Rio Mobility
Rio Mobility, founded in 2006 and based in Berkeley, California, designs and sells lightweight electric and manual wheelchair attachments (Firefly, Dragonfly, eDragonfly) that extend outdoor range for manual wheelchair users. The company sells primarily direct-to-consumer via its Shopify storefront with supplementary dealer and international distributor channels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersBerkeley, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Rio Mobility does
Rio Mobility is a Berkeley, California-based manufacturer of wheelchair attachments founded in 2006 by Bart Kylstra. The company designs, assembles, and ships lightweight devices that convert manual wheelchairs into powered or hand-cranked mobility aids, targeting individual manual wheelchair users seeking extended outdoor range, faster travel (up to 12 mph), and terrain versatility beyond push-rim propulsion. Its core product portfolio comprises the Firefly 2.5 electric attachment (350W brushless hub motor, removable lithium-ion battery, 12-15 mile range, $2,649 flat price across all color and tire configurations), the Dragonfly 2.0 manual handcycle, and the eDragonfly 2.0 hybrid electric and manual handcycle. The company also sells accessories such as the Firefly Travel Bag ($375) and replacement parts.
The underlying technology centers on a proprietary quick-release docking system that enables attachment and detachment in seconds after a one-hour initial installation, a custom extruded 6061-T6 aluminum frame engineered to reduce vibration, and industry-first mirrored dual-pull brake calipers. The Firefly 2.5 carries comprehensive safety certifications including UL 2271, UL 2272, CE EN 12184:2014, UN 38.3, FCC, ROHS, ISO 4210-5, and ISO 4210-2, positioning Rio Mobility as the only North American wheelchair attachment company testing to this full slate of standards.
Rio Mobility operates a direct-to-consumer go-to-market anchored on a Shopify e-commerce storefront, supplemented by a US dealer network offering trial demos and personalized quotes, and six international distributors across Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, Japan, Singapore, and South Africa. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time hardware sales with a modest recurring component from accessories and replacement parts. The company is privately held by its founder with no institutional investors or funding rounds disclosed, and operates with 1-10 employees.
Rio Mobility firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Rio Mobility
- Legal name
- Rio Mobility
- Website
- https://riomobility.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Rio Mobility, founded in 2006 and based in Berkeley, California, designs and sells lightweight electric and manual wheelchair attachments (Firefly, Dragonfly, eDragonfly) that extend outdoor range for manual wheelchair users. The company sells primarily direct-to-consumer via its Shopify storefront with supplementary dealer and international distributor channels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Rio Mobility industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wheelchair Attachments and Adaptive Mobility Equipment
- NAICS
- Home Health Equipment Rental (532283), Recreational Goods Rental (532284)
- SIC
- Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Mobility Aids (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers, Canes) (HLAHAMAA)
Keywords
Where Rio Mobility is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Berkeley
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Rio Mobility business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Wheelchair Attachment Hardware Sales: One-time hardware sales of electric and manual wheelchair attachments (Firefly, Dragonfly, eDragonfly) with prices ranging from $2,649 for the Firefly 2.5. Revenue is generated from direct online sales and dealer/network distribution.
- Accessories and Replacement Parts: Sales of accessories including the Firefly Travel Bag ($375), replacement parts, and smartphone handlebar mounts. Provides recurring revenue from existing customer base.
- Customization Services: Customized mounting kits available for specific wheelchair models like Ki-Mobility Rogue and Quickie Nitrum for additional fees.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Firefly 2.5 Electric Scooter Attachment - $2,649 |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Rio Mobility product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Rio Mobility designs, manufactures, and sells wheelchair attachment hardware products—including the Firefly 2.5 electric scooter attachment, Dragonfly 2.0 manual handcycle, and eDragonfly 2.0 hybrid electric-manual handcycle—along with accessories such as the Firefly Travel Bag, smartphone handlebar mount, and replacement parts. These attachments convert manual wheelchairs into powered or assisted-mobility devices via a quick-release docking system, enabling faster travel, longer range, and broader terrain navigation at a price 2–3x lower than competing products.
