Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that provide power assist allow wheelchair users to travel further and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of energy required for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates 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 provide the ultimate in stability and power. The large drive wheels "grab" the road and enable the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as gravel, grass or steps. This configuration is also a great option if you have to maneuver your chair in tight spaces because it is easy to make sharp turns with the front drive.
When choosing a wheelchair your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components meet your needs. An add-on for power assist is also something to consider. There are many options available for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel add-ons and rear-wheel add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design that has different driving modes. The large 'assist' wheel gives you extra power with every push. This reduces fatigue, and allows you to increase your speed with each push. The smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power for easier climbing. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on virtually every manual wheelchair without any additional parts or modifications and can be switched between the two driving modes by pressing an easy-to-use power button.
The motor's brushless design is powered by batteries of light weight which can be taken off and fully charged in just two hours. Its small size and user-friendly makes it the ideal solution for those who require an extra helping hand to travel long distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance unlike battery-powered power assist systems which can be difficult to keep in working and in good working.
We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs to learn more and to witness 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 increases your safe seat elevation up to 12 inches. This allows you to complete mobility related activities of daily living such as reaching, grooming and toileting at a greater height, which will make you healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power accessories for wheelchairs are a great way to reduce the amount of effort required to propel a manual chair. They also protect shoulder health and decrease the fear of injury that comes with prolonged, repetitive manual propulsion. By adding power assist to your wheelchair will allow you to travel further distances as well as traverse steep slopes. You can also navigate through difficult terrain with more confidence.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs can be divided into three categories: rear attachments, which 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 that combine both features. Front attachments can be controlled using a hand-rim-activated system, such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments on the rear, on the other hand, are joystick conversion devices such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair add-ons use a rechargeable batteries, and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and powered by the energy generated by wheel's rotation. The ones powered by a battery are usually more lightweight and compact than those that are powered by kinetic energy from the wheel rotation.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It can be attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they are able to be adjusted by pressing one button. It is also simple to transfer from manual to power mode and then back again.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It has three levels of support and is also controlled with the joystick. This makes it ideal for people who require different degrees of assistance in different situations. These power add-ons can be beneficial in reducing the pressure on the elbows and shoulders. This allows you to move further with less effort. This is especially beneficial if you're concerned about the negative effects of long-distance self-propulsion on your shoulder health.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
An active user wheelchair is one that is made for people who have an an active lifestyle and want to remain mobile and independent. They are much lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self propelled wheelchairs, so users will experience less wear and wear on their upper bodies. They can also travel over difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair designed for an active life will have a smaller frame to increase mobility. Additionally, lightweight self propelled folding wheelchair are typically larger than standard wheelchairs to allow the user to easily reach them and move forward. The backrest's height is typically lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be used to increase the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when required. This is useful when climbing hills, travelling long distances, or when the user feels exhausted. A powered accessory can be operated by the user via voice commands or by moving 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 way to increase mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a tri-wheeled hand bike which allows users to travel faster and further than they could on their own. This is a great option for people who are looking to commute to work or for running errands or just want to enjoy a leisurely ride. The power bike can be customized to meet the needs and preferences of the rider. There are various options for rear wheel angles and also adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This offers the ultimate in flexibility and individualization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their original rear wheels. They are easy to use and permit the user to go on more distances with less effort. These are lightweight and feature advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection monitoring of battery levels, and programming.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be connected to a variety of manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch, and controlled with a wireless wristband. Some also come with an integrated push tracker that can keep record of how far the power add-on is used.
They allow individuals to travel longer distances without getting tired and can aid them in climbing the slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are perfect for allowing users to keep their independence and continue to engage in daily activities, work, and socialize with friends and family, and move around more freely to enjoy leisure.
In some instances, the use of power assist can prevent sores caused by pressure by reducing the amount of force being exerted by the individual. In addition they have been proven to decrease the amount of time it takes for the person to complete mobility tasks and can make it easier to overcome obstacles like steps, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist products are portable, which means that users can bring their wheelchair on family trips without the need for a van. They can be removed from the chair in order to travel for work or other events, and then reattached when they return home. This can help people maintain their paid employment, volunteering or other activities to remain a valued community member and contribute to society.
When not in use non-folding power assist devices are usually heavier and bulkier. They are often foldable and can be used with their accessories removed to make more space. They can be stored inside the trunk of any family vehicle. This allows people to travel with their families to work, go to other places, and to visit friends and family.