Phoenix i Power Assist Wheelchair
An ultralight carbon fibre wheelchair with power assist built in. The Phoenix i helps you on slopes, over rough ground and on longer days, and still weighs about 6.5 kg to lift into a car. Try one for free with NovitaTech in Adelaide.
What is the Phoenix i?
The Phoenix i is a rigid, self-propelled wheelchair from Phoenix Instinct, handmade in Scotland. It looks and handles like a lightweight active manual chair, but it has two small motors in the front wheels that add power while you push. You set the level of help with a single dial.
Most power assist products are add-ons fitted to an existing wheelchair. On the Phoenix i the motors, batteries and control are part of the chair itself, and the frame is a single piece of carbon fibre and Kevlar. The result is a power assist wheelchair with a transfer weight of about 6.5 kg (Phoenix Instinct figure, excluding options).
How the power assist works
- Push as normal. You propel the chair with the push rims like any manual wheelchair.
- The front wheels help. Two 150W motors in the front wheels add drive, which takes load off your shoulders on hills, grass, gravel and carpet.
- Dial it up or down. A hard-wired rotary dial sets how much help you get. There is no app or Bluetooth to pair.
- Controlled downhill. Electronic braking helps keep your speed in check on slopes.
- Swap batteries. Batteries are interchangeable, and you can carry up to three. Phoenix Instinct quotes a combined range of up to 20 miles (about 32 km) with three batteries. Real-world range depends on terrain, user weight and assist level.
Phoenix Instinct says the power assist can reduce manual pushing effort by up to 80%.
Who is the Phoenix i for?
- Active manual wheelchair users who want to keep pushing, but with less strain on their shoulders and wrists.
- People with shoulder pain or fatigue, or conditions where energy needs to be saved for the rest of the day.
- People who drive or travel and need a chair light enough to lift in and out of a car.
- Anyone facing hills, ramps, grass or long distances, for example at work, uni, the shops or the footy.
- People who have been told they need a power chair but would rather stay in a light, manual-style chair where that is clinically suitable.
Whether the Phoenix i suits you depends on your seating, posture, transfers and how you use your chair. Our team will work through this with you and your therapist during a trial.
Phoenix i vs a manual wheelchair vs an add-on power assist
Power assist can be added to a wheelchair in different ways. Here is how the Phoenix i compares with the two most common alternatives.
| Phoenix i | Standard manual wheelchair | Manual chair + add-on power assist | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it moves | You push; front-wheel motors add power | You push; all effort is yours | You push; a clip-on or wheel-based unit adds power |
| Power assist | Built in, full time | None | Added to the chair |
| Control | Rotary dial on the chair | Not applicable | Varies: wristband, app, dial or push-rim sensors |
| Weight to lift | About 6.5 kg transfer weight | Light, depending on model | Chair plus the separate add-on unit |
| Braking on slopes | Electronic braking | Hand rims and wheel locks | Varies by product |
| Batteries | Swappable; carry up to 3 | None | Usually one battery |
| Best for | A new chair with power assist from the start | Short distances and flat ground | Adding help to a chair you already own |
If you already have a manual wheelchair that fits you well, an add-on may be worth considering. If you are due for a new chair and want power assist from day one, the Phoenix i puts it all into one lightweight frame. We can help you compare both options.
Phoenix i specifications from Phoenix Instinct.
Enquire about the Phoenix i
The Phoenix i is set up for each user, so it is priced on enquiry after an assessment. Contact us to book a free trial.
NDIS and funding
NovitaTech is an NDIS registered provider. A power assist wheelchair is assistive technology that usually needs an assessment and a recommendation from your occupational therapist or physiotherapist, plus a quote from us. We can also help with Support at Home, workplace and injury schemes, and private purchases.
Free trials
Try the Phoenix i before you commit. Book a free trial at our Hindmarsh showroom in Adelaide, or ask about trying it at home or in the community in South Australia. Bring your therapist along if you like.
Seating and support
Our mobility and seating team can help set up your chair, cushion and backrest so it fits you properly. After delivery, talk to us about servicing, repairs and warranty support.
Phoenix i FAQs
What is a power assist wheelchair?
A power assist wheelchair is a manual wheelchair with motors that add drive while you push. You still propel and steer the chair yourself, but it takes less effort, especially on hills and rough ground. The Phoenix i has power assist built into the chair rather than added on.
How much does the Phoenix i weigh?
Phoenix Instinct quotes a transfer weight of about 6.5 kg, excluding options. Transfer weight is the weight of the main part you lift when you put the chair into a car.
How far can the Phoenix i go on a charge?
Phoenix Instinct quotes up to 20 miles (about 32 km) combined when you carry three batteries. The batteries are swappable, so you can change one over during the day. Actual range depends on terrain, user weight and the assist level you choose.
Does the Phoenix i need an app or Bluetooth?
No. Power assist is set with a hard-wired rotary dial on the chair, so there is nothing to pair or charge separately.
Can I lift the Phoenix i into a car?
The low transfer weight and rigid, single-piece frame are designed to make car transfers easier. During a trial we can check how it works with your car and your transfer technique.
Is the Phoenix i approved for sale in Australia?
Yes. Phoenix Instinct wheelchairs are included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), with The Weringa Group as the Australian sponsor. You can buy and trial it through NovitaTech.
Can the NDIS fund a Phoenix i?
It may, if it is reasonable and necessary for your goals. A power assist wheelchair usually needs an assessment and written recommendation from your occupational therapist or physiotherapist, and a quote from us. Contact us and we can help you and your therapist with the process.
Can I try the Phoenix i before buying?
Yes. Trials are free. Book one at our Hindmarsh showroom in Adelaide, or ask about a trial at home or in the community in South Australia.
How much does the Phoenix i cost?
Each chair is configured to the user, so pricing is given on enquiry after an assessment. Send us a message below and we will be in touch.
Book a free Phoenix i trial
Tell us a little about how you use your chair, and our mobility team will get back to you to arrange a trial or answer your questions.