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Wheelchair user Linda using SmartSlydr automatic sliding door opener to exit her home via a custom ramp.

SmartSlydr Review: The Best Door Opener for Wheelchair Users

How SmartSlydr Changed the Game for Linda’s Independence

For many wheelchair users, the simple act of going into the backyard or letting the dog out can be a physical struggle. Heavy sliding glass doors are notoriously difficult to operate from a seated position, often requiring awkward reaching or heavy pulling.

Today, we’re sharing the story of Linda, a wheelchair user who recently transformed her home accessibility with the SmartSlydr Automatic Sliding Door Opener.

The "Best Utilitarian Device" Since the Ramp

Linda has seen her fair share of home modifications. But in her own words, besides the accessible ramp at her front door, the SmartSlydr is the "best utilitarian device a wheelchair user could have."

By combining a custom ramp to her yard with the SmartSlydr system, Linda has unlocked a new level of freedom. She no longer has to worry about:

  • Struggling with heavy door handles: The motor does the heavy lifting.

  • Fumbling with keys: The door locks and unlocks automatically.

  • Safety concerns: The system ensures the house is secure the moment she is back inside.

"I can be independent going in and out of the house with the door locking and no key needed. I can’t say enough about the excellent experience I had." — Linda

Support That Goes the Extra Mile

We know that every home is different. When Linda’s installer had questions during the setup, our team was right there. Through real-time chat and photo sharing, we worked together to ensure a perfect installation. At SmartSlydr, we don’t just sell a product; we provide a solution that works for your specific life.

Why This Matters

For Linda, this isn't just a gadget. It’s the ability to enjoy her yard, manage her home security, and live life on her own terms.

Ready to reclaim your independence? [Click here to see how SmartSlydr can fit your home.] 

Hear it from the Community

Linda’s story isn't just on our site—she’s sharing her journey with the wider community to help others find the same freedom. You can read her original post and see what others are saying about home accessibility on the Official Reddit Thread here.

 

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between SmartSlydr and SmartSlydr Regal?

SmartSlydr Regal is a customized version of the standard SmartSlydr, tailored to fit your specific sliding door or window.

Key Features of SmartSlydr Regal:

✔ Custom Fit – Built to match your door’s full length (up to 71 inches).
✔ Quieter & Smoother Operation – Features an upgraded motor for silent compared to standard version, seamless movement.
✔ Supports Outside-Moving Panels – Custom adapters available for special door setups.
✔ New Color Options Coming Soon – A black version is in development.

If you need a custom-sized, quieter, and fully tailored sliding door opener, SmartSlydr Regal is the perfect solution!

Does SmartSlydr Work with an Outside Moving Panel?

Yes! SmartSlydr Regal supports sliding doors with an outside moving panel. We provide a custom adapter to ensure compatibility with this setup.

For installation guidance, please refer to our step-by-step instructions to help visualize the setup.

What Should I Order & What’s Included?

When you visit the Smart Pet Door or SmartSlydr Door/window page, you can customize your order by selecting the SmartSlydr automatic door opener based on your door type and adding accessories like PetPass or DuoButton for additional functionality.

The SmartSlydr package includes:

  1. SmartSlydr device
  2. Power supply
  3. All necessary installation accessories

With a SmartSlydr device, you can control your sliding door using:
✅ Mobile App
✅ Alexa
✅ Google Home
✅ Apple Watch

Note: PetPass, OneButton tags, and DuoButton are optional add-ons that can be selected based on your needs.

What’s the Difference Between SmartSlydr Door window and SmartSlydr Pet door?

Both are the same device but marketed for different use cases:
✅SmartSlydr– Designed forsmart home automationandaccessibility,
integrating withAlexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Watchto enhance
convenience for all users, including individuals with disabilities.
✅SmartSlydr Pet Door– Focuses on its use as asmart pet door,
featuringPetPass and DuoButtonfor pet-friendly access, allowing dogs
and cats to enter and exit independently.

ls SmartSlydr Compatible with 3-Panel Sliding Doors?

