Wheelchair Accessories & Parts | Trays, Bags, Legrests & More

Wheelchair Accessories

Positioning Supports, Power Assist Drives and Protective Components

Wheelchair accessories divide into four functional groups: positioning components that hold the user in a safe posture, power assist units that add motor drive to a manual chair, protective items such as skin sleeves and tire covers, and environmental accessories including canopies and travel bags. This collection carries 55 items, with the Ki Mobility positioning range and Clarke Healthcare Zitzi supports forming the core.

Positioning is the part that gets underestimated. A wheelchair holds someone up; it does not hold them in a good position. A user who slides forward in the seat ends up in sacral sitting, which loads the sacrum at exactly the angle most likely to cause a pressure injury, restricts breathing and makes it harder to use their hands. Belts, laterals and trunk supports correct that, and they are prescribed for the same reason a cushion is prescribed.

One point that runs through this whole page: positioning components sit against the body and restrict movement, so selection and fitting belong with a seating clinician rather than being chosen from a catalogue. What follows explains what each type does so the conversation with that clinician is a more informed one.

→ Part of Wheelchair Cushions & Accessories. Also see Manual Wheelchairs, Standard Wheelchairs, Lightweight Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs.

Pelvic and Hip Positioning Belts

A pelvic positioning belt holds the pelvis back in the seat so the user does not slide forward into sacral sitting. It is a postural device, and it is distinct from a restraint: the purpose is stable seating, not preventing the user from moving.

Two-point versus four-point

A two-point belt anchors at two places and holds the pelvis in the seat. A four-point hip stabilizing belt anchors at four, which controls pelvic rotation as well as forward slide, and is used where the user tends to sit asymmetrically. Ki Mobility's four-point options include the rear pull with push button buckle, the centre pull with push button and the centre pull with side release.

Pull direction and buckle type

Centre pull tightens from the middle, which is easier for a user who adjusts their own belt. Rear pull tightens from behind, which suits a carer standing at the back of the chair. Push button buckles need finger strength and precision; side release buckles need a squeeze and are often easier for users with limited hand function. Neither is universally better, and this is exactly the kind of detail a seating clinician will match to the individual.

Trunk, Lateral and Chest Supports

Trunk supports control the upper body: anterior supports stop forward lean, lateral supports stop sideways lean, and chest supports combine elements of both. They are used where trunk control is insufficient to maintain upright sitting.

Anterior trunk supports: front pull or rear pull

Front pull supports are adjusted from the front, rear pull from behind the chair. Ki Mobility offers both across its AirLogic and DynaForm ranges, in slim cut and standard widths, and in dynamic or structured versions. Dynamic supports allow controlled movement and return; structured supports hold firmly. Options include the AirLogic front pull standard dynamic, the AirLogic front pull slim cut structure, the DynaForm rear pull standard dynamic and the DynaForm rear pull slim cut structure.

Chest supports

One-piece chest supports fasten with a buckle, two-piece versions with hook and loop, which is easier to adjust with limited hand function. See the AirLogic one-piece with buckle, the DynaForm one-piece and the DynaForm two-piece with hook and loop.

Lateral supports

Laterals mount at the sides of the back to prevent sideways lean, and are commonly used in scoliosis management. Clarke Healthcare's Zitzi Starfish range covers standard laterals in sizes 1 to 3, a reinforced heavy duty version and a wide, reinforced and foldable option. Adaptive Star's lateral support pillows are a softer alternative.

Headrests and armrests

The Zitzi Starfish headrest comes in several sizes and lengths. Zitzi armrests mount three ways: to the back, to the chassis, or as a flip-up version for transfers, plus a cupped profile for more forearm containment.

Foot and Ankle Positioning

Foot positioners keep the feet on the footplates, which matters because a foot that slips off can be dragged under the chair or catch during a transfer. The components range from simple shoe holders to full foot and ankle positioners.

Shoe holders, small pair kit and the standard pair kit for basic retention.
DynaForm two-point ankle straps and the three-point ankle positioner for more control.
Combined foot and ankle positioner where both need managing.
Calf panels stop the lower leg sliding back behind the footplate: the DynaForm calf panel and the AirLogic calf panel at 23 by 6.5 inches.

Power Assist for Manual Wheelchairs

A power assist unit adds motor drive to a manual wheelchair, either by replacing the rear wheels with powered ones or by adding a push unit at the back. It sits between a manual chair and a full power chair, keeping the manual chair's size and transportability while removing most of the push effort.

This matters most for shoulder preservation. A user who is developing shoulder pain from years of manual propulsion often faces a choice between continuing and moving to a power chair, which is bigger, heavier and harder to transport. Power assist is the middle path.

Powered drive wheels

The Invacare Alber E-Fix range replaces the rear wheels: the E35 with 22 inch wheels and 6 Ah battery, the 24 inch version with 6 Ah and the 24 inch with 7.5 Ah battery for longer range.

Push-rim assist and drive units

The Alber e-motion M25 DuoDrive amplifies the user's own push rather than replacing it, available as a 24 inch right wheel and a 24 inch wheel with pneumatic tire. The Alber Smoov O10 drive unit attaches at the rear and drives the chair at up to 10 km/h.

