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 required to propel. This leads to lower heart rate and less muscle fatigue.
These devices are easy to move around and don't alter the look of the manual chairs. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the most stable and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and allow the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as gravel, grass, or steps. This design is ideal for those who need to maneuver your wheelchair in tight areas. You can make sharp turns easily using the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will think about which components and base will best suit your requirements. An add-on for power assist is also a good option to think about. There are many options available for power assist, including 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 extra power with every push. This helps reduce fatigue and allows you to increase your speed with each push. The smaller rim for driving provides continuous power to make climbing more comfortable. WheelDrive can be installed on nearly any manual wheelchair with no additional parts or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes by pressing the power button in a simple way.
The brushless hub motor is powered by small batteries that can be removed and fully charged in under two hours. Its compact design and simple operation makes it a perfect option for those who require an extra boost to travel longer distances. The WheelDrive is not in need of maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist add-ons which can be quite complicated to keep in good working order.
We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs to learn more and to witness an example if you're thinking about the addition of a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you are considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair the standard FrontDrive system comes with iLevel, which raises your safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to complete the mobility-related tasks of your daily life like toileting, reaching, and grooming at a higher height.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power accessories for wheelchairs are an excellent way to cut down on the amount of effort it takes to push the manual chair. They also aid in maintaining the health of your shoulders and reduce the anxiety of injuries that come with sustained, repetitive, manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair will allow you to travel farther, climb steep slopes and maneuver in challenging environments with greater confidence.
The power add-ons to wheelchairs can be divided into three categories: rear attachments, which 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 combining both features. Front attachments are typically controlled via a hand-rim activated device like 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 add-ons utilize rechargeable batteries and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. The ones powered by batteries are generally lighter and more compact than those that rely on energy from the kinetic force to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most well-known wheelchair add-ons. It can be attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support and they can be changed by pressing a button. It is also easy to switch from manual to power mode and back.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It comes with three support levels, and is also operated by the joystick. This makes it perfect for users who need varying degrees of assistance in different environments. These power accessories are beneficial in reducing the pressure on the elbows and shoulders. This allows you to travel farther and with less effort. This is particularly beneficial when you are concerned about the effects of long-distance propulsion on your shoulders.
used self propelled wheelchair for Users
Active user wheelchairs are made for those who want to be mobile and independent and live a full life. They are much lighter and more maneuverable than standard self-propelled wheelchairs, which means that users will see less wear and tear on their upper body. They are also able to travel on difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed for active lifestyles will have smaller frames to improve maneuverability. Furthermore the rear wheels are generally larger than standard wheelchairs to allow the user to easily access them and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is often lower so that the user can move their arms and shoulders freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are another great method to make your active wheelchair more efficient, as they can supply additional power when required. This is useful when going up and down hills, for long distances or when the user feels exhausted. A powered accessory can be controlled by the user through voice commands or by adjusting their eyes, which can help with independence and reduce the need for a person to push them.
The E-bike attachments on wheelchairs are a brand new and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a three-wheeled hand bike which allows users to travel faster and farther than they would on their own. This is a great option for those who wish to commute to work, run around or just take a relaxing bike ride. A power bike accessory can also be adjusted to suit the needs and preferences of the user and preferences, with various rear wheel angle options available, as well as adjustable footrest and seat tension. This allows for the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace their existing rear wheels. They are simple to operate and allow for greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are usually lightweight and have advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be connected to a range of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch, and controlled with the wireless wristband. Some also come with a built-in push tracker to keep record of how far the power add-on is used.
They can help individuals climb up hills and other obstacles without difficulty. They allow users to maintain independence by completing daily activities, work and socializing with family and friends.
In some instances, the use of power assist can help prevent sores from pressure by reducing amount of force exerted by the individual. In addition, they have been shown to cut down on the time required for a person to perform mobility tasks and can aid in overcoming obstacles like steps, 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 car without the need for a fully equipped van. They can be removed from the chair to travel for work or other events, and then reattached when they return home. This could help people keep their jobs, volunteer work and other endeavours to continue to contribute to society and become a valued member of the community.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are usually heavier and bulkier. A lot of them fold and can have their accessories removed to make more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of any family vehicle. This allows people to travel with their families to work, to other places and also to visit family and friends.