Yes! SmartSlydr is designed for standard horizontal sliding doors and can automate the first moving
panel of a 3-panel sliding door.

✅ Supports One Moving Panel – SmartSlydr automates a single sliding panel in your 3-panel door configuration.
✅ Maximum Opening Width: 45 Inches – The device can open the door up to 45 inches wide for convenient access.

If you're unsure about compatibility, feel free to send pictures of your door setup to communications@lycheethings.com. Our team is happy to assist!

Is SmartSlydr Compatible with 4-Panel Sliding Doors?

Yes! SmartSlydr is designed for standard horizontal sliding doors and can automate a single or double  moving panel in a 4-panel sliding door setup.

✅ Supports One Moving Panel – A single SmartSlydr can automate one sliding panel in a 4-panel door configuration.
✅ Automate Two Moving Panels – If you want to automate two moving panels, you will need two SmartSlydr devices.
✅ Maximum Opening Width: 45 Inches – Each SmartSlydr can open the door up to 45 inches wide for convenient access.

If you're unsure about compatibility, feel free to send pictures of your door setup to communications@lycheethings.com. Our team is happy to assist!

What’s the Difference Between Send Request Mode and Automatic Mode?

PetPass offers two modes for controlling the SmartSlydr door: Automatic Mode and Send Request Mode. You can only use one mode at a time, and both are customizable via the mobile app.

Automatic Mode: This mode enables automatic opening and closing based on your pet's proximity to the door. When your pet is near, the door will open automatically and you will get notification.

Send Request Mode: In this mode, when your pet approaches the door, you will receive a smartphone notification to approve or deny the door opening. This gives you more control over when the door opens, allowing you to decide whether to grant access or not.

Both modes are designed to offer flexibility, depending on your preferences for convenience or control.

Will SmartSlydr work with a heavy sliding door?

SmartSlydr is designed to work with sliding doors that move smoothly, regardless of their weight. The key factor is how easily your door slides. If you can open your door with one hand, SmartSlydr should work seamlessly for you.

SmartSlydr includes a quick cleaning and lubrication kit to help ensure smooth operation. Many heavy doors simply need a bit of cleaning and lubrication for optimal performance.

For reference, SmartSlydr can handle doors with up to 18 lbs of drag force, while most well-maintained doors with clean tracks typically require only 5-10 lbs of force.

For more information, check out our YouTube video.

What is the Noise Level Difference Between SmartSlydr and SmartSlydr Regal?

The standard SmartSlydr operates at approximately 55±3 dB from a 1-meter distance, while the SmartSlydr Regal features a quieter motor that runs at 48±3 dB.

The actual noise level you experience may vary based on factors such as door condition, room size, and ceiling height.

How Can I Operate SmartSlydr Manually? 

SmartSlydr includes a convenient pull cord feature that allows you to detach the device from the window panel for manual operation. This feature works similarly to a garage door opener, making it especially useful in emergency situations or when manual operation is needed.

Once the manual operation is complete, the SmartSlydr head will automatically reattach to the door.

If you prefer to prevent the automatic reattachment, you can use the pull cord fork to securely hold it in place.

Is the "PetPass" the Same as the "OneButton" Wireless Remote?

Yes, the PetPass and OneButton are the same hardware, but you can configure them to function in either PetPass mode or OneButton mode—but only one mode can be active at a time.

  1. PetPass mode: This mode is for pets and enables automatic opening of the SmartSlydr door when your pet approaches, making it perfect for hands-free access for your dog.
  2. OneButton mode: This mode works as a remote control, similar to a keychain, and is designed for human use. It can be attached to a walker, wheelchair, or carried for easy access to open or close the door.

How Do I Set Up SmartSlydr? Do I Need Special Tools or Professional Help for Installation?

