Yamaha Motor Corp. will launch a new power unit to fit manual wheelchairs starting in January 2025.

In an Oct. 31 news announcement, Yamaha said the JWG-1 will be “the first full model change of a wheelchair electric power unit in 10 years, since the JWX-1 PLUS+ and the Joy Unit X PLUS+ in 2015.”

The new JWG-1, which can be retrofitted to manual wheelchairs, has an in-hub design. Paired with the joystick controller unit, the JWG-1 turns a manual wheelchair into a power chair.

Yamaha said the new power unit provides improved visibility on the controller’s LCD screen; has an additional LCD screen on the assistant controller, plus a lever throttle; and has improved tire axle torque performance.

The JWG-1 will also have a higher weight capacity of 352.74 lbs. (160 kg) including wheelchair rider and frame weight vs. the previous unit’s weight capacity of 275 lbs. (125 kg). Battery weight for the JWG-1 has been reduced to 5.3 lbs. (2.4 kg) compared to the previous unit’s battery weight of 7.5 lbs. (3.4 kg).

The new power unit will launch in Japan in January 2025. Yamaha said it expects to launch the power unit in Europe in April 2025, and in the United States in September 2025.

“Going forwards, [Yamaha] will focus on the development and manufacturing of units and system components as a manufacturer specializing in electric power units,” the announcement said. “As a result, the company will discontinue selling completed models as of March 2025. Yamaha Motor will also strengthen collaboration with wheelchair manufacturers and other partners to supply electric power units and create new business areas.”

In addition to manufacturing power units, Yamaha also manufactures power-assist devices, also with an in-hub design.