Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons enable wheelchair users to travel longer distances and traverse difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort needed to propel. This results in lower heart rates, and less muscle fatigue.
They are simple to transport and don't change the look of manual chairs. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most stable and powerful. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and allow the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as grass, gravel, 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.
When you are choosing a wheelchair, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components meet your needs. An auxiliary power assist add-on is also something to consider. There are a variety of options for power assist, such as front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The new and refreshed WheelDrive add-on from Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that offers different driving modes. The large 'assist ' rim provides extra power assistance to each push, which helps reduce fatigue and allows you to get more out of each push. While the smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power to aid in climbing. WheelDrive can be fitted to any manual wheelchair, with no additional parts or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes using an intuitive power button.
The power assistance is provided by the hub motor, which is a brushless design. It is powered by detachable lightweight batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact size and user-friendly make it the perfect solution for those who require some extra assistance to travel for long distances. The WheelDrive doesn't require any maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist accessories which can be a bit difficult to keep in good working order.
If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you speak to one of our ATPs for further information and an opportunity to see a demonstration. If you're considering the brand new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair it comes with iLevel. FrontDrive system comes standard with iLevel that raises the safe seat's elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to perform mobility-related activities of daily life such as reaching, toileting and grooming at a higher level.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They can also help maintain shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that comes with sustained, repetitive manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair will allow you to travel farther 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 caster wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a bigger centered wheel (similar to a bicycle) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly, and hybrid systems that combine both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled using hand-rim-activated systems such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments on the rear, on the other hand are a joystick conversion device such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair add-ons utilize rechargeable batteries while others like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the energy generated by wheel rotation. The ones powered by batteries are usually lighter and more compact than those that rely on kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It is attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they can be adjusted by pressing a button. It is easy to switch between manual and powered mode and vice versa.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It has three levels of support, and is also operated by the joystick. This makes it ideal for those who require different levels of assistance in different environments. These kinds of power add-ons can also assist in reducing pressure on shoulders and elbows, allowing you to go farther with less effort. This can be particularly helpful if you're concerned about the effects of self-propulsion for long distances on the health of your shoulder.
Active User Wheelchairs
A wheelchair for active users is one that has been specifically designed for those who lead an life in active ways and want to remain independent and mobile. These wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will not be as exhausted. They are also able to travel on difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair designed to be used for an active lifestyle will usually have a compact frame size, which helps to improve mobility. The rear wheels of a wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle are usually larger than standard ones, allowing the user to reach them easily and move forward. The backrest is usually lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be a great method to make your active wheelchair more efficient, as they can supply additional power when needed. This is useful when climbing up hills, navigating long distances or when the user is feeling exhausted. A powered add-on can be operated by the user via voice commands or by moving their eyes, which could help with independence and reduce the need for someone to push them.
The E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a brand new and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair, transforming it into a hand-bike that has three wheels, allowing riders to travel more quickly and further than they could by themselves. This is a great option for those who want to commute to work, run around or just enjoy a leisurely bike ride. The power bike can be customized to meet the preferences and needs of the user. There are different options for rear wheel angles, as well as adjustable seat tension and footrest placement. This provides the ultimate in flexibility and individualization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing the existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. They are light and have advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection monitoring of battery levels, and programming.
power assisted self propelled wheelchair are aftermarket accessories that can be mounted on a wide variety of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing an appropriate button or switch and is controlled using a wireless wristband. Some come with a built-in push tracker that keeps track of how much power the add-on was using.
They can help individuals climb up hills and other obstacles without difficulty. They allow users to maintain independence by continuing to engage in regular activities, work and spending time with family and friends.
In certain instances the use of power assist can prevent sores caused by pressure by reducing the amount of force being applied by the person. Additionally they have been proven to decrease the amount of time it takes an individual to complete mobility tasks and can make it easier to overcome obstacles such as stairs, inclines and curb cuts.
Many power-assists that fold are portable, which means that wheelchair users can take their chair on family trips without needing a van. They can be removed from the chair in order to transport to work or other activities and then reattached on return. This will allow people to continue to work for a salary or volunteer work, as well as other initiatives to continue contributing to society and become an integral part of the community.
When not in use non-folding power assist devices are typically heavier and bulkier. A lot of them fold and can be used with their accessories removed to make more space. They can be stored inside the trunk of any family car. This lets people travel with their families to work, go to other places and even visit friends and family.