Alber

What Alber does

Alber GmbH, founded in 1986 and headquartered in Albstadt-Tailfingen, Germany, designs and manufactures portable electric mobility aids for wheelchair users and their caregivers. The product portfolio spans five categories: add-on electric drives (e-motion, smoov, e-fix) that convert manual wheelchairs into powered or power-assisted ones; foldable electric wheelchairs (erivo, erivo carbon) for users needing temporary or ultralight mobility support; a traction device (e-pilot) for sportier everyday use; push and brake aids (viamobil, viamobil eco, via go) that reduce caregiver strain; and mobile stair climbers (scalamobil, scalacombi) with a patented climbing mechanism and four automatic safety brakes. All drive components are developed and manufactured in-house at the Albstadt facility, with more than 80% of raw materials sourced from Germany; the company holds ISO 13485 (medical devices) and ISO 14001 (environmental management) certifications, plus TÜV Süd product safety marks.

Alber operates a prescription-based B2B2C revenue model. All products are officially recognized medical aids (Hilfsmittel) carrying Hilfsmittelnummer codes, enabling full or near-full reimbursement by German statutory health insurance (Krankenkasse) with a maximum €10 patient co-pay. Hardware pricing is positioned at the premium end of the niche (e.g., erivo from €4,190; e-fix from €5,879.65). Go-to-market runs through a network of certified specialist dealers (Sanitätshäuser) supported by the DIP ordering portal and a field force of medical product advisors conducting in-home demonstrations, with direct customer support via phone, WhatsApp, and a HubSpot chatbot. The customer base is fragmented across wheelchair users, caregivers, and prescribing dealers, and the company operates across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas.

Since 2006 Alber was a subsidiary of Invacare Corporation; in 2024 Invacare Europe (including Alber) and Asia Pacific merged with Direct Healthcare Group under private equity firm Rhône to form DHCare. Alber is now led by dual CEOs Graham Ewart and Florian Hemetsberger-Doff, with Johannes Beltman as Managing Director. DHCare has signed a binding agreement to acquire Ottobock's Mobility division, expected to close in H2 2026, signaling an active consolidation strategy in the European mobility and aftercare sector.

Name

Alber

Legal name

Alber GmbH

Website

https://alber.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Alber GmbH is a German specialist, founded in 1986 and based in Albstadt, that designs and manufactures portable electric mobility aids — including wheelchair add-on drives, foldable electric wheelchairs, push/brake aids, and stair climbers — sold through certified dealers and reimbursed by health insurance as recognized medical devices.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mobility Aids / Medical Rehabilitation Equipment

NAICS

Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510)

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842), Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)

akta.pro primary industry

Mobility Aids (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers, Canes) (HLAHAMAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Sales & Rentals (HSABAKAA), Home Mobility & Accessibility Equipment (Ramps, Stair Lifts, Transfer Aids) (HSABAKAB), Patient Lifts, Transfer & Safe Handling Equipment (Hoists, Slings, Transfer Boards) (HLAHAMAE)

Keywords

• Wheelchair add-on drives
• Electric mobility aids
• Folding electric wheelchairs
• Stair climbing devices
• Push and brake aids

Headquarters

HQ city

Albstadt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Mobility aid hardware sales: Alber generates revenue through the sale of electric wheelchair add-on drives (e-motion, smoov, e-fix), folding electric wheelchairs (erivo, erivo carbon), traction devices (e-pilot), push/brake aids (viamobil, viamobil eco, via go), and mobile stair climbers (scalamobil, scalacombi). Products are sold through certified specialist dealers and are reimbursable by German health insurance (Krankenkasse) as recognized medical aids (Hilfsmittel).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Alber GmbH designs, manufactures, and sells electric mobility aids for wheelchair users, including add-on drives (e-motion, smoov, e-fix), folding electric wheelchairs (erivo, erivo carbon), traction devices (e-pilot), push and brake aids for caregivers (viamobil, viamobil eco, via go), and mobile stair climbers (scalamobil, scalacombi). All products are classified as approved medical aids (Hilfsmittel) reimbursable by German health insurance, with 100% of drive components developed and manufactured in-house in Albstadt, Germany.

