CareGlider
A Mobility Solution Designed for Caregivers

What challenges do caregivers face when managing mobility for dependent individuals daily?

Across the country, millions of Family Caregivers shoulder a responsibility that is as physically demanding as it is emotionally consuming. Everyday tasks like getting a loved one out of the house often involve lifting, pushing, and maneuvering heavy mobility equipment, at the expense of the Caregiver’s own health.

How widespread is caregiver responsibility, and what limitations exist in current mobility devices?

What makes this reality even more challenging is its scale. Family Caregivers account for nearly 85 percent of all caregiving in the U.S. many supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or Parkinson’s. In many cases, patients cannot safely operate a joystick or control powered mobility devices, and the responsibility falls entirely on the Caregiver. Yet most devices were never designed with Caregivers in mind.

Why has CareGlider developed a new approach centered on caregiver usability and safety?

It is within this gap that CareGlider has emerged, offering a fundamentally different approach to mobility that puts Caregivers at the center of the design. Rather than expecting them to adapt to bulky, traditional equipment, the system is built specifically to reduce strain while maintaining control and safety. At its core is a Caregiver-controlled mobility device that enables smooth, assisted transport for individuals who cannot operate powered chairs themselves, while significantly reducing Caregivers’ burden.

“We advocate for Caregivers while developing products created specifically to support them,” says David Carson, CEO. “Caregivers are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system, and they deserve tools that protect their health, preserve their independence, and make daily life more manageable.”

The innovation lies in its modular construction. Unlike conventional powered chairs that often exceed 100 pounds and create significant lifting challenges, CareGlider introduces a modular system that prioritizes portability and ease of use. At the center of this design is a split-weight system. The chair separates into two lightweight components, a 25-pound frame and a 15-pound power module, which Caregivers can lift individually and assemble quickly at their destination. This design reduces physical strain and makes everyday mobility more manageable for families who rely on frequent transportation.

For Susan Penski, co-founder and the original inspiration behind the device, the impact of this approach is deeply personal. As the original inspiration behind the device, her journey began through years of caregiving that revealed just how inadequate existing solutions could be. Today, she finds herself experiencing the benefits firsthand alongside her husband, Bob, as both navigate their own mobility challenges. During frequent visits to Walt Disney World, CareGlider prototype has enabled her and her husband to move through crowded parks and cover distances that once felt out of reach. Their experience has not gone unnoticed; as they move through the parks, people regularly stop to ask about the device, reflecting a widespread and unmet need that becomes immediately visible when a solution appears.

After years of development, testing, and refinement, CareGlider is moving closer to broader availability. The company has now introduced a reserve order program, allowing Caregivers and families to secure early access to the units with a refundable deposit. This marks a shift from concept to reality, giving families a clear path toward a solution that has long been out of reach.

Supporting this rollout is a national distribution partnership that connects to more than 600 mobility providers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, enabling delivery, setup, and ongoing support for wide accessibility once production scales. Early rollout efforts have begun in select southeastern markets, where providers are preparing for delivery and support. This progress is already gaining wider recognition with the device being named as the Top Powered Companion Chair 2026, a distinction that reflects its engineering innovation and its Caregiver-first design.

The company is also expanding its product line to meet a wider range of needs with higher-capacity models for broader use cases. These developments reflect a broader commitment to supporting Caregivers at different stages, rather than offering a single solution.

As rollout expands and access increases through its growing provider network, CareGlider is positioning its solution within reach for Caregivers who need practical mobility support. For millions of Caregivers, help is on the way through a system that focuses on usability, access, and real-world mobility needs.