Faster, Lighter, Smarter — Alber Releases M25 Power Assist Wheels


For manual wheelchair users who need an extra boost, Alber recently introduced a revamped version of its e-motion power assist wheels that should make getting around town even easier. The push rim-activated M25 wheels are lighter, faster and stronger than their predecessors, the M15s, and feature some of the smart features that had previously been limited to add-on attachments.

“We started on our journey to create the next generation e-motion solution by listening to our customers. Universally, they told us they wanted a power assist device that was lighter and more powerful, and we are proud to deliver a unique and superior solution that will address their needs,” said Sebastian Zitzler, director of Alber, in a release.

To meet user demands, Alber gave the M25 wheels a 33% power boost from the M15 model, which lets the M25s handle users weighing up to 330 pounds. The M25s now have a top speed of 5.3 mph — a 41% improvement — and a 15.5-mile range that should keep most active users rolling all day. In addition, each M25 wheel now weighs in at 17 pounds, a 6 pound reduction over the previous version.

The M25 wheels now can be controlled by a smart phone app, letting users monitor the battery and change the level of power assist. Other intelligent systems include an anti-rollback feature for hills that allows users to stop in the middle of a hill or ramp without worrying about rolling backward. A downhill braking assist lets users descend hills more safely and a new “cruise mode” lets users roll at a constant speed without pushing.

The M25 e-motion wheels in 22-inch and 24-inch sizes retail for $7,295, while the 25-inch wheels retail for $7,495. They are covered by both Medicare and private insurances. For more information go to Alber’s website.


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Julie Anne Meyers
Julie Anne Meyers
2 years ago

How can I see a demo in my home?

E. H. Morrison
E. H. Morrison
2 years ago

I loved the M15 wheels, I had them for 9 years and only needed to replace the batteries once and that was 8 years in. I had the remote velcroed to my clothes guard and I could easily switch to power level 2 without stopping when I came to a hill.

The new wheels do have lots of extra features but you have to pay to unlock each one, they cost anywhere from $50 to north of $120 CDN. I find it annoying that I have to stop, get out my phone and use the app to switch power levels. If you minimize the app, answer a phone call and talk for 15+ minutes you’ll have to connect the app to your wheels again. I purchased the remote for the wheels thinking I could use it the same as the old one but no, when I go to switch power levels I need to connect to the wheels again.

That being said they definitely have lots of pluses, they track distance travelled, even show map of your trip. They definitely have more power, I can climb hills on power level 1 that I had to use level 2 using the M15 wheels. Overall I’m pretty happy with them.

Joe E
Joe E
2 years ago
Reply to  E. H. Morrison

What are some of the benefits of having the remote? What are some of the features that you have to pay to unlock? $1,000 is an awful amount of money for a remote.