Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons enable wheelchair users to travel for longer distances and traverse difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort needed for propulsion. This results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The great thing about these devices is that they don't alter the appearance of a traditional chair and they are easy to transport. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the ultimate in stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and let the chair take on difficult terrains such as grass, gravel or steps. This configuration is also an excellent option for those who have to maneuver your chair through tight spaces since it is easy to make sharp turns using the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components are best suited to your requirements. In addition to the drive wheel configuration, the selection of an additional power assist add-on should also be taken into consideration. There are many options available for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel additions and rear-wheel add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that provides different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' gives you extra power with each push. This helps reduce fatigue and lets you increase your speed with each push. The smaller rim for driving offers continuous power to make climbing more comfortable. WheelDrive can be mounted on any manual wheelchair, without any additional parts or modifications. It is also easy to switch between the two driving modes pressing the power button with a simple click.
The power assistance is provided by the hub motor, which is a brushless design. It is powered by detachable light batteries and can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact design and easy operation makes it the perfect solution for people who need an extra boost when traveling further distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free, unlike power assist accessories powered by batteries that are difficult to maintain in good and in good working.
If you're thinking of adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you speak to one of our ATPs for more information and an example. If you're considering the brand new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair, the FrontDrive system standard comes with iLevel that raises the safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to complete the mobility-related tasks of your daily life like toileting, reaching and grooming at a higher level.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the effort required to propel a manual wheelchair. They can also preserve shoulder health and reduce the risk of injury that is associated with prolonged, repetitive manual propulsion. You can travel further, traverse steep slopes, and maneuver in difficult environments by adding power assist to your chair.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs could be classified into three categories: rear attachments, which are similar to the SmartDrive, front attachments that raise the caster wheels of a manual chair off the ground (similarly to a bicycle) and hybrid systems combining both features. Front attachments can be controlled with a hand-rim activated system, such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Rear attachments are, on the other hand are devices that convert joysticks, like the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair accessories use a rechargeable batteries, as do others such as the WheelDrive are connected to the wheelchair motor and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. Those that are powered by a battery are typically lighter and smaller than those driven by kinetic energy from the wheel rotation.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most well-known wheelchair add-ons. It attaches to either the rigid or folding frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they can be adjusted by pressing one button. It is easy to switch between manual and powered mode and in reverse.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel, which also has three different levels of support and can be controlled using a joystick, making it ideal for users who require different levels of power assistance in different situations. These power accessories are helpful in reducing pressure on the elbows and shoulders. This lets you travel farther and with less effort. This is particularly beneficial if you are concerned about the effects of propulsion over long distances on your shoulders.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
Active user wheelchairs are made for people who want to be independent and mobile and lead an active lifestyle. They are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less worn out. They can also traverse difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed to be used for an active lifestyle typically has a smaller frame size, which helps to improve mobility. Additionally the rear wheels are usually larger than standard wheelchairs to enable the user to easily reach them and move forward. The backrest height is usually lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulders freely while self-propelling.
These add-ons powered by electricity can be used to increase the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can give you extra power when required. This is useful when climbing up hills, traveling long distances, or when the user feels exhausted. A powered accessory can be controlled by the user through voice commands or by moving their eyes, which can aid in independence 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. These attach to the front of the wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled handbike that allows the user to travel faster and further than they could on their own. This is a great option for people who want to commute to work, do around or just enjoy a leisurely bike ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the needs and preferences of the user. There are a variety of options for rear wheel angles and also adjustable seat tension and footrest placement. This allows for the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.

Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace the existing rear wheels. They are easy to operate and allow for greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are lightweight and come with advanced control systems that permit remote fault detection, monitoring of battery levels, and programming.
These are aftermarket components that can be fitted to various manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing the button or switch and controlled by an electronic wristband. Some also come with a built-in push tracker to keep track of how long the power add-on is used.
They enable people to travel further without fatigue and help them climb hills and other obstacles with ease.
self propelled lightweight folding wheelchair are ideal for helping users keep their independence and continue to take part in everyday activities and working, as well as socializing with family and friends and enjoy more freedom to travel to enjoy leisure.
In certain situations the use of a power-assist option can reduce the amount of pressure put on the person. They can also cut down on the time required to perform activities that require mobility and make it easier for people to get over obstacles like steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many of the power assist products that fold can be carried around, meaning that wheelchair users can take their chair on family trips without needing a van. They can be removed from the chair in order to travel to work or other occasions, and then reattached when they return home. This will allow people to keep their jobs or volunteer work, as well as other endeavours to continue to contribute to society and be a valued member of the community.
Non-folding power-assist gadgets are generally heavier and larger than their folding counterparts, but they can still be compact when not being used. Many of them can be folded and have their accessories removed to free 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 locations and even visit friends and family.