Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons with power assist for wheelchair users allow them to travel further and over more difficult terrain. self propelled wheelchairs lightweight reduce the amount of effort required for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The best thing about these chairs is that they don't alter the appearance of a manual chair and they are easy to transport. They are also easy 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 take on difficult terrain like grass, gravel or steps. This is a great option if you require to maneuver your chair through tight spaces because you can easily turn sharp turns using the front drive.
When choosing a wheelchair your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components meet your requirements. In addition to the drive wheel configuration, the choice of an add-on power assist accessory 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.
The new and refreshed WheelDrive add-on from Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that provides different driving modes. The large 'assist' wheel gives you extra power with every push. This reduces fatigue, and allows you to increase your speed with each push. The smaller 'drive rim' provides continuous power for easier climbing. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on almost every manual wheelchair, without the need for additional parts or modifications and can be switched between the two driving modes by pressing an easy-to-use 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 design and easy operation make it an ideal solution for those who require an extra boost when traveling further distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free, unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons that are difficult to keep in working and in good working.
We suggest you contact one of our ATPs to get more information and to witness a demonstration if you are thinking about adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair, the FrontDrive system standard comes with iLevel that raises the safe seat's elevation to 12 inches. This lets you perform mobility related activities of daily living such as toileting, grooming, and reaching at a higher, more comfortable height, which can make you healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power wheelchair add-ons can reduce the effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They can also preserve shoulder health and lessen the fear of injury that is associated with long-term, repetitive manual propulsion. Adding power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel farther, climb steep slopes and move through challenging terrain with more confidence.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs could be classified into three categories: rear attachments that are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments, which raise the wheels of the casters of manual chairs off the ground (similarly to a bicycle), and hybrid systems that combine both features. Front attachments can be controlled by hand-rim-activated systems such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments to the rear are, on the other hand, are joystick conversion devices, like the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power add-ons are powered by a rechargeable battery as well as 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 usually more lightweight and smaller than those powered by kinetic energy from the wheel rotation.
One of the most popular wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axle of rigid and folding frame wheelchairs. It comes with three different levels of support that can be adjusted with the push of an button. It is simple to switch between manual and powered mode and in reverse.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It comes with three levels of support and is also controlled by the joystick. This makes it ideal for those who require different degrees of assistance in different settings. These power add-ons are also helpful in reducing stress on elbows and shoulders. This allows you to go farther with less effort. This is particularly beneficial in the event that you're concerned about the negative effects of self-propulsion for 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 mobile and independent. They are much lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self-propelled wheelchairs, so users will see less wear and wear on their upper body. This also allows them to travel for longer distances through challenging terrain without needing assistance.
A wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle typically has a smaller frame size, which helps to improve maneuverability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for an active lifestyle are usually larger than standard ones, allowing 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 are another great option to make your active wheelchair more efficient, as they can provide additional power when required. This can be useful for going up and down hills, for long distances or when the user feels exhausted. The user can control a powered add-on through voice commands or eye movements. This can allow users become more self-sufficient and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled handbike, allowing the user to travel more quickly and further than they could on their own. This is a great choice 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 a variety of rear wheel angle options available, as well as an adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This gives you the most flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing the existing rear wheels. They are simple to operate and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. They are usually lightweight and offer advanced control systems to alter programming, monitor battery level 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+ or Alber Smoov. The device is started through pushing one button or switch and is controlled using a wireless wristband to activate the motor and adjust settings like speed. Some come with a built-in push tracker that tracks the amount of power that was used.
They enable individuals to travel longer distances without getting tired and can assist them to climb the slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are ideal for allowing users to keep their independence and continue to take part in everyday activities, work, and socialize with family and friends and travel more freely to enjoy leisure.
In some instances the use of an assist device can reduce the risk of developing sores caused by pressure by reducing the amount of force being put on the body by the user. They can also reduce the amount of time needed to complete tasks that require mobility, and help people to overcome obstacles like stairs, inclines, or curb cuts.
Many power-assists that fold can be carried around, meaning that users can take their wheelchair on family trips without needing a van. They can be removed from the chair in order to travel for work or other activities and then reattached once they return home. This could help people keep their job, volunteer work and other endeavors to continue to be a valued community member and contribute to society.
Power-assist devices that are not foldable are generally heavier and larger than their folding counterparts. However, they can be compact when not in use. They can be folded and have their accessories removed to free even more space. They can be stored inside the trunk of any family vehicle. This allows people to travel with their families, to work, to other locations and also to visit friends and family.