Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons allow wheelchair users to travel longer distances and over difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort required to propel. This results in lower heart rate and less muscle fatigue.
The good thing about these devices is that they don't alter the style of a manual chair and they can be easily moved. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the ultimate in stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and enable the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as gravel, grass or steps. This design is ideal if you have to maneuver your wheelchair in tight areas. You can make quick turns with the front drive.
When making a selection your therapist or assistant Technology Professional will consider which components and bases best meet your needs. A power assist auxiliary add-on is also a good option to think about. There are many options for power assist, including front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The relaunched and new WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design with different driving modes. The large 'assist' wheel gives you extra power with every push. This reduces fatigue and lets you get further ahead with each push. The smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power for easier climbing. WheelDrive can be mounted on almost any manual wheelchair with no additional parts or modifications. Internet Page is also simple to switch between the two driving modes by using an intuitive power button.
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. Its compact size and easy to use make it a perfect choice for those who need an extra helping hand to travel long distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance, unlike power assist accessories powered by batteries which can be difficult to keep in good and in good working.
If you're considering adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for more information and a demonstration. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair that comes with FrontDrive, the FrontDrive standard model comes with iLevel, which raises the safe seat's elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to perform the mobility-related activities of daily living such as reaching, grooming and toileting at a greater height, which can make you healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power wheelchair add-ons can reduce the effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They can also help maintain shoulder health and lessen the fear of injury that is associated with long-term, repetitive manual propulsion. You can travel further, climb steep slopes, and maneuver in difficult environments by incorporating power assist into your chair.
Wheelchair power add-ons can be classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that lift the caster wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a larger centered wheel (similar to the bicycle) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that combine both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled with 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 a rechargeable battery as well as others, like the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor inside the wheelchair and are powered by kinetic energy from 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 awaited wheelchair power add-ons is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axle of rigid and folding frame active wheelchairs and has three different levels of support that can be changed with the push 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 has three support levels, and is also controlled with the joystick. This makes it perfect for those who require different levels of assistance in various settings. These types of power add-ons can also be used to help reduce the strain on your elbows and shoulders, allowing you to go farther with less effort. This is particularly useful when you are concerned about the impact of propulsion for long distances on your shoulders.
Active User Wheelchairs
An active user wheelchair is one that has been specifically designed for those who lead an an active lifestyle and want to remain mobile and independent. These wheelchairs are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less worn out. They can also travel for longer distances through challenging terrain without needing assistance.
A wheelchair designed for an active life will have an elongated frame to enhance maneuverability. Additionally, the rear wheels are typically larger than standard wheelchairs so that the user can easily access them and then propel themselves forward. The backrest height is also often lower, allowing the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to increase the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can supply additional power when needed. This is useful when climbing up hills, traveling long distances, or when the user is exhausted. A powered accessory can be controlled by the user through voice commands or by adjusting their eyes, which could aid in independence and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments to wheelchairs are a brand new and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair to transform it into a handbike with three wheels, which allows users to travel more quickly and further than they could by themselves. This can be beneficial for people who are looking to commute to work or for running errands or for those who simply want to take a leisurely ride. A power bike can also be adjusted to meet the user's needs and preferences, with different rear wheel angles available along with adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This provides the ultimate in versatility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs to replace their current rear wheels. They are simple to operate and allow for greater distances to be covered with less effort. These are lightweight and feature advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be connected to a wide range of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is started through pushing one button or switch. It is controlled using the wristband wireless to start the motor and adjust settings like speed. Some also come with an integrated push tracker that can keep track of how long the power add-on is used.
They permit individuals to travel greater distances without fatigue and help them climb the slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are ideal for allowing users to maintain their independence by continuing to take part in everyday activities, work, and socialize with friends and family and enjoy more freedom to travel to enjoy leisure.
In some cases the use of a power-assist option may reduce the amount of pressure placed on the person. They can also reduce the time required to complete mobility tasks, and make it easier for individuals to conquer obstacles such as steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold have the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing users to carry their wheelchairs along on trips in the family car without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be removed from the chair to travel for work or other activities and then reattached once they return home. This will allow people to keep their jobs or volunteer efforts to contribute to society and be an integral part of the community.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are typically heavier and bulkier. They can be folded and have their accessories removed to free even more space. They can be stored inside the trunk of any family vehicle. This allows people to travel with their families, to work, to other places and even visit family and friends.