Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons with power assist for wheelchair users allow them to travel farther and over more difficult terrain. They also decrease the amount of effort required to propel the wheelchair, which results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These chairs are simple to move around and don't alter the appearance of the manual chairs. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most sturdy and stable. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, enabling the chair to traverse difficult terrain like gravel, grass or steps. This is also an ideal choice if you have to maneuver your chair in tight spaces since it is easy to make sharp turns using the front drive.
When making a selection, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components will best suit your requirements. An auxiliary power assist add-on is also something to consider. There are a variety of options for power assist, including front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design, with a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' provides you extra power with each push. This reduces fatigue and allows you to go further with each push. The smaller rim of the drive provides continuous power to make climbing more comfortable. WheelDrive can be fitted to almost any manual wheelchair with no additional parts or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes using an intuitive power button.
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 user-friendly make it the perfect solution for those who need some extra assistance to travel long distances. The WheelDrive doesn't require any maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist accessories, which can often be a bit difficult to keep in good working order.
If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for further information and an opportunity to see a demonstration. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair The standard FrontDrive system comes with iLevel, which increases your safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This lets you perform the mobility-related activities of daily life, like getting up, grooming and toileting at a more independent height, which can make your life more comfortable and happier.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the amount of effort required to propel a manual wheelchair. They can also help preserve shoulder health and ease the anxiety of injuries that come with sustained, repetitive manual propulsion. Adding power assist to your wheelchair enables you to travel farther as well as traverse steep slopes. You can also move through challenging terrain with more confidence.
Wheelchair power add-ons can be classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that raise a manual wheelchair's caster wheels 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 incorporate both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled with a hand-rim-activated system such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments to the rear, on the other hand are a joystick conversion device such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power accessories are powered by a rechargeable battery, while others, such as the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy of the wheel's rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are typically smaller and lighter than those that rely on kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It is attached to the rigid or folding frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support and they can be changed by pressing one button. It is also simple to switch from manual mode to power mode and then back again.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel that comes with three different support levels and can be controlled by the joystick, making it ideal for people who require different levels of assistance from power sources in various environments. These kinds of power add-ons can also be used to help relieve the pressure on elbows and shoulders and elbows, allowing you to travel further and with less effort. This is particularly beneficial when you're worried about the impact of self-propulsion for long distances on the health of your shoulder.
Active User Wheelchairs
A wheelchair for active users is one made for people who have an life in active ways and want to stay mobile and independent. They 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 that is designed to be used in a busy environment will have smaller frames to improve maneuverability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle are typically larger than the standard ones to enable users to reach them easily and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is often lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulder freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to improve the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when required. This can be useful for climbing hills, travelling long distances or when the user is tired. A powered add-on can be controlled by the user using voice commands or by moving their eyes. This can help them to be more independent and lessen the need for someone 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 and transform it into a three-wheeled hand bike that allows the user to travel faster and farther than they would 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 requirements and preferences of the user. There are a variety of options for rear wheel angles as well as adjustable seat tension and footrest placement. This provides the ultimate in flexibility and individualization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace the existing rear wheels. self propelled lightweight folding wheelchair are easy to use and enable the user to go on more distances with less effort. They are typically light and have advanced control systems to alter programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be attached to a wide range of manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is started through pressing one button or switch. It is controlled using a wireless wristband to activate the motor and change settings like speed. Some also come with a built-in push tracker to keep track of how long the power add-on is used.
They allow people to travel further without getting tired and can assist them to climb slopes and other obstacles with ease. They allow users to maintain independence by continuing to engage in their daily routine, working and spending time with family and friends.
In some cases, a power assisted option may reduce the amount of pressure being exerted on the individual. They can also cut down on the time required to complete activities that require mobility and make it easier for individuals to conquer obstacles such as stairs, inclines, or curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold come with the added benefit of being portable, enabling users to carry their wheelchairs with them on trips in the family vehicle without the need for a fully equipped van. They can be separated from the chair for transport to work or other activities and then reattached when returning. This could help people continue to work for a salary, volunteer work and other endeavours to continue to contribute to society and become a valued member of the community.
When not in use non-folding power assist devices are typically larger and heavier. A lot of them can be folded, and their accessories removed to save even more space. They can be put in the trunk of a regular family vehicle, which permits individuals to travel with their families to work and other places and visit relatives and friends.