Klaxon Twist Power Assist

The Klaxon Twist power assist is a compact hub that docks to a manual wheelchair. Westin Healthcare quotes it and fits the Klaxon linking hardware to a measured rigid or folding frame for homes in Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area. This is not a power wheelchair and it is not an off-the-shelf cart item. An occupational therapist or physiotherapist assesses first. Then Westin orders the hub and the linking kit to that chair.

Ki Mobility's current card lists a 700 W motor, a 10 inch solid tire, and a removable lithium-ion pack at 36 V / 144 Wh / 4 Ah. Range is up to 12 miles (20 km) per charge. Top speed is 6 mph (10 km/h) in the front or rear mount, or 9 mph (14 km/h) on the front mount with the optional handlebar after an app opt-in. The hub weighs 18.5 lbs (8.5 kg) with the battery removed. User weight is 265 lbs (120 kg) on the front mount and 309 lbs (140 kg) on the rear mount.

Who this power assist is for

The Klaxon Twist is for a person who wants to keep a manual chair and switch between a compact rear push indoors and a front pull outdoors, without lifting the hub off the ground. The rear mount keeps the chair's footprint for offices, restaurants, transit, and home. The front mount lifts the casters for curbs, rough ground, and downhill speed control. The optional foldable handlebar adds steering and a mechanical disc brake.

If you want a dedicated front pull that stays on a subframe, start with the Empulse F35. If you want to keep pushing the handrims on motorized rear wheels, see the Quickie Xtender. If you want an under-seat push that does not change the wheels, see the Empulse R90.

• One hub, rear (push) or front (pull), switched at ground level
• Ki names Rogue ALX, Rogue 2, Rogue XP, Catalyst 5, and Catalyst 5Vx; most 12 to 20 inch rigid or folding chairs
• Not a joystick power chair. The clinic matches the mount and the controller to the person's hands

Range, speed, and batteries

The Klaxon Twist travels up to 12 miles (20 km) per charge on Ki's product card. Ki's brochure DCN1320.1 prints the same 20 km as 12.4 miles. Ki says performance changes with the user, the chair, driving, and battery condition.

Front and rear mounts top out at 6 mph (10 km/h). Front mount with the handlebar is 6 mph (10 km/h) as standard, or 9 mph (14 km/h) if the Klaxon app opt-in is on. Reverse with the handlebar is 3 mph (5 km/h). Adaptive Drive Control holds a set speed and eases motor output when the rider resists the rims. Climb Assist Mode is a single-button tap on the Multi-Function Controller. The pack is removable.

Klaxon Mobility's airline certificate for the Twist pack (36 V / 4.0 Ah / 144 Wh) says the lithium-ion cells are type UN3481, packing instruction 967 Section II, and "may be carried-on passenger aircraft without restriction according to IATA 2.3.2.4" when the listed conditions are met. Etac prints: "Twist's small dimensions, low weight, and the 144 Wh battery allow it to be transported anywhere as hand luggage, even in an aeroplane." The same Etac note says the battery is flight-friendly "and up to two batteries can be carried on a flight." Klaxon still tells you to make arrangements with the airline before you fly. Individual carriers set their own lithium rules.

How it attaches and what it fits

Twist uses the patented Klaxon Linking System. Ki describes an audible latch so you know it is locked. You roll the hub into place at ground level. No lifting is required to move it from rear to front. Rear linking kits exist for rigid frames and for folding frames. A central linking system is the front or center dock. A lateral linking system is for a fixed front frame when the central kit is not suitable. Folding hardware can come off so the chair can still fold.

Ki's compatibility matrix names the Ki Mobility Rogue ALX, the Ki Mobility Rogue 2, the Ki Mobility Rogue XP, Catalyst 5, and the live Ki Mobility Catalyst 5Vx. The same card says most folding and rigid chairs from 12 to 20 inches wide, with no seat-depth restriction. Rear wheel sizes on the card are 22, 24, 25, and 26 inch, and Ki notes that tire, rear seat height, and camber can change a given fit. When Twist is ordered with a Ki chair, the hardware can be pre-installed and the drive settings pre-programmed. We still measure the frame. We will not guess a non-listed chair from a photo.

Klaxon Twist specifications

These figures are for the Klaxon Twist Westin orders from Ki Mobility's current product card, brochure DCN1320.1, and the Klaxon Twist user manual (device FTD_30). The specification tab holds the stored values.

Possible setups: rear, front, front with handlebar. Battery: removable lithium-ion 36 V / 144 Wh / 4 Ah; brochure battery weight 1.3 kg (2.9 lb). Motor: 700 W on the Ki card. Wheel: 10 inch solid tire, replaceable. Connectivity: Bluetooth / Wi-Fi. Hub transport weight: 18.5 lbs (8.5 kg) with the battery removed. Folding handlebar: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg). Front mounting hardware average: 6.6 lbs (3 kg). Rear mounting hardware average: 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg). Hub size: 11.4 x 14 x 6.1 inches (290 x 355 x 155 mm). Maximum travel range: 12 miles (20 km) on the Ki card. Maximum slope on the Ki card: rear 15 percent (8.5 degrees), front 10 percent (5.7 degrees). User weight: front 265 lbs (120 kg), rear 309 lbs (140 kg). Chair width 12 to 20 inches. Rear wheels 22, 24, 25, or 26 inch as noted above. Braking is electronic and mechanical, depending on the mount; the user manual has the detail.

The user manual prints 24 months on the traction device and the linking systems, and 12 months on the batteries, from the delivery date. Ki's card prints 2 years for the traction device, linking system, and hardware. Expected service life in the manual is about 5 years, or about 15,534 miles (25,000 km). Westin Healthcare processes the claim.

