SmartDrive MX2+ SpeedControl Dial
Permobil has voluntarily expanded its recall of all SpeedControl Dials on its SmartDrive MX2+ power-assist devices.
The recall extends worldwide, according to an Aug. 12 announcement that called for the “removal of all SpeedControl Dials from the market due to intermittent cable connection concerns of the dial with the SmartDrive MX2+ motor. Users must use an alternate control method for their SmartDrive MX2+ power-assist device.”
Permobil said the recall, due to “safety and performance concerns,” applies to all SpeedControl Dials manufactured and distributed between April 25, 2022, and July 8, 2025.
This newest recall “supersedes the previous recall and applies to all SpeedControl Dials in the market, including replacements received under the previous recall,” Permobil’s announcement said. “Through ongoing complaint monitoring and subsequent investigation, Max Mobility/Permobil identified a design issue with the SpeedControl Dial that may lead to unexpected behavior of the SmartDrive MX2+ motor. This design issue has been part of the SpeedControl Dial since it was first introduced to the market in April 2022 and impacts all SpeedControl Dials manufactured and distributed, which occurred between April 25, 2022 to July 08, 2025.”
If an intermittent electrical connection between the SpeedControl Dial and the SmartDrive MX2+ motor occurs, the power-assist device could fail to fully stop when the dial is pressed inward, or the MX2+ motor could be inadvertently activated without user input while the dial is at zero position and the dial light is flashing in stand-by mode.
Depending on the circumstances, the SpeedControl Dial issues “could lead to minor and/or serious injuries,” Permobil said. “A minor injury, such as a cut, bruise, scrape or general soreness, could occur if one of these scenarios occurs at a low overall speed. If a user is travelling at a fast rate of speed and one of these scenarios occurs, there is a potential for serious injury, such as a bone fracture.”
Other people near the wheelchair could also be inadvertently bumped or run over during a malfunction.
Permobil instructed wheelchair riders to “immediately discontinue use of the SpeedControl dial” and to “use an alternate method to control the SmartDrive MX2+ power-assist device,” including a wired SwitchControl or the MX2+ app controlled via an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch.
“Max Mobility/Permobil has suspended distribution of the SpeedControl Dial, and the SpeedControl Dial is no longer an available control option for the SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device,” Permobil said. “However, the SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device is not impacted by this recall and can still be used with alternative control options.”
Permobil initially began a Class I recall on Dec. 20, 2024, “to address a material change with the printed circuit board assembly in SpeedControl Dials manufactured and distributed between the dates of Aug. 17, 2023, and Nov. 21, 2024.”
On March 28, 2025, Permobil expanded the recall to include “all units manufactured and distributed from Aug. 17, 2023, up to March 10, 2025.”
Permobil said it received 781 complaints about the printed circuit board assembly design, of which five were for serious injuries, including fractures. One complaint was for a concussion.
