Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons allow wheelchair users to travel longer distances and over difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort required to propel. This leads to lower heart rate and less muscle fatigue.
The good aspect of these chairs is that they don't alter the look of a manual chair and they are easy to transport. They are also easy 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 traverse difficult terrains like gravel, grass or steps. This is a great option if you have to maneuver your chair around tight spaces as it is easy to make sharp turns using the front drive.
In the process of selecting your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components best meet your needs. An add-on for power assist is also a good option to think about. There are many options for power assist, including front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on from Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that provides different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' gives you additional power with each push. This helps reduce fatigue and allows you to get further ahead with each push. The smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power to make climbing easier. mymobilityscooters can be installed on any manual wheelchair, without additional components or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes by pressing the power button with a simple click.
The power assistance is provided by a brushless hub motor which is powered by detachable light batteries and can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact size and easy to use makes it the ideal solution for those who need an extra helping hand to travel for long distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free unlike battery-powered power assist systems which can be difficult to keep in good order.
If you're considering adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for more information and a demonstration. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair that comes with FrontDrive, the FrontDrive system standard comes with iLevel that raises the safe seat height to 12 inches. This allows you to complete the mobility-related activities of daily living such as toileting, grooming, and reaching at a more independent height, which can make you healthier and more joyfully.
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 comes with the repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair will allow you to travel farther as well as traverse steep slopes. You can also maneuver in challenging environments with more confidence.
Wheelchair power add-ons can be 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 bicycles) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly, and hybrid systems that incorporate 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 typically joystick-converting devices, such as the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power add-ons are powered by a rechargeable battery as well as others, such as the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and are powered by the kinetic energy of the wheel's movement. The ones powered by a battery are typically lighter and smaller than those driven by kinetic energy from the wheel's rotation.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It attaches to either the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they are able to be adjusted by pressing one button. It is simple to switch between manual and powered mode and vice versa.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel that comes with three different levels of support and can be controlled with the joystick, making it ideal for those who require different levels of power assistance in different settings. These types of power add-ons can also be used to assist in reducing the strain on your elbows and shoulders which allows you to go further with less effort. This is particularly beneficial if you're concerned about the effects of self-propulsion over long distances on your shoulder health.
Active User Wheelchairs
A wheelchair for active users is one that is designed for people who live in a busy lifestyle and want to stay independent and mobile. These wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will be less exhausted. They can also traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without assistance.
A wheelchair designed for an active life will have an elongated frame to enhance maneuverability. Furthermore, the rear wheels are usually bigger than standard wheelchairs to enable the user to easily reach them and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is usually lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulder freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be a excellent way to make your active wheelchair more efficient as they can provide additional power when needed. This can be helpful for climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user is exhausted. The user can control a powered accessory 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.
The E-bike attachments on wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair, transforming it into a hand-bike with three wheels, which allows users to travel faster and farther than they would on their own. This is a great choice for people who want to commute to work, do errands or simply enjoy a leisurely bike ride. A power bike add-on can also be adjusted to fit the needs and preferences of the user, with different rear wheel angles available, as well as adjustable seating tension and footrest position. This allows for the highest level of personalization and versatility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons connect to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and enable the user to go on more distances with less effort. These are typically lightweight and offer advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be fitted to various manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch, and is controlled using an electronic wristband. Some come with a built-in push tracker that records the amount of power that was used.
They allow people to travel further without getting tired and can help them climb the slopes and other obstacles with ease. They allow users to maintain independence by continuing to engage in their daily routine, working and having fun with friends and family.
In some cases, the use of a power assist option can prevent pressure sores by reducing the amount of force applied by the person. They also can reduce the time required to perform mobility tasks, and make it easier for people to get over obstacles like stairs, inclines, or curb cuts.
Many of the power assist products that fold can be carried around, meaning that users can take their wheelchair on family trips without having to use a van. They can be removed from the chair in order to travel for work or other events and then reattached once they return home. This could help people continue to work for a salary or volunteer efforts to contribute to society and become an integral part of the community.
Power-assist devices that are not foldable are generally heavier and larger than their folding counterparts, however they can still be very compact when not in use. They are often foldable and can have their accessories removed to create more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of any family car. This allows people to travel with their families, to work, to other places and also to visit friends and family.