The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated its policy article for power mobility devices (PMDs) — and the latest article contains updates to power-assist definitions and descriptions. The effective revision date for the changes is Oct. 1, 2025. A power-assist system, HCPCS coded E0986, is described as “An electrically powered option that…
CMS PMD Policy Article Revisions Include Power-Assist Changes
Briefly: DME MACs Issue October HCPCS Changes; RESNA Pop-Up Certification Event Is Sept. 18
Featuring CGS Administrators, the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America, and The Ohio State University.
DME MACs List October HCPCS Code Changes The DME MAC contractors have released the list of HCPCS code changes going into effect on Oct. 1. In a Sept. 9 notice, CGS Administrators, the Jurisdictions B and C DME MAC, released code changes in the seating and mobility segment: — E0150: Combination wheeled walker with seat…
Permobil Expands Recall of SpeedControl Dials from SmartDrive MX2+ Power-Assist Systems
Permobil has instructed wheelchair riders to use an alternative method to operate the SmartDrive.
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…
Sunrise Medical Launches Empulse F35 Pull Power-Assist Device
The manufacturer’s newest power-assist system attaches to the front of manual wheelchairs.
Sunrise Medical has added a pull-style device to its Empulse power-assist family. “Urban mobility just got smarter and sleeker,” the manufacturer said in an April 28 announcement. “Designed for everyday independence, the F35 blends modern styling with practical power to help riders navigate city streets, run errands, or explore with ease.” Sunrise Medical described the…
Power Assist’s Exhilarating Evolution
With more designs available, seating teams can better choose the best option for every client.
Once upon a time, power assist for manual wheelchairs was dominated by hub-mounted designs incorporated into the wheelchair’s rear wheels. But over the years, those venerable in-hub systems were joined by power-assist systems that mount to the front or the back of folding or rigid wheelchairs to provide more choices for wheelchair riders and seating…
Mobility Management ebook: Power Assist’s Exhilarating Evolution
The latest digital edition focuses on manual wheelchairs.
Mobility Management’s latest digital edition ebook examines the evolution of power assist, including how new designs are giving seating teams more options for more wheelchair riders. • Power assist’s exhilarating evolution • Power-assist technology currently available • Industry leaders recap 2024 and look ahead to 2025 • News and manual wheelchair Marketplace You can read…
Late December 2024: Manual Wheelchair Focus
Mobility Management’s latest digital edition ebook examines the evolution of power assist, including how new designs are giving seating teams more options for more wheelchair riders. • Power assist’s exhilarating evolution • Power-assist technology currently available • Industry leaders recap 2024 and look ahead to 2025 • News and manual wheelchair Marketplace You can read…
Sunrise Medical Launches Below-the-Seat Empulse R90 Power Assist
The location of the new device preserves the wheelchair’s original footprint and turning radius.
Sunrise Medical’s newest power-assist system sits under the manual wheelchair’s seat to preserve the chair’s original footprint and turning radius while retaining great maneuverability. The manufacturer officially launched the Empulse R90 in a Sept. 9 news announcement. “The patent-pending V-Lock is a tapered latch that securely docks the R90 to the receiver on the chair,”…
Permobil Updates SmartDrive Firmware, Software
The power-assist system update can be downloaded via the SmartDrive wearable app or PushTracker app.
Permobil has released a firmware/software update for its SmartDrive power-assist system for self-propelled manual wheelchairs. In a July 31 announcement, the manufacturer said the update “is now available for download via the PushTracker mobile app or the SmartDrive MX2+ wearable apps. “SmartDrive Firmware v3.3 introduces wire control detect and decreases the default power assist timeout.…
Permobil Releases SmartDrive Firmware, Software Updates
The updates can be made via the SmartDrive mobile app.
Permobil has launched updates for its SmartDrive power-assist firmware and software, now available for download via the PushTracker mobile app or the SmartDrive MX2+ wearable apps. In an April 30 announcement, Permobil said, “SmartDrive Firmware v3.2 expands the zero position for the SpeedControl Dial, resulting in a larger window for a successful and smooth stop…