What is a balance wheelchair?

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What is a balance wheelchair?

A balance wheelchair, also known as a "Segway wheelchair" or "Sit-Segway," is a remarkable invention that integrates advanced Segway balance technology into a wheelchair.

A balance wheelchair, also known as a "Segway wheelchair" or "Sit-Segway," is a remarkable invention that integrates advanced Segway balance technology into a wheelchair. This unique vehicle offers a completely new experience to users. The most notable feature of the balance wheelchair is its ability to ride smoothly on two parallel wheels, allowing speeds of up to 20 km/h.

Thanks to this property, the balance wheelchair can be used on almost any surface, whether it be off-road terrains such as grass, forest paths, gravel, beach, or snow, or on-road situations like cobblestones, curbs, and poorly maintained roads. This provides a solution for mobility in areas where traditional wheelchairs often face limitations.

Moreover, the balance wheelchair is very compact and easy to transport in a mid-size car, allowing users to remain flexible in their daily activities.

Users only need to perform minimal actions to get the wheelchair moving. The advanced balance technology ensures that the machine remains perfectly balanced and is very easy to control.

A new way of moving

A balance wheelchair is an electric wheelchair that uses advanced balance technology, similar to a Segway. Instead of four wheels, you ride on two parallel wheels while the wheelchair continuously maintains its balance.

The technology automatically corrects your posture, ensuring you remain stable and move smoothly without having to think actively about it.

The result is a completely different riding experience:

  • Instantly respond to your movements
  • Turn smoothly, even on the spot
  • Less jolting on uneven terrain

How does a balance wheelchair work?

The balance wheelchair uses the same balance technology as a Segway. Sensors continuously measure the tilt of the frame and automatically adjust the wheels. As a result, the chair remains stable, even on uneven terrain. You steer with minimal actions: a small movement or joystick is sufficient.

The wheelchair rides on two side-by-side wheels. This makes it more maneuverable than a traditional electric wheelchair and suitable for terrains where four-wheeled models struggle. Read more about the difference between hand & balance wheelchairs 

You steer, and the technology automatically ensures balance. This allows you to:

  • remain stable on two wheels
  • turn around (e.g., in an elevator)
  • experience less jolting on uneven terrain such as beach and forest (off-road)

This makes driving intuitive and surprisingly easy to learn.

What makes a balance wheelchair different from a electric wheelchair or mobility scooter?

A traditional electric wheelchair has four wheels and a fixed structure. This provides stability but also limitations: curbs, unpaved paths, and narrow passages are more challenging to navigate. A balance wheelchair has two wheels and a compact turning radius. It can turn almost in place and fits through narrower hallways than most four-wheeled models.

Additionally, the user in a balance wheelchair sits in an upright position, similar to standing while riding on a Segway. This has advantages for posture and visibility. Users who are accustomed to a traditional wheelchair often find the balance wheelchair to be more active and free to use.

Another difference is the weight and dimensions. The balance wheelchair fits in most mid-size cars without needing special modifications or a trailer. This makes it practical for daily use and outings.

A balance wheelchair distinguishes itself in three areas:

1. Maneuverability
You can turn in place, making it ideal for small spaces.

2. Surface
Where traditional wheelchairs struggle (grass, gravel, cobblestones), a balance wheelchair remains stable. A balance wheelchair is also known as an off-road wheelchair. 

3. Speed & range
You can safely move with traffic, for example, on the bike path.

Read all other differences between hand, electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters

Where can you use a balance wheelchair?

A balance wheelchair is suitable for almost any situation:

Indoors : 
- home, lift, shops, stairs (stair-climbing devices like the ibot & scewo)

Outdoors:
- sidewalks, bike paths, poorly maintained roads

Off-road
- grass, forest paths, gravel, beach

On what surfaces does a balance wheelchair operate?

The balance wheelchair can be used on almost every surface. Off-road: grass, forest paths, sandy paths, gravel, beach, and snow. On-road: cobblestones, sidewalks, and poorly maintained roads. It is compact enough for indoor use and fits in most mid-size cars.

It performs well on terrains where other aids struggle. The two large wheels distribute the weight and absorb irregularities. Users can access places that are hardly reachable with a mobility scooter or four-wheeled wheelchair. Also, check our page about driving on varying surfaces.

View all balance wheelchairs

Who is a balance wheelchair suitable for?

A balance wheelchair is essentially suitable for anyone with a mobility limitation. Whether you have a permanent or temporary mobility restriction, it provides a versatile solution for more independence and reach.

It's important to know: you don't always need full trunk stability to use a balance wheelchair. Thanks to various control systems, from body control to joystick operation, the wheelchair can be adapted to your physical capabilities. This often allows for more opportunities than people initially think.

However, there are minimum requirements for safely using the balance wheelchair. Therefore, we always look at your personal situation and what is technically and practically feasible. On the page what is a balance wheelchair suitable for you can read about the situations and limitations that align with this type of wheelchair.

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Can a balance wheelchair tip over?

This is a frequently asked question from people who are not yet familiar with the chair.

The balance technology actively ensures that the chair remains stable. The sensors continuously respond to movement and automatically adjust the wheels. Under normal use and on most surfaces, the chair does not tip over.

There are limits: a too steep incline or a very sudden change in surface may fall outside the technology's range. 2KERR explains during a test drive what the chair can and cannot handle. Read more about this on the page can a balance wheelchair tip over.

What does a balance wheelchair cost and is there reimbursement possible?

The price of a balance wheelchair varies by model and configuration. In some cases, you may be eligible for reimbursement through the WMO or a PGB. 2KERR assists you with applying for this. On the page what does a balance wheelchair cost you can read more about the costs and reimbursement options. For applying for a PGB, we refer to the page WMO applications for a balance wheelchair.


 

WMO application

Frequently asked questions about a balance wheelchair

What kinds of funding/reimbursement are available?

Why is 2KERR the right partner for your WMO application?

What do we include in your WMO application?

Am I eligible for WMO funding for a balance wheelchair?

Is a balance wheelchair covered by the UWV?

Is a balance wheelchair covered under the WLZ?

FAQ by model, HOSS, Genny, Bi-Go, Freee F2, ibot

What types of balance wheelchairs are there?

A balance wheelchair mainly differs in control and functionality. You can choose from body control, joystick, or a hybrid form, making the chair suitable for users with lesser trunk stability. Additionally, some models offer extra features like driving at eye level or independently climbing stairs, depending on your situation and usage. Take the comparison tool and discover the best match! Curious about our range of balance wheelchairs? View our range of balance wheelchairs and discover which one suits you best.

Questions about what a balance wheelchair is?