Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist accessories allow wheelchair users to travel for longer distances and over difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of effort needed for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These chairs are simple to move around and don't alter the appearance of manual chairs. They are also extremely simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs provide the ultimate in stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, enabling the chair to take on difficult terrains like gravel, grass or steps. This is a great option if you have to maneuver your wheelchair around tight areas. You can make quick turns with the front drive.
In the process of selecting your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components best meet your requirements. An auxiliary power assist add-on is also important to consider. There are My Mobility Scooters for power assist, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel additions and rear-wheel add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that offers different driving modes. The larger 'assist rim' gives extra power assistance to every push, which decreases fatigue and lets you increase the distance you push. The smaller rim of the drive gives you continuous power, making climbing easier. The WheelDrive can be mounted on virtually every manual wheelchair with no additional components or modifications. It can be switched between two driving modes with an intuitive power button.
The power assistance is provided by an electric hub motor that is powered by detachable, lightweight batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact design and simple operation makes it a perfect option for those who require an extra boost to travel further distances. The WheelDrive does not require any maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist accessories that can be quite complicated to keep in good condition.
We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs for more information and to witness an example if