Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that provide power assist enable wheelchair users to travel farther and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of effort required for propulsion, resulting 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 extremely simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most sturdy and stable. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and enable the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as gravel, grass, or steps. This is a great option for those who need to maneuver your wheelchair around tight spaces. 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 will best suit your requirements. In My Mobility Scooters to the wheel configuration, the selection of an auxiliary power assist add-on should be considered. There are a variety of options for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel add-ons, and rear-wheel add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design with different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' provides you additional power with each push. This reduces fatigue, and allows you to increase your speed with each push. While the smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power to make it easier to climb. The WheelDrive can be mounted on any manual wheelchair, without the need for additional components or modifications. It can be switched between two driving modes with an intuitive power button.
The motor's brushless design is powered by small batteries which can be taken off and fully charged in less than two hours. The compact design and easy operation make it an ideal solution for those who require an extra boost to travel longer distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance unlike power assist accessories powered by batteries which can be difficult to maintain in good order.
If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we suggest that you speak to one of our ATPs for further details and a demonstration. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair The standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which raises the safe seat height up to 12 inches. This allows you to perform the mobility-related tasks of your daily life such as reaching, toileting, and grooming at a higher level.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs are great ways to reduce the amount of effort it takes to push manually a chair. They also aid in maintaining shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that comes with continuous, repetitive, manual propulsion. You can go further, navigate steep slopes, and maneuver through difficult environments by adding power assist to your chair.
Wheelchair power accessories are 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 bigger centered wheel (similar to bicycles) such as the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that include both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled using hand-rim-activated systems 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 a rechargeable battery and others, such as the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and powered by kinetic energy from the wheel's movement. The ones that are powered by batteries are usually lighter and more compact than those that use energy from the kinetic force to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most well-known wheelchair add-ons. It can be attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they can be changed by pressing one button. It is easy to switch from manual mode to powered mode and reverse the switch.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It has three support levels, and can also be operated by a joystick. This makes it ideal for those who require different levels of assistance in different situations. These power add-ons are also beneficial in reducing the pressure on elbows and shoulders. This lets you travel farther and with less effort. This is especially beneficial in the event that you're concerned about the negative effects of self-propulsion for long distances on your shoulder health.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
A wheelchair for active users is one made for people who have an in a busy lifestyle and want to stay mobile and independent. They are much lighter and more manoeuvrable than standard self-propelled wheelchairs, meaning that users will experience less wear and tear on their upper body. This also allows them to travel longer distances over challenging terrain without the need for assistance.
A wheelchair designed to be used for an active lifestyle typically comes with a small frame size that helps increase maneuverability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for an active lifestyle are typically larger than standard ones to allow users to reach them easily and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is often lower so that the user can move their arms and shoulders freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are another excellent option to make your active wheelchair more efficient, since they can supply additional power when required. This is helpful 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 them to be more independent and lessen the need for someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting method of improving mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a tri-wheeled handbike, allowing users to travel faster and further than they could on their own. This is beneficial for people who are looking to commute to work or for running errands or simply want to take a leisurely ride. A power bike add-on can also be adjusted to fit the individual's preferences and needs and preferences, with various rear wheel angle options available along with adjustable seating tension and footrest position. This gives you the most flexibility and individualization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing the existing rear wheels. They are simple to use and permit the user to go longer distances with less effort. They are usually lightweight and feature advanced control systems to alter programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be mounted on many manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch. It is controlled with an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and change settings like speed. Some models come with a built in push tracker that tracks the amount of power that was using.
They enable people to travel further without getting tired and can assist them to climb hills and other obstacles with ease. They are perfect for allowing users to maintain their independence by continuing to participate in daily activities and work, socialize with friends and family and travel more freely to enjoy leisure.
In some instances an assisted power option can reduce the amount of pressure put on the person. Additionally they have been proven to cut down on the time it takes for a person to perform activities that require mobility. They can also make it easier to overcome obstacles such as steps, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold have the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to take their wheelchairs with them on their trips in the family car without needing a fully equipped van. They can be removed from the chair for travel to work or other events and then reattached upon return. This could help people keep their paid job, volunteer activities and other commitments to remain an active member of the community and contribute to society.
Non-folding power-assist gadgets are generally larger and heavier than their folding counterparts, but they can still be compact when not being used. They are often foldable and can have their accessories removed to create more space. They can be put in the trunk of a family car, allowing individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations, as well as visit friends and relatives.