Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons enable wheelchair users to travel longer distances and traverse difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort needed to propel. This leads to lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The good aspect of these chairs is that they don't alter the style of a traditional chair and they can be easily moved. They are also very easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs provide the ultimate in stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, enabling the chair to navigate difficult terrains like grass, gravel or steps. This configuration is great when you need to maneuver your wheelchair through tight areas. You can make quick turns with the front drive.
When choosing a wheelchair your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components will best suit your requirements. A power assist auxiliary add-on is also something to consider. There are many options for power assist, such as front-wheel, middle-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on offered by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that offers different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' provides you extra power with each push. This helps reduce fatigue and allows you to go further with each push. The smaller rim of the drive gives you continuous power, making climbing more comfortable. The WheelDrive is simple to install on virtually every manual wheelchair, without the need for additional parts or modifications and can be switched between two driving modes with an intuitive power button.
The power assistance is provided by a brushless hub motor which is powered by detachable lightweight batteries and can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact design and easy operation makes it the perfect solution for those who require an extra boost for traveling longer distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance unlike battery-powered power assist systems that can be difficult to maintain in good order.
If you're considering adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we suggest that you speak to one of our ATPs for further details and a demonstration. If you're considering the brand new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair, the FrontDrive system comes standard with iLevel which raises the safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This lets you perform mobility-related activities of daily life such as reaching, toileting and grooming at a higher elevation.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power accessories for wheelchairs are a great way to reduce the amount of effort required to push manually a chair. They also protect shoulder health and lessen the fear of injury that comes with the repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. You can travel further, climb steep slopes, and maneuver through difficult environments by adding power assist to your chair.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs can be divided into three categories: rear attachments that are similar to the SmartDrive, front attachments that raise the wheels of manual chairs off the ground (similarly to a bicycle), and hybrid systems combining both features. Front attachments are typically controlled by a hand-rim activated device like 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 add-ons make use of rechargeable batteries, while others like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the energy generated by wheel's rotation. The ones powered by batteries are usually smaller and lighter than those that use kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It can be attached to the rigid or folding frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they can be adjusted by pressing the button. It is simple to switch from manual mode to powered mode and vice versa.
Another option is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel It also comes with three different support levels and can be controlled by the joystick, making it ideal for those who require different levels of power assistance in different settings. These power add-ons can be useful for reducing stress on shoulders and elbows. This allows you to go farther with less effort. This is especially beneficial when you're worried about the negative effects of self-propulsion over long distances on the health of your shoulder.
Active User Wheelchairs
A wheelchair for active users is one made for people who have an in a busy lifestyle and want to remain independent and mobile. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less worn out. This also allows them to traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without the need for assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed to be used in a busy environment will have smaller frames to improve mobility. The rear wheels of a wheelchair designed for active use are typically larger than standard ones to allow the user to reach them easily and propel themselves forward. The backrest height is also usually lower to enable the user to move their arms and shoulders freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be a fantastic option to make your active user wheelchair more efficient as they can provide additional power when needed. 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 voice commands or eye movements. 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 users to travel further and faster than they could on their own. This is a great choice for people who want to commute to work, run some errands, or simply enjoy a relaxing ride. A power bike can also be adjusted to suit the needs and preferences of the user with a variety of rear wheel angles available and adjustable seating tension and footrest position. This gives you the most 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 use and permit the user to go on more distances with less effort. These are typically lightweight and feature advanced control systems that allow you to adjust programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket accessories 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 activated by pressing the button or switch and is controlled using a wireless wristband. Some come with a built-in push tracker that tracks the amount of power that was using.
My Mobility Scooters can aid people in climbing up hills and other obstacles with ease. They help users maintain their independence by completing their daily routine, working and having fun with friends and family.
In certain instances the use of an assist device can prevent sores from pressure by reducing amount of force applied by the person. Additionally they have been proven to decrease the amount of time required for a person to perform tasks that require mobility and aid in overcoming obstacles such as steps, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist devices have the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to take their wheelchair with them on their trips in the family vehicle without the need for a fully equipped van. They can be detached from the chair to transportation to work or other occasions and then reattached upon return. This can help people maintain their job, volunteer or other activities to remain an active member of the community and contribute to society.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are usually larger and heavier. Many of them can be folded and their accessories removed to free even more space. They can be stored in the trunk of a regular family car, which allows individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations, as well as visit friends and relatives.