Hoss R1 Balance Wheelchair with Joystick

Hoss R1 – self-balancing electric wheelchair with joystick

The Hoss R1 by Hoss Mobility is a self-balancing electric wheelchair that is dynamically stabilised on two parallel wheels while driving and fully controlled via a joystick.

The key difference compared with actively body-controlled balance wheelchairs: the user does not need to shift their body weight to accelerate, brake or steer. The Hoss R1 maintains its balance automatically.

How is the Hoss R1 controlled?

The Hoss R1 is controlled using a joystick. Forward movement, reversing and changes of direction are controlled directly through joystick input. According to the manufacturer, the sensitivity of the controls can be adjusted to individual requirements via the MyHoss app.

This makes the Hoss R1 particularly relevant for users who want the manoeuvrability and driving concept of a balance wheelchair but cannot or do not wish to use active weight shifting to control the vehicle.

Whether the Hoss R1 is suitable for an individual user must always be assessed individually. Seating position, transfers, arm and hand function, body stability and the ability to operate the joystick safely are important factors.

Open front design without a central steering column

The Hoss R1 does not require a central steering column in front of the user. The vehicle is controlled via a side-mounted joystick, leaving the front area largely open.

This can be particularly useful for transfers, approaching tables or work surfaces and in everyday situations. The armrests can also be removed for certain situations and for transport.

Hoss R1 technical specifications

Hoss Mobility currently specifies the following technical data for the Hoss R1:

• Maximum speed: 15 km/h
• Range: up to 60 km
• Maximum payload: 120 kg
• Dimensions when supported: approx. 92 × 67 × 102 cm (L × W × H)
• Loading height: approx. 69 cm with the backrest folded and armrests removed
• Ground clearance: 8 cm
• Seat width: 40–46 cm
• Seat height: 54.5–57.5 cm without seat cushion
• Vehicle weight: 110 kg
• Maximum gradient: 11%
• Charger: 5 A / 290 W
• Battery operating temperature: 0°C to 45°C

Actual range and driving characteristics can vary in practice depending on factors including user weight, driving style, speed, terrain, gradients, temperature and other operating conditions. The manufacturer's range of up to 60 km should therefore be understood as a maximum range figure.

Hoss R1 balance and safety system

According to Hoss Mobility, redundant gyroscopic and acceleration sensors analyse the behaviour of the driver and the terrain several hundred times per second while driving. This allows the vehicle to be dynamically balanced on its two wheels.

In addition, the Hoss R1 features a patented support system that operates independently of the main drive system. It stabilises the vehicle when parked and continuously monitors the status of the balance system while driving. If required, the support system can deploy and mechanically stabilise the Hoss R1.

Hoss R1 – developed and manufactured in Austria

The Hoss R1 was developed by Hoss Mobility in Austria as an independent vehicle concept. According to the manufacturer, development and production take place at its Austrian facility.

Hoss Mobility uses, among other components, drive motors from the automotive sector and a specially developed lithium-ion battery with Panasonic cells.

Hoss R1 for users with reduced trunk stability

Joystick control can be particularly relevant for users who cannot or do not wish to use active weight shifting to control their wheelchair. This fundamentally distinguishes the Hoss R1 from actively body-controlled balance wheelchairs.

However, this does not automatically mean that the Hoss R1 is suitable for every physical impairment. Seating position, transfers, arm and hand function, body stability and safe joystick operation must be assessed individually.

A personal test drive is therefore particularly important.

Hoss R1 vs Genny Zero

The main difference between the Hoss R1 and Genny Zero is the control concept.

With the Genny Zero, acceleration and braking are actively controlled by shifting the body's centre of gravity. This involves the user more actively in controlling the vehicle.

The Hoss R1, by contrast, is controlled via joystick. Active weight shifting is not required to control the vehicle.

Which concept is more suitable depends on the user's physical capabilities, personal preferences and intended use. A direct comparison and practical test drive are therefore recommended.

Hoss R1 vs Omeo

The Hoss R1 and Omeo also differ fundamentally in their control concepts.

