Abstract: A propulsion assist device for a wheelchair having a hand rim slideably housed inside a channel of a frame pivotably connected to a lever arm. The frame is further comprised of a portion of grip material positioned inside the channel along an underside of a top of the frame. When a pair of devices are installed on a pair of hand rims of the wheelchair, the wheelchair is moved forward by a coordinated rowing motion of both lever arms forwards and then backwards along the hand rim. The pivoting motion of the frame causes the grip material sandwiched between the frame and the hand rim to pressure grip the hand rim and turn it when a user moves the lever arms through their rowing motion. Repositioning the frame along the hand rim causes the gripping material to release and slide along the hand rim before repositioning.