Empulse R90 Power Assist Device

The Empulse R90 is Sunrise Medical's under-seat push assist for a manual wheelchair. Westin Healthcare quotes it and fits the V-LOCK receiver to a measured rigid or folding frame for homes in Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area. This is not a power wheelchair. The person still steers and stops with the handrims. The clinic checks the rear wheels and the axle before we order.

Sunrise's Canada page lists a 275 lb (125 kg) rating, 5.5 mph (8.9 km/h), and 9.8 miles (15.7 km) on the 2.5 Ah pack or 19.5 miles (31.4 km) on the 5 Ah pack. The drive unit is 13.0 lbs (5.9 kg). Add 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg) for the standard battery or 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) for the extended pack.

Who this push assist is for

The Empulse R90 is for a self-propelling rider who wants longer days, ramps, and less shoulder load without growing the chair's rear footprint. Speed is a wireless control box. Steering and stopping stay on the handrims. Sunrise's chooser says the person needs good wheelchair skills, because the R90 does not have electronic brakes.

If handrim steering is too much, start with the Empulse M90 all-way toggle. If a caregiver pushes, see the Empulse R20.

• Under-seat push with a V-LOCK latch into a receiver that stays on the chair
• Wheel-up button for zero rolling resistance when you want a plain manual push
• Most rigid and folding chairs; straight axle on rigid; not a V-shaped axle

Range, speed, and batteries

The Empulse R90 travels up to 9.8 miles (15.7 km) on the 36 V 2.5 Ah (90 Wh) pack, or up to 19.5 miles (31.4 km) on the 5 Ah (180 Wh) pack. Sunrise says range changes with surface, rider weight, driving, temperature, and terrain. Charge is about one hour for 2.5 Ah and two hours for 5 Ah.

Top speed is 5.5 mph (8.9 km/h), adjustable on the box and in the Sunrise Intelligence app. Settings above 6 kph (3.7 mph) may be private-property only. The 2.5 Ah pack is the one Sunrise describes as meeting current plane rules. Confirm the airline before you fly.

How it attaches and what it fits

A receiver stays on the chair. Rigid chairs mount it on the camber tube. Folding chairs use a spring-loaded crossbar and can still fold. The R90 docks on a tapered V-LOCK. Many riders can latch it while seated. A Bluetooth control box mounts where the hands can reach and lifts off for transfers.

Sunrise's guide allows 24, 25, or 26 inch rear wheels (not every size in every region), camber tubes from 22 to 45 mm, and folding widths in 12-14, 15-18, and 19-21 inch bands. No-go items include a 4-link suspension and a one-arm drive. Anti-tips are recommended. Live chairs we already build include the Quickie 2, the QXi, and the Nitrum.

Empulse R90 specifications

These figures are for the Empulse R90, model EISP8, on Sunrise's current Canada page and the P/N 252973 owner's manual. The specification tab holds the stored values.

Capacity 275 lbs (125 kg). Range 9.8 miles (15.7 km) or 19.5 miles (31.4 km). Speed up to 5.5 mph (8.9 km/h). Weight 13.0 lbs (5.9 kg) plus 1.5 or 2.6 lbs of battery (14.5 or 15.6 lbs on). Size about 5.9 by 12.3 by 14.9 to 16.6 inches. Motor 250 W, 36 V, 22 Nm. Airless tire about 8 inches. Grade 6 degrees. Intended lifetime 5 years.

The owner's manual prints 24 months on the device, 1 year on the motor, and 6 months on the battery and charger. Coverage may still vary by province.

R90, M90, or R20

The R90 is the under-seat push you drive with a button and steer with the rims. The M90 replaces the rear wheels and can run an all-way toggle. The R20 is the attendant device for folding and tilt chairs such as the Quickie IRIS. The F35 pulls from the front instead.

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 receiver, and show you the V-LOCK, the wheel-up button, 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 M90, the 24 inch wheel-drive with a toggle
• Empulse R20, the caregiver assist for tilt and folding frames
• Quickie 2, a live folding chair the R90 can be measured to

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

The Empulse R90 owner's manual prints 24 months on manufacturing defects, 1 year on the motor, and 6 months on the battery and charger. Wear and misuse sit outside that path. The Canada page also says coverage may vary by province. We handle the claim with you.

Frequently asked questions

What Is The Empulse R90?

The Empulse R90 is an under-seat push-assist unit that docks to a receiver on a rigid or folding manual wheelchair. Speed is a wireless box. The rider steers and stops with the handrims.

How Far Will The Empulse R90 Go On One Charge?

The Empulse R90 travels up to 9.8 miles (15.7 km) on the 2.5 Ah battery, or up to 19.5 miles (31.4 km) on the 5 Ah battery. Sunrise says range changes with surface, weight, and terrain.

Does The R90 Change The Chair's Turning Circle?

Sunrise designed the Empulse R90 to sit under the seat and stay inside the rear wheels. The chair can still spin in place. Raise the wheel when you want a plain manual roll.

Which Chairs Take The R90?

The Empulse R90 fits most rigid and folding chairs with a straight axle, 24 to 26 inch rear wheels, and a camber tube Sunrise lists. A V-shaped axle, a 4-link suspension, and a one-arm drive are no-gos. We measure the chair.

Can I Take The R90 On A Plane?

Sunrise prints the standard 2.5 Ah Empulse R90 pack as the one that meets current plane rules and still says you must confirm with the airline. The control box lifts off for the flight.

How Long Does The R90 Take To Charge?

The Empulse R90 takes about one hour for the 2.5 Ah battery and about two hours for the 5 Ah battery, on Sunrise's Canada FAQ.

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 R90 Different From The R20?

The Empulse R90 is a rider-controlled under-seat push. The Empulse R20 is a caregiver device with an attendant throttle, made for folding and tilt-in-space chairs.

What Is The Weight Capacity?

The Empulse R90 is rated at 275 lbs (125 kg). Stay at or under that rating.

What Is The Warranty?

The Empulse R90 owner's manual prints 24 months on the device, 1 year on the motor, and 6 months on the battery and charger. Westin Healthcare processes the claim.