Abstract: A wheelchair is provided that includes a motor-driven laterally extendable platform that can be extended and retracted to assist a user in getting onto and off of the wheelchair. A motor drive system is provided that can be actuated by an actuator. The actuator can be, for example, a wired remote controller or a wireless remote controller. Full actuation can be accomplished by a single triggering motion of the actuator, or the actuator can be configured to require a constant holding of the actuator until a desired position of the platform is reached. Travel limits can be programmed into the motor drive system such that the drive system stops driving extension or retraction of the platform once a travel limit is reached. The wheelchair can also be converted into a recumbent position. Methods of transferring a user onto or off of the wheelchair are also provided.