Twist, Empulse, or Xtender

The Klaxon Twist is one hub that can push from the rear or pull from the front. The Empulse F35 is a dedicated front pull on a chair-specific subframe. The Empulse R90 pushes from under the seat and leaves the wheels alone. The Quickie Xtender replaces the rear wheels and is driven from the handrims. The clinic matches the device to the frame and to the person's hands. None of these is a power wheelchair.

Funding help for a power assist device in Ontario

Ontario's Assistive Devices Program (ADP) lists power add-ons for manual wheelchairs among its funded mobility devices. ADP can fund 75% of the cost of a qualifying power assist device when it is prescribed through an assessment by an ADP-registered occupational therapist or physiotherapist with an eligible wheelchair, and some income-support programs cover the full client share. Not every device or situation qualifies, so talk to us before you buy. March of Dimes Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), and community programs can also help. Westin Healthcare's staff work with these programs every week and will point you to the right route for your situation. Visit our funding page or call (905) 451-7743 to talk it through.

Delivery and setup in Brampton and the GTA

Westin's own team delivers and sets up this power assist device across Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area after the assessment and the fit to the chair are in place. We bring it in, fit the linking hardware, and show you the latch, the Multi-Function Controller, and the charger before we leave.

We have three stores in the Brampton and Toronto area if you would rather see a device first. For a scheduled in-home setup, call (905) 451-7743 and we will book the next date that works. Same-day delivery is offered through our hospital bed rental service; purchased devices are delivered and set up on a scheduled date.

If the device is going outside the GTA, ask us for a freight quote. Inside Toronto and the GTA, White-Glove Delivery (bring-in, unwrap, test, take packaging away) is described on the shipping policy. Any charge is confirmed on your order.

Related mobility products from Westin

• Empulse F35, the compact front pull on a subframe
• Quickie Xtender, the handrim-driven power-assist wheels
• Empulse R90, the under-seat push that keeps the chair's footprint

Service and warranty

When something on the hub needs work, you call the shop that set it up, not a distant parts desk. Westin Healthcare has a service and repairs department. Our technicians come to the home or workplace.

Klaxon manufacturer warranty

The Klaxon Twist user manual prints 24 months on the traction device and the linking systems, and 12 months on the batteries, from the delivery date. Natural wear is outside that term. Neglect, misuse, and work by unauthorized persons sit outside that path. We handle the claim with you. Ask us if an extended warranty is offered for your order.

Frequently asked questions

What Is The Klaxon Twist Power Assist?

The Klaxon Twist power assist is a compact hub that docks to a compatible manual wheelchair in a rear (push) or front (pull) position. The rider still uses a manual frame. The motors add force.

What Is A Power Add-On For A Manual Wheelchair?

A power add-on for a manual wheelchair is a motor that attaches to a manual frame so the person does not have to move to a power wheelchair. The Klaxon Twist is one of those add-ons. Ontario's mobility-aids page lists power add-ons as a funded device type when the person does not need a power wheelchair.

How Far Will The Klaxon Twist Go On One Charge?

The Klaxon Twist travels up to 12 miles (20 km) per charge on Ki Mobility's product card. Terrain, rider weight, the mount, and battery condition change the day.

Which Wheelchairs Take The Klaxon Twist?

Ki Mobility names the Rogue ALX, Rogue 2, Rogue XP, Catalyst 5, and Catalyst 5Vx. The same card says most folding and rigid chairs from 12 to 20 inches wide. Rear wheels on the card are 22, 24, 25, or 26 inch, and the fit can change with tire, rear seat height, and camber. We measure the frame. We will not guess a non-listed chair from a photo.

How Does The Klaxon Twist Attach?

The Klaxon Twist attaches with the patented Klaxon Linking System and an audible latch. You roll it into the rear or front dock at ground level. Ki says no lifting is required to switch positions.

How Fast Is The Klaxon Twist?

The Klaxon Twist tops out at 6 mph (10 km/h) in the front or rear mount. With the optional handlebar, Ki prints 6 mph as standard and 9 mph (14 km/h) after an app opt-in. Local road rules still apply.

Can I Take The Klaxon Twist On A Plane?

Klaxon Mobility's certificate for the Twist 36 V / 4.0 Ah / 144 Wh pack says the cells are UN3481, packing instruction 967 Section II, and may be carried on a passenger aircraft under IATA 2.3.2.4 when the drive is off, the unit is off the chair, the pack travels in the cabin, and the pilot is told. Etac says the 144 Wh battery can travel as hand luggage, "even in an aeroplane," and that up to two batteries can be carried on a flight. Confirm the airline before you fly.

Does ADP Cover A Power Assist Device In Ontario?

Some Ontario funding routes can help with mobility equipment, depending on the person's situation and assessment. A device bought before approval is not reimbursed. Call (905) 451-7743 or use the funding page before you order.

How Is The Twist Different From The Empulse F35?

The Klaxon Twist is one hub that can push from the rear or pull from the front. The Empulse F35 is a dedicated front pull that docks to a subframe cut to the chair. The Quickie Xtender replaces the rear wheels instead.

What Is The Weight Capacity?

The Klaxon Twist is rated at 265 lbs (120 kg) on the front mount and 309 lbs (140 kg) on the rear mount. Stay at or under the rating for the mount you use.

What Is The Warranty?

The Klaxon Twist user manual prints 24 months on the traction device and linking systems, and 12 months on the batteries. Westin Healthcare processes the claim.