What it is
With Ability Drive, the person looks at an arrow on a screen and the chair moves that way; looking away stops it. It runs on an eye-gaze tablet mounted to the chair, and on some setups the same tablet can also adjust power seating.
Who it may help
People who cannot use a joystick, such as some people living with ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, high-level spinal cord injury, or cerebral palsy.
Questions to ask your clinician
- Will this work with my wheelchair electronics and my eye-gaze device?
- Who will set it up and train me to drive safely?
- What is the backup if the eye tracker has trouble, for example in bright sun?
Paying for it
Equipment like this is often paid for, at least in part, by Medicare, Medi-Cal, private insurance, or the VA when a clinician documents why you need it. Coverage rules change and denials happen, so ask your clinician and supplier what paperwork is needed. If insurance says no, a grant program such as the Permobil Foundation may be worth a look.
Can I try one?
This is not in our Equipment Library right now. If you want help finding a place to see or try one, contact us.
In the news: Tolt launches Ability Drive eye-gaze driving for iPad (October 7, 2026).
Manufacturer information: Tolt Technologies (opens in a new tab)