Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons allow wheelchair users to travel longer distances and on challenging terrain. They also reduce the effort required for propulsion. This results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These devices are easy to move and don't alter the appearance of manual chairs. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most robust and stable. The large drive wheels are able to "grab" the road, allowing the chair to traverse difficult terrain like gravel, grass or steps. This configuration is also an ideal choice if you have to maneuver your chair in tight spaces as you can easily turn sharp turns with the front drive.
When you are choosing a wheelchair, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will take into consideration which base and components meet your requirements. In addition to the wheel configuration, the choice of an additional power assist add-on must also be considered. There are many options for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel additions, and rear-wheel add-ons.
easy self-propelled wheelchair and relaunched WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design, with a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist rim' gives extra power assistance to each push, which helps reduce fatigue and lets you increase the distance you push. While the smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power to make it easier to climb. The WheelDrive can be mounted on almost every manual wheelchair, without the need for extra parts or modifications. It can be switched between two driving modes with an easy-to-use power button.
The motor's brushless design is powered by small batteries which can be taken off and fully charged in under two hours. Its compact design and easy operation makes it the perfect solution for those who require an extra boost when traveling longer distances. The WheelDrive does not require any maintenance, unlike other battery powered power assist add-ons that can be quite complicated to keep in good condition.
If you're thinking of 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 includes iLevel, which raises your safe seat elevation up to 12 inches. This allows you to perform mobility-related activities of daily life such as toileting, reaching, and grooming at a higher height.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power accessories for wheelchairs are great ways to reduce the amount of effort it takes to propel manually a chair. They can also preserve shoulder health and decrease the risk of injury that can result from long-term, repetitive manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel further as well as traverse steep slopes. You can also maneuver in challenging environments with more confidence.
Wheelchair power accessories are classified 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 a 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, such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Rear attachments, on the other hand are devices that convert joysticks such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair accessories make use of rechargeable batteries, and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. These that are powered by a battery are usually more lightweight and compact than those that are powered by kinetic energy from the wheel's rotation.
One of the most awaited wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axle of rigid and folding frame wheelchairs. It has three different levels of support that can be adjusted with the press of a button. It is also easy to switch from manual to power mode and then back again.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It comes with three support levels, and can also be controlled with the joystick. This makes it ideal for those who require different levels of assistance in various settings. These power add-ons can be useful for reducing pressure on the elbows and shoulders. This lets you move further with less effort. This is particularly beneficial in the event that you're concerned about the effects of self-propulsion over long distances on your shoulder health.
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 stay independent and mobile. These wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will not be as exhausted. They can also traverse difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed for an active life will have an elongated frame to enhance mobility. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for an active lifestyle are usually larger than the standard ones to enable the user to get them easily and move forward. The backrest height is also usually lower, allowing the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are another excellent method to make your active wheelchair more efficient, as they can supply additional power when required. This is useful when climbing hills, travelling 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 can aid in independence and reduce the need for someone to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of the wheelchair and transform it into a tri-wheeled hand bike, allowing the user to travel more quickly and farther than they would on their own. This is a great option for people who want to commute to work, run errands or simply enjoy a leisurely bike ride. A power bike can be adjusted to meet the user's needs and preferences, with different rear wheel angle options available and the ability to adjust the seat tension and footrest positioning. This offers the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons attach to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their original rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow users to travel greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are lightweight and come with advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be connected to a wide range of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is started through pushing one button or switch and is controlled using the wristband wireless to start the motor and alter settings such as speed. Some have a built-in push tracker that records how much power the add-on was using.
They can assist people to climb mountains and other obstacles with ease. They help users maintain their independence by completing daily activities, work and socializing with family and friends.
In certain instances, the use of power assist can prevent pressure sores by reducing the amount of force being applied by the person. In addition, they have been shown to cut down on the time it takes a person to perform tasks that require mobility and make it easier to overcome obstacles such as curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold come with the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing users to take their wheelchairs along on trips in the family vehicle without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be detached from the chair for transport to work or other activities and then reattached upon return. This could help people retain their paid employment or volunteer work, as well as other endeavours to continue to contribute to society and become an active member of the community.
Non-folding power-assist devices are typically larger and heavier than their folding counterparts, however they can be compact when not in use. A lot of them fold and can be used with their accessories removed for even more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of any family car. This lets people travel with their families, to work, to other places, and to visit friends and family.