Max Mobility / Permobil announces worldwide expanded recall and removal of all SpeedControl Dials from the market due to intermittent cable connection concerns of the dial with the SmartDrive MX2+ motor. Users must use an alternate control method ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12, 2025 

Company Address

Permobil New Zealand
181A McLeod Road
Te Atatu South, Auckland, 0610
Phone: 0800 115 222

Website: www.permobil.com/en-nz 

Max Mobility/Permobil, following consultation with MedSafe, has expanded its recall scope of the SpeedControl Dial, a wired control option for the SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device (WAND reference 210831-WAND-6XI4GS), due to safety and performance concerns. This recall applies to all SpeedControl Dials manufactured and distributed between the dates of April 25, 2022 to July 8, 2025. 

Relation to Existing/Prior Recall:

A recall (Ref No. 34421) was originally initiated on December 23, 2024 to address a material change with the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) in SpeedControl Dials manufactured and distributed between the dates of August 17, 2023 and November 21, 2024. The recall was later expanded on April 24, 2025 and included all units manufactured and distributed up to February 28, 2025. Information about the prior recall can be found using the following link: https://hub.permobil.co.nz/speed-control-dial-correction.

This new expanded recall supersedes the previous recall and applies to all SpeedControl Dials in the market, including replacements received under the previous recall.

Reason for Expanded Field Removal:

Through ongoing complaint monitoring and subsequent investigation, Max Mobility/Permobil identified a new design issue with the SpeedControl Dial that may lead to unexpected behaviour of the SmartDrive MX2+ motor. This design issue has been part of the SpeedControl Dial since it was first introduced to the market in April 2022 and impacts all SpeedControl Dials manufactured and distributed, which occurred between April 25, 2022 to July 8, 2025. Specifically, if there is an intermittent electrical connection between the SpeedControl Dial and SmartDrive MX2+ motor, the following performance issues could occur:

• Continued drive: The SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device fails to fully stop when the SpeedControl Dial is pressed inward. 
• Involuntary movement: Unintended activation of the SmartDrive MX2+ motor without intentional user input to the SpeedControl Dial while the dial is at zero position and dial light is flashing in stand-by-mode.

Risk to Health:

If an individual is using a Max Mobility/Permobil SpeedControl Dial to control their SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device and experiences one of the performance concerns identified above, they may experience continued drive and/or involuntary movement. Depending on the scenario, this could lead to minor and/or serious injuries. A minor injury, such as a cut, bruise, scrape, or general soreness, could occur if one of these scenarios occurs at a low overall speed.  If a user is travelling at a fast rate of speed and one of these scenarios occurs, there is a potential for serious injury, such as a bone fracture.

There is also a potential risk associated with individuals who may be in close proximity to a user of a SpeedControl Dial if one of these performance failure scenarios were to occur, as the wheelchair powered by the SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device could run or bump into another individual and/or roll over their toes or another extremity.

Affected Product:

All SpeedControl Dials are impacted by this issue, including SpeedControl Dials that were replaced as part of the existing/prior recall. Specific part numbers associated with SpeedControl Dials are shown below:

• MX2-850-3DC
• MX2-3DC
• MX2-3DC-MC

Actions Required if you are an End User:

If you have a SpeedControl Dial, please take the following actions immediately:

1.     Immediately discontinue use of the SpeedControl Dial to reduce the likelihood of a potentially hazardous or harmful situation. 

2.     Use an alternate method to control the SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device. Alternate controls include:

• A wired SwitchControl, which can be ordered with a mono jack port to connect with an optional Buddy Button
• Wirelessly through the SmartDrive MX2+ App utilising an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. A list of compatible wearable devices can be found at: https://www.permobil.com/en-nz/products/power-assist/smartdrive-mx2plus-premium-wearables

3.     Please click here to visit our website for additional instructions.

Actions Required if you are a Dealer or Distributor:

If you possess or distributed a SpeedControl Dial, please take the following actions immediately:

1.     Since all SpeedControl Dials are impacted by this recall, remove SpeedControl Dials from your sellable / distribution inventory.

2.     Please click here to visit our website for additional instructions.

Actions planned by Max Mobility/Permobil to correct the problem: 

Max Mobility/Permobil has suspended distribution of the SpeedControl Dial, and the SpeedControl Dial is no longer an available control option for the SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device. However, the SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device is not impacted by this recall and can still be used with alternative control options. Max Mobility/Permobil will assist you with replacing your SpeedControl Dial with an alternate control. The wired SwitchControl, discussed above, can be ordered with a mono jack port to connect with an optional Buddy Button. The Buddy Button is a third-party accessory option, provided through Permobil, which is a switch that provides further tactile feedback and is larger than our standard SwitchControl. The SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device can also be controlled via an App using a wearable device. Please visit our website here to learn more about the available alternative control options for the SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device. If you are unsure which control option is best for you, we recommend that you reach out to your SmartDrive dealer and/or prescribing clinician.

A notification will be sent to all customers starting on August 12, 2025.

Contact Information:

If you require assistance or have further enquiries regarding this recall, please contact Permobil New Zealand at 0800 115 222 or SmartDriveAction_NZ@permobil.com. Customer Service and Technical Support is available Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm NZST.

Max Mobility/Permobil considers the safety of our end users and customer satisfaction as our top priorities. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your assistance in implementing this recall.