WheelMove gives manual wheelchairs the power and height to handle rough terrain

"French startup WheelMove demonstrated a compact motorized wheelchair add-on at CES 2026 that not only acts as a power-assist device, but can also lift up a chair's small front wheels so it can ride over rough terrain. The accessory upgrades a manual wheelchair with a 10-inch extra wheel and a 250W motor that can drive at up to six miles per hour (10 kilometers per hour) and handle slopes up to 10 percent, with a range of 15.5 miles (25km)."

"In some cases, it could open up travel in places that would otherwise be completely inaccessible. The startup says it's worked with wheelchair users who have field tested the device for months ahead of its launch. It weighs less than eight kilograms (17.6 lbs) and packs up in a backpack. Pre-orders for the WheelMove have opened for buyers in France, where it's expected to ship later this year before expanding internationally. It costs roughly $6,000."

WheelMove offers a compact motorized add-on that attaches to a manual wheelchair in seconds while the user remains seated. The accessory adds a 10-inch extra wheel driven by a 250W motor, enabling speeds up to six miles per hour (10 km/h), handling slopes up to 10 percent, and delivering about 15.5 miles (25 km) per charge with a swappable battery. Controls strap to an armrest or body part and provide five speed settings that maintain consistent downhill speed. The device lifts front caster wheels to traverse cobblestones, grass, dirt paths and ramps with far less effort, potentially opening otherwise inaccessible routes. The unit weighs under eight kilograms, packs into a backpack, has been field-tested by users, and is available for pre-order in France at roughly $6,000, with international expansion planned.

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