Empulse R20 Caregiver Power Assist

The Empulse R20 is Sunrise Medical's caregiver power assist for a manual wheelchair. Westin Healthcare quotes it and click-fixes it to a measured folding or tilt-in-space frame for homes in Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area. This is not a power wheelchair and it is not a rider-driven R90. The attendant uses a thumb throttle. The person in the chair can still self-propel in free-run without taking the unit off.

Sunrise's Canada page lists a 375 lb (170 kg) user rating, 419 lbs (190 kg) total with the chair, a 9 mile (14.5 km) range, and three speeds: 1.2, 2.3, and 3.1 mph (1.9, 3.7, and 5.0 km/h). The unit weighs 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) including the battery. The 250 W motor is printed with a three-year warranty and a 10 degree slope.

Who this caregiver assist is for

The Empulse R20 is for a household where a caregiver pushes a folding or tilt-in-space chair on ramps, long walks, or uneven ground, and still wants the person to push when they can. Sunrise pairs it with the Quickie IRIS, Zippie IRIS, Quickie 2, and QXi. Seat width on the spec table is 13 to 23 inches. Seat-to-floor is 15.5 to 20.5 inches.

If the rider drives the assist themselves, start with the Empulse R90 or the Empulse M90. Do not treat the R20 as a user joystick.

• Attendant thumb throttle, one-button on/off, three speeds
• Click-fix dock; only a small pin stays on the chair
• Folds with the chair or travels in the backpack Sunrise names

Range, speed, and batteries

The Empulse R20 travels up to 9 miles (14.5 km) per charge on the 36 V, 5.8 to 6 Ah lithium-ion pack (209 to 216 Wh). Store that pack dry, around 50 to 59 F (10 to 15 C), at about 75 percent charge if it will sit for winter. A long rest at a low charge can damage the cells.

Speeds are 1.2, 2.3, and 3.1 mph (1.9, 3.7, and 5.0 km/h). The control unit slides for reach and quick-releases without unplugging the cable. Free-run lets the chair roll as a manual without undocking.

How it attaches and what it fits

Click-fix docking needs no tools on a daily dock. A small pin stays on the frame. System A covers 22 to 28 mm tubes. System B covers 29 to 32 mm (longer bolts). The drive wheel must sit at 20 to 45 degrees so it can bite as it turns. Training straps for the backpack go on the frame, not on a removable part.

Sunrise's Canada headline is most folding and tilt-in-space manual wheelchairs. Live tilt we already configure is the Quickie IRIS and the Quickie SR45. Folding partners include the Quickie 2 and the QXi. This wave also covers the Zippie IRIS. We still measure the tube and the angle.

Empulse R20 specifications

These figures are for the Empulse R20, model EISP9, on Sunrise's current Canada page. The specification tab holds the stored values.

User weight 375 lbs (170 kg). Total with chair 419 lbs (190 kg). Range up to 9 miles (14.5 km). Speed 1.2 / 2.3 / 3.1 mph (1.9 / 3.7 / 5.0 km/h). Weight 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) including battery. Battery 5.8 to 6 Ah, 36 V, 209 to 216 Wh lithium-ion. Seat width 13 to 23 inches. Seat-to-floor 15.5 to 20.5 inches. Motor 250 W. Slope 10 degrees. Attachment: click-fix pin, 22 to 32 mm tubes.

Sunrise prints three years on the 250 W motor. Other coverage may vary by province.

R20 or R90

The R20 is the caregiver assist: 9.9 lbs, attendant throttle, folding and tilt frames. The R90 is the rider-driven under-seat push. The Xtender and the M90 put motors in the rear wheels for the person in the chair. The F35 is a rider pull, not a caregiver device.

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, set the click-fix pin, and show the attendant the throttle, the three speeds, 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

• Quickie IRIS, the live tilt chair Sunrise pairs with the R20
• Empulse R90, the rider-driven push assist
• Tilt wheelchairs, the Category 5 range an attendant often pushes

Service and warranty

When something on the device 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.

Sunrise Medical manufacturer warranty

Sunrise prints a three-year warranty on the Empulse R20's 250 W motor. The Canada page also says coverage may vary by province. We handle the claim with you. Ask us if an extended warranty is offered for your order.

Frequently asked questions

What Is The Empulse R20?

The Empulse R20 is a foldable caregiver power assist that click-fixes to a folding or tilt-in-space manual wheelchair. The attendant drives it. The person in the chair can still self-propel in free-run.

How Far Will The Empulse R20 Go On One Charge?

The Empulse R20 travels up to 9 miles (14.5 km) per charge on the 36 V, 5.8 to 6 Ah pack. Store that pack at about 75 percent if it will sit for weeks.

Which Chairs Take The R20?

Sunrise says the Empulse R20 fits most folding and tilt-in-space manual wheelchairs, with seat widths 13 to 23 inches and seat-to-floor 15.5 to 20.5 inches. Tubes are 22 to 32 mm. We measure the tube and the 20 to 45 degree angle.

Does The Person In The Chair Drive It?

No. The Empulse R20 is an attendant device. Free-run lets the person self-propel without undocking. Rider-driven assist is the R90, the M90, or the Xtender.

How Much Does The R20 Weigh?

The Empulse R20 weighs 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) including the battery. It folds on the chair or travels in the backpack Sunrise names.

Can The R20 Stay On A Folded Chair?

Yes. Sunrise prints the Empulse R20 as the foldable assist that can remain on the chair when the frame folds, or come off on the click-fix pin.

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. Call (905) 451-7743 or use the funding page before you order.

How Is The R20 Different From The R90?

The Empulse R20 is a 9.9 lb caregiver unit for folding and tilt chairs. The Empulse R90 is a rider-driven under-seat push with a wireless box and handrim steering.

What Is The Weight Capacity?

The Empulse R20 is rated at 375 lbs (170 kg) for the user, or 419 lbs (190 kg) total including the wheelchair.

What Is The Warranty?

Sunrise prints three years on the Empulse R20 motor. Other coverage may vary by province. Westin Healthcare processes the claim.