Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that provide power assist for wheelchair users allow them to move further and traverse more difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of effort needed to propel the wheelchair, which results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The good thing about these chairs is that they don't alter the style of a traditional chair and they can be easily moved. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most robust and stable. The large drive wheels are able to "grab" the road, allowing the chair to take on difficult terrain like gravel, grass or steps. This is a great option if you have to maneuver your wheelchair around tight areas. You can easily turn sharply using the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will think about which components and base are best suited to your requirements. An auxiliary power assist add-on is also important to consider. There are a variety of options for power assist, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel additions and rear-wheel add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on offered by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that provides different driving modes. The larger 'assist rim' offers additional power assistance with each push, which reduces fatigue and lets you get more out of each push. The smaller 'drive' rim gives you continuous power, making climbing more comfortable. The WheelDrive is simple to install on almost every manual wheelchair with no additional parts or modifications and can be switched between two driving modes using an intuitive power button.
The power assistance is provided by a brushless hub motor which is powered by detachable light batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. The compact design and easy operation make it an ideal option for those who require an extra boost when traveling longer distances. The WheelDrive does not require any maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist devices which can be quite difficult to maintain in good working order.
If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you speak to one of our ATPs for more information and a demonstration. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair it comes with iLevel. FrontDrive system comes standard with iLevel which raises the safe seat's elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to perform everyday activities that require mobility living, such as reaching, grooming and toileting at a more independent height, which will make you healthier and more joyfully.
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 also protect shoulder health and reduce the risk of injury that can result from long-term, repetitive manual propulsion. Adding power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel further distances as well as traverse steep slopes. You can also move through challenging terrain with greater confidence.
Wheelchair power accessories are classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive) and front attachments that lift the wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a bigger centered wheel (similar to the bicycle) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly, and hybrid systems that incorporate both of these features. Front attachments are typically controlled by a hand-rim activated device such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist, while rear attachments are usually joystick conversion devices like the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair add-ons utilize rechargeable batteries while others like the WheelDrive are connected to the wheelchair motor and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are usually smaller and lighter than those that use kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
One of the most well-known wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of folding and rigid frame active wheelchairs and has three different support levels that can be adjusted with the press of a button. It is also simple to switch from manual to power mode and back.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It has three levels of support, and can also be controlled by a joystick. This makes it perfect for those who require different levels of assistance in different environments. These power accessories are helpful in reducing pressure on shoulders and elbows. This lets you travel farther and with less effort. This is especially beneficial in the event that you're concerned about the impact of self-propulsion for long distances on your shoulder health.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are designed for those who want to be mobile and independent and live a full life. These wheelchairs are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less fatigued. This allows them to travel for longer distances through challenging terrain without the need for assistance.
A wheelchair designed for active lifestyles will have smaller frames to improve maneuverability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for an active lifestyle are usually larger than the standard ones to enable the user to reach them easily and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is typically lower so that the user can move their arms and shoulders freely when self-propelling.
These add-ons powered by electricity can be used to improve the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can supply additional power when required. This can be useful for going up and down hills, for long distances, or when the user feels exhausted. A powered add-on can be controlled by the user using voice commands or by adjusting their eyes, which can help with independence and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair to transform it into a hand-bike with three wheels, allowing riders to travel further and faster than they could by themselves. This is a great option for those who want to commute to work or to run errands, or for those who simply want to enjoy a leisurely ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the preferences and needs of the user. There are various options for rear wheel angles as well adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This gives you the most flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace the existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and permit the user to go longer distances with less effort. They are lightweight and come with advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be affixed to a variety of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is started through pressing a button or switch. It is controlled with a wireless wristband to activate the motor and adjust settings such as speed. Some models also have an integrated push tracker that can keep track of the amount of time the power add-on has been used.
They enable people to travel further without fatigue and aid them in climbing hills and other obstacles more easily. They allow users to maintain independence by completing their daily routine, working and socializing with family and friends.
In some cases using power assist can help prevent sores from pressure by reducing amount of force put on the body by the user. They can also cut down on the time required to perform mobility tasks, and make it easier for people to get over obstacles like stairs, inclines, or curb cuts.
easy self-propelled wheelchair -assist devices that fold have the added benefit of being portable, enabling users to carry their wheelchairs along on trips in the family car without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be detached from the chair in order to transportation to work or other activities and then reattached when returning. This will allow people to continue their paid employment, volunteering or other activities to remain an active member of the community and contribute to society.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are usually larger and heavier. Many of them are foldable and can have their accessories removed to create more space. They can be put in the trunk of any family car. This allows people to travel with their families, to work, go to other places and also to visit friends and family.