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 PAWS City
The PAWS City is the most compact and manoeuvrable model in the range, designed primarily for urban environments and everyday use. It works best on paved surfaces, cycle paths, and indoor or mixed-use spaces where turning circle and overall length matter.
Fitted as standard with a 12″ front wheel (with an optional 14″ upgrade for more frequent rough-ground use), the City strikes a balance between agility and capability. Its 350 W motor provides lively assistance, and with a tight turning circle of around 1 metre, it can be used indoors and in confined spaces without feeling cumbersome. With a top speed of 18 mph, it feels quick and responsive in city settings.
Choose the PAWS City if your priority is manoeuvrability, compact size, and everyday urban independence, with occasional light off-road use.
