Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons with power assist allow wheelchair users to travel farther and over 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.
These devices are easy to move around and don't alter the look of the manual chairs. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs give the highest level of stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, allowing the chair to traverse difficult terrains like grass, gravel or steps. This design is ideal if you have to maneuver your wheelchair in tight areas. You can easily turn sharply using the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process 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 a good option to think about. There are several different options for power assist, such as front-wheel, middle-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design, which offers a variety of driving modes. The larger 'assist rim' gives extra power assistance to each push, which reduces fatigue and allows you to get more out of each push. The smaller rim for driving provides continuous power to make climbing more comfortable. The WheelDrive is simple to install on virtually every manual wheelchair without any additional parts or modifications and can be switched between two driving modes with an intuitive power button.
The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by lightweight batteries that can be removed and fully charged in under two hours. Its compact design and easy operation make it an ideal solution for those who require an extra boost for traveling further distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance, unlike battery-powered power assist systems that are difficult to keep in working order.
If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for more details and an example. If you are considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair, the standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which increases your safe seat elevation up to 12 inches. This lets you perform the mobility-related activities of daily living, such as toileting, grooming, and reaching at a more independent height, which can make you healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs are an excellent way to cut down on the amount of effort it takes to push a manual chair. They also protect shoulder health and decrease the fear of injury that can result from prolonged, repetitive manual propulsion. You can go further, navigate steep slopes, and maneuver through difficult environments by adding power assist to your chair.
Wheelchair power add-ons can be classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that raise the caster wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a larger centered wheel (similar to the bicycle) such as the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that incorporate both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled using a hand-rim-activated system like the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments to the rear are, however are a joystick conversion device such as 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 motor of the wheelchair and powered by the energy generated by wheel's rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are generally smaller and lighter than those that use kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
One of the most awaited 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 changed with the press of an button. It is also simple to switch from manual to power mode and back.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It comes with three levels of support and is also controlled by the joystick. This makes it perfect for people who require different levels of assistance in various situations. These types of power add-ons can also help reduce the strain on your elbows and shoulders, allowing you to go further and with less effort. This is particularly beneficial in the event that you're concerned about the impact of self-propulsion over long distances on your shoulder health.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
An active user wheelchair is one that is made for people who have an an active lifestyle and want to stay independent and mobile. what is self propelled wheelchair are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will not be as exhausted. They can also traverse difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed to be used in a busy environment will have an elongated frame to enhance mobility. Additionally the rear wheels are typically larger than standard wheelchairs so that the user can easily access them and propel themselves forward. The backrest height is typically lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be used to improve the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can give you extra power when needed. This can be helpful for climbing up hills, travelling long distances or when the user is exhausted. The user can control an accessory powered via voice commands or eye movements. This can assist users to become more independent and less dependent on someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments to wheelchairs are a brand new and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair, transforming it into a hand-bike with three wheels, which allows users to travel more quickly and further than they could by themselves. This is a great option for people who are looking to commute to work or for running errands or just want to enjoy a leisurely ride. A power bike add-on can be adjusted to fit the individual's preferences and needs with a variety of angles for the rear wheel available, as well as adjustable footrest and seat tension. This gives you the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons connect to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their original rear wheels. They are simple to operate and allow users to travel greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are light and have advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection and monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be mounted on various manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing an appropriate button or switch and controlled with the wireless wristband. Some come with a built-in push tracker that keeps track of how much power the add-on was used.
They can aid people in climbing hills and other obstacles easily. They are ideal for allowing users to remain independent by continuing to engage in daily activities, work, and socialize with family and friends and travel more freely for leisure.
In some cases the use of a power-assist option can help reduce the amount of pressure placed on the person. They can also reduce the amount of time needed to complete activities that require mobility and make it easier for people to get over obstacles like steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold come with the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing users to take their wheelchair with them on trips in the family vehicle without needing a fully equipped van. They can be detached from the chair to transportation to work or other events and then reattached upon return. This can help people to retain their paid employment, volunteer work and other efforts to contribute to society and become a valued member of the community.
When not in use non-folding power assist devices are usually heavier and larger. They can be folded, and their accessories removed, which can save even more space. They can be stored in the trunk of a family car, which allows individuals to travel with their families to work and other locations, as well as visit relatives and friends.