Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that offer power assist allow wheelchair users 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.
These devices are easy to move around and don't alter the look of traditional chairs. They are also extremely simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs give the highest level of stability and power. The large drive wheels are able to "grab" the road, enabling the chair to traverse difficult terrains such as grass, gravel or steps. This is a great option when you need to maneuver your wheelchair through tight spaces. You can make quick turns with the front drive.
In the process of selecting, your Therapist or Assistant Technology Professional will consider which components and bases best meet your needs. In addition to the wheel configuration, the selection of an auxiliary power assist add-on should be taken into consideration. There are several different options for power assist, such as front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design, which offers a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' provides you extra power with each push. This helps reduce fatigue and lets you get further ahead with each push. While the smaller 'drive rim' provides continuous power to aid in climbing. The WheelDrive is simple to install on almost every manual wheelchair with no extra parts or modifications. It can be switched between the two driving modes with an easy-to-use power button.
The power assistance is provided by the hub motor, which is a brushless design. It is powered by detachable light batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact design and easy operation makes it a perfect option for those who require an extra boost for traveling longer distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance, unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons which can be difficult to keep in good in good working order.
If you're considering adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we suggest that you contact one of our ATPs for further information and a demonstration. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair the standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which increases your safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to perform everyday activities that require mobility like toileting, reaching, and grooming at a higher height.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchair accessories can cut down on the amount of effort required to propel a manual wheelchair. They also aid in maintaining shoulder health and ease the risk of injury that comes with continuous, repetitive manual propulsion. Adding power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel farther as well as traverse steep slopes. You can also maneuver in challenging environments with greater confidence.
Wheelchair power add-ons are categorized into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive) and front attachments that raise a manual wheelchair's caster wheels off the ground and replace them with a bigger centered wheel (similar to bicycles) 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 and rear attachments are usually joystick-converting devices such as the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair accessories use a rechargeable batteries, while others like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are generally lighter and more compact than those that use energy from the kinetic force to drive the wheels.
One of the most popular wheelchair power add-ons is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axle of rigid and folding frame wheelchairs. It has three different levels of support that can be adjusted with the press of one button. self propelled wheel chair is simple to switch from manual to powered mode and in reverse.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It comes with three levels of support and is also controlled with a joystick. This makes it perfect for those who require different levels of assistance in different settings. These power add-ons are also useful for reducing pressure on the shoulders and elbows. This allows you to travel farther and with less effort. This is particularly beneficial when you're worried about the effects of self-propulsion over long distances on the health of your shoulder.
Active User Wheelchairs
An active user wheelchair is one that has been designed for people who live an active lifestyle and want to stay mobile and independent. They are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will be less worn out. They can also travel over difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed for an active lifestyle will usually have a compact frame size that helps increase maneuverability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for active use are usually larger than the standard ones to enable users to reach them easily and propel themselves forward. The backrest is usually lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are a excellent option to make your active user wheelchair more efficient, since they can supply additional power when needed. This is useful when climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user is feeling exhausted. The user can control a powered add-on through voice commands or eye movements. This can help users become more self-sufficient and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments on wheelchairs are a brand new and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of the wheelchair and transform it into a tri-wheeled handbike that allows users to travel faster and farther than they would on their own. This can be beneficial for those who want to commute to work or for running errands or simply want to take a leisurely ride. A power bike can be adjusted to suit the individual's preferences and needs, with different rear wheel angles available, as well as an adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This offers the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons attach to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their original rear wheels. They are easy to use and enable the user to go on more distances with less effort. These are lightweight and feature advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection, monitoring of battery levels, and programming.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be affixed to a variety of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing one button or switch and is controlled with a wireless wristband to activate the motor and alter settings like speed. Some have an integrated push tracker that tracks how much power was using.
They allow people to travel further without fatigue and assist them to climb slopes and other obstacles more easily. They help users maintain their independence by continuing with daily activities, work and having fun with friends and family.
In certain situations the use of a power-assist option may reduce the amount of pressure being put on the person. Additionally they have been found to decrease the amount of time required for an individual to complete tasks that require mobility and aid in overcoming obstacles like 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 their trips in the family vehicle without needing a fully equipped van. They can be separated from the chair to transport to work or other activities and then reattached on return. This can help people maintain their paid job, volunteer work and other endeavors to remain an active member of the community and contribute to society.
Non-folding power-assist gadgets are generally heavier and larger than their folding counterparts, but they can still be very compact when not in use. A lot of them can be folded, and their accessories removed to save even more space. They can be put in the trunk of a regular family car, allowing people to travel with their families to work and other locations and visit friends and relatives.