Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons with power assist for wheelchair users allow them to move further and traverse more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort needed for propulsion. This leads to lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The best thing about these chairs is that they don't alter the appearance 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 most stable and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and enable the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as gravel, grass, or steps. This configuration is great if you have to maneuver your wheelchair in tight spaces. You can make sharp turns easily with the front drive.
When making a selection, your Therapist or assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components best meet your requirements. In addition to the wheel configuration, the choice of an add-on power assist accessory must also be considered. There are a variety of options for power assist, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel additions, and rear-wheel add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on from Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that provides different driving modes. The large 'assist rim' offers additional power assistance with every push, which decreases fatigue and allows you to increase the distance you push. The smaller rim of the drive offers continuous power to make climbing more comfortable. The WheelDrive can be mounted on any manual wheelchair without any extra parts or modifications. It can be switched between two driving modes using an intuitive power button.
The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by small batteries which can be taken off and fully charged in less than two hours. Its small size and user-friendly make it a perfect choice for those who require an extra helping hand to travel long distances. The WheelDrive is not in need of maintenance, unlike other battery powered power assist accessories, which can often be a bit difficult to keep in good condition.
If you're considering adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for further information and an example. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair The standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which increases your safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This lets you perform mobility related activities of daily living such as reaching, grooming and toileting at a higher, more comfortable height, which will make your life more comfortable and happier.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs can be great ways to reduce the amount of effort required to push the manual chair. They can also preserve shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that comes with the repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. You can travel further, traverse steep slopes, and maneuver in difficult environments by incorporating power assist into your chair.
Wheelchair power add-ons can be classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that lift the wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a larger, centered wheel (similar to a bicycle) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly, and hybrid systems that include both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled using hand-rim-activated systems like the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments on the rear are, however are a joystick conversion device, like the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair accessories utilize rechargeable batteries while others like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. Those that are 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 awaited wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of folding and rigid frame wheelchairs. It comes with three different support levels that can be adjusted with the push of 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, which also has three different levels of support. It can be controlled by the joystick, making it ideal for users who require different levels of power assistance in different settings. These power add-ons can be helpful in reducing pressure on elbows and shoulders. This lets you travel farther and with less effort. This is particularly beneficial when you're worried about the negative effects of self-propulsion for long distances on the health of your shoulder.
Active User Wheelchairs
A wheelchair for active users is one that has been made for people who have an an active lifestyle and want to stay independent and mobile. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will not be as exhausted. They can also travel over difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed for an active lifestyle typically comes with a small frame size, which helps to improve manoeuvrability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for an active lifestyle are typically larger than the standard ones to enable users to reach them easily and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is usually lower so that the user can move their arms and shoulders freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be used to increase the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when needed. This is helpful when climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user is feeling exhausted. A powered accessory can be controlled by the user through voice commands or by moving their eyes, which could help them to be more independent and lessen the need for someone to push them.
The E-bike attachments on wheelchairs are a new and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a three-wheeled handbike, allowing the user to travel faster and further than they could on their own. This is an excellent option for people who want to commute to work, run around or just enjoy a relaxing ride. A power bike accessory can be adjusted to fit the user's needs and preferences with a variety of rear wheel angle options available, as well as adjustable footrest and seat tension. This lets you achieve the most flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons attach 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. They are lightweight and come with advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection and monitoring of battery levels, and programming.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be mounted on many manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pushing one button or switch, and is controlled using an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and alter settings such as speed. Some models also have a built-in push tracker to keep track of the amount of time the power add-on is used.
They enable individuals to travel longer distances without getting tired and can assist them to climb the slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are ideal for helping users maintain their independence by continuing to take part in everyday activities, work, and socialize with friends and family and travel more freely for leisure.
In some instances using power assist can prevent sores caused by pressure by reducing the amount of force being applied by the person. Additionally they have been found to reduce the amount of time it takes for an individual to complete mobility tasks and can help them overcome obstacles like steps, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist gadgets offer the added benefit of being portable, enabling users to carry their wheelchairs with them on trips in the family vehicle without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be removed from the chair to travel for work or other activities and then reattached once they return home. My Mobility Scooters can help people maintain their paid job, volunteer activities and other commitments to continue to be a valued community member and contribute to the society.
Non-folding power-assist devices are typically heavier and larger than their folding counterparts, but they can be compact when not being used. A lot of them fold and have their accessories removed for 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 and other locations, as well as visit friends and relatives.