Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that provide power assist for wheelchair users allow them to move further and traverse more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort required for propulsion. This leads to lower heart rates, and less muscle fatigue.
These devices are easy to move and don't alter the look of manual chairs. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs provide the highest level of stability and power. The large drive wheels "grab" the road and allow the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as grass, gravel, or steps. This is an ideal choice if you have to maneuver your chair around tight spaces since you can easily turn sharp turns using the front drive.
During the selection process, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional will consider which components and bases best meet your requirements. A power assist auxiliary add-on is also something to consider. There are a variety of options for power assist, including front-wheel add-ons add-ons, and rear-wheel add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on from Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that offers different driving modes. The large 'assist ' rim offers additional power assistance with each push, which reduces fatigue and allows you to go further per push. The smaller rim for driving provides continuous power to make climbing easier. 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 using an intuitive power button.
The brushless hub motor is powered by batteries of light weight that can be removed and fully charged in just two hours. The compact design and easy operation makes it the perfect solution for those who require an extra boost to travel further distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free unlike power assist accessories powered by batteries that are difficult to keep in good and in good working.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs to get more information and to view a demonstration if you are considering adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair the standard FrontDrive system comes with iLevel, which raises the safe seat height up to 12 inches. This lets you perform the mobility-related tasks of your daily life such as toileting, reaching and grooming at a higher height.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the amount of effort required to propel manually-driven wheelchairs. They can also preserve shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that is associated with long-term, repetitive manual propulsion. You can go further, navigate steep slopes, and maneuver through difficult environments by adding power assist to your chair.
Wheelchair power add-ons are categorized into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that raise a manual wheelchair's caster wheels off the ground and replace them with a larger, centered wheel (similar to the bicycle) like 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 such as 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 power accessories are powered by rechargeable batteries and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor inside the wheelchair and are powered by the kinetic energy of the wheel rotation. Those that are powered by a battery are usually lighter and smaller than those powered by kinetic energy from the wheel's 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 a button. It is also simple to switch from manual mode to power mode and back again.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It has three support levels, and can be controlled by the joystick. This makes it perfect for people who require different levels of assistance in various settings. These kinds of power accessories can also help reduce the strain on your elbows and shoulders, allowing you to go farther with less effort. This is especially useful in the event that you are concerned about the effects of propulsion over long distances on your shoulders.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are made for those who want to be mobile and independent and live a full life. These wheelchairs are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less exhausted. They can also traverse difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair that is specifically designed for active use will usually have a compact frame size to help increase maneuverability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for active use are typically larger than standard ones, allowing the user to reach them easily and then propel themselves forward. The backrest's height is typically lower to enable the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are another excellent way to make your active user wheelchair more efficient, since they can provide additional power when needed. This can be useful for climbing up hills, traveling long distances, or when the user feels exhausted. A powered add-on can be operated by the user via voice commands or by moving their eyes, which can aid in independence and reduce the need for someone to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a three-wheeled hand bike, allowing the user to travel more quickly and further than they could on their own. This is an excellent option for those who want to commute to work, do around or just take a relaxing bike ride. The power bike can be customized to meet the needs and preferences of the rider. There are various options for rear wheel angles, as well as adjustable seat tension and footrest placement. This lets you achieve the ultimate in customization and flexibility.
self control wheelchair add-ons are attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs to replace their current rear wheels. They are simple to operate 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 and monitoring of battery levels, and programming.
These are aftermarket attachments that can be connected to a wide range of manual wheelchairs that fold, such as the SmartDrive MX2+. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pushing one button or switch. It is controlled using the wristband wireless to start the motor and change settings such as speed. Some models also come with an integrated push tracker that can keep record of how far the power add-on has been used.
They can assist people to climb mountains and other obstacles without difficulty. They are ideal for allowing users to keep their independence and continue to take part in everyday activities and work, socialize with family and friends and move around more freely for leisure.
In certain instances, the use of a power assist option can prevent pressure sores by reducing the amount of force being applied by the person. They also can reduce the time required to complete tasks that require mobility, and help people to get over obstacles like steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold offer the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to take their wheelchair with them on their trips in the family vehicle without needing a fully equipped van. They can be removed from the chair in order to travel for work or other events and then reattached after they return home. This can help people to retain their paid employment or volunteer initiatives to continue contributing to society and become an integral part of the community.
Power-assist devices that are not foldable are generally heavier and bulkier than their folding counterparts, however they can still be very compact when not being used. They are often foldable and can have their accessories removed to make more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of a regular family car, allowing individuals to travel with their families to work and other locations and visit relatives and friends.