Nice review. One difference with the smart drive is about what you described: with the Smoov it's not easy to move backward. This could be an issue if you plan to keep it attached all day long including moving in small places like home, toilets. With the Smart Drive, you don't have this problem because of what they call their OmniWheel. Other differences: - Smoov seems to have longer battery autonomy - Smoov is heavier than Smart Drive: 7.2 kg versus 5.7 kg

Thanks so much for this review! I’ve only had my chair a few months, and been very lucky to have a new chair and was recommended the smoove…… it arrived today with my new chair, and I’ve been hunting for videos - loving this review and honesty with pros & cons! Thank you so much

@AdaptToPerform

2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad I could help 😊

Great video, thanks for sharing! I'm seriously considering buying one and this was really helpful :)

I feel like this will give me the confidence I need. I ordered one...and they recommended that I plug it into a surge strip when charging. The first model I had got a surge and would not pair with the controller! Power strip don't forget it!

Thanks from Norway, great honest review. I’m conviced.

I would be very interested in seeing you do a comparison video of the Smart Drive vs Smoov. Just looked for that. No one has a comparison. Time to step up Permobil and send Ben a Smart Drive! Thanks for the great review Ben. I am currently looking at both the Smart Drive and Smoov. Keep up the videos. (Thanks for your bit too Alice)

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

If I can't, I will borrow one from a user to do the video on

@iamcurtisipalmer

4 жыл бұрын

Above all, the Smoov is so much safer and more reliable, in my opinion.

@MonkeyDAmy

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve been looking for a comparison too ! The smoov seems to be better but also cheaper!

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

No luck so far. I have asked multiple times but no luck!

@clints8888

2 жыл бұрын

i have had both, and the smoov wins hands down

Brilliant revue mate, thank you. I'm a C6-7 Quad (35 years) and five years ago I started suffering from bad shoulder pain in both shoulders. I have had the Alber emotion M15 since then (2016) and absolutely love them. I use them everyday, they just stay on from the time I'm up till I go to bed. The main downfall is their weight (10kgs each). So it gets quite difficult for anyone taking them of and on whenever you go anywhere. Still wouldn't be without them, the freedom they have given me is priceless. So will test out the Smoov when I get the chance, given its simplicitry and weight. Cheers from Adelaide and keep up with the great reviews.

@AdaptToPerform

3 жыл бұрын

No worries George. Glad you liked the review!

@SarahSmilez8100

2 жыл бұрын

I've been using the Emotion wheels as well since I was hurt 18 years ago and got a C6-7 sci. This looks so much better than the smart drive. I am a little afraid to change. Did you end up getting the Smoov George?

@georges8819

2 жыл бұрын

@@SarahSmilez8100 Still haven't had the chance to try he Smoov. Covid and restrictions get in the way. 😄

@lupeyloops246

Жыл бұрын

Hi George, I'm in Adelaide too and my Smoov has profoundly benefited me. Have you had a chance to try it yet? I didn't like the Smartdrive's ride (too much vibration) or the convoluted gesture control. The Smoov is simple and easy which makes it safer for me. Yes Smoov is heavier (a moot point when it is on) but when it's not on, once I get my manual push going, the Smoov's weight helps me maintain momentum. It's weight also helps with traction across difficult surfaces.

@georges8819

Жыл бұрын

@@lupeyloops246 Thanks Lupey. What level is your injury? I am a C6-C7 quad.

I use my Smoov pretty much every day. Zero issues with it. Masterfully engineered. You do need to be an experienced or confident wc user though. One downside is that it doesn’t perform very well off road. The wheel spins on gravel and rough surfaces.

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

I think if it was good off-road it would be awful on pavements as it'd need different tread on the tyres. I'm glad you enjoy using it!

@iamcurtisipalmer

4 жыл бұрын

Adapt To Perform what documents did you provide when you flew to show them it was safe to travel with?

Great video man!

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

No worries man 🤙 glad you liked it

Very helpful. Glad to hear your girlfriend’s perspective as well. Thanks.

