Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons with power assist allow wheelchair users to travel farther and over more difficult terrain. They also decrease the amount of energy required for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The best thing about these devices is that they don't alter the look of a traditional chair and they can be easily moved. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most stable and powerful. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and allow the chair to navigate difficult terrain like gravel, grass or steps. This configuration is great for those who need to maneuver your wheelchair in tight spaces. You can easily turn sharply using the front drive.
When you are choosing a wheelchair, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will take into consideration which base and components are best suited to your needs. A power assist auxiliary add-on is also something to consider. There are a variety of options for power assist, including front-wheel, middle-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on from Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that provides different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' gives you additional power with each push. This helps reduce fatigue and allows you to get further ahead with each push. While the smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power for easier climbing. WheelDrive can be installed on almost any manual wheelchair without additional components or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes pressing the power button with a simple click.
The power assistance is provided by an electric hub motor that is powered by detachable lightweight batteries and can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact design and easy operation make it an ideal solution for people who need an extra boost to travel further distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance unlike battery-powered power assist systems that can be difficult to keep in good order.
We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs to learn more and to see an example if you're considering adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair it comes with iLevel. FrontDrive standard model comes with iLevel that raises the safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to complete everyday activities that require mobility such as reaching, toileting, and grooming at a higher elevation.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs can be a great way to reduce the amount of effort it takes to propel a manual chair. They can also help maintain shoulder health and ease the anxiety of injuries that come with continuous, repetitive manual propulsion. You can go further, traverse steep slopes, and maneuver through challenging environments by adding power assist to your chair.
The power add-ons to wheelchairs can be classified into three categories: rear attachments, that are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments that raise the wheels of manual chairs off the ground (similarly to a bicycle), and hybrid systems combining both features. Front attachments can be controlled using hand-rim-activated systems, such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Rear attachments, on the other hand are devices that convert joysticks, like the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair add-ons use a rechargeable batteries, and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the wheelchair motor and powered by the energy generated by wheel rotation. The ones powered by batteries are generally lighter and more compact than those that rely on energy from the kinetic force to drive the wheels.
One of the most awaited wheelchair power add-ons is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of folding and rigid frame wheelchairs. It has three different levels of support which can be changed at the push of a button. It is also simple to transfer from manual to power mode and then back again.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It comes with three levels of support, and is also operated by a joystick. This makes it perfect for users who need varying levels of assistance in various situations. These power add-ons are also useful for reducing pressure on shoulders and elbows. This lets you go farther with less effort. This is especially beneficial when you're worried about the impact of long-distance self-propulsion on your shoulder health.
Active User Wheelchairs
An active user wheelchair is one that is made for people who have an in a busy lifestyle and want to remain independent and mobile. They are much lighter and more maneuverable than standard self-propelled wheelchairs, so users will have less wear and wear on their upper bodies. They can also travel over difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle will usually have a compact frame size, which helps to improve manoeuvrability. Additionally, the rear wheels are generally larger than standard wheelchairs in order to allow the user to easily reach them and propel themselves forward. The backrest's height is usually lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulders freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are another fantastic method to make your active wheelchair more efficient as they can supply additional power when required. This is helpful when climbing up hills, traveling long distances, or when the user is feeling exhausted. A powered accessory can be operated by the user via voice commands or by moving their eyes. This can help with independence and reduce the need for someone to push them.
The E-bike attachments to wheelchairs are a new and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair and transform it into a hand-bike with three wheels, allowing users to travel faster and farther than they could on their own. This is beneficial for those who want to commute to work or run errands, or simply would like to take a relaxing ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the preferences and needs of the user. There are a variety of options for rear wheel angles, as well adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This allows for the ultimate in personalization and versatility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace their existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and permit the user to go on more distances with less effort. They are usually lightweight and feature advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket components that can be fitted to many manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is started through pushing one button or switch. It is controlled using an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and change settings like speed. Some come with an integrated push tracker that keeps track of how much power the add-on was using.
They can aid people in climbing up hills and other obstacles easily. They are perfect for allowing users to keep their independence and continue to participate in daily activities, work, and socialize with friends and family and move around more freely for leisure.
In certain situations the use of a power-assist option can reduce the amount of pressure placed on the person. self propelled wheelchair My Mobility Scooters can also cut down on the time required to complete activities that require mobility and help people to get over obstacles like stairs, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist gadgets come with the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to carry their wheelchairs with them on their trips in the family car without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be detached from the chair in order to transport to work or other activities and then reattached when returning. This could help people keep their paid job, volunteer activities and other commitments to continue to be an integral part of their community and contribute to society.
Non-folding power-assist devices are typically heavier and larger than their folding counterparts, however they can still be compact when not being used. Many of them can be folded and have their accessories removed to save even more space. They can be put in the trunk of any family car. This allows people to travel with their families, to work, to other places and also to visit friends and family.