By Alex Vander Poel April 18, 2022

Different Drive Configurations on Power Chairs: Front, Mid and Rear Wheel

Wheel drive placement determines your unit’s maneuverability in varying environments. The drive wheel is the larger wheel on any power wheelchair. There are three main options of drive wheel placement: front, mid and rear.

Drive configurations offer different benefits to the user.

Front-wheel drive (FWD)

Placed at the front of the unit, front-wheel drive (FWD) scooters have two caster wheels in the back. The front placement allows the drive wheel to pull the rest of the unit over obstacles for a smoother transition. Traction is increased on varying terrains.

Without caster interference and ensuing caster whip, legs are tucked further back, tightening hamstrings. Ninety-degree turns in hallways and around corners present zero challenges. Users can get in front of sinks and counters.

However, FWD may have a longer learning curve for some users.

Mid-Wheel Drive (MWD)

The drive wheel in a mid-wheel drive (MWD) power chair is directly under the user. There are also four caster wheels on the ground: two in the front and two behind the drive wheel.

MWD is preferred for indoor use for its tight turning radius when completing a 360-degree turn. Units with advanced suspension can perform well outdoors. The user’s center of gravity is the same as the unit’s, making driving almost intuitive.

A stable base is provided by front and rear casters. Uneven terrain or grade transitions can present challenges for the casters and can result in high centering.

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Drive wheels are placed at the rear of the unit with rear-wheel drive, RWD. Caster wheels are at the front of the wheelchair. RWD provides an incredibly stable base, and the unit naturally tracks straight. RWD is suitable for outdoor use with two caster wheels and two drive wheels that do not result in high centering.

RWD can be a challenge to maneuver in the home. Users may find it hard to tuck their lower legs, resulting in tight hamstrings.

Here are a few questions to determine the best drive configuration for you:

Is the unit going to be primarily for indoor or outdoor use?
Which type of unit are you currently using?
Which drive configuration have you used in the past to great success?

Marc’s Mobility has a multitude of units in your preferred drive configuration.

Alex Vander Poel

Marc’s Mobility was created by my Father Marc in 1995 when I was 7 years old. I have grown up in and around this industry and from an early age would clean, drive and repair these units with Marc. I graduated high school in 2006 and headed to Gainesville, FL to get a Business degree at the University of Florida. Once graduated, I moved back to Lakeland FL to help my father grow the business to what it is today.

I have been full-time in this industry for almost 12 years as of 2022. When I graduated college the company was a small 3 member operation. At the beginning, it was my primary role to inspect, repair, and prepare units for shipping all across the US. As we have grown to over a 10 man operation, I now oversee all aspects of the business but understand each and every role here at Marc’s Mobility. I believe what makes us successful is we do our best to treat everyone we interact with as if they were family.

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