What is a FreeWheel wheelchair attachment? (and how does it help?)

Whenever I share a photo of my wheelchair online, the most common question I get asked is, what’s that big wheel on the front of your chair?

So, I thought I’d use this blog post to tell you all about the FreeWheel wheelchair attachment, how it helps me to manage grass, gravel, cobbles and uneven terrain in my wheelchair, and where you can buy a FreeWheel.

What is a FreeWheel?

The FreeWheel is a piece of adaptive equipment – a large wheel that quickly, easily and securely clamps to the footrest of most manual wheelchairs, rigid frame or folding. It’s compact, lightweight, and ideal for wheelchair accessible travel.

How does the FreeWheel work?

Once attached, the FreeWheel lifts your small front casters off the ground, transforming your wheelchair into a three-wheeled all-terrain chair.

It also looks seriously cool, and I regularly get compliments when I’m out and about on the sleek design of my wheelchair and add-ons.

What does the FreeWheel help with?

You know all of those annoying surfaces that make life as a wheelchair user more uncomfortable, or sometimes, even impossible? Grass, gravel, cobbles, mud, sand; The FreeWheel makes wheeling over all of these different types of terrain easier, more secure and more comfortable. Apparently, it even helps with snow, though I haven’t been brave enough to try that yet!

I live in a town which has very uneven pavements, and so I don’t even think about going outside without my FreeWheel – it makes me feel so much more safe and secure in my wheelchair, particularly when I’m using my power add-on.

The FreeWheel definitely makes my dog walks easier!

Where can I buy a FreeWheel wheelchair attachment?

The official Go FreeWheel website has a list of international distributors with full contact details.

Click here to view the list of FreeWheel distributors

How much does the FreeWheel cost?

It’s fairly common knowledge that wheelchairs, mobility products, and accessories don’t come cheap. However, the FreeWheel is one of the better value add-ons I’ve come across, with typical UK prices starting at around £400 excluding VAT.

Where can I find out more about the FreeWheel?

I always advise doing a lot of research before purchasing any mobility equipment – so don’t just take my word for it – check out some more FreeWheel reviews at the links below.

Disability Horizons reviewed why the FreeWheel is the best wheelchair accessory

Have Wheelchair Will Travel trialled the FreeWheel on the beach in Fiji

Where Next?

Read more product and mobility aid reviews for disabled travellers, including wheelchairs, power add-ons and accessories.