Attachment
The F55 will fit to almost every wheelchair on the market, and unlike some handbikes it can be attached to a wheelchair with swing-away legrests. It can be used with both folding and rigid chairs, with a range of adjustments to fit both you and your wheelchair. The large receivers make docking simple, and an optional frame stand is available for those with poor trunk strength - although we have found most people will not require this.
Weighing just 11 kg with the 2 kg battery pack removed, the F55 fits easily into the back of a car, and the sub-frame can be removed if desired to make it even more compact.
While it will attach to any brand of wheelchair, the Empulse F55 is the ideal partner for a Quickie wheelchair. When purchased alongside a sturdy chair like the Quickie Life R, the total cost for both will work out as cheaper than most other handbikes!
Performance
Your F55 provides you with a comfortable, smooth ride. Brushless 12.4 mph motors let you get places quickly, and the light lithium battery has a good range of 15.5 miles. Slower speed motors are available if you are primarily using it indoors - however we would generally recommend getting the fastest top speed, as you can always use one of the lower speed profiles. The LCD screen display provides clear information on your speed, battery status, power consumption and trip data, while the bright LED headlight keeps you visible.
Your F55 can help you carry out everyday tasks, whether that be a commute, shopping, meeting friends and family, or walking the dog.
Two wheel sizes are available:
8.5 inch air-chambered solid tyre - tighter turning, more compact and ideal for those sticking to paved surfaces.
14 inch pneumatic tyre - improved outdoor handling, best for those wanting to go off-road.
Style
Featuring the signature styling to match Sunrise's Quickie wheelchairs, the Empulse F55 provides a sporty yet smart upgrade to your wheelchair's looks. It comes in all-black with a choice of four accent colours - orange, red, blue and black.
Our Verdict
The F55 is a game-changer in the handbike market. It comes in at a much lower price point than other models, making a good quality handbike more attainable than ever before.
It doesn't match the same level of off-road power and torque as bigger models such as Alber's E-Pilot or Triride handbikes like the Compact HT, so if you want to go adventuring on rough terrain you will be better off with another model. However, for everyday use - commutes, pavements, parks - it excels, as well as offering great value, and is our recommendation.
