belt, Wheelchair Safety Harness, Auto Style Belt with Metal Buckle up to 48
450 Reviews
HEALTHLINE Wheelchair Strap Seat Belt, Wheelchair Safety Harness, Auto Style Belt with Metal Buckle up to 48
  • SECURITY - wheelchair seat belt is equipped with a metal buckle for the patient's safety.
  • DURABILITY - seatbelt is made of strong and comfortable fabric of high quality, provides security and wears well.
  • EASILY ATTACHED - no tools required. Wheelchair belt can simply be attached to the back of your chair.
  • SIMPLE ADJUSTMENT - wheelchair straps are as easy to use as an ordinary car seat belt. The length expands up to 48 inches, so the transport belt is easy to adjust. The metal buckle mechanism is quickly and easily detached.

4. Lateral Support for Wheelchair

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Lateral support for a wheelchair is one of the greatest power wheelchair accessories. This device helps you to increase the stability and balance of a user.

They come in many sizes and with different padding densities.

The most common lateral support style is flat and shaped.

Lateral support also makes it much easier to get in or out of the wheelchair.

As we mentioned above, this device increases the stability of a user while he is in a wheelchair. You can use them to control spinal scoliosis too, as it can reduce it.

Lateral support for the wheelchair supports the trunk and if has to make contact with it.

If oppositely, the user won’t get any support.

This means that you should pay attention if the device is too tight.

In this case, you as a user might experience breathing problems and pain. On the other side, low placement prevents establishing support.

Lateral support for a wheelchair has many awesome features, such as:

  • Adds on stability and support,
  • Improves your posture,
  • Keeps you in a functional position,
  • Improves your appearance.

It is clear why this is one of the hottest power wheelchair accessories in 2019, with the tendency to keep on growing through the following years.

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5. Lap Buddy for Wheelchair

AliMed Lap Buddy

If you want to prevent falling off your wheelchair, another great accessory is a lap buddy for a wheelchair.

The main idea is to improve safety by using your lap buddy.

This is one of the hottest products among seniors, who absolutely love it.

Falling off a wheelchair is probably one of the fears that any person in a wheelchair has.

With a help of this accessory, you will impede any possible risks, which will make your ride more comfortable and pleasant.

In comparison to a seat belt, the lap buddy might be a better solution.

Lap buddy is easier to remove, so it basically facilitates entering or coming off the wheelchair.

Lap buddy is a friendly and supportive device.

According to stats, falling off the wheelchair might even cause death in adults aged 65. At least one-third of persons in wheelchairs fall once from their wheelchair in a year.

On the other side, falls can lead to severe injuries and fractures, which usually discourage any further use of a wheelchair.

What are the common causes of falls among disabled persons?

  • Vision problems,
  • Side effects of medications,
  • Osteoporosis,
  • Environmental hazard,
  • Lack of physical activity.

There are few solutions to prevent a senior or disabled person’s falling off the chair.

If you are a family member who wants to help, you would like to help as much as possible.

It is important to check your family member’s vision or to review of medications he/she uses. Some medications have serious side effects or cause dizziness.

Provide the right amount of calcium and vitamin D, encourage him/her to do strengthening exercises, and purchase supportive shoes or anti-slip socks for your loved one.

If there are any environmental hazards in your house, install grab bars or handrails and take additional steps to improve your family’s safety.

AliMed Lap Buddy, Breakaway Lap Cushion Lap Cushion
1 Reviews
AliMed Lap Buddy, Breakaway Lap Cushion Lap Cushion
  • Supportive lap cushion
  • Pair with AliMed alarm for a complete system
  • Made in the USA

6. Wheelchair Tray

Softop Wheelchair Tray

If your wheelchair model doesn’t have a built-in tray, then you should consider purchasing one.

A wheelchair tray is a removable accessory that fits any place in your kitchen.

People in a wheelchair know the struggle when they want to approach a dining table for a meal.

That is why you should make meals more comfortable and pleasant.

If you have a wheelchair with open armrests, a plastic tray will fit for sure to any model.

It has an adjustable hook and straps, so it is easy to manage.

A wheelchair tray with a cut-out will be even more close to your body, so you are sure that nothing will spill or fall around.

On the other side, you don’t have to use the tray for meals only.

You can put whatever you want on it.

Wheelchair trays have an adjustable height so you can fit them to your needs. You can write on it, play games, paint – or whatever you like.

Skil-Care Softop Wheelchair Tray, 16'-18', Vinyl (Blue)
43 Reviews
Skil-Care Softop Wheelchair Tray, 16"-18", Vinyl (Blue)
  • Reversible Tray is Great for Any Activity SkiL-Care SofTop Laptray is reversible to provide two different surfaces
  • Surface is made of wipe-clean vinyl
  • Patient-accessible strap allows tray to be secured to wheelchair and prevent tray from sliding forward

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov9Yh5dsRQQ

Check: How Does an Electric Wheelchair Work?

There is a Way to Improve Your Wheelchair’s Functionality

Your wheelchair is an opportunity to continue with your life normally and stay independent.

What is more, you can have many possibilities with your wheelchair besides being mobile.

First of all, you can customize it by adding various colors and themes, ribbons, or stickers – if you would want to improve the design.

However, what is more important – you need something that will improve functionality.

Adaptive tech will further provide you to manage usual daily activities more efficiently.

You don’t have to satisfy with less when there are many possibilities to adjust almost any activity to your needs.

A wheelchair is your friend, but adaptive technologies might improve your life’s quality to an exceptional degree.

You can inform about newly designed technologies at conferences or via the Internet, but we fulfilled our promise and presented you with the hottest power wheelchair accessories.

Conclusion

To conclude – the best electric wheelchair accessories extend your wheelchair’s possibilities in many different ways.

They add on safety, comfort, and are exceptionally practical.

You, or your loved one, spend much time in a wheelchair.

The most important thing here is to find a device that suits your needs, but you can also customize your power wheelchair so it provides you a more independent and quality life.

If you want to add to your safety and facilitate everyday functioning, power wheelchair accessories are designed to ameliorate your wheelchair experience.

The time you are spending in your chair should be safe in the first place, and effortless in the other.

We listed the hottest power wheelchair accessories in 2021, hoping that some of them will help you handle everyday activities and your job tasks.

Our Recommendation

No products found.

Endless freedom is closer than ever with power wheelchair accessories.

What are your favorite power wheelchair accessories? Please share with us below!

About Author

Dayna C
Dayna has an incredible passion for helping others and a background as an in-home caregiver for the elderly. She left the field temporarily three years ago to stay at home with her twins, but found that she really missed working with senior citizens. She launched LoAids as a way to help not just her own loved ones and former clients, but ALL seniors live life to the fullest in their golden years. Follow her on LINKEDIN and TWITTER. Read her LATEST POSTS. Learn more about her HERE.

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