Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs

Add-ons that offer power assist allow wheelchair users to move further and traverse more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort required to propel. This results in lower heart rate and less muscle fatigue.

The great aspect of these chairs is that they don't alter the appearance of a traditional chair and they are easily transported. They are also simple to use.


best self-propelled wheelchair drive electric wheelchairs offer the most stable and power. The large drive wheels are able to "grab" the road, allowing the chair to traverse difficult terrains like gravel, grass or steps. This configuration is great for those who need to maneuver your wheelchair in tight areas. You can make sharp turns easily with the front drive.

When making a selection your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional will consider which components and bases best meet your needs. A power assist auxiliary add-on is also something to consider. There are several different options for power assist, including front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel power add-ons.

The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design, with a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist' wheel gives you extra power with each push. This reduces fatigue and allows you to increase your speed with each push. The smaller 'drive rim' provides continuous power to make it easier to climb. WheelDrive can be installed on any manual wheelchair, without any additional parts or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes by pressing the power button in a simple way.

The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by lightweight batteries that can be removed and fully charged in under two hours. Its compact size and user-friendly make it a perfect choice for those who need some extra assistance to travel long distances. The WheelDrive does not require any maintenance, unlike other battery powered power assist add-ons which can be quite difficult to maintain in good condition.

We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs to get more information and to witness the demonstration if you're contemplating adding a power wheelchair that has front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you are considering 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 complete the mobility-related activities of daily living such as getting up, grooming and toileting at a higher, more comfortable height, which can help you live healthier and happier.

Rear Power Assist add-ons

Power wheelchair add-ons can reduce the amount of effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They can also help maintain shoulder health and ease the fear of injury associated with continuous, repetitive manual propulsion. Adding power assist to your wheelchair will allow you to travel further, climb steep slopes and move through challenging terrain 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 the bicycle) such as the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly, and hybrid systems that combine both of these features. Front attachments are usually operated by a hand-rim-activated device like the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist and rear attachments are usually joystick-converting devices, such as the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.

Some of these wheelchair add-ons use a rechargeable batteries, and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the wheelchair motor and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. These that are powered by a battery are usually lighter and compact than those that are powered by kinetic energy from the wheel's rotation.

One of the most well-known wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of rigid and folding frame wheelchairs. It has three different levels of support which can be changed at the press of one button. It is simple to switch from manual mode to powered mode and vice versa.

Another option is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel, which also has three different levels of support. It can be controlled using the joystick, making it ideal for those who require different levels of power assistance in various environments. These power accessories are useful for reducing pressure on elbows and shoulders. This lets you travel farther and with less effort. This is particularly beneficial in the event that you are concerned about the impact of propulsion over long distances on your shoulders.

Active Wheelchairs for Users

Active user wheelchairs are designed for people who want to be mobile and independent and live a full life. These wheelchairs are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will not be as exhausted. They can also traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without the need for assistance.

A wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle typically comes with a small frame size, which helps to improve mobility. In addition, the rear wheels are generally bigger than standard wheelchairs to allow the user to easily reach them and propel themselves forward. The backrest height is usually lower, allowing the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.

Powered add-ons can also be used to improve the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can give you extra power when needed. This is useful when going up and down hills, for long distances or when the user feels exhausted. The user can control an accessory powered via voice commands or eye movements. This can help users to become more independent and less dependent on someone else to push them.

E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair to transform it into a handbike with three wheels, allowing riders to travel further and faster than they would on their own. This is an excellent option for those who wish to commute to work, run around or just take a relaxing bike ride. A power bike accessory can also be adjusted to meet the needs and preferences of the user with a variety of rear wheel angle options available and adjustable seating tension and footrest position. This offers the ultimate in versatility and personalization.

Foldable Power Assist Device

Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs to replace their current rear wheels. They are easy to use and enable the user to go longer distances with less effort. These are lightweight and feature advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection, monitoring of battery levels, and programming.

These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be attached to a variety of manual wheelchairs that fold, such as the SmartDrive MX2+. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is started through pressing a button or switch, and is controlled with the wristband wireless to start the motor and adjust settings like speed. Some models also have an integrated push tracker that can keep record of how far the power add-on is used.

They can aid people in climbing hills and other obstacles easily. They allow users to maintain independence by completing their daily routine, working and socializing with family and friends.

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 decrease the amount of time required for an individual to complete mobility tasks and can aid in overcoming obstacles like curb cuts.

Many foldable power-assist devices have the added benefit of being portable, enabling users to carry their wheelchairs with them on their trips in the family car without the need for a fully-equipped 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 can help people to keep their jobs or volunteer endeavours to continue to contribute to society and be an active member of the community.

When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are typically larger and heavier. A lot of them fold and can have their accessories removed to make more space. They can be stored in the trunk of a regular family car, which allows individuals to travel with their families to work and other places and visit friends and relatives.