Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons allow wheelchair users to travel for longer distances and traverse difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of energy required for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The good aspect of these chairs is that they don't alter the look of a manual chair and they are easy to transport. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most sturdy and stable. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, allowing the chair to navigate difficult terrain like grass, gravel or steps. This is an excellent option for those who have to maneuver your chair around tight spaces since you can easily make sharp turns using the front drive.
When you are choosing a wheelchair, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will think about which components and base will best suit your needs. In addition to the drive wheel configuration, the choice of an auxiliary power assist add-on should also be taken into consideration. There are many options for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons add-ons, and rear-wheel add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design with different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' gives you additional power with each push. This reduces fatigue, and lets you increase your speed with each push. While 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 two driving modes by pressing an easy-to-use power button.
The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by small batteries that can be removed and fully charged in under two hours. Its small size and ease of use make it a perfect choice for those who need some extra assistance to travel long distances. The WheelDrive is not in need of maintenance, unlike other battery powered power assist accessories that can be a bit difficult to keep in good working order.
We suggest you contact one of our ATPs for more information and to witness an example if you're thinking about adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair it comes with iLevel. FrontDrive system standard comes with iLevel which raises the safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This lets you perform the mobility-related tasks of your daily life such as toileting, reaching and grooming at a higher level.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power accessories for wheelchairs are great ways to reduce the amount of effort it takes to push manually a chair. They can also help preserve the health of your shoulders and reduce the risk of injury that comes with continuous, repetitive, manual propulsion. You can travel further, climb steep slopes, and maneuver through challenging environments by incorporating power assist into your chair.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs could be divided into three categories: rear attachments that are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments that raise the caster wheels of a manual chair off the ground (similarly to a bicycle) and hybrid systems that combine both features. Front attachments are typically 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 power add-ons are powered by rechargeable batteries and others, such as the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and are powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's movement. The ones powered by batteries are typically lighter and smaller than those powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation.
One of the most popular wheelchair power add-ons is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of rigid and folding frame wheelchairs. It has three different support levels which can be changed at the push of an button. It is easy to switch from manual mode to powered mode and reverse the switch.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel It also comes with three different levels of support and can be controlled using a joystick, making it ideal for users who require different levels of assistance from power sources in various settings. These kinds of power add-ons can also help relieve the strain on your elbows and shoulders and elbows, allowing you to travel further and with less effort. This is particularly beneficial if you are concerned about the impact of long-distance propulsion on your shoulders.
Active User Wheelchairs
A wheelchair for active users is one that has been designed for people who live life in active ways and want to stay independent and mobile. These wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled wheelchairs . This means that the upper body will be less fatigued. They can also travel longer distances over challenging terrain without assistance.
A wheelchair designed to be used for an active lifestyle typically comes with a small frame size to help increase mobility. Furthermore, the rear wheels are usually larger than standard wheelchairs to allow the user to easily access them and propel themselves forward. The backrest is usually lower so that the user can move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are another excellent option to make your active user wheelchair more efficient as they can provide additional power when required. This can be beneficial when climbing hills, travelling long distances or when the user feels exhausted. The user can control an accessory powered by using voice commands or eye movements. This can assist users to become more independent and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair to transform it into a hand-bike with three wheels, allowing users to travel faster and farther than they could by themselves. This is beneficial for those looking to commute to work or to run errands, or for those who simply would like to take a relaxing ride. The power bike can be customized to meet the needs and preferences of the user. There are various options for rear wheel angles, as well adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This gives you the most versatility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons can be attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace the existing rear wheels. They are simple to use and enable the user to go longer distances while requiring less effort. They are typically light and have advanced control systems to alter programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be fitted to various manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing an appropriate button or switch and is controlled using an electronic wristband. Some models also have an integrated push tracker that can keep track of how long the power add-on has been utilized.
They permit people to travel further without getting tired and can aid them in climbing slopes and other obstacles more easily. They help users maintain their independence by completing regular activities, work and spending time with family and friends.
In some cases, a power assisted option can help reduce the amount of pressure put on the person. Additionally they have been proven to decrease the amount of time it takes for the person to complete tasks that require mobility and help them overcome obstacles such as curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold offer the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to take their wheelchair with them on trips in the family vehicle without needing a fully equipped van. They can be removed from the chair for transportation to work or other events and then reattached on return. This can help people to retain their paid employment, volunteer work and other initiatives to continue contributing to society and be an integral part of the community.
When not in use non-folding power assist devices are typically larger and heavier. A lot of them can be folded, and their accessories removed to save even more space. They can be stored in the trunk of a family car, which allows people to travel with their families to work and other places and also visit relatives and friends.