I have a smoov wheelchair attachment after using the smart drive attachment for 12months. I am a 54 year old paraplegic. MVA 1994. My shoulders have had better days for sure. My OTdoes not recommend the smartdrive anymore due to the constant complaints about it not stopping when the user double tapped. Then not restarting and leaving the user stranded sometimes in the middle of the road. There was a problem with them falling off the chair. There were times where it would not stop when I double tapped and it would push me into traffic. There were problems with the Bluetooth not connecting which was very frustrating. So now I have a Smoov attachment. I wish I had of taken it home and trials it for a week because I wouldn’t have accepted it. The wheel that pivots is a very bad design. If the wheel is facing sideways it jam’s and won’t move forward until you manually straighten the wheel up with a couple of pushes. The speed fluctuates even in straight line. When the Excelerator knob is turned it takes too long for the motor to respond again that gets you into trouble especially crossing the road. So people that’s my experience with both of these units and I wouldn’t recommend either of them. I am fortunate enough to have a Batec Scrambler I use for off-road. So I will ride that around town it’s a lot quicker than the smart drive or the smoov.

@Kylie-oz3ks

Жыл бұрын

Smartdrive has gotten me in so much trouble by not stopping or not starting via Bluetooth. I have just got some hardwired buttons for it. I hope they help it work more consistently.

G,day mate from Tasmania Australia love the videos I have a smoov on order I should have it in about 8 weeks I got it though a government Scheme I tried one last week for an hour & wow what a difference I’m a T6 para for 18 years & this device is the best thing to happen for people who still want to use manual chairs instead off large Electronic chairs. Keep up the great videos cheers from Tassie

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome 😊 I hope you enjoy it! It's been a great addition for me

@LorraineIwakashdan

2 жыл бұрын

Please update us once you've had it s few months

Thank you. We are looking at 1 thru the lotto grant here in New Zealand. Will help my daughter with Elhers Delrose Syndrome EDS.

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

I'm excited for you 😊

can't wait till its available in US. FDA has to sit on it for 2 years so we are always behind you guys....ya america!

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

Wow really? Why is FDA involved?

@brianmurphy9336

4 жыл бұрын

Thomas Klender Available in the U.S. now!!! Contact your local WC provider. Distributed via Invacare in the U.S.

@brianmurphy9336

4 жыл бұрын

Adapt To Perform FDA needed to get comfortable with the programming app and the Bluetooth connection. All good!! Available for sale now through Invacare via a local wheelchair provider.

Hi Ben, Would it be possible to do an update on the Smoov? Ie how useful/usable you find it day to day? I've had a Smardrive since February 2019 and like save for it pushtrackers (the old one is poorly made and the E2 battery life sucks). I'm thinking maybe I will try the Smoov next.

Love this video! My wife just got her smoov and loving it so far. Do you have recommendations for flying with it, and any case recommendations for it when traveling?

@AdaptToPerform

2 жыл бұрын

They have just released a case for it! I'm glad you like it ☺️

Fun review, quite honest. However 4 years later the new plane friendly lightweight Power Chairs are way superior. Seems it has similar issues with Smart Drive... Hard and expensive to repair (deliberately so). On a larger scale, but still under 22" wide are mobility scooters that can carry groceries, even a passenger. Many varieties, but the triporters can do 20 mph (restricted) and still turn on a small area. The hand controls are very user friendly as well, and of course some models are stable even with 500 pounds. It pays to shop around 😊

@AdaptToPerform

2 ай бұрын

Yes technology in this area is moving fast. I have a Triride now and I use it way more even when traveling.

I asked for a SmartDrive and got a Smoov, I know it's just a few extra lbs, but, those few extra lbs matter when the reason you asked for a Smartdrive is severe shoulder pain from lifting. I'm finding it tricky and taxing to turn using the Smoov compared to just turning my wheelchair without it. I have yet to compare the performance because I've only used the Smoov, but, again, the reason I was interested in the Smartdrive is the weight, not so much performance because I really don't do anything that needs high performance.

I understand your wish to speak the disclaimer, but you did go on for quite some time. Thanks for the review.

