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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 effort needed for propulsion. This leads to lower heart rate and less muscle fatigue.
The great thing about these chairs is that they don't alter the look of a manual chair, and they are easily transported. They are also very easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most robust and stable. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, enabling the chair to navigate difficult terrains such as grass, gravel or steps. This design is ideal when you need to maneuver your wheelchair through tight areas. You can make quick turns with the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will take into consideration which base and components are best suited to your requirements. An auxiliary power assist add-on is also important to consider. There are a variety of options for power assistance, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel add-ons and rear-wheel add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on offered by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that offers different driving modes. The large 'assist' wheel gives you extra power with each push. This reduces fatigue, and lets you increase your speed with each push. The smaller rim of the drive offers continuous power to make climbing easier. The WheelDrive is simple to install on virtually every manual wheelchair without any additional parts or modifications and can be switched between two driving modes using an easy-to-use 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 makes it the ideal solution for those who require an extra helping hand to travel long distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free, unlike power assist accessories powered by batteries that can be difficult to keep in working in good working order.
We suggest you contact one of our ATPs to get more information and to view a demonstration if you are contemplating adding a power wheelchair that has front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair that comes with FrontDrive, the FrontDrive system standard comes with iLevel which raises the safe seat's elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to perform everyday activities that require mobility such as toileting, reaching and grooming at a higher height.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs can be a great way to reduce the amount of effort required to propel manually a chair. They can also preserve shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that is associated with the repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. You can go further, traverse steep slopes, and maneuver in difficult conditions by adding power assist to your chair.
The power add-ons to wheelchairs can be classified into three categories: rear attachments which are similar to SmartDrive, front attachments that raise the wheels of the casters of manual chairs off of the ground (similarly to a bicycle), and hybrid systems that combine both features. Front attachments can be controlled using hand-rim-activated systems, such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Rear attachments, on the other hand are devices that convert joysticks, like the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power add-ons 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. Those that are powered by a battery are typically lighter and smaller than those powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most sought-after wheelchair accessories. It can be attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they can be adjusted by pressing the button. It is also easy to switch from manual mode to power mode and back.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It comes with three support levels, and is also controlled by a joystick. This makes it ideal for those who require different levels of assistance in various situations. These types of power add-ons can also be used to help relieve the pressure on elbows and shoulders which allows you to go further and with less effort. This is especially beneficial in the event that you're concerned about the impact of self-propulsion over long distances on your shoulder health.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
An active user wheelchair is one that is specifically designed for those who lead an life in active ways and want to stay mobile and independent. These wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less worn out. They are also able to travel on difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair designed for active lifestyles will have a smaller frame to increase mobility. In addition the rear wheels are typically bigger than standard wheelchairs to enable the user to easily reach them and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is usually lower so that the user can move their arms and shoulder freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to boost the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when required. This can be beneficial when climbing hills, travelling long distances, or when the user is tired. The user can control a powered add-on via eye movements or voice commands. This can help them to be more independent and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments to wheelchairs are a brand new and exciting method of increasing mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair, transforming it into a hand-bike that has three wheels, allowing users to travel further and faster than they could by themselves. This can be beneficial for those who want to commute to work or to run errands, or for those who simply want to enjoy a leisurely ride. The power bike can be customized to meet the requirements and preferences of the user. There are different options for rear wheel angles as well adjustable seat tension and footrest placement. This allows for the ultimate in customization and flexibility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons connect to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their original rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. They are usually lightweight and have advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be mounted on a wide variety of manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing the button or switch and controlled with a wireless wristband. Some models come with a built in push tracker that records how much power was using.
They allow individuals to travel greater distances without getting tired and can help them climb the slopes and other obstacles with ease. They are ideal for those who want to maintain their independence by continuing to engage in daily activities and working, as well as socializing with friends and family, and enjoy more freedom to travel for leisure.
In some instances using an assist device can reduce the risk of developing sores from pressure by reducing amount of force being applied by the person. In addition they have been found to decrease the amount of time it takes a person to perform activities that require mobility. They can also help them overcome obstacles like stairs, inclines and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist devices offer the added benefit of being portable, enabling users to take their wheelchairs with them on trips in the family vehicle without needing a fully equipped van. lightest self propelled wheelchair can be removed from the chair in order to travel for work or other activities and then reattached after they return home. This can help people maintain their paid job, volunteer work and other endeavors to remain an active member of the community and contribute to the society.
When not in use non-folding power assist devices are usually larger and heavier. Many of them are foldable and can be used with their accessories removed to create more space. They can be put in the trunk of any family vehicle. This lets people travel with their families to work, go to other places, and to visit friends and family.
