Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons with power assist for wheelchair users allow them to travel further and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort required to propel. This results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These devices are easy to transport and don't change the look of manual chairs. They are also extremely simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs provide the most stable and power. The large drive wheels are able to "grab" the road, allowing the chair to take on difficult terrain like grass, gravel or steps. This design is ideal if you have to maneuver your wheelchair in tight spaces.
best self-propelled wheelchair mymobilityscooters can make sharp turns easily 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 are best suited to your requirements. In addition to the wheel configuration, the choice of an add-on power assist accessory should be taken into consideration. There are several different options for power assist, including front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The relaunched and new WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design that has different driving modes. The large 'assist ' rim gives extra power assistance to every push, which decreases fatigue and lets you get more out of each push. The smaller rim of the drive gives you continuous power, making climbing more comfortable. The WheelDrive can be mounted on any manual wheelchair, without the need for additional parts or modifications and can be switched between the two driving modes using an easy-to-use power button.
The power assistance is provided by an electric hub motor that is powered by detachable light batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. The compact design and easy operation makes it a perfect solution for those who require an extra boost when traveling further distances. The WheelDrive does not require any maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist add-ons that can be a bit difficult to keep in good working order.
If you're considering adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we suggest that you contact one of our ATPs for more details and an example. 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 perform everyday activities that require mobility like 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 can also help maintain shoulder health and ease the fear of injury associated with repetitive, long-lasting, manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair enables you to travel further as well as traverse steep slopes. You can also move through challenging terrain with more confidence.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs can be classified into three categories: rear attachments which are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments, which raise the wheels of a manual chair off the ground (similarly to a bicycle) and hybrid systems that combine both features. Front attachments are typically controlled by a hand-rim activated device such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist and rear attachments are typically joystick conversion devices like the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair accessories make use of rechargeable batteries, while others like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the energy generated by wheel rotation. The ones powered by batteries are typically lighter and compact than those that are driven by kinetic energy from the wheel rotation.
One of the most well-known wheelchair power add-ons is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axle of rigid and folding frame wheelchairs. It has three different support levels that can be changed with the push of an button. It is easy to switch from manual mode to powered mode and vice versa.
Another option is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel It also comes with three different support levels and can be controlled by the joystick, which makes it ideal for users who require varying degrees of assistance from power sources in various settings. These types of power add-ons can also be used to assist in reducing the pressure on elbows and shoulders and elbows, allowing you to travel farther with less effort. This is particularly beneficial when you're worried about the impact of long-distance self-propulsion on your shoulder health.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
A wheelchair for active users is one specifically designed for those who lead an life in active ways and want to remain mobile and independent. They are lighter and more manoeuvrable than standard self-propelled wheelchairs, so users will experience less wear and wear on their upper bodies. They can also travel for longer distances through challenging terrain without the need for assistance.
A wheelchair designed for active lifestyles will have smaller frames to improve mobility. The rear wheels of a wheelchair designed for active use are typically larger than standard ones, allowing the user to reach them easily and move forward. The backrest height is typically lower, allowing the user to move their arms and shoulders freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are another fantastic way to make your active user wheelchair more efficient, since they can offer additional power when required. This can be helpful for climbing up hills, travelling long distances, or when the user is exhausted. The user can control a powered accessory via eye movements or voice commands. This can assist users to become more independent and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a brand new and exciting method of increasing mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled hand bike, allowing the user to travel more quickly and farther than they would on their own. This is an excellent option for people who want to commute to work, do around or just enjoy a leisurely bike ride. The power bike can be customized to meet the preferences and needs of the rider. There are various 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 attached to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing the existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow the user to take longer distances with less effort. They are lightweight and come with advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection and monitoring of battery levels, and programming.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be attached to a wide range of manual wheelchairs that fold, such as the SmartDrive MX2+. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch and is controlled using the wristband wireless to start the motor and change settings like speed. Some have an integrated push tracker that keeps track of how much power was using.
They enable individuals to travel longer distances without getting tired and can assist them to climb slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are perfect for allowing users to remain independent by continuing to take part in everyday activities and work, socialize with family and friends and move around more freely to enjoy leisure.
In some instances, the use of power assist can reduce the risk of developing pressure sores by reducing the amount of force applied by the person. They also can reduce the amount of time needed to complete tasks that require mobility, and help people to overcome obstacles like steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many power-assists that fold are portable, so wheelchair users can take their chair on family trips without having to use a van. They can be separated from the chair for travel to work or other occasions and then reattached upon return. This can help people maintain their paid job, volunteer work and other endeavors to remain an active member of the community and contribute to the society.
Power-assist devices that are not foldable are generally larger and heavier than their folding counterparts. However, they can still be very compact when not being used. Many of them can be folded, and their accessories removed, which can save even more space. They can be stored inside the trunk of any family car. This lets people travel with their families to work, to other places, and to visit friends and family.