SmartDrive MX2+ Wheelchair Power Assist Review | Wheelchair Assistive Technology Disability Mobility

In this video, I review the newest version of the SmartDrive; a power-assist device for manual wheelchairs manufactured by Max Mobility.
The SmartDrive MX1 was released in 2012 and has had numerous iterations come out since; without improvements and plenty of consumer-inspired additions and fixes.
Max Mobility listens to their customers and each version has improvements made upon the last version.
This newest version, SmartDrive MX2+ has an amalgamation of various technologies that create a unique, technologically advanced, and consumer-friendly device.
I love the addition of bluetooth, gyroscopes, motion sensing, press-to-activate motor function, and much more.
however, I think the enclosed battery is a limitation to more advanced users such as myself. I wish for Max Mobility to include the option of an external battery in future versions, giving more distance for those that want it.
Additionally, the new magnetic charger is very convenient and fast. However, it would be awesome if there was more of a universal charger design that is also light so that I can carry it in my bag and top up the battery when I need it.
all-in-all, this is a wonderful device, a great addition to the SmartDrive family and the power-assist category at large.

[@picatrix22]

I just had my eval today, this was the suggested addition to a lighter manual without losing the functionality of my electric wheels. This really helped me, thank you so much. I’m looking forward to having so many options to choose from for independence!!!

[@CortreeTV]

Hey! Congrats! and 3 cheers for your independence! hip hip hooray! I'm glad to hear and I hope you enjoy your new power-assist. Take care of your shoulders because they take care of you :) and you're right -- so many options to choose from for our independence ---Oda

[@bpmutoob]

Just a note on your wish list. I have the original which has an external battery, which is very heavy and is mounted under the chair; you can really feel the added weight of the battery, this kept me from using it. Having the unit all in one allows for simple and quick removal and install and I suspect you don't feel the weight that much because it is setting on the ground.

[@CortreeTV]

Hey Brian -- appreciate your insight! I 100% agree that the convenience is hard to pass, even considering the downsides. As I have used it more and more it's definitely more convenient to be able to pop the unit on/off without having to worry about transfering out of my chair and removing the battery. And I do agree that the reduction in weight is noticeable minus the battery and less noticeable with just the unit dragging. Like everything in life --- there are upsides and downsides. I look forward to future iterations of the SmartDrive. -- Oda

[@1politicalcowboy]

I love mine❤

[@JonathanBaileyn2u]

Thank you sir.

[@CortreeTV]

no -- thank YOU! - Oda

[@jackiepead]

I agree with you about the watch. I hate it. I had my chair tech come and put the buttons on and they are so much better. By the time my 'smart' watch started working, my friends and family were a block ahead of me.

[@CortreeTV]

lol. when the watch works, it's absolutely awesome and futuristic! but, like you, I found the setup and use-case to be quite problematic and thus why I switched to the buttons. Much more reliable-- and now I'm lovin' it. --- Oda

[@TheKise77]

Have you tried the older watch / bracelet that came with the smartdrive? From my understanding some techs were able to give that instead if the Smart Watch was causing issues

[@CortreeTV]

yeah I tried the older watch/bracelet, too. I didn't like it as much as the newer version. -- Oda

[@CGDubz87]

I just got a new TiLite with the SmartDrive and so far the most annoying thing is the battery life (or lack thereof). I'd live to go 7 or 8 miles on a single charge but I get like....maybe 3? It's also hellaciously heavy to take off and put back on, too.

[@CortreeTV]

Hiya Casey, I AGREE! The Battery life leaves A LOT to be desired. I really much prefer the older battery style, which allowed you to have a huge battery that slings under your seat. I rarely ran out with that battery. But with this new one, I often have to pick and c hoose where I use it or else I risk running out while out and about. I don't find it too heavy and I find it fairly easy to put on with a bit of practice. But, yah, that battery life though! C'mon Permobil, I hope they give us a way to add an external battery if we wanted more power. - Oda

[@takeyla23nc]

Can I use this without the push buttons? Mine broke off n I haven’t tried to use it since

[@CortreeTV]

Hey Takeyla, yes you can use this without the push buttons but then you'll have to use the smartwatch -- those are the 2 methods of controlling the smartdrive unit; smart watch with hand gestures, or the buttons. -- Oda

[@denseljosephs9500]

I attach an e scooter to my wheelchair cheap as chips simple to use great off road with rear drive. Off the scooter.

[@CortreeTV]

I've heard of people doing that with e-scotters, but they aren't specifically built for wheelchairs, so I would recommend staying safe and using something that is specifically built and tested for and with wheelchairs. Thanks for watching!

[@richardallcroft9944]

I’m having problems with the watch disconnecting from the main unit. This happens alot, particularly on hills. Anyone else having problems?

[@CortreeTV]

I also had problems with the watch disconnecting, but not particularly on hills, it was at random times. I had a lot of issues with the watch, which is why I prefer using the buttons. -- Oda

[@anshumanpant5640]

Can I get this in India....please help out... I need it badly

[@CortreeTV]

hi Anshuman, please visit Permobil's website, which is the maker of Smart Drive. I don't think there is a dealer in India, but perhaps you will be able to ask them to ship it to you permobil.ca/

[@anshumanpant5640]

@@CortreeTV thank you

[@T11paraplegic]

I also have a smart drive

[@CortreeTV]

how are you liking it? still using it?

[@T11paraplegic]

@@CortreeTV I don't go outside so I ďont really use it.And that thing is heavy for me to put on without core bal

[@edkretchmer2167]

I don't get it. The first watch was plastic with zero dust, water, or impact protection. Counterfeit FitBit watches were better quality. The the current watch is a smartwatch with Google's Operating System that just happens to let you install the Smartdrive software. It's way over complicated with the unnecessary Google apps, messaging, live weather, updates, multi-layered menus, etc. It feels like the Smartdrive control software was just thrown in. And, even in power saving mode, the watch doesn't last all day. For such great engineering and design of the drive, I dont get why they can't get the watch controller right. For 7k, a dedicated wrist controller with decent build quality, durability, and only the functions it needs is not that much to expect. I wonder if the wrist controller selection was an engineering decision or selected by the suits upstairs. Otherwise, the Smartdrive is very helpful and the engineering that went into it is amazing. I'm sure people who would otherwise not be able or want to venture out are now able to enjoy the mobility it offers. *There's one important thing about the MX2 mode that takes a little getting used to. Holding the wheel rims to slow down and stop is a natural, reflexive way to control a manual chair. However, if you need to slow in a hurry and you grab the rims, the Smartdrive will "fight" you by speeding up when it senses you are trying to slow down. It will eventually disengage as it detects a hard or long deceleration. So, you must get used to anticipating when you need to disengage drive mode.

[@CortreeTV]

Thanks a lot for your valuable input! I'm glad there's more competition these days with units like Smoove One, Yomper, etc. Hopefully it'll get Permobil to start listening to customers and improving the SmartDrive in these very obvious ways! I personally hate the watch and controller and just use the touch-buttons.