Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons allow wheelchair users to travel greater distances and over difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of effort required to propel the wheelchair, which results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The great thing about these chairs is that they don't alter the appearance of a manual chair, and they are easy to transport. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most robust and stable. The large drive wheels "grab" the road and allow the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as gravel, grass or steps. This is also a great option if you have to maneuver your chair through tight spaces since it is easy to make sharp turns with the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will think about which components and base meet your needs. An auxiliary power assist add-on is also a good option to think about. There are many options for power assist, such as front-wheel, middle-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on from Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that offers different driving modes. The large 'assist' wheel gives you additional power with each push. This helps reduce fatigue and lets you go further with each push. The smaller rim of the drive gives you continuous power, making climbing more comfortable. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on almost every manual wheelchair, without the need for additional components or modifications. It can be switched between two driving modes using an easy-to-use power button.
The power assistance is provided by an electric hub motor that is powered by detachable lightweight batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its small size and ease of use makes it the ideal solution for those who need an extra helping hand to travel for long distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance, unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons which can be difficult to maintain in good in good working order.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for more information and to witness the demonstration if you're contemplating the addition of a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair that comes with FrontDrive, the FrontDrive standard model comes with iLevel, which raises the safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This lets you perform the mobility-related activities of daily life, like toileting, grooming, and reaching at a more independent height, which will make you healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs are an excellent way to cut down on the amount of effort it takes to push the manual chair. They can also help maintain shoulder health and decrease the risk of injury that is associated with prolonged, repetitive manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair will allow you to travel farther, traverse steep slopes and navigate through difficult terrain with more confidence.
The power add-ons to wheelchairs can be classified into three categories: rear attachments which are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments that raise the wheels of manual chairs off of the ground (similarly to a bicycle), and hybrid systems that combine both features. Front attachments are typically operated by a hand-rim-activated device, such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist, while rear attachments are typically 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 motor of the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. The ones powered by batteries are usually lighter and smaller than those powered 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 can be adjusted by pressing the button. It is also simple to transfer from manual to power mode and then back again.
Another option is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel, which also has three different levels of support. It can be controlled using a joystick, making it ideal for those who require varying degrees of power assistance in various situations. These types of power add-ons can also be used to help relieve pressure on shoulders and elbows and elbows, allowing you to travel further and with less effort. This is especially beneficial when you're worried about the impact of self-propulsion over long distances on your shoulder health.
Active User Wheelchairs
A wheelchair for active users is one that is specifically designed for those who lead an in a busy lifestyle and want to stay mobile and independent. They are much lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self-propelled wheelchairs, which means that users will experience less wear and tear on their upper body. They can also traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without assistance.
A wheelchair that is specifically designed for active use typically has a smaller frame size, which helps to improve manoeuvrability. In addition the rear wheels are typically larger than standard wheelchairs so that the user can easily reach them and propel themselves forward. The backrest height is also usually lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be used to increase the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when needed. This can be useful for going up and down hills, for long distances, or when the user is exhausted. A powered accessory can be controlled by the user using voice commands or by moving their eyes. This can aid in independence and reduce the need for someone to push them.
The E-bike attachments on wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair and transform it into a handbike with three wheels, which allows users to travel further and faster than they could on their own. This is a great option for those looking to commute to work or for running errands or simply would like to take a relaxing ride. The power bike can be customized to suit the preferences and needs of the rider. There are various options for rear wheel angles as well adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This gives you the ultimate in personalization and versatility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing the existing rear wheels. They are simple to use and allow the user to take longer distances while requiring 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 many manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is started through pressing one button or switch. It is controlled with an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and change settings like speed. Some have an integrated push tracker that keeps track of how much power the add-on was using.
They enable individuals to travel longer distances without fatigue and help them climb slopes and other obstacles with ease. They are perfect for helping users remain independent by continuing to engage in daily activities, work, and socialize with family and friends and move around more freely to enjoy leisure.
In some instances the use of a power assist option can reduce the risk of developing pressure sores by reducing the amount of force put on the body by the user. Additionally they have been found to reduce the amount of time it takes for a person to perform activities that require mobility. They can also aid in overcoming obstacles like curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist devices come with the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to carry their wheelchairs along on 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 once they return home. This could help people continue to work for a salary, volunteer work and other endeavours to continue to contribute 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 compact when not in use. A lot of them fold and can be used with their accessories removed to make more space. what is a self propelled wheelchair can be stored in the trunk of a regular family vehicle, which permits people to travel with their families to work or other locations and visit relatives and friends.