Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that offer power assist for wheelchair users allow them to move further and traverse more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort needed for propulsion. This results in lower heart rate and less muscle fatigue.
These chairs are simple to move and don't alter the appearance of manual chairs. They are also extremely simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs give the ultimate in stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and enable the chair to take on difficult terrains such as gravel, grass or steps. This configuration is also an ideal choice if you require to maneuver your chair around tight spaces as it is easy to make sharp turns using the front drive.
When choosing a wheelchair your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components are best suited to your needs. An auxiliary power assist add-on is also a good option to think about. There are a variety of options for power assist, such as front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on from Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that offers different driving modes. The large 'assist' wheel gives you additional power with each push. This reduces fatigue, and lets you go further with each push. The smaller rim for driving provides continuous power to make climbing more comfortable. WheelDrive can be mounted on any manual wheelchair, with no additional parts or modifications. It is also easy to switch between the two driving modes by pressing the power button with a simple click.
The power assistance is provided by a brushless hub motor which is powered by detachable lightweight batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. The compact design and easy operation makes it a perfect solution for those who require an extra boost to travel further distances. The WheelDrive does not require 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 wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you speak to one of our ATPs for more information and an example. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair, the FrontDrive system comes standard with iLevel which raises the safe seat's elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to complete mobility-related activities of daily life such as reaching, toileting and grooming at a higher height.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the amount of effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They also aid in maintaining the health of your shoulders and reduce the fear of injury associated with sustained, repetitive, manual propulsion. By adding power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel further distances, traverse steep slopes and maneuver in challenging environments with greater confidence.
Wheelchair power add-ons can be 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 larger, centered wheel (similar to a bicycle) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that include both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled using a hand-rim activated system like the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Rear attachments are, on the other hand are devices that convert joysticks such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power accessories are powered by rechargeable batteries, while others, such as the WheelDrive are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and are powered by kinetic energy from the wheel's rotation. The ones powered by batteries are typically lighter and compact than those that are driven by kinetic energy from the wheel rotation.
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 wheelchairs. It has three different support levels that can be changed with the press of one button. It is simple to switch from manual mode to powered mode and vice versa.
ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchair is another alternative. It comes with three levels of support and can also be controlled by the joystick. This makes it ideal for people who require different levels of assistance in different environments. These kinds of power accessories can also help reduce pressure on shoulders and elbows and elbows, allowing you to travel farther with less effort. This is especially beneficial when you're worried about the negative effects of self-propulsion over long distances on your shoulder health.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are designed for people who want to be independent and mobile and live a full life. They are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less fatigued. They can also traverse difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed to be used in a busy environment will have a smaller frame to increase maneuverability. Additionally, the rear wheels are typically bigger than standard wheelchairs to enable the user to easily access them and propel themselves forward. The backrest is usually lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be used to boost the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can give you extra power when required. This is useful when climbing up hills, navigating long distances, or when the user is exhausted. The user can control an accessory powered through eye movements or voice commands. This can allow users become more self-sufficient and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting method of increasing mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a three-wheeled hand bike that allows the user to travel more quickly and further than they could on their own. This is a great option for those who wish to commute to work, do some errands, or simply enjoy a relaxing ride. The power bike can be customized to suit the preferences and needs of the rider. There are different options for rear wheel angles as well adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This allows for the most customization and flexibility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons connect to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their original rear wheels. They are simple to use and allow the user to take on more distances with less effort. They are usually lightweight and feature advanced control systems that allow you to adjust programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
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 a button or switch, and controlled by an electronic wristband. Some come with a built-in push tracker that records how much power was used.
They allow people to travel further without fatigue and aid them in climbing the slopes and other obstacles more easily. They enable users to maintain independence by completing their daily routine, working and spending time with family and friends.
In certain situations the use of a power-assist option may reduce the amount of pressure put on the person. Additionally they have been found to decrease the amount of time it takes an individual to complete mobility tasks and can aid in overcoming obstacles like stairs, inclines and curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold offer the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing users to take their wheelchairs along on trips in the family vehicle without needing a fully equipped van. They can be removed from the chair to travel for work or other events and then reattached once they return home. This can help people to keep their jobs or volunteer work, as well as other endeavours to continue to contribute to society and be an integral part of the community.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are usually larger and heavier. Many of them can be folded and their accessories removed to free even more space. They can be put in the trunk of any family vehicle. This allows people to travel with their families, to work, to other locations and also to visit family and friends.