Product overview

Alber GmbH is a specialist for lightweight and user-friendly electromobility solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio of portable mobility aids for wheelchair users and their companions. The product lineup consists of three main categories: (1) Add-on drives for active wheelchair users including e-motion (power-assist hub motors), smoov (dockable power booster), and e-fix (full electric add-on drive with joystick); (2) Foldable electric wheelchairs including erivo and erivo carbon for users needing temporary or lightweight mobility support; (3) Companion products including e-pilot (towing device converting wheelchairs to scooters), viamobil/viamobil eco/via go (push and brake aids for caregivers), and scalamobil/scalacombi (mobile stair climbers). All products are classified as approved medical aids (Hilfsmittel) reimbursable by German health insurance, with components developed and manufactured 100% in Albstadt, Germany.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• e-motion Power-assist drive system with hub-integrated electric motors that support wheelchair users while pedaling, similar to an e-bike principle. Helps conserve muscles and joints while enabling users to overcome inclines and longer distances. Designed for manual wheelchair users with remaining upper body stability.
• smoov (SMOOV one) Flexible power booster for wheelchairs that can be docked and undocked at will, designed primarily for active wheelchair users who want to switch quickly between manual and electric mode.
• e-fix Versatile electric add-on drive system that converts a manual wheelchair into a full electric wheelchair. Consists of two electrically operated drive wheels with integrated batteries and a mobile joystick control unit that can be attached and detached from the wheelchair. Starting price €5,879.65; Hilfsmittelnummer 18.99.05.1019.
• erivo Comfortable and foldable electric wheelchair designed for users who still have some walking ability and need temporary support. Features up to 35 km range per R11 battery configuration and is suitable for outdoor tours with special suspension. Starting price €4,190; Hilfsmittelnummer 18.46.06.0010.
• erivo carbon Ultralight and foldable electric wheelchair designed for urban mobility. Features metallic copper frame accents and combines lightweight construction with the functionality of a full electric wheelchair.
• e-pilot Towing device that transforms a manual wheelchair into a sporty everyday vehicle in seconds by adding a large front wheel with drive. Ideal for longer distances and can handle rough terrain like field paths, while remaining easy to steer like a bicycle.
• viamobil Comfortable push and brake assist aid for accompanying persons, supporting up to 160 kg. Helps caregivers safely push and brake manual wheelchairs including on slopes up to 18%.
• viamobil eco Clever push and brake assist aid for accompanying persons, supporting up to 120 kg. Provides powered assistance for caregivers to safely maneuver wheelchairs.
• via go Compact push aid for accompanying persons. Provides powered assistance for easier wheelchair propulsion.
• scalamobil Mobile stair climber that can be attached to wheelchairs as needed and allows overcoming stairs of any kind with little effort. Features a patented climbing system with automatic safety brakes that protect the staircase from damage.
• scalacombi Mobile stair climbing assistance device with integrated seat. Provides the same stair climbing capabilities as scalamobil but includes a built-in seat for the user during transport.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reimbursement by health insurance typically covers full cost minus 10 EUR co-pay
• +3 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Ottobock MobilityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026DHCare has signed a binding agreement to acquire Ottobock's Mobility division. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to close in the second half of 2026. This will expand DHCare's offerings in complex electric wheelchairs and specialized mobility solutions.
• DHCarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvacare Europe including Alber as part of the Invacare Group, along with Asia Pacific operations, have joined forces with Direct Healthcare Group to form DHCare. Following acquisition by Rhône, this combines leading companies in mobility and aftercare to drive growth and improve healthcare delivery for people with limited mobility.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Ottobock: Global German market leader in prosthetics, orthotics, and complex mobility solutions including power wheelchairs. Alber's DHCare platform is acquiring Ottobock's Mobility division, making Ottobock both a current competitor in e-mobility and a soon-to-be sister entity — directly comparable in product categories (electric wheelchairs, mobility aids) and target customer (reimbursed German/EU patient).
• Invacare: Global DME manufacturer of manual and power wheelchairs, including add-on power assist products. Alber was previously an Invacare subsidiary and is now a sister company within DHCare; product lines overlap heavily in mobility aids and rehab DME sold through similar dealer/reimbursement channels.
• Sunrise Medical: Major international manufacturer of manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and mobility aids (Quickie, Sopur, ZIPPIE brands). Competes head-to-head with Alber in wheelchair add-on drives and power-assist categories, with similar distribution through certified specialist dealers and reimbursement pathways.
• Benoit Systèmes (now part of Direct Healthcare Group): Pressure-care and specialist seating manufacturer that merged into Direct Healthcare Group — Alber's sister platform within DHCare. Shares the DHCare ownership structure and UK/European specialty DME channels.
• Küschall (by Invacare): Premium ultra-lightweight active manual wheelchair brand under Invacare, now within DHCare. Competes with Alber's add-on drive products (e-motion, e-fix) that are commonly fitted onto active manual wheelchairs including Küschall models.
• Handicare (now Savaria / Direct Healthcare Group): Stairlifts, patient transfer aids, and accessibility equipment manufacturer now part of Direct Healthcare Group (DHCare). Direct overlap with Alber's scalamobil stair climber and viamobil push-aid product lines; Alber's DHCare sister entity.

Broad incumbents

• Permobil: Swedish-owned global leader in complex power wheelchairs and seating/repositioning solutions. Overlaps with Alber's erivo folding e-wheelchair line in the powered mobility category, and serves a similar reimbursement-driven customer base via specialist dealers.
• Pride Mobility (Quantum Rehab): US-based large-scale manufacturer of power chairs, scooters, and lift chairs sold through dealer networks. Broad incumbent in the powered mobility space with significant overlap on add-on power-assist and electric wheelchair categories.
• Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare: Large diversified DME manufacturer and distributor with a broad mobility portfolio (rollators, wheelchairs, power chairs). While more mass-market than Alber, it competes in adjacent DME categories through overlapping dealer channels and reimbursement frameworks.

Emerging players

• Yamaha Motor (JWX power-assist): Japanese mobility OEM offering JWX-1 power-assist wheelchair add-on drive. Competes with Alber's e-motion in the active-wheelchair power-assist niche, primarily in Japan and select Asian markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/AlberGmbH
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alber-gmbh

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Alber