Product overview
Rio Mobility offers a portfolio of wheelchair attachment products designed to enhance mobility and outdoor range for wheelchair users. The core product line includes the Firefly 2.5 (electric attachment), Dragonfly 2.0 (manual handcycle), and eDragonfly 2.0 (hybrid electric/manual handcycle). Accessories include a travel bag, smartphone mount, and replacement parts. Products are priced 2-3x lower than competing products and are designed to be lightweight, easy to attach, and compatible with most wheelchair models.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Firefly 2.5 Electric Attachment An electric wheelchair attachment that converts manual wheelchairs into powered mobility devices. Features a 350W brushless hub motor, 12 mph top speed, 12–15 mile range per charge, USB-A charging port, dual LED lights, disc brakes, full color display, 5 speed modes, and a color-coded quick-release docking system compatible with most manual wheelchairs. Sold in 4 colors (Metallic dk grey, Chrome red, Metallic silver, Matte black) and 2 tire types (Road Tire, Offroad Tire) at $2,649. Targets individual manual wheelchair users seeking faster outdoor travel and broader terrain navigation.
- Dragonfly 2.0 Manual Handcycle A manual handcycle attachment for wheelchairs providing upper-body aerobic exercise through a push-pull crank mechanism. Converts a manual wheelchair into a 'trike without having to transfer,' allowing users to bike alongside companions in recumbent bicycles and traverse rougher terrain. Targeted at manual wheelchair users seeking aerobic exercise, recreation, and greater destination range.
- eDragonfly 2.0 Electric Assisted Handcycle A hybrid electric and manual handcycle attachment that provides power assist while allowing users to pedal manually. Enables wheelchair users to bike with companions in recumbent bicycles and is intended for users seeking combined exercise and assisted travel, including hill-climbing support where upper-body strength alone is insufficient.
- Firefly Travel Bag A travel bag accessory for transporting the Firefly wheelchair attachment. Features durable nylon fabric, padded inner layer, inner corrugated plastic frame, twin pull handles, reinforced heavy-duty zipper, and 4 removable travel wheels. Priced at $375. Target customer is a Firefly owner needing to transport the attachment via car trunk or air travel.
- Smart Phone Handlebar Mount A motorcycle-grade smartphone handlebar mount with tight tolerances and an oversized cinch-down handle designed for users with limited hand dexterity. Compatible with Firefly 2.0 and 2.5.
- Custom Mounting Kits Custom mounting kits tailored to specific wheelchair models (such as Ki-Mobility Rogue and Quickie Nitrum) offered for additional fees to ensure proper docking compatibility for wheelchairs not covered by the standard quick-release fit.
- Replacement Parts (Firefly 2.5 and Gen 2.0) Spare parts and components available for purchase including batteries, kickstands, and other wear items for Firefly 2.5 (spare parts collection) and older generation Firefly 2.0 models (replacement parts collection). Recurring revenue item from existing customer base.
Quantifiable outcome
- Range of 12-13 miles per charge, extendable to 24-26 miles with secondary battery
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Rio Mobility
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Rio Mobility technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Rio Mobility partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and standard.
- Call Before You FallcoreAuthorized dealer in greater Los Angeles area, fully stocked and mobile. Located at 18310 Oxnard St, Tarzana, CA 91356. Contact Alex Katz (818) 290-9651. Offers trial demos and quotes.
- Vesco WheelchairsminorCustom wheelchair manufacturer located in San Diego, CA (2425 Fenton St, Chula Vista, CA 91914). Specializes in custom cut wheelchairs manufactured in San Diego. Offers custom fit alternatives compatible with Firefly, Dragonfly, and eDragonfly.
- Casa EscaladastandardArgentine distributor for Rio Mobility products, handling local inquiries and sales for the Argentina market.
- WheelabilitystandardAustralian distributor handling local inquiries and sales for the Australia market.
- Chupis OrtopedicastandardCosta Rica distributor handling local inquiries and sales for the Costa Rica market.
- Nico MobilitystandardJapanese distributor (Nico Mobility) handling local inquiries and sales for the Japan market.
