The Rehasense PAWS range are front-mounted powered handbikes designed to attach to active wheelchairs with a fixed front frame. Each PAWS unit integrates its motor, battery, controls, and clamping system into the handbike itself, allowing wheelchair users to travel further, tackle more challenging terrain, and reduce upper-limb strain without permanently altering their chair.
All PAWS models share the same core platform. A 48 V 11.6 Ah lithium battery provides a quoted range of up to 24.8 miles and can be removed for charging, with a full recharge taking around 5 hours. A lower-capacity Flight Battery is available for air travel and is IATA-compliant. Integrated multifunction headlights improve visibility and can be set to activate automatically in low-light conditions. Controls are weather-resistant, with the system rated for use in wet conditions.
A defining feature of the PAWS range is its integrated clamping system. Unlike many handbikes that require permanent brackets or clamps to be fitted to the wheelchair frame, PAWS handbikes carry the entire clamping mechanism within the handbike itself. When the PAWS is removed, nothing is left on the wheelchair — keeping weight down and preserving the chair’s appearance.
PAWS handbikes can be specified with either:
- Manual clamping, using long, easy-to-operate levers, or
- Powered clamping and lifting, where the handbike automatically docks and raises the front of the wheelchair at the press of a button.
The powered system is particularly valuable for users with limited hand function, dexterity, or upper-body strength, though many users choose it simply for convenience.
All models are also available with Standard handlebars or Tetra controls, the latter designed for users with reduced grip strength or hand control. Both control types offer adjustable positioning to achieve a comfortable riding posture.
The Tourer
The PAWS Tourer is the most powerful and most specialised model in the range, designed for users who regularly tackle challenging off-road terrain. It features a 20 × 4″ fat tyre with aggressive tread and a 500 W motor, making it well suited to steep hills, loose surfaces, forest trails, and even sand.
The Tourer has the longest wheelbase of the PAWS models, which improves traction and stability in demanding conditions. The trade-off is size: it is significantly longer and less manoeuvrable than the City or Cruiser, and is not intended for regular urban or indoor use. For best performance, it is often paired with fat rear wheelchair wheels or suspension options such as Loopwheels Extreme.
Choose the PAWS Tourer if your priority is maximum traction and off-road capability, and you do not need to regularly navigate tight indoor or urban spaces.