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

In the UK you have to disclaim this by law. Sorry it took so long

Alber wont fix/warranty their products, I have the smoov one since December 2020 and the handle broke off where I hook it to my chair , they are refusing to repair/warranty replace it saying wear and tear. WTF wear and tear can happen in 4 months with light use, I basically go from work to home and drive home. Thats terrible they refuse to fix their faulty products, just fyi don't buy it unless you want a paperweight lemon ,

@LorraineIwakashdan

2 жыл бұрын

It's true. Alber customer service stinks. It's actually the worst. Not just for repairs - but literally everything!

@martinsearcy

Жыл бұрын

Mine has had communication issues with the controller unit it stalled on a hill going up to my apartment from the shopping center 200 ft away and wouldn’t do anything but beep

Are you able to slow the chair down by gripping the rims or do you have to do some special technique to slow down?

Hi there! Thanks for the video! This was super helpful. I definitely think this would be much more user friendly than a smart drive for a younger Child. My most important question is it water sealed/ waterproof or resistant? We live in essentially a North Pacific rainforest. So it. Is. Always. WET. With plenty of puddles. What does the manufacturer say? We would obviously dry it out at night, I just don’t want it to die too quickly lol

@AdaptToPerform

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not to sure I live in the UK so it's constantly getting wet here 😂 no issues so far. Might be worth reaching out to them?

great video! how did you store it when you brought it on the plane? did you just put it up in the overhead? thank you for all your vids!

@AdaptToPerform

2 жыл бұрын

In the overhead

Hi, thanks for the review. I’ve not had a chance to see one up close yet - does the wheel have rubber on it? I’m asking because I’ve heard differing things about how much traction it has on wet surfaces, especially wet stone paving. The old town I live in has a certain amount of this, so it’s a thing I need to consider, especially considering how expensive these things all are.

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

It does have rubber wheels yes! I would personally say it's fine on wet stone as long as it's steep. When in Verona Italy I used it up a steep old stone hill and it still helped despite losing traction every so often. Are you able to trial one?

@ormirian7364

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks - I’ve actually just emailed my local shop (the esteemed Exeter Disability Centre) to ask about trying out the Smoov and the SmartDrive - my partner has a SmartDrive and has issues with it (the rubber has worn off on the wheel and Permobil are being arses about replacing it - they say “wear and tear!” but they’ve only been using it for six months) but all these devices are imperfect in some ways. I’m narked that (apparently for patent infringement reasons, because some dick manufacturer who’s not either of these patented this) neither manufacturer can include a really obvious mod which would be a tuneable motion sensor that automatically stops the motor when you brake suddenly. I’m a pretty new wheelchair user (tilite aero z!) and the idea of having to hit a button at the same time as stopping suddenly sounds scary to me - but perhaps it’s easier in practice.

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

Yes I've heard that a few times from others. I use the smoov frequently with little wearing. Unsure the process once it does

I have tendinosis and impingements in both shoulders. I’m also overweight which doesn’t help, put I hate power wheelchairs (yes, I do have one, but I don’t use it). I prefer my manual wheelchair with my SmartDrive. Like you said, if I’m inside on smooth surface or even outside on a level hard surface I can push myself. But, for long pushes, rollin on carpet or going up hills (to include the ramp into my van) I use the SmartDrive. For me it really opens up what I can do. I love the weight of the SmartDrive (12.5 lbs (5.7 kg)) and it has a max user weight capacity of 331 lbs (150kg). However, I do wish it was easier to control. I would love to see a side by side comparison of the Smoov One and the SmartDrive.

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you found a product you love 😊😊 I'm trying my best on getting a comparison done! Reached out to smartdrive with no response

no problem with smoov and the freewheel? I‘ve am Emotion and my freewheel broke 4 times in a year.

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

I've not had issues combining the 2. I know freewheels work better on some chairs than others

@tufftraveller4784

3 жыл бұрын

RGK has something a little similar.

@auntiejuly

2 жыл бұрын

@@tufftraveller4784 The molab smartwheel is quite nice too

Any good for a new user ? How much control practise do you need

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

I would recommend a trial first. I'd say you need to be confident in your chair 👍

@ilovebrean

4 жыл бұрын

Adapt To Perform I guess it’s mainly tipping .the issue ? I’d love to try one but I’ll never be able to afford one would give me so much more Freedom

Why this add-on is the price of a used car is crazy.

