Permobil announces its acquisition of Nashville, Tenn-based MAX Mobility, maker of the SmartDrive MX2+ with PushTracker power assist device for manual wheelchairs.

Power assist is designed to help reduce repetitive strain injuries in the shoulders of wheelchair users who self-propel.

The lightweight and portable SmartDrive device attaches to the back of the wheelchair and includes a built-in battery that can go for miles on a single charge.

“Almost three out of four manual wheelchair users have shoulder pain already,” says Mark Richter, PhD, and CEO of MAX Mobility, in a media release from Permobil.

“By becoming part of Permobil and adding power assist to the portfolio, we can expand our reach and reduce shoulder pain for users globally. I am personally excited to join Permobil as the Senior Group Innovation Advisor working across the Power, Manual and Seating and Positioning portfolios.”

Larry Jackson, president of Permobil Business Region Americas, adds in the release that, “The addition of power assist technology to our portfolio greatly expands our offering and will provide an independent mobility solution for our users globally.”

[Source: Permobil]