The AeroFly Ultra-Lite Wheelchair by Drive Medical has been named a 2025 HME Business New Product Award winner in the Mobility: Travel Wheelchairs category by HME Business.
The HME Business New Product Awards program recognizes outstanding innovations throughout the home medical equipment (HME) industry across a range of technology categories, from respiratory and sleep to mobility, accessibility and urological supplies. Anthony Lamy, Product Manager at Drive Medical, sat down with HME Business to share more about the AeroFly™ Ultra-Lite Wheelchair solution and share his thoughts on the future of the industry. To learn more about the HME Business New Product Awards and view all of the 2025 winners, visit https://hme-business.com/new-product-awards/.
HMEB: Tell us about the AeroFly Ultra-Lite Wheelchair, including its top features and benefits.
Lamy: Effortless to lift, maneuver, and transport, the AeroFly Ultra-Lite Wheelchair’s ultralight magnesium alloy frame (patent pending) weighs just 13.3 pounds without rear wheels and 19 pounds fully assembled, ranking it among the lightest folding wheelchairs available out of the box. It comes standard with both attendant brakes and wheel locks, for seamless independent or assisted use. With a fold-down backrest, seat integrated carry handles, and quick-release wheels, the AeroFly is ideal for compact storage and transport, making it an ideal travel companion.
The AeroWalk comes standard with a variety of enhanced features at an affordable price point, including anti-tippers for added safety, as well as removable seat and back padded overlay cushions for enhanced comfort.
HMEB: In designing this product, what were the top goals of the design team/engineers? What did they most seek to achieve?
Lamy: The design team behind the AeroFly wanted to create an extremely lightweight, portable, and travel-ready wheelchair to make it easier for users with busy lives. Weighing in at just 13.3 pounds without rear wheels, and 19 pounds fully assembled, the AeroFly is one of the lightest folding wheelchairs available out of the box.
HMEB: Who and/or what were the inspirations for your winning product’s functionality, features and design elements?
Lamy: The AeroFly was inspired by a combination of user feedback, provider input, and market trends demanding lightweight, durable and easy-to-use mobility solutions. We focused on creating a chair that balances portability with strength, which led us to explore advanced frame materials. After extensive research, we selected magnesium alloy for its superior strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and premium feel, helping to deliver a product that is both robust and exceptionally light.
In addition to material innovation, we prioritized safety and convenience. Popular safety features, such as anti-tippers, were included at no additional charge, and we made attendant brakes and wheel locks standard to enhance caregiver confidence and user security. These decisions were driven by our commitment to exceed expectations and provide a wheelchair that is not only functional, but also thoughtfully designed for real-world use.
HMEB: Who benefits from your product? Can you offer a “typical” client profile?
Lamy: The AeroFly is perfect for individuals looking for comfortable and lightweight mobility support to enhance their independence. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for those with busy lifestyles who need a mobility aid they can stow in their trunk during car trips or fold up compactly and store nearby while dining out or visiting friends.
The AeroFly is built for people who want a wheelchair that’s easy to operate, lightweight, comfortable, and maneuverable. It’s a great fit for those who value independence but also appreciate having features that make life easier for caregivers. The attendant brakes are a good example; they give caregivers extra control over the chair which adds a layer of safety and peace of mind. That combination makes AeroFly ideal for users who mostly self-propel but occasionally need a helping hand.
HMEB: Does your winning product offer adjustability or customizability for the different needs of different consumers/users?
Lamy: The AeroFly includes both attendant brakes and wheel locks, which allow it to be used independently, or pushed by a caregiver. This versatility means that the AeroFly can easily suit the changing needs of both users and caregivers.
HMEB: How does your winning product optimize independence, function, safety, confidence, success with everyday goals, etc., for its users?
Lamy: Needing to constantly strategize around lifting and transporting heavy, bulky equipment can make it difficult for wheelchair users to manage busy lives while feeling fully independent. The AeroFly’s lightweight frame, fold-down backrest, and quick release wheels mean it’s both less tiresome to push and easy to take on the go. This allows end users to stay active and do the things they want to do, whether that’s traveling or running everyday errands. In terms of safety features, the AeroFly comes standard with anti-tippers that help prevent the chair from tipping backwards, and attendant brakes that give caregivers extra control over the chair when needed.
HMEB: What funding options are available for this product?
Lamy: The AeroFly is not HCPCS coded, which means it does not qualify for traditional insurance reimbursement under Medicare or Medicaid. As a result, this product is primarily positioned as a cash-pay or retail purchase.
HMEB: What makes a product or service an HME Business New Product Award winner? What advice do you have for future entrants?
Lamy: Products that take the extra step to deliver added value to customers. The AeroFly includes anti-tippers and dual brakes — both attendant brakes and wheel locks — features that might need to be added for extra cost to other wheelchairs. Look for ways you can improve a product to meet the constantly evolving needs of customers.
