Huawei Adds Wheelchair Mode
Huawei has introduced a new accessibility feature for its latest smartwatch line, the Huawei Watch GT 6 Series, adding a wheelchair-focused activity tracking option to its fitness software.
Announced Feb. 27 in Madrid, the update introduces a Wheelchair Mode within Huawei’s Activity Rings system. The feature is designed for wheelchair users and measures daily activity by tracking the number and frequency of wheelchair pushes rather than steps.
According to Huawei, the Activity Rings interface has been modified to better reflect wheelchair-based movement. Updated icons, messaging and revised algorithms are intended to more accurately capture mobility patterns for wheelchair users. The system translates pushing motion into activity data so users can monitor daily fitness progress in a format similar to traditional step-based tracking.
The company said the feature builds on its ongoing development of health functions across its wearable lineup. Huawei’s devices already support biometric monitoring tools such as heart-rate tracking and blood oxygen measurement. The wheelchair-focused update adds specialized motion detection designed specifically for wheelchair propulsion.
Huawei also plans to introduce a dedicated workout profile called “Rolling,” which will track push frequency and total push count during wheelchair workouts. The mode is expected to roll out at the end of December and will debut on the Watch GT 6 Series.
The update reflects a broader effort among wearable manufacturers to expand fitness tracking beyond traditional walking and running metrics. While many wearables rely heavily on step counts to measure activity levels, wheelchair users often require alternative data points to capture daily exertion accurately.
To accompany the feature announcement, Huawei released a short documentary titled Rolling Ahead, highlighting athletes who use wheelchairs and participate in sports. The video follows several users and shows how activity data collected from Huawei wearables can be used to track performance and daily movement.
Huawei positioned the feature as part of its ongoing development of health-focused wearables and accessibility features. The company said it plans to continue working with partners and users to refine its health-tracking technologies and expand inclusive design in future products.
The Watch GT 6 Series is the first Huawei wearable to support the new wheelchair activity tools, which the company says are intended to provide more accurate activity monitoring for wheelchair users while integrating with the existing Activity Rings fitness interface.