@AdaptToPerform

Жыл бұрын

Well the issue is a combination between high R+D costs and bringing it up to standards and low volume sales. You can get cheap knockoffs which break often on Alibaba but in general this is why. It's unfortunate but that's supply and demand. The best we can do as potential users is to lobby to make the companies either have tax reliefs or have our governments offer grants to us to pay for them. Some charities might help but realistically the supply and demand dictates the price.

I'm getting rid of the thing only had it a month or two did less than a kilometer and back to a smart drive2 for me a far better machine and cheaper, $12,700 for the smoov one and $6,800 for the Smart drive2

@AdaptToPerform

11 ай бұрын

I'm sorry to hear you didn't get on with it. In the UK they are the same price. Whoever is selling for that much is making a big profit!

@andrewnorgrove6487

11 ай бұрын

@@AdaptToPerform Thanks for reply , I'm how do the say ! Incomplete quad ( didn't do a good enough job breaking neck is how I've always read it haha ) C4 through C7 But have good hand movement but tremors without using pot but poor muscle control around shoulders which I've worn out over 40 odd yrs ,worked as a mechanic on automatic transmissions , I really hope someone can send you a smartdrive2 that's tuned for your strength as with those they need to be pushed to make motor engage ! My only issue with the SD2 is the rollers wore very quickly and costs mount if your doing lots of k's or miles , The Rep always said there is a work around squaring off the rollers by doing lots of corners or swerving when going in long straights ! Fun but not practicable, all that will make sense if someone sends you one or borrow one BTW if anyone is in Tasmania or Australia and want a brand-new SD half new price give me a shoutout even overseas are welcome I'm sure we could work out some way to do it , Thanks for the video look forward to another on the SD2 one day 👍 🦘🦘

Can you reverse using the smoov? I want to use it and get on and off buses - here in the us we have to reverse into the space will it work for that?

@lesleyfaulkner6611

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry meant uk

@LorraineIwakashdan

2 жыл бұрын

Idk but the guy reviewing it does live in the UK. I've tried one on trial and it does have issues realining if you reverse.

How much in US Dollars??

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

About $6k

@syncrovanCos

3 жыл бұрын

@@AdaptToPerform Crazy expensive ! Guess I'll have to keep myself fit and push up. 🙂

@AdaptToPerform

3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately it's the same with all disabled products

@brin57

Жыл бұрын

@@AdaptToPerform We all need to start making a fuss about that. It is immoral, unethical, and just plain greedy. The whole industry needs a shakeup. RGK for example - $12k aud for an aluminium chair!! They are all taking the piss.

Sigh. Such a shame that American companies and inventors are so far behind when it comes to things like this. Things like this aren't even sold in the US. Prior to this, I had my heart set on a Rio Firefly, until I found out that not only do I have the wrong kind of wheelchair for it, but they want $2,000 for what is essentially a giant battery with a tire attached.

@AdaptToPerform

4 жыл бұрын

Yes the prices are a bit much!

@sthlm2newbs

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah but you have other great thing that we don’t get in Europe

STAY AWAY! I tried to use Smoov on city streets and sidewalks in an older New England (USA) neighborhood, and I found it impossible -- difficult to modulate the speed, difficult to steer while the power was on. I returned it and got an electric scooter -- a FAR better solution if you can manage the transfer from wheelchair to scooter.

@tufftraveller4784

3 жыл бұрын

I guess everyone has different abilities so we all experience life differently.

Après avoir investi dans le Smoov, un système d'assistance électrique pour fauteuil roulant, je suis profondément déçu. Malgré son coût élevé, son utilisation pendant un mois a révélé plusieurs défauts majeurs. Le Smoov, capable d'atteindre jusqu'à 10 km/h, se décroche facilement sur les bosses, rendant les virages difficiles à négocier. En monter, il dérape sur les graviers, entraînant des situations dangereuses où l'utilisateur peut basculer en avant. Bien qu'il soit pratique pour les voyages en avion, je préférerais une assistance à traction avant. Je trouve que le prix du Smoov est excessivement élevé par rapport à d'autres options disponibles sur le marché avec traction avant...