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 required for propulsion. This results in lower heart rate and less muscle fatigue.
The best aspect of these chairs is that they don't alter the look of a manual chair and they are easy to transport. They are also very easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the most stable and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and allow the chair to take on difficult terrains such as grass, gravel, or steps. This is a great option when you need to maneuver your wheelchair around tight areas. You can make quick turns with the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components will best suit your requirements. An add-on for power assist is also important to consider. There are many options available for power assistance, including front-wheel add-ons add-ons, and rear-wheel add-ons.
The new and refreshed WheelDrive add-on by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that offers different driving modes. The larger 'assist rim' offers additional power assistance with each push, which reduces fatigue and allows you to go further per push. The smaller 'drive rim' provides continuous power to make it easier to climb. The WheelDrive is simple to install on almost 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. The compact design and easy operation makes it the perfect solution for people who need an extra boost for traveling further distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons that are difficult to maintain in good and in good working.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs to learn more and to see the demonstration if you're thinking about adding a power wheelchair that has front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair it comes with iLevel. FrontDrive standard model comes with iLevel, which raises the safe seat's elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to complete everyday activities that require mobility like toileting, reaching and grooming at a higher height.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the effort required to propel manually-driven wheelchairs. They can also preserve shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that comes with long-term, repetitive manual propulsion. By adding power assist to your wheelchair enables you to travel farther, climb steep slopes and maneuver in challenging environments with greater confidence.
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 larger, 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, such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments to the rear, on the other hand, are joystick conversion devices such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power accessories are powered by rechargeable batteries as well as others, like the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and are powered by the kinetic energy of the wheel rotation. These that are powered by batteries are usually more lightweight and smaller than those powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It attaches to either the rigid or folding frame of active wheelchairs. There are three support levels, and they can be changed by pressing the 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 comes with three levels of support, and is also controlled by a joystick. This makes it ideal for people who require different levels of assistance in different settings. These power add-ons can be beneficial in reducing the pressure on shoulders and elbows. This lets you go farther with less effort. This is particularly beneficial when you are concerned about the impact of propulsion for long distances on your shoulders.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are made for people who want to be mobile and independent and live a full life. They are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will not be as fatigued. They can also travel over difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair specifically designed for active use typically comes with a small frame size, which helps to improve maneuverability. Furthermore, the rear wheels are typically larger than standard wheelchairs to enable the user to easily access them and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is typically lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are a excellent option to make your active user wheelchair more efficient as they can offer additional power when needed. This can be beneficial when climbing hills, travelling long distances, or when the user feels exhausted. A powered accessory can be controlled by the user using voice commands or by moving their eyes, which can aid in independence and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments on wheelchairs are a new and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair, transforming it into a hand-bike with three wheels, allowing users to travel faster and farther than they could by themselves. This is a great option for those who want to commute to work, run some errands, or simply enjoy a leisurely bike ride. A power bike can also be adjusted to fit the user's needs and preferences, with different angles for the rear wheel available along with an adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This lets you achieve the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace their existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow users to travel greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are typically light and offer advanced control systems that allow you to adjust 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+ and Alber Smoov. self propelled wheelchairs lightweight is activated by pressing one button or switch, and is controlled using an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and change settings such as speed. Some models also have a built-in push tracker to keep track of how long the power add-on has been utilized.
They can aid people in climbing hills and other obstacles easily. They are ideal for helping users remain independent by continuing to engage in daily activities and work, socialize with friends and family and move around more freely for leisure.
In certain situations the use of a power-assist option may reduce the amount of pressure exerted on the individual. In addition, they have been shown to reduce the amount of time it takes an individual to complete activities that require mobility. They can also make it easier to overcome obstacles such as steps, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist products can be carried around, meaning that users can bring their wheelchair on family trips without having to use a van. They can be detached from the chair to transportation to work or other events and then reattached when returning. This can help people maintain their job, volunteer or other activities to remain an active member of the community and contribute to the society.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are usually heavier and bulkier. A lot of them can be folded and have their accessories removed to free even more space. They can be stored in the trunk of a family car, allowing people to travel with their families to work or other locations and visit friends and relatives.