Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs

Power assist accessories allow wheelchair users to travel greater distances and traverse difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort required for propulsion. This results in lower heart rates, and less muscle fatigue.

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

WheelDrive

Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most stable and powerful. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, allowing the chair to take on difficult terrain like gravel, grass or steps. This is a great option for those who need to maneuver your wheelchair in tight spaces. You can easily turn sharply with the front drive.

During the selection process, your therapist or assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components will best suit your needs. An add-on for power assist is also something to consider. There are many options available for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons add-ons and rear-wheel add-ons.

The relaunched and new WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design that has different driving modes. wheelchair self propelled folding 'assist' wheel gives you extra power with every push. This helps reduce fatigue and lets you increase your speed with each push. The smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power to aid in climbing. WheelDrive can be fitted to almost any manual wheelchair without additional components or modifications. It is also easy to switch between the two driving modes pressing the power button in a simple way.

The power assistance is provided by the hub motor, which is a brushless design. It is powered by detachable lightweight batteries and can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact size and ease of use make it the perfect solution for those who need some extra assistance to travel long distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance unlike power assist accessories powered by batteries that are difficult to keep in good order.

We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs to learn more and to witness a demonstration if you are thinking about 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 to 12 inches. This allows you to perform everyday activities that require mobility living such as reaching, grooming and toileting at a higher, more comfortable height, which can help you live healthier and more joyfully.

Rear Power Assist Add-ons

Power wheelchair add-ons can reduce the effort required to propel manually-driven wheelchairs. They also protect shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that comes with long-term, repetitive manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel further, climb steep slopes and maneuver in challenging environments with greater confidence.

The power add-ons for wheelchairs could be classified into three categories: rear attachments which are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments, which raise the wheels of the casters of a manual chair off the ground (similarly to a bicycle) and hybrid systems combining both features. Front attachments are typically controlled via a hand-rim activated device such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist, while rear attachments are usually joystick-converting devices such as the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.

Some of these wheelchair add-ons utilize rechargeable batteries while others like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. The ones powered by batteries are typically lighter and smaller than those powered by kinetic energy from the wheel's 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 press of one button. It is simple to switch from manual to powered mode and vice versa.

The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It comes with three levels of support, and can also be controlled with the joystick. This makes it perfect for those who require different levels of assistance in different settings. These kinds of power add-ons can also be used to help relieve the pressure on elbows and shoulders, allowing you to go farther with less effort. This can be particularly helpful in the event that you're concerned about the negative effects of self-propulsion for long distances on your shoulder health.

Active User Wheelchairs

Active user wheelchairs are made for people who want to be independent and mobile and live a full life. They are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will not be as exhausted. This also allows them to travel longer distances over challenging terrain without the need for assistance.

A wheelchair designed for active lifestyles will have a smaller frame to increase maneuverability. Furthermore, the rear wheels are typically larger than standard wheelchairs in order so that the user can easily access them and propel themselves forward. The backrest is usually lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulder freely when self-propelling.

Powered add-ons are another excellent method to make your active user wheelchair more efficient, as they can offer additional power when required. This is helpful when climbing up hills, navigating long distances or when the user is exhausted. The user can control a powered add-on by using eye movements or voice commands. This can assist 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 method of improving mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair to transform it into a hand-bike with three wheels, allowing riders to travel faster and farther than they could on their own. This can be beneficial for those looking to commute to work or for running errands or for those who simply want to take a leisurely ride. A power bike accessory can be adjusted to fit the individual's preferences and needs, with different angles for the rear wheel available and an adjustable footrest and seat tension. This offers the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.

Foldable Power Assist Device

Power add-ons attach to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their original rear wheels. They are easy to operate and allow the user more 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 accessories from the aftermarket that can be mounted on various manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch and is controlled using an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and adjust settings like speed. Some models come with an integrated push tracker that records how much power was used.

They enable people to travel further without fatigue and help them climb the slopes and other obstacles with ease. They allow users to maintain independence by completing daily activities, work and socializing with family and friends.

In certain instances, the use of power assist can prevent pressure sores by reducing the amount of force being put on the body by the user. Additionally they have been proven to cut down on the time required for the person to complete mobility tasks and can help them overcome obstacles like curb cuts.

Many of the power assist products that fold are portable, so users can bring their wheelchair on family trips without having to use 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, volunteer work and other initiatives to continue contributing to society and be an active member of the community.


When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are usually larger and heavier. Many of them are foldable and have their accessories removed to create more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of any family vehicle. This lets people travel with their families to work, go to other places, and to visit family and friends.