An electrically operable wheelchair having a seat, a base with a pair of motors respectively coupled with the main support wheels, a position detection assembly, and a controller coupled with the position detection assembly and the motors for controlling wheelchair operation in order to effect desired wheelchair movements. The hands-free input device of the invention, which includes the position detection assembly and a position detection device, provides input signals representative of desired wheelchair movements to the controller. The position detection device detects the position of the seat. Movement of the seat, rather than a joystick, creates the voltage signals which are then transmitted to the wheelchair controller.