Abstract: A combination power wheelchair and power walker provides dual controls that may be used by either a seated user or a user walking behind and partially supported by the mobility aid. A hand control assembly provides a seated user with an on-off switch and forward-off-reverse switches for each motor. A direction controller assembly connects and provides coordinated movement of the left and right switch handles of the hand control assembly. The direction controller assembly allows the user to operate both switches with one hand by means of pushing, pulling or twisting motions, and replaces an expensive joy-stick assembly. A walker control assembly which overrides the hand control assembly, allows a walking user to operate both motors in either a forward or reverse direction, and to easily control walker speed and direction with gentle pushes or pulls on the walker handles.

Abstract: A powered wheelchair 50 comprises a frame 52 and two independently rotatable drive wheels 54 and 56 mounted to the frame 12. Two motors 62 and 64 are coupled via coupler 70 to the drive wheel 54 such that the motors 62 and 64 drive the drive wheel 54 in different speed ranges. Two motors 66 and 68 are coupled via coupler 80 to drive the drive wheel 56 such that the motors 66 and 68 drive the drive wheel 56 in different speed ranges. Various control systems, including a microprocessor based control system 190, may be employed to control the motors 62, 64, 66, and 68.