e-motion M15: Alber presents a new generation of the wheelchair add-on drive

The e-motion add-on drive has received multiple awards for technology and design. Ulrich Alber GmbH is now putting the latest product generation on the market: the M15. The most significant innovations include a more than doubling of the range thanks to lithium-ion batteries, and the new Ergonomic Control System (ECS). Alber is showing the M15 for the first time at REHACARE 2008.

As a power-assisting add-on drive, the e-motion combines active mobility with therapeutic benefit. Like a manual wheelchair, the e-motion is driven via the push rim, but the drive movement is supported by the power of the electric motors integrated into the wheel hub.

Thanks to particularly powerful lithium-ion batteries, the M15 has more than twice the range of its predecessor model, the M12. Not only that: the new battery lasts for at least 1,000 charge cycles, so has to be replaced much less often—therefore considerably reducing the operating costs of the e-motion.

Alber has also significantly expanded the range of functions provided by the remote control: the Ergonomic Control System (ECS) is included in the scope of delivery and offers a large number of useful functions. The display on the remote control, for example, shows the capacity of the e-motion batteries or the chosen level of power assistance. A true innovation is the rollback delay that can be activated with the ECS: when travelling uphill, it prevents the wheelchair from rolling backwards. This means that even wheelchair users with limited motor skills now have enough time adjust their grip between individual drive movements to enable them to negotiate an incline or ramp safely and stress-free.

The programming function of the e-motion has also been improved. For this, the remote control of the ECS serves as a programming device, allowing individual driving parameters to be set precisely as required. In comparison with the predecessor, the M12, this means considerably more possibilities for adjusting the driving characteristics to the needs of the user. No other push rim drive offers comparable adjustment options.

Alber developed the shape of the ECS remote control in collaboration with experienced therapists. It enables the e-motion M15 to be operated even by people with restricted hand function. Useful functions such as a key lock to prevent unintentional operation round off the innovative package.
Even before it is presented at REHACARE 2008, the e-motion M15 has already won two prizes: the Focus Green Design Award in Gold, and the REHACARE DESIGN AWARD 2008/2009.

“The new e-motion generation considerably extends the radius of action of wheelchair drivers”, explains Michael Brunner, e-motion product manager at Alber. “Wheelchair drivers with limited remaining strength are able to get around again independently, without assistance from others. This is important psychologically. At the same time they exercise their muscles and cardiovascular system through active movement. The power assistance provided by the e-motion prevents excessive strain on the body.”

The overall width has been noticeably reduced compared with the predecessor model. The new e-motion M15 is about 2 cm narrower than the M12, making it easier to manoeuvre through tight spaces or fit between narrow door frames, and enabling it to be used with existing loading systems. The e-motion can be fitted to almost any commonly available wheelchair. It is simply a matter of swapping the wheelchair wheels with the e-motion drive wheels. In the great majority of cases, therefore, users can continue to use their existing wheelchairs, adjusted to suit their needs. Further information is available at http://www.alber.de/produkte/emotion.php. The e-motion is available immediately from specialist medical equipment suppliers.