Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons with power assist allow wheelchair users to move further and traverse more difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of energy required for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These chairs are simple to move and don't alter the appearance of traditional chairs. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs give the ultimate in stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, allowing the chair to navigate difficult terrains like grass, gravel or steps. This configuration is also an ideal choice if you require to maneuver your chair around tight spaces as it is easy to make sharp turns with the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will take into consideration which base and components will best suit your requirements. A power assist auxiliary add-on is also a good option to think about. There are many options for power assist, such as front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The 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' provides you extra power with each push. This reduces fatigue, and lets you increase your speed with each push. While the smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power for easier climbing. WheelDrive can be installed on almost any manual wheelchair with no additional parts or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes by using an intuitive power button.
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 design and easy operation makes it a perfect option for those who require an extra boost to travel longer distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance, unlike battery-powered power assist systems which can be difficult to maintain in good in good working order.
If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you speak to one of our ATPs for more information and an example. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair, the FrontDrive system standard comes with iLevel which raises the safe seat height to 12 inches. This lets you perform mobility-related activities of daily life such as reaching, toileting, and grooming at a higher height.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs are an excellent way to cut down on the amount of work required to push the manual chair. They can also help maintain shoulder health and ease the risk of injury that comes with sustained, repetitive, manual propulsion. You can travel further, traverse 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 lift the caster wheels of a manual wheelchair 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 controlled via 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 accessories make use of rechargeable batteries, while others like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are usually smaller and lighter than those that rely on energy from the kinetic force to drive the wheels.
One of the most awaited wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of folding and rigid frame wheelchairs. It has three different levels of support that can be adjusted with the push of one button. It is easy to switch from manual to powered mode and reverse the switch.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel that comes with three different levels of support and can be controlled with a joystick, making it ideal for people who require different levels of power assistance in various settings. These power add-ons are also useful for reducing pressure on the shoulders and elbows. This allows you to go farther with less effort. This can be particularly helpful when you're worried about the effects of long-distance self-propulsion on the health of your shoulder.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
Active user wheelchairs are made for people who want to be mobile and independent and live a full life. They are much lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self-propelled wheelchairs, which means that users will experience less wear and wear on their upper bodies. This also allows them to travel longer distances over challenging terrain without assistance.
A wheelchair designed to be used in a busy environment will have smaller frames to improve mobility. Furthermore, the rear wheels are typically larger than standard wheelchairs so that the user can easily access them and propel themselves forward. The backrest is usually lower so that the user can move their shoulders and arms freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be a great option to make your active wheelchair more efficient, as they can offer additional power when needed. This is useful when going up and down hills, for 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. This can help them to be more independent and lessen the need for someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments on wheelchairs are a new and exciting method of increasing mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of a wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled handbike that allows the user to travel faster and farther than they would on their own. This is beneficial for those looking to commute to work or run errands, or simply want to enjoy a leisurely ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the needs and preferences of the rider. There are a variety of options for rear wheel angles, as well adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This gives you the highest level of customization and flexibility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons connect to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their existing rear wheels. They are simple to operate and allow users to travel greater distances to be covered with less effort. These are typically lightweight and offer advanced control systems to alter programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be affixed to a wide range of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pushing one button or switch. Resource is controlled with a wireless wristband to activate the motor and change settings such as speed. Some models also have a built-in push tracker to keep track of how long the power add-on has been utilized.
They can assist people to climb up hills and other obstacles easily. They are perfect for helping users maintain their independence by continuing to participate in daily activities and working, as well as socializing with friends and family and enjoy more freedom to travel to enjoy leisure.
In some instances, a power assisted option can reduce the amount of pressure placed on the person. They can also reduce the time required to perform tasks that require mobility, and help people to get over obstacles like steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist gadgets have the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing users to take 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 for work or other events and then reattached after they return home. This will allow people to continue their paid job, volunteer work and other endeavors to remain a valued community member and contribute to society.
When not in use non-folding power assist devices are typically larger and heavier. Many of them are foldable and can have their accessories removed for even more space. They can be stored inside the trunk of any family vehicle. This lets people travel with their families to work, to other places, and to visit friends and family.