Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that offer power assist for wheelchair users allow them to travel farther and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort needed to propel. This results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These devices are easy to move and don't alter the look of traditional chairs. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the most stable and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, enabling the chair to navigate difficult terrains such as gravel, grass or steps. This is also an ideal choice if you need to maneuver your chair in tight spaces because you can easily turn sharp 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 meet your requirements. An auxiliary power assist add-on is also important to consider. There are many options for power assist, such as front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The new and refreshed WheelDrive add-on by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that provides different driving modes. The large 'assist' wheel gives you extra power with every push. This helps reduce fatigue and lets you get further ahead with each push. While the smaller 'drive rim' provides continuous power to make it easier to climb. WheelDrive can be installed on any manual wheelchair, without additional components or modifications. It is also easy to switch between the two driving modes pressing the power button with a simple click.
The power assistance is provided by an electric hub motor that 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 the perfect solution for those who need some extra assistance to travel for long distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free unlike battery-powered power assist systems which can be difficult to keep in good and in good working.
If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for further details and an opportunity to see a demonstration. If you are considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair, the standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which increases your safe seat elevation up to 12 inches. This allows you to complete the mobility-related tasks of your daily life such as toileting, reaching, and grooming at a higher elevation.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power wheelchair accessories can cut down on the effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They also protect shoulder health and reduce the fear of injury that can result from the repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. You can go further, traverse steep slopes, and maneuver through difficult environments by adding power assist to your chair.
Wheelchair power add-ons are categorized into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that lift a manual wheelchair's caster wheels off the ground and replace them with a bigger centered wheel (similar to the bicycle) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that include both of these features. Front attachments are usually controlled via a hand-rim activated device such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist and rear attachments are typically joystick-converting devices such as the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power accessories are powered by rechargeable batteries, while others, like the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor inside the wheelchair and are powered by kinetic energy from the wheel rotation. These that are powered by batteries are typically lighter and smaller than those driven by kinetic energy from the wheel's rotation.
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 wheelchairs. self control wheelchair comes with three different levels of support which can be changed at the press of one button. It is also simple to switch from manual mode to power mode and back again.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It has three levels of support and can be controlled by the joystick. This makes it ideal for people who require different degrees of assistance in different settings. These kinds of power add-ons can also help relieve the strain on your elbows and shoulders and elbows, allowing you to travel further with less effort. This is particularly beneficial if you are concerned about the effects of propulsion for long distances on your shoulders.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
A wheelchair for active users is one made for people who have an life in active ways and want to remain independent and mobile. They 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 terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed to be used in a busy environment will have an elongated frame to enhance maneuverability. Additionally the rear wheels are usually bigger than standard wheelchairs to enable the user to easily reach them and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is often lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulders freely while self-propelling.
These add-ons powered by electricity can be used to increase the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when required. This is useful when climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user is exhausted. The user can control a powered accessory via voice commands or eye movements. This can allow users to become more independent and less dependent on someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting method of improving mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair to transform it into a hand-bike with three wheels, allowing users to travel faster and farther than they could on their own. This is an excellent option for people who want to commute to work, run some errands, or simply enjoy a leisurely bike ride. The power bike can be customized to suit the needs and preferences of the user. There are various options for rear wheel angles, as well adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This allows for the ultimate in 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 easy to operate and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. These are typically lightweight and feature advanced control systems that allow you to adjust programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be fitted to many 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 the wireless wristband. Some come with a built in push tracker that records how much power the add-on was used.
They permit individuals to travel longer distances without fatigue and assist them to climb slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are ideal for those who want to maintain their independence by continuing to engage in daily activities, work, and socialize with friends and family and move around more freely to enjoy leisure.
In some instances the use of a power-assist option can help reduce the amount of pressure placed on the person. Additionally they have been proven to cut down on the time required for the person to complete tasks that require mobility and help them overcome obstacles like stairs, inclines and curb cuts.
Many of the power assist products that fold can be carried around, meaning that wheelchair users can take their chair on family trips without the need for a van. They can be removed from the chair in order to travel for work or other events and then reattached once they return home. This can help people maintain their paid job, volunteer or other activities to continue to be an active member of the community and contribute to society.
When not in use non-folding power assist devices are typically heavier and bulkier. Many of them can be folded and their accessories removed to save even more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of a family car, which allows individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations, as well as visit relatives and friends.