Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that offer power assist allow wheelchair users to travel farther and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort needed to propel. This leads to lower heart rate and less muscle fatigue.
These chairs are simple to transport and don't change the appearance of manual chairs. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs give the most stable and power. The large drive wheels are able to "grab" the road, enabling the chair to traverse difficult terrains such as grass, gravel, or steps. This is a great option if you have to maneuver your wheelchair through tight areas. You can make sharp turns easily with the front drive.
During the selection process your Therapist or assistant Technology Professional will consider which components and bases best meet your needs. In addition to the wheel configuration, the choice of an add-on power assist accessory must also be taken into consideration. There are a variety of options for power assist, such as front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design, which offers a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist' wheel gives you extra power with each push. This reduces fatigue, and lets you go further with each push. The smaller 'drive rim' provides continuous power for easier climbing. The WheelDrive is simple to install on any manual wheelchair, without the need for additional parts or modifications and can be switched between the two driving modes with an intuitive power button.
The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by lightweight batteries that can be removed and fully charged in just two hours. Its compact design and simple operation make it an ideal solution for people who need an extra boost when traveling further distances. The WheelDrive doesn't require any maintenance, unlike other battery powered power assist accessories that can be quite difficult to maintain in good condition.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs to get more information and to view the demonstration if you're considering adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair, the standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which raises the safe seat height up to 12 inches. This allows you to complete mobility-related activities of daily life such as reaching, toileting, and grooming at a higher level.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the effort required to propel a manual wheelchair. They can also preserve shoulder health and lessen the fear of injury that can result from prolonged, repetitive manual propulsion. You can travel further, navigate steep slopes, and maneuver through challenging environments by adding power assist to your chair.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs can be classified into three categories: rear attachments, that are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments that raise the caster wheels of manual chairs off the ground (similarly to a bicycle) and hybrid systems that combine both features. Front attachments can be controlled using a hand-rim-activated system such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Rear attachments, 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, while others, such as the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's movement. These that are powered by a battery are usually lighter and compact than those that are powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It is attached to the rigid or folding frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support and they can be adjusted by pressing one button. It is also simple to switch from manual to power mode and then back again.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel It also comes with three different support levels and can be controlled with the joystick, which makes it ideal for people who require varying degrees of power assistance in various situations. These power add-ons are also helpful in reducing stress on shoulders and elbows. This lets you travel farther and with less effort. This is especially beneficial in the event that you're concerned about the effects of self-propulsion for long distances on your shoulder health.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
An active user wheelchair is one that has been designed for people who live in a busy lifestyle and want to stay mobile and independent. These wheelchairs are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less exhausted. This allows them to traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without needing assistance.
A wheelchair specifically designed for active use will usually have a compact frame size to help increase maneuverability. Additionally, the rear wheels are typically bigger than standard wheelchairs to enable the user to easily access them and move forward. The backrest is often lower so that the user can move their arms and shoulders freely while self-propelling.
These add-ons powered by electricity can be used to improve the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when needed. self propelled wheelchair with elevated leg rest can be beneficial when going up and down hills, for long distances or when the user is exhausted. The user can control a powered accessory by using voice commands or eye movements. This can help users to become more independent and less dependent on someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a tri-wheeled handbike that allows the user to travel faster and further than they could on their own. This is an excellent option for those who wish to commute to work, do some errands, or simply take a relaxing bike ride. A power bike add-on can be adjusted to suit the user's needs and preferences, with different angles for the rear wheel available along with an adjustable footrest and seat tension. This gives you the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons attach to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their existing rear wheels. They are easy to operate and allow users to travel greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are light and have advanced control systems that allow for remote fault detection and monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be fitted to many manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pushing one button or switch. It is controlled by using an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and alter settings such as speed. Some also come with an integrated push tracker that can keep track of the amount of time the power add-on has been utilized.
They can help individuals climb up hills and other obstacles easily. They allow users to maintain independence by completing daily activities, work and socializing with family and friends.
In some cases, a power assisted option can help reduce the amount of pressure being put on the person. They also can reduce the time required to perform mobility tasks, and help people to overcome obstacles like stairs, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold come with the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to carry their wheelchairs along on trips in the family vehicle without needing a fully equipped van. They can be separated from the chair in order to travel to work or other events and then reattached on return. This can help people to retain their paid employment or volunteer endeavours to continue to contribute to society and be an active member of the community.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are usually heavier and bulkier. Many of them can be folded and their accessories removed to free even more space. They can be put in the trunk of a family vehicle, which permits individuals to travel with their families to work and other places and also visit friends and relatives.
