Texas SmartDrive Wheelchair Recall Lawyer

Max Mobility / Permobil recalled all SmartDrive Wheelchair Speed Control Dials after 5 people were seriously injured in wheelchair accidents when the dial malfunctioned.

Need a Texas SmartDrive Wheelchair Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you were injured by a SmartDrive Wheelchair Speed Control Dial, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

SmartDrive Wheelchair Speed Control Dial Recall

In April 2025, the wheelchair manufacturer Max Mobility / Permobil announced a nationwide recall for all Speed Control Dial accessories for wheelchairs equipped with SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Devices due to safety concerns.

How Does It Work?

The SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device is a lightweight, battery-powered motorized wheel that is designed to help wheelchair users get around. The device can be attached or detached to the rear axle of a standard wheelchair, providing an extra boost of power to tackle hills, ramps, or rough terrain.

The Speed Control Dial is an optional accessory that is wired directly into the SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device. The dial lets users start, stop, or change the speed of the SmartDrive motor on-the-go.

781 Complaints, 5 Severe Injuries Linked to Speed Control Dial

As of March 27, 2025, Max Mobility / Permobil said it had received reports of 5 serious injuries and 781 complaints associated with the Speed Control Dial. These serious injuries include:

• Broken hip
• Broken ribs
• Broken ankle (fractured malleolus bone)
• Broken shin bone (fractured tibia)
• Concussion

What is the Problem?

SmartDrive Wheelchair Speed Control Dials were recalled due to issues with a defective circuit board. This issue may cause the SmartDrive motor to be unresponsive to the user, according to the recall.

This issue may cause a variety of performance problems that pose safety hazards, depending on the scenario. For example:

• Continued drive: The Speed Control Dial does not fully stop the drive unit when rotated to the zero position.
• Involuntary movement: Unintended activation of the SmartDrive motor without intentional user input while the Speed Control Dial is at the zero position and the dial light is flashing in standby mode.
• Loss of power: When the Speed Control Dial is rotated forward from the zero position, SmartDrive motor movement is initiated, and then the Speed Control Dial unexpectedly shuts down.
• Failure to start driving: When the dial is rotated forward from the zero position, no SmartDrive motor activation occurs.

What is the Risk?

Wheelchair users who experience problems with the SmartDrive motor unexpectedly starting, stopping, or malfunctioning may be involved in serious (or even life-threatening) wheelchair accidents.

The recall provides examples of possible injuries, ranging from minor skin irritation or bruises to “serious injuries such as a muscle or ligament strain or tear, bone fracture in an extremity, and/or concussion.”

There is also a risk to innocent bystanders who are nearby when the SmartDrive Wheelchair malfunctions, the recall warns: “Unintentional activation and/or inability to turn off power assist could cause serious injury such as a bone fracture in an extremity.”

December 2024 Recall for SmartDrive Wheelchair Speed Control Dials

Max Mobility / Permobil originally recalled Speed Control Dials for SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Wheelchairs in December 2024 due to safety concerns.

Unfortunately, some of the recalled dials were inadverently shipped out along with the redesigned replacement dials after the recall in December 2024.

In response, Max Mobility / Permobil expanded the recall to include all Speed Control Dials (Models: MX2-3DCK and MX2-3DC) that were made and distributed between August 17, 2023 and March 10, 2025.

What Should I Do?

The FDA has designated this action as a Class 1 recall — the most serious type — due to the risk of severe injuries or death with continued use of the recalled device.

According to the FDA: “To reduce the likelihood of a hazardous situation, discontinue use of the Speed Control Dial and utilize an alternate wired controller … or wearable controller.”

Max Mobility / Permobil is asking customers to register for a free replacement Speed Control Dial. For more information, visit the SmartDrive Recall website: https://hub.permobil.com/smartdrive-scd-voluntary-field-action.

Need a SmartDrive Wheelchair Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.