The Omeo enables active control through body movement and weight shifting and can be operated without a central steering column.

The Hoss R1 also provides an open front area but is controlled via joystick and does not require active weight shifting for vehicle control.

Manoeuvrability in everyday life

Thanks to its self-balancing two-wheel concept, the Hoss R1 can manoeuvre in very tight spaces and turn virtually on the spot.

This can provide advantages in homes, shops, restaurants, lifts and other areas where space is limited. At the same time, the Hoss R1 is designed for outdoor use.

Hoss R1 for outdoor and off-road use

Hoss Mobility describes the Hoss R1 as a manoeuvrable and all-terrain mobility device. Its large wheels, 8 cm ground clearance and integrated seat suspension support use on a variety of surfaces.

All-terrain capability does not mean that every surface or driving situation can be negotiated safely. Gradients, slopes, wet conditions, snow, loose surfaces, obstacles and the individual abilities of the user must always be taken into account.

Up to 60 km range

Hoss Mobility specifies a range of up to 60 km for the Hoss R1.

This is a maximum manufacturer specification and not a guaranteed everyday range. User weight, speed, driving style, terrain, gradients, temperature and other conditions can affect the actual distance achievable.

The high maximum range can be particularly relevant for users who regularly want to travel longer distances.

MyHoss app

The MyHoss app is available for the Hoss R1. According to the manufacturer, the app can be used to adjust the sensitivity of the controls to the user's individual requirements.

This allows the response characteristics of the joystick control to be individually adjusted.

Transporting and loading the Hoss R1

With a vehicle weight of 110 kg, transportation of the Hoss R1 should be planned carefully before purchase.

Hoss Mobility specifies a loading height of approximately 69 cm with the backrest folded and armrests removed. When planning vehicle transport, the loading aperture, available interior height, ramp length, load capacity and, where appropriate, a suitable lift or loading system should also be considered.

Hoss R1 test drive

A Hoss R1 test drive is particularly important because its control concept differs significantly from actively body-controlled balance wheelchairs and conventional electric wheelchairs.

During a test drive, the following points should be assessed in particular:

• seating position and transfers
• joystick operation and control sensitivity
• manoeuvrability and driving characteristics
• driving on different suitable surfaces
• seating comfort
• individual operability and safety
• suitability for the user's everyday life and intended use

PT Pro provides consultation and test drives and supports users in selecting and configuring the appropriate vehicle.

Hoss R1 funding and reimbursement

Depending on the individual situation and applicable requirements, funding or reimbursement through an appropriate payer may be possible. This can include statutory or private health insurance, occupational accident insurance or other responsible funding bodies.

Whether costs are covered, and to what extent, is assessed and decided individually by the responsible payer.

PT Pro can support an individual application by providing technical product information and appropriate documentation from the assessment and test-drive process.

Hoss R1 service, accessories and technical support

When choosing a high-quality electric wheelchair, long-term technical support should be considered alongside the vehicle itself.

PT Pro provides consultation, test drives, accessories, spare parts, technical support and service for the Hoss R1.

Who may benefit from the Hoss R1?

The Hoss R1 can be particularly relevant for users looking for the following characteristics:

• self-balancing two-wheel concept
• joystick control
• no active weight shifting required for vehicle control
• open front area without a central steering column
• high manoeuvrability and the ability to turn on the spot
• manufacturer-specified range of up to 60 km
• indoor and outdoor mobility

Whether the Hoss R1 is actually the appropriate mobility solution should be determined according to the user's individual physical capabilities, preferred control method and intended use.

PT Pro – advice and comparison of modern balance wheelchairs

PT Pro specialises in balance wheelchairs and innovative mobility solutions. These include different vehicle and control concepts such as the Hoss R1, Genny Zero and Omeo.

Our aim is not to recommend the same vehicle to every user. The decisive question is which control and vehicle concept best matches the individual's technical, physical and practical requirements and everyday use.

Get informed, compare the options, test them personally and then make a well-founded decision.