Compatibility is model-specific for all of these. Confirm the unit works with your exact chair frame before ordering, since mounting differs between manufacturers.

Backrests, Skin Protection and Tires

Reclining backrests

A reclining backrest at 16 by 33 inches and the SkiL-Care reclining backrest in multiple heights let the user change seated angle during the day without transferring out, which supports pressure management.

Geri sleeves for skin protection

Skin tears on the forearms and lower legs are common in older users, and they happen against armrests, footplates and door frames during transfers. SkiL-Care geri sleeves provide a protective layer: small arm sleeves, medium arm sleeves and universal leg sleeves, all in 25 pair packs.

Tires and traction

The Ki Mobility Klaxon Twist solid tire removes puncture risk entirely, which is worth considering for a user who cannot fix a flat independently. Triumph Mobility Retyre traction skins slip over existing tires to add grip in snow and on loose surfaces without changing the wheels.

Pediatric Push Chair Accessories

Adaptive Star accessories fit Axiom push chairs and cover positioning, weather protection and transport. These address the practical reality that a child's mobility base is used outdoors, in all weather, and travels in a car boot.

Positioning: seat abductor, headrest support, positioning wedges for trunk support and leg elevation, and a 3D mesh seat insert with five-point harness.
Weather: rain canopy and UV protective bug canopy.
Transport and handling: heavy duty travel bag and swivel wheel axis kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a two-point and four-point positioning belt?

A two-point belt anchors at two places and holds the pelvis back in the seat, preventing forward slide. A four-point hip stabilizing belt anchors at four points, controlling pelvic rotation as well as forward slide, and is used where the user tends to sit asymmetrically. Selection and fitting should be done with a seating clinician, since the belt's angle and tension determine whether it positions correctly or simply restricts.

Is a positioning belt the same as a restraint?

No, and the distinction matters clinically and legally. A positioning belt maintains a safe, functional seated posture and is prescribed as part of a seating assessment. A restraint limits a person's freedom of movement against their will and is governed by entirely separate policy and documentation requirements. Whether a given device functions as one or the other depends on the purpose and the individual, which is why it is a clinical determination rather than a product classification.

What is the difference between front pull and rear pull trunk supports?

Front pull supports are tightened from the front, which suits a user who adjusts their own support. Rear pull supports are tightened from behind the chair, which suits a carer working from the back. Neither is inherently better; the choice depends on who fastens it and how much hand function they have.

What does dynamic versus structured mean on a trunk support?

A dynamic support allows controlled movement and returns the user toward the starting position, which suits users who move actively and need support without being locked in place. A structured support holds more firmly and is used where postural control is minimal. The distinction affects both function and comfort, and it is a clinical decision.

Why do foot positioners matter?

A foot that slips off the footplate can be dragged under the chair while it is moving or catch during a transfer, both of which cause injury. Foot and ankle positioners keep the feet in place. Calf panels serve a related purpose, stopping the lower leg from sliding back behind the footplate, which is a common cause of ankle and shin injuries in users with limited leg control.

What is a power assist wheelchair drive and who is it for?

A power assist unit adds motor drive to a manual wheelchair, either replacing the rear wheels with powered ones or attaching a drive unit at the rear. It suits a user who wants to keep the size and transportability of a manual chair but can no longer push it comfortably, often because of shoulder overuse. It is a genuine middle option between a manual chair and a full power chair.

Will a power assist unit fit my wheelchair?

Compatibility is model-specific. Mounting hardware differs between chair manufacturers and frames, and some units require particular axle configurations. Confirm compatibility with your exact chair model before ordering rather than assuming a universal fit. Send us your chair make and model and we can check before you commit.

What are geri sleeves used for?

Geri sleeves are protective sleeves worn on the forearms or lower legs to reduce skin tears, which are common in older users and in anyone with fragile skin. Most of those injuries happen against armrests, footplates and door frames during transfers and manoeuvring. Sleeves add a layer between the skin and the hardware. They are supplied in bulk packs since they are laundered and rotated.

Are solid tires better than pneumatic?

They are different rather than better. Solid tires never puncture, which matters for a user who cannot repair a flat independently, and they need no maintenance. Pneumatic tires give a more cushioned ride and better grip on uneven ground, at the cost of puncture risk and pressure checks. For indoor and smooth-surface use, solid is usually the easier choice.

What do the E-codes such as E0978 and E0960 mean?

These are HCPCS billing codes used in the United States for specific accessory categories: broadly, E0978 covers positioning belts and straps, E0960 covers shoulder harnesses and chest supports, and E0995 covers calf rests and pads. Many products in this collection list the code in the product name. Coverage criteria and documentation requirements are set by the payer, so confirm with the prescribing clinician if reimbursement is part of the plan.

MediDepot Purchasing Advantages

Price Match Guarantee: found the same part number for less elsewhere? We will match the verified price.
Equipment Financing: available when accessories are part of a larger chair and seating order.
Extended Warranty: available on qualifying items including power assist drives.
Military Discount: available for qualifying military personnel, veterans and facilities.
Request a Quote: compatibility checks against your chair model, sizing questions and facility pricing.