Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist accessories allow wheelchair users to travel greater distances and on challenging terrain. They also reduce the effort needed to propel. This results in lower heart rates, and less muscle fatigue.
These chairs are simple to move around and don't alter the look of manual chairs. They are also very easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most sturdy and stable. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and let the chair take on difficult terrains such as grass, gravel, or steps. This configuration is great when you need to maneuver your wheelchair in tight spaces. You can easily turn sharply using the front drive.
During the selection process, your therapist or assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components best meet your needs. In addition to the wheel configuration, the choice of an add-on power assist accessory must also be considered. There are many options for power assist, including front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The new and refreshed WheelDrive add-on offered by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design, which offers a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' provides you extra power with each push. This helps reduce fatigue and lets you go further with each push. The smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power to make it easier to climb. The WheelDrive is simple to install on almost every manual wheelchair, without the need for additional parts or modifications and can be switched between the two driving modes with an easy-to-use power button.
The power assistance is provided by the hub motor, which is a brushless design. It is powered by detachable lightweight batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact design and simple operation makes it the perfect solution for people who need an extra boost for traveling longer distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance unlike power assist accessories powered by batteries that can be difficult to keep in good in good working order.
If you're thinking of adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we suggest that you speak to one of our ATPs for further details and an opportunity to see a demonstration. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair, the FrontDrive standard model comes with iLevel that raises the safe seat's elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to perform the mobility-related activities of daily living, such as reaching, grooming and toileting at a higher, more comfortable height, which will help you live healthier and happier.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs can be a great way to reduce the amount of work required to propel manually a chair. They can also help maintain shoulder health and ease the risk of injury that comes with repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. Adding power assist to your wheelchair will allow you to travel farther, traverse steep slopes and maneuver in challenging environments with greater confidence.
Wheelchair power add-ons can be classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive) and front attachments that lift 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 can be controlled by hand-rim-activated systems like the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments on the rear, on the other hand are a joystick conversion device such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power accessories are powered by rechargeable batteries as well as others, such as the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are generally smaller and lighter than those that use 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 active wheelchairs and has three different support levels which can be changed at 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 alternative. It has three levels of support, and is also controlled with a joystick. This makes it perfect for people who require different levels of assistance in various settings. These power add-ons can be helpful in reducing stress on shoulders and elbows. This allows you to travel farther and with less effort. This is particularly useful in the event that you are concerned about the effects of propulsion for long distances on your shoulders.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
Active user wheelchairs are designed for those who wish to be independent and mobile and live a full life. These wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less worn out. They can also traverse difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle will usually have a compact frame size, which helps to improve manoeuvrability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle are usually larger than standard ones, allowing the user to get them easily and propel themselves forward. The backrest is typically lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulders freely when self-propelling.
These add-ons powered by electricity can be used to increase the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can give you extra power when required. This can be beneficial when climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user feels exhausted. A powered accessory can be operated by the user via voice commands or by adjusting their eyes. This can help with independence and reduce the need for someone to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting method of improving mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a tri-wheeled hand bike, allowing users to travel faster and farther than they would on their own. This is beneficial for people who are looking to commute to work or run errands, or for those who simply want to enjoy a leisurely ride. The power bike can be customized to meet the requirements and preferences of the rider. There are different options for rear wheel angles, and also adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This provides the ultimate in versatility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing the existing rear wheels. They are simple to operate and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. They are light and have advanced control systems that permit remote fault detection monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are aftermarket components that can be fitted to a wide variety of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is started through pushing one button or switch, and is controlled with a wireless wristband to activate the motor and change settings such as speed. Some also come with an integrated push tracker that can keep record of how far the power add-on has been utilized.
They enable people to travel further without getting tired and can help them climb the slopes and other obstacles with ease. They are ideal for those who want to keep their independence and continue to take part in everyday activities and work, socialize with friends and family, and move around more freely to enjoy leisure.
In some cases the use of a power-assist option can reduce the amount of pressure being exerted on the individual. They can also reduce the amount of time needed to complete mobility tasks, and help people to get over obstacles like stairs, inclines, and curb cuts.
self propelled wheelchair with elevated leg rest -assists that fold can be carried around, meaning that wheelchair users can take their chair on family trips without needing a van. They can be removed from the chair in order to transport to work or other occasions and then reattached upon return. This could help people keep their job, volunteer or other activities to continue to be an active member of the community and contribute to society.
Non-folding power-assist devices are typically heavier and larger than their folding counterparts, but they can be compact when not in use. A lot of them can be folded and their accessories removed to free even 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, as well as visit friends and relatives.