A scooter you can fling in the boot? An overview of the Firefly Attachable Handcycle.

Choosing between a wheelchair and a scooter can be a head scratcher. The user's needs have to be taken into account, as well as body size and weight and the range of mobility available to the user. While motorised equipment has the advantage of reducing strain and increasing independence for the user, the vast weight and often bulky size can make them impractical, especially for car travel. And while scooters offer great manoeuvrability and can handle rougher terrain, they can be awkward to use indoors. But now, there is an option that potentially gives the best of both worlds to wheelchair users.

The Firefly Electric Attachable Handcycle gives wheelchair users the option to turn their manual wheelchair into an electric scooter when they need a little extra power. The device can be attached to several different types of chair. Some users report being able to do the job themselves, though Rio recommend two people for the job. It’s fast, with a top speed of 12mph, with enough power to get up hills. And it’s customisable: as well as a front basket and a selection of tyre treads, it can be adjusted to fit taller and shorter statures.

The scooter comes in at about 14kg including the battery, possibly light enough to remove and lift into a car without assistance, depending on your level of mobility. Users have reported that it’s a good option for air travel (so long as you and your luggage get off at the same airport).

Of course, mobility equipment tends to be on the pricey side, and the Firefly is unfortunately not the exception to the rule. Prices vary, but a Firefly will cost you the thick end of $2000. There are limits to the type of terrain the Firefly can handle-- it's not great on grass for example, and is generally best suited to on road use.

However, it’s exciting to think how the Firefly could give new range and possibilities to manual wheelchair users.

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