No special tools or professional assistance are required! Thanks to our patented custom design, installing SmartSlydr is as simple as installing blinds or shades.

  1. Easy Installation – SmartSlydr attaches using two brackets, requiring only a screwdriver for setup.
  2. Corner Cap Attachment – The corner cap sticks to the moving door/window panel and connects to SmartSlydr for smooth operation.
  3. Handyman-Friendly – If you prefer assistance, any handyman can easily install it.

For step-by-step guidance, refer to our installation guide or video tutorials https://lycheethings.com/install-steps/

Does SmartSlydr Have Safety Features?

Yes, SmartSlydr is designed with safety in mind, incorporating a safety feature similar to the anti-pinch mechanism found in car power windows.

If an object is pinched during door operation: The door will retract and attempt to close again.

If the obstruction persists, the door will retract once more, remain open, and send a notification to your mobile app about the obstruction.

For a demonstration of this feature, check out the Safety Feature Video. on our website, where we use a banana as an example.

Does SmartSlydr Work if I Have Blinds Installed on My Sliding Door or Window?

Yes, SmartSlydr can work with most types of blinds, provided there is sufficient clearance. The SmartSlydr unit itself has a width of 2 inches, but we recommend a 5 inch clearance between the door frame and the blinds for proper installation. If additional space is needed, extender brackets are available to move the blinds outward, allowing SmartSlydr to be installed properly.

For detailed instructions, please refer to the https://lycheethings.com/install-steps/

Is SmartSlydr available to ship outside of the USA?

SmartSlydr only ships to the USA right now, due to the logistics of international shipping. If you are outside the USA, we suggest using a shipping address of a friend or family member within the USA, and then they can send it to you.

Does SmartSlydr Need a Hub or Any Other Device to Operate?

No, SmartSlydr does not require a hub or any additional devices. As long as you have a stable2.4GHz Wi-Finetwork and asmartphone with the mobile app, SmartSlydr can easily connect to your home Wi-Fi network for seamless operation.

Which Side Will the Power Supply Be Placed?

The power supply will always be placed on the opposite side of the moving panel. The power adapter cable is 8 feet long, and if you need additional length, you can order a DC extension cord.

Example : If the moving panel is on the left, the power supply would be positioned on the right side, and vice versa.

Can I Schedule SmartSlydr to Automatically Open or Close?

Yes, you can schedule SmartSlydr to automatically open or close at a set time using the Alexa app by setting up routines. Please refer to the guide below for instructions on setting up Google Home, Alexa, scheduling operations, and other routines: SmartSlydr Voice Control & Automations

This feature is perfect for tasks like airing out your home in the morning or ensuring the door is securely closed while you sleep. You can set daily or custom schedules to fit your needs, providing you with greater convenience and automation in your SmartSlydr experience.

How Long Does SmartSlydr Take to Open the Window/Door?

In normal mode, SmartSlydr moves the window/door at a speed of approximately45 mm per second. The total time to open the window or door depends on the amount of opening you’ve selected (ranging from 1% to 100%). Therefore, the larger the opening, the longer it will take for the door/window to fully open.

How do I open the door/window partially?

With the smartphone app or voice commands, you can open the door or window to any width between 1% to 100% (in increments of 1% so you can fine-tune it to your needs). For e.g. with voice command, you can say "Set the door to 20%".

Can I fully open the door for human use?

Yes! With the SmartSlydr smartphone app or voice commands, you can open the door or window to any width (maximum opening 45 inches) between 1% and 100% in 1% increments. This allows you to customize the opening size to fit your needs. For example, with a voice command, you can say, "Set the door to 20%."

How much electricity does SmartSlydr use?

SmartSlydr consumes less than 1kW for the whole year, based on average daily usage. This totals less than 1 hour of air conditioner electricity consumption. Every minute past that is pure savings - if you're using SmartSlydr to let in fresh air!