Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that provide power assist enable wheelchair users to travel further and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort needed to propel. This leads to lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These devices are easy to move around and don't alter the look of traditional chairs. what is the lightest self propelled wheelchair My Mobility Scooters are also very easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs give the most stable and power. The large drive wheels "grab" the road and allow the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as gravel, grass or steps. This configuration is great if you have to maneuver your wheelchair around tight spaces. You can make quick turns using the front drive.
When choosing a wheelchair your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will take into consideration which base and components are best suited to your requirements. An auxiliary power assist add-on is also something to consider. There are a variety of options for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel add-ons, and rear-wheel add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on offered by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that provides different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' gives you additional power with each push. This reduces fatigue and lets you get further ahead with each push. While the smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power to aid in climbing. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on almost every manual wheelchair with no additional components or modifications. It can be switched between the two driving modes using an intuitive power button.
The motor's brushless design is powered by lightweight batteries that can be removed and fully charged in under two hours. Its compact design and easy operation makes it a perfect solution for those who require an extra boost when traveling further distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance, unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons that can be difficult to keep in good order.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs to learn more and to see a demonstration if you are contemplating adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair, the FrontDrive standard model comes with iLevel which raises the safe seat height to 12 inches. This allows you to perform everyday activities that require mobility living such as reaching, grooming and toileting at a greater height, which will help you live healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the amount of effort required to propel manually-driven wheelchairs. They also protect shoulder health and reduce the fear of injury that is associated with the repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. You can go further, traverse steep slopes, and maneuver through challenging environments by incorporating power assist into your chair.
The power add-ons to wheelchairs can be divided into three categories: rear attachments that are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments, which raise the wheels of a manual chair off the ground (similarly to a bicycle), and hybrid systems combining both features. Front attachments are typically operated by a hand-rim-activated device such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist and rear attachments are typically joystick conversion devices like 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 wheelchair motor and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. The ones powered by a battery are usually more lightweight and compact than those that are powered by kinetic energy from the wheel's rotation.
One of the most well-known wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of rigid and folding frame active wheelchairs and has three different support levels that can be changed with the press of an button. It is easy to switch from manual mode to powered mode and in reverse.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel, which also has three different support levels and can be controlled with a joystick, making it ideal for people who require varying degrees of power assistance in different settings. These power accessories are helpful in reducing stress on elbows and shoulders. This allows you to go farther with less effort. This is especially beneficial in the event that you're concerned about the impact of long-distance self-propulsion on the health of your shoulder.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
Active user wheelchairs are made for those who wish to be mobile and independent and live an active life. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self propelled wheelchairs, which means that users will see less wear and wear on their upper body. This allows them to travel for longer distances through challenging terrain without needing assistance.
A wheelchair that is specifically designed for active use will usually have a compact frame size to help increase manoeuvrability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair designed for active use are usually larger than standard ones to allow users to reach them easily and move forward. The backrest is often lower so that the user can move their shoulders and arms freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are a excellent option to make your active user wheelchair more efficient, since they can supply additional power when required. This can be helpful for climbing up hills, travelling long distances or when the user is feeling exhausted. The user can control an accessory powered through voice commands or eye movements. This can assist users to become more independent and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of a wheelchair and transform it into a tri-wheeled hand bike that allows the user to travel faster and farther than they would on their own. This can be beneficial for people who are looking to commute to work or for running errands or for those who simply would like to take a relaxing ride. A power bike can be adjusted to suit the needs and preferences of the user and preferences, with various angles for the rear wheel available along with an adjustable footrest and seat tension. This offers the ultimate in flexibility and individualization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons can be attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace their existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. These are lightweight and feature advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection and monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be connected to a variety of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing the button or switch and controlled with the wireless wristband. Some have a built-in push tracker that records how much power the add-on was used.
They can assist people to climb mountains and other obstacles with ease. They are perfect for allowing users to keep their independence and continue to participate in daily activities, work, and socialize with friends and family and travel more freely to enjoy leisure.
In some cases an assisted power option can reduce the amount of pressure put on the person. They can also cut down on the amount of time needed to complete mobility tasks, and make it easier for individuals to conquer obstacles such as steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold have the added benefit of being portable, enabling users to carry their wheelchairs with them 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 for work or other activities and then reattached after they return home. This can help people maintain their paid 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 typically heavier and larger. A lot of them can be folded and their accessories removed, which can save even more space. They can be stored in the trunk of a regular family car, which allows people to travel with their families to work and other places and also visit relatives and friends.