How It Works

Putting the Sidekick on is a quick and simple process. After putting on your Sidekick compatible shoes, attach the Sidekick to each leg connecting the Quick Connect to the cleat at the back of each shoe. Insert both batteries, press the power button until the LED lights blink, and wait for a gentle squeeze on both shins. Lastly, train your Sidekicks for augmentation by taking 20 strides in a straight line on flat ground - and you're ready to walk! No calibration or app setup is required.

Your Sidekick is built to move with you across most terrain, no matter if you are walking on flat ground, moderate inclines and declines, up and down stairs, or across moderately rough ground. However, avoid wearing it in fine sand or mud. Treat the Sidekick like your new pair of favorite (bionic) shoes - they are meant for everyday movement!

Sidekick is optimized for forward walking on typical terrain. You may not experience augmentation when walking sideways or backwards; for safety and best performance, use Sidekick while walking forward.

The Sidekick is not a medical device, and not intended to treat drop foot. If you are living with mild dropfoot and want to try it, our technology is designed to augment plantar flexion, the motion that helps propel you forward by providing a gentle push from the heel. However, the system does not provide assistance with dorsiflexion, the movement needed to pick up a person's foot at the toe, during the walking cycle. Because dorsiflexion support is essential for addressing drop foot, our current design is unlikely to be comfortable for people with significant drop foot.

The Sidekick can be worn in light rain but for best, long term performance, avoid wearing your Sidekick in heavy rain or snow.

No, you should not drive while wearing your Sidekicks. You can drive in your compatible Sidekick shoes, then attach your Sidekicks when you're ready to start walking.

eBikes have already shown that a small boost can inspire people to move more, not less — and our testing has shown Sidekick users will feel that same postiive impact in their daily activity.

Your Sidekick batteries are expected to last 5 miles at full charge on Power Level II.

Place the batteries in the charging bays and check that the battery LEDs light up in a breathing pattern. If the LEDs are blinking, the batteries are connected and charging. If not, remove the batteries, reseat them, and try again. If the issue persists, reach out to support@dephy.com.

Your Sidekick has two sets of LEDs—one on the battery and one on the front of the device for boost level.

The boost interface shows three levels of support: low, medium, and high, represented by 1, 2, or 3 LEDs. There's also a Transparent Mode, indicated by a slow blink of the first LED.

On the battery itself, the top LEDs display your charge level. Four solid dots mean you're fully charged, and the lights decrease as the battery drains. When the LED turns red, it's time to recharge. If no LEDs light up, the battery is fully depleted.

Transparent Mode can be activated by pressing the power button one more time past Low Boost. In this mode, you won't feel any augmentation, but the Sidekick will continue to remember your unique walking profile. When you're ready for support again, simply return to your preferred boost level and keep moving—no retraining required. Experience the Sidekick without boost, and notice the difference when you power it back on.

If the calf strap loosens, the Sidekick will fall behind you instead of in front as a built-in safety feature, so it won't block your steps. Just stop to ensure the Sidekick is reattached and tighten the calf strap before continuing.

The Sidekick is highly personalized to your body with elements based on your specific height and calf circumference measurements, such as the shlever angle and size, and calf strap length.

However, there are features that can make sharing possible. If you'd like someone else to try your Sidekick, please reach out to Dephy Customer Experience at support@dephy.com so we can guide you on how to do this safely and comfortably.

Wipe down with a damp cloth after use. Let items air dry completely before wearing again. For a more thorough clean of the shin pad and strap, disassemble the soft goods and handwash the strap and shin pad in a mild warm soapy solution and air dry.

See the User Manual for comprehensive guidance.