Hoss R1 Self-Balancing Wheelchair: The Complete Australian Guide

Imagine a powered wheelchair that turns on the spot in your kitchen, then takes you across grass and gravel paths in the same outing. That’s the idea behind the Hoss R1 self-balancing wheelchair: an Austrian-engineered mobility chair that rides on just two wheels and keeps its own balance, so you don’t have to.

In this guide we explain how the Hoss R1 works, what’s under the hood, who it suits (and who it may not), how it can be funded, and how to try one for yourself with NovitaTech in Adelaide.

What is the Hoss R1?

The Hoss R1 is a powered mobility chair designed and built by hoss Mobility in Austria. Instead of four or six wheels like a conventional power chair, it balances on a single axle with two large wheels. Its manufacturer describes it as combining the agility of an indoor chair with the terrain capability of an outdoor machine.

In everyday terms, that means one chair for more of your day: compact enough for hallways and shops, and capable enough for parks, footpaths and uneven ground.

How does a self-balancing wheelchair work?

Think about how you walk. When you lean forward, you’d fall over unless your brain moved a leg forward to catch you. The Hoss does the same thing with wheels instead of legs. Processors and electric motors play the role of the brain and muscles, making tiny corrections hundreds of times per second to keep you upright.

Importantly, you don’t need to balance or shift your weight. The Hoss R1 is driven with a familiar joystick, and the chair takes care of the balancing. You can adjust how sensitive the joystick feels using the Hoss mobile app.

Safety: how the Hoss R1 protects you

Riding on two wheels naturally raises the question: what happens if something goes wrong? Safety is central to the Hoss design.

• Redundant sensors. In balance mode, gyro and acceleration sensors monitor the rider and the ground several hundred times per second.
• An independent safety system. A patented stabilisation system runs completely separately from the main drivetrain and continuously monitors the balance system.
• Automatic stabilisers. When parked, the chair rests on mechanical stabilisers. In an emergency, they deploy within a split second to bring the chair to a safe, standing stop.
• A dedicated backup battery. The safety system has its own battery, separate from the main lithium battery.
• Remote diagnostics. The Hoss supports remote maintenance, which helps technicians diagnose issues quickly.

Hoss R1 specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Hoss R1 as supplied by NovitaTech:

For the full specification list and current pricing, visit the Hoss R1 product page.

Key benefits of the Hoss R1

1. Indoor agility

Because it balances on one axle, the Hoss R1 has a compact footprint and a tight turning circle. That makes it easier to move through doorways, kitchens, shops and offices.

2. Outdoor and multi-terrain capability

The large wheels help the Hoss R1 handle grass, gravel paths and uneven surfaces, which many indoor-focused power chairs struggle with. It can manage slopes of up to 11%.

3. Range for a full day out

With a range of up to 60 km, the Hoss R1 is designed to get you through a full day of errands, outings and appointments on a single charge.

4. All-day comfort

NovitaTech supplies the Hoss R1 with a Respira comfort backrest and a NovitaTech 3D-printed cushion. Seating accessories such as the JAY Soft Combi seat cushion are also available.

5. Personalised through the app

The Hoss app lets you fine-tune your settings, including joystick sensitivity, and view trip distances and average speed.

6. A chair that looks as good as it rides

Modern lines and sustainable materials give the Hoss R1 a distinctive look that stands out from conventional power chairs.

Is the Hoss R1 right for you?

The Hoss R1 can be a great fit if you:

• Want one chair that works both indoors and outdoors
• Regularly travel over grass, gravel or uneven ground
• Can use a joystick and want intuitive, responsive driving
• Value range and independence for longer days out

It may not be the best option if you:

• Weigh more than 110 kg
• Need complex postural support, such as tilt-in-space or recline
• Regularly face slopes steeper than 11%
• Need to lift the chair into a car without a ramp or hoist (it weighs around 115 kg)

Everyone’s needs are different. Our Mobility and Seating team can help you compare the Hoss R1 with other powered wheelchairs and find the right fit. If you’re comparing options, our guide to mobility scooters is also worth a read.

Hoss R1 accessories

You can tailor your Hoss R1 with a range of genuine accessories, including:

• Baggage rack for shopping and day bags
• Cup holder
• Side mirror
• Cane holder
• Raindek weather cover
• Spare charger

How much does the Hoss R1 cost?

The Hoss R1 is listed at $45,000 on the NovitaTech website. The final price can vary depending on the seating and accessories you choose. Request a quote for pricing based on your setup.

Funding options for the Hoss R1

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to fund a Hoss R1 through:

• The NDIS, where it relates to your goals and is considered reasonable and necessary
• Other government, insurance or workplace schemes
• Private purchase

Funding decisions depend on your individual plan and needs. Visit our funding options page or talk to our team to understand what may apply to you.

Try the Hoss R1 at NovitaTech

The best way to know whether the Hoss R1 suits you is to try it. NovitaTech offers free product trials in-store, at home or in the community across South Australia. You can also visit our showroom in Hindmarsh, Australia’s largest assistive technology retail experience. Find a store.

As well as supplying the Hoss R1, NovitaTech provides local setup, servicing and repairs, so you have support long after you take your chair home.

View the Hoss R1 | Book a free trial

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to balance the Hoss R1 myself?

No. The Hoss R1 balances itself automatically. You drive it with a joystick, and the chair makes the balance corrections for you.

What happens if the Hoss R1 loses power?

The Hoss R1 has an independent safety system with its own backup battery. If there’s a problem, stabilisers deploy within a split second to bring the chair to a safe, standing stop.

How far can the Hoss R1 travel on one charge?

The Hoss R1 has a range of up to 60 km per charge. Actual range depends on terrain, rider weight, temperature and driving style.

Can the Hoss R1 be used indoors?

Yes. Its compact size and tight turning circle make it suitable for indoor use as well as outdoors.

Is the Hoss R1 covered by the NDIS?

The NDIS may fund assistive technology that relates to your goals and is reasonable and necessary. Talk to our team or your plan manager about your situation.

Where can I try the Hoss R1 in Australia?

You can book a free trial with NovitaTech in South Australia. Contact us to arrange a time.

Specifications and features are sourced from hoss Mobility and NovitaTech product information and may change. Learn more from the manufacturer at hoss-mobility.com.