Transporting a patient through difficult terrain is one of the most physically demanding parts of a search and rescue operation. Even with a wheeled litter, moving someone along steep trails, over uneven ground or across long distances can require considerable effort from the rescue team.

This is where the Bimotal Elevate Search and Rescue Motor System comes in.

Originally developed as an electric motor system for bicycles, Bimotal's technology has been adapted to provide powered assistance to rescue litter wheels. The idea is straightforward: reduce the physical effort required to move a loaded litter while allowing rescuers to maintain control of the evacuation. Developed in collaboration with Monterey Search and Rescue, the Elevate SAR system offers an interesting solution for teams operating in areas where vehicle access is limited.

How Does the Bimotal Elevate SAR System Work?

Unlike traditional electric bicycle motors, Bimotal Elevate uses a compact drive unit that transfers power directly to the wheel through a specialized brake rotor, known as a rotor-gear. For search and rescue applications, this technology has been adapted to work with a compatible litter wheel. The SAR configuration includes a motor, battery, dedicated mounting hardware, throttle control and hydraulic braking system. The motor provides assistance at walking speeds, allowing rescuers to guide and stabilize the litter while the wheel supplies additional driving force.

The system delivers 400 watts of power at the wheel and 70 Nm of continuous torque, with a maximum powered speed of approximately 8 km/h. Rather than replacing the work of rescuers, the motor is intended to make demanding evacuations more manageable, particularly when moving uphill or covering long distances.

From an Idea to a Working Rescue System

The development of Elevate SAR began with a practical challenge faced by Monterey Search and Rescue in California.

In a video testimonial, a member of the rescue team explains that a representative from Bimotal approached them to discuss whether electric bicycles could be useful in search and rescue operations. The team had a different idea. They were already using a rescue litter equipped with a mountain-bike-style wheel and had been looking for a way to add motorized assistance.

According to the rescuer, Bimotal examined the equipment and assembled an initial powered setup that same day. The concept was eventually developed into a system that the team could use in the field. The need for this type of equipment becomes clear when considering the terrain around Big Sur, California. Narrow trails, steep climbs and tight switchbacks often prevent access by ATVs or other vehicles. Helicopter evacuations are not always possible either, particularly when weather conditions are unfavorables.

In these situations, teams may have to transport a patient over several kilometres using only personnel and a wheeled litter.

What Did the Team Experience in the Field?

One of the most interesting parts of the Monterey Search and Rescue testimonial concerns the difference powered assistance made during litter transport. The rescuer describes uphill movements that previously required six people but could be managed by two with the powered system.

He also discusses a demanding evacuation route of approximately 19 km, with around 610 metres of elevation change. According to his account, the team was able to complete the same rescue with two people at more than twice the previous speed. These are significant observations, but they should be understood in context.

The figures come from a team's reported field experience, not from standardized testing. Terrain, patient weight, weather conditions, rescue techniques and equipment configuration can all affect the outcome. A powered litter does not automatically mean fewer rescuers are required. The number of personnel needed for an evacuation must always be determined by the conditions and the team's operating procedures.

Still, the experience illustrates why motorized assistance is attracting attention in the search and rescue community.

What Are the Benefits of a Powered Rescue Litter?

Reducing Physical Effort During Evacuations

Moving a loaded litter uphill can be exhausting, especially over long distances.

With Elevate SAR, the motor supplies part of the force needed to move the wheel forward. Rescuers remain responsible for steering, balancing and controlling the litter, but they no longer have to provide all of the forward driving force themselves. For teams operating in mountainous or remote environments, this assistance could help reduce physical fatigue during extended evacuations.

Making Better Use of Available Personnel

Search and rescue teams do not always have large numbers of rescuers available, particularly during the initial response to an incident. If powered assistance reduces the effort needed to move a litter, it may allow some team members to focus on other responsibilities, such as carrying equipment, managing obstacles or supporting patient care.

The Monterey team also reported using its powered litter to transport equipment during the approach to an incident. However, motorized assistance does not eliminate the need for adequate personnel to manage steep slopes, technical terrain or patient safety.

Transporting Equipment to Remote Locations

The system is not limited to patient evacuations.

A compatible litter can also be used to transport medical supplies, rope rescue equipment and other gear along suitable trails. This could be particularly useful when teams need to move substantial equipment into an area that cannot be reached by vehicle. The weight of any load must remain within the limits of the complete litter and wheel assembly.

A Removable Motor System

Another practical feature of Bimotal Elevate is its removable drive unit. Once the appropriate mounting hardware is installed, the motor can be detached when it is not needed.

Bimotal also offers mounting components for additional compatible litter setups, making it possible to transfer the motor and battery between prepared systems.

The drive unit weighs approximately 1.50 kg, while the battery weighs approximately 1.55 kg. These figures exclude the mounting hardware, braking components and controls.

Bimotal Elevate SAR Technical Specifications

The Elevate SAR configuration is designed specifically for controlled, low-speed operation. It differs from Bimotal's higher-powered electric bicycle systems.

According to Bimotal, the SAR system has the following specifications:

Bimotal also publishes an example of approximately 610 metres of assisted elevation gain with a 91 kg payload. These figures are manufacturer-published estimates. Actual performance will depend on factors such as terrain, load, incline, operating conditions and the amount of motor assistance used.

For longer operations, teams should also consider battery management and how they would continue transporting the litter if electrical assistance became unavailable.

Which Rescue Litters Are Compatible?

The Bimotal Elevate SAR system is designed to work with the Cascade Rescue Terra Tamer litter wheel.

The system uses dedicated mounting brackets, a 223 mm rotor-gear, hydraulic braking and a throttle configured for litter transport. A freewheel clutch allows the wheel to continue rolling without motor drag when assistance is disengaged.

It is important to understand that Elevate SAR is not a universal conversion kit for every rescue litter. Compatibility depends on the wheel, mounting arrangement and condition of the braking components. Teams considering the system should confirm their exact equipment configuration before purchasing or installing the motor.

Is Electric Assistance Right for Every Rescue?

Powered litter transport offers clear potential benefits, but it is not a replacement for proper rescue techniques or experienced personnel. Rescuers must still control the litter, maintain its balance, navigate obstacles and ensure the patient's safety throughout the evacuation.Technical rope evacuations, extremely uneven terrain and steep descents may require additional equipment and personnel regardless of whether the litter has a motor. Battery capacity is another consideration. A system that performs well on a short evacuation may face different demands during a long operation involving sustained climbing.

For these reasons, electric assistance should be viewed as another tool available to rescue teams, rather than a solution to every evacuation challenge.

A Different Approach to Litter Transport

The Bimotal Elevate SAR system demonstrates how technology originally developed for recreational cycling can find a practical application in search and rescue. Its greatest potential lies in situations where teams must move patients or equipment over considerable distances without access to vehicles. By assisting with the physical work of moving a loaded litter, the system may help rescuers conserve energy and manage demanding evacuations more efficiently. The experience reported by Monterey Search and Rescue provides an interesting example of what this technology can offer, although each team will need to evaluate its performance within its own operating environment.

At Groupe Montagne Explore, we recommend exploring the Bimotal Elevate SAR system alongside the Cascade Rescue Terra Tamer wheel and Cascade Model 200 rescue litter, subject to confirmation of the complete setup's compatibility.

For search and rescue organizations considering powered litter transport, understanding the system's capabilities, limitations and installation requirements is an important first step.

Have questions about Bimotal Elevate SAR or compatible rescue equipment?

Contact the Groupe Montagne Explore team to discuss your equipment and operational requirements.