a power add - on device for powering a manual wheelchair includes a motorized component including dual electric motors and a power source electrically coupled to the electric motors , wherein each of the motors is configured to turn a respective one of a set of drive wheels . the power add - on device includes a latching mechanism adapted to attach the power add - on device to the camber tube of the manual wheelchair ; and a controller , reachable by a person sitting in the manual wheelchair , that controls the latching mechanism , the motors , and a swing arm that allows the rear wheels of the manual wheelchair to be lifted off the ground . the front wheels of the manual wheelchair are allowed to be lifted several inches off the ground to avoid obstacles , or can be lifted by the user leaning back . advantageously , the power add - on device can be detached from the manual wheelchair and loaded into the trunk of a car when travelling or may be checked in as baggage when flying .