Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist accessories allow wheelchair users to travel for longer distances and on challenging terrain. They also decrease the amount of effort needed for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
They are simple to move around and don't alter the appearance of the manual chairs. They are also very easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs give the most stable and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, enabling the chair to traverse difficult terrains like grass, gravel or steps. This design is ideal if you have to maneuver your wheelchair through tight areas. You can easily turn sharply using the front drive.
When choosing a wheelchair your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will take into consideration which base and components meet your needs. A power assist auxiliary add-on is also something to consider. There are several different options for power assist, including front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that offers different driving modes. The large 'assist' wheel gives you extra power with every push. This reduces fatigue and lets you go further with each push. The smaller 'drive rim' provides continuous power to aid in climbing. WheelDrive can be installed on almost any manual wheelchair without additional components or modifications. It is also easy to switch between the two driving modes using an intuitive power button.
The power assistance is provided by an electric hub motor that is powered by detachable light batteries and can be fully charged in less than two hours. The compact design and easy operation makes it a perfect solution for people who need an extra boost to travel further distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance, unlike battery-powered power assist systems that are difficult to keep in working in good working order.
We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs to learn more and to see an example if you're thinking about adding a power wheelchair that has front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair that comes with FrontDrive, the 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 like toileting, reaching, and grooming at a higher level.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs can be great ways to reduce the amount of effort required to push manually a chair. They can also preserve shoulder health and reduce the fear of injury that is associated with long-term, repetitive manual propulsion. The addition of 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 greater confidence.
electric self propelled wheelchair add-ons for wheelchairs can be divided into three categories: rear attachments that are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments that raise the wheels of the casters of a manual chair off the ground (similarly to a bicycle) and hybrid systems combining both features. Front attachments are usually controlled by a hand-rim activated device such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist and rear attachments are usually joystick-converting devices, such as the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power accessories are powered by rechargeable batteries as well as others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and are powered by the kinetic energy of the wheel rotation. Those that are powered by a battery are usually lighter and compact than those that are driven by kinetic energy from the wheel rotation.
One of the most well-known wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of folding and rigid frame wheelchairs. It has three different levels of support which can be changed at the push of a button. It is easy to switch from manual mode to powered mode and vice versa.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It comes with three levels of support and can also be controlled with a joystick. This makes it ideal for users who need varying levels of assistance in different situations. 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 especially useful in the event that you are concerned about the impact of long-distance propulsion on your shoulders.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
A wheelchair for active users is one that is specifically designed for those who lead an life in active ways and want to stay independent and mobile. They are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will not be as worn out. They can also traverse difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair specifically designed for active use typically comes with a small frame size, which helps to improve mobility. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for an active lifestyle are usually larger than standard ones to allow the user to get them easily and move forward. The backrest is often lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulders freely while self-propelling.
These add-ons powered by electricity can be used to improve the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can supply additional power when required. This can be helpful for climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user is feeling exhausted. A powered accessory can be operated by the user via voice commands or by adjusting their eyes. This can help with independence and reduce the need for a person to push them.
The 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 riders to travel more quickly and further than they could by themselves. This is a great option for those looking to commute to work or run errands, or simply want to enjoy a leisurely ride. A power bike accessory can also be adjusted to meet the user's needs and preferences with a variety of rear wheel angle options available and an adjustable footrest and seat tension. This lets you achieve the highest level of personalization and versatility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace their existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and enable the user to go longer distances while requiring 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 components that can be mounted on a wide 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 is controlled with an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and alter settings like speed. Some have a built-in push tracker that tracks how much power was using.
They allow people to travel further without getting tired and can assist them to climb the slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are ideal for those who want to keep their independence and continue to take part in everyday activities, work, and socialize with family and friends and enjoy more freedom to travel to enjoy leisure.
In certain situations, a power assisted option can help reduce the amount of pressure put on the person. In addition they have been proven to decrease the amount of time it takes for an individual to complete mobility tasks and can aid in overcoming obstacles such as stairs, inclines and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist gadgets offer the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing 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 in order to travel to work or other occasions, and then reattached when they return home. This could help people retain their paid employment or volunteer efforts to contribute to society and be an active member 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 have their accessories removed, which can save even more space. They can be put in the trunk of any family vehicle. This allows people to travel with their families to work, to other locations and also to visit friends and family.