- YZE Health RehabstandardSingapore distributor handling local inquiries and sales for the Singapore market.
- Chairman IndustriesstandardSouth African distributor handling local inquiries and sales for the South Africa market.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Rio Mobility competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Pride Mobility: Major US power wheelchair and mobility scooter manufacturer serving a partially overlapping customer base of users with mobility impairments, including recreational mobility.
- Permobil: Major power wheelchair manufacturer with a broad mobility portfolio; competes indirectly through its power wheelchair lineup that addresses some of the same end-user mobility needs as Rio Mobility's power-assist attachments.
- Sunrise Medical: Large global wheelchair manufacturer (Quickie, Zippie, RGK brands) whose manual wheelchairs are referenced in Rio Mobility compatibility guides; competes in the broader wheelchair mobility space.
- Invacare: Diversified mobility and DME manufacturer; through Alber it competes in power-assist attachments, while its broader wheelchair portfolio overlaps with the addressable market Rio Mobility serves.
Direct peers
- Huka Bikes (Van Raam): Dutch manufacturer of adaptive cycles including handcycles and wheelchair-towable trikes, overlapping with Rio Mobility's handcycle/electric attachment offering for wheelchair users seeking outdoor mobility.
- Stricker Handbikes: German manufacturer of handcycle attachments for wheelchairs (including electric-assist variants), directly comparable to Rio Mobility's Dragonfly and eDragonfly product lines.
- Bike-On: Specialist in adaptive cycling equipment and handcycles for people with disabilities, directly comparable to Rio Mobility's Dragonfly manual handcycle line in product category and target customer.
- Max Mobility (SmartDrive): Manufactures the SmartDrive power-assist wheel that attaches to manual wheelchairs, the closest direct competitor to the Rio Mobility Firefly in form factor and use case (extending manual wheelchair range outdoors).
- Alber (Invacare / Motion Concepts) e-motion: Markets the e-motion power-assist wheels for manual wheelchairs, directly competing with Rio Mobility's Firefly in the power-assist attachment category and serving similar end users.
Emerging players
- ICE Trikes (Inspired Cycle Engineering): UK-based recumbent trike and handcycle manufacturer whose recumbent and adaptive trikes compete for the same recreational/endurance rider use cases that the Rio eDragonfly addresses.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Rio Mobility social profiles
Digital presenceRio Mobility compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance10 records
Rio Mobility financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Rio Mobility leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Rio Mobility funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Rio Mobility M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Rio Mobility
What does Rio Mobility do?
Rio Mobility designs, manufactures, and sells wheelchair attachment hardware products—including the Firefly 2.5 electric scooter attachment, Dragonfly 2.0 manual handcycle, and eDragonfly 2.0 hybrid electric-manual handcycle—along with accessories such as the Firefly Travel Bag, smartphone handlebar mount, and replacement parts. These attachments convert manual wheelchairs into powered or assisted-mobility devices via a quick-release docking system, enabling faster travel, longer range, and broader terrain navigation at a price 2–3x lower than competing products.
Is Rio Mobility a public or private company?
Rio Mobility is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Rio Mobility founded?
Rio Mobility was founded in 2006. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Rio Mobility based?
Rio Mobility is headquartered in Berkeley, United States, in the North America region.
How does Rio Mobility make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Wheelchair Attachment Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are accessories and Replacement Parts and customization Services.
Who are Rio Mobility's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Pride Mobility, Permobil, Sunrise Medical and Invacare. Direct peers are Huka Bikes (Van Raam), Stricker Handbikes, Bike-On, Max Mobility (SmartDrive) and Alber (Invacare / Motion Concepts) e-motion. ICE Trikes (Inspired Cycle Engineering) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Rio Mobility have an API?
No public API is recorded for Rio Mobility.
What industry is Rio Mobility in?
Rio Mobility's product category is Wheelchair Attachments and Adaptive Mobility Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAHAMAA, Mobility Aids (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers, Canes). Its NAICS code is 532283 and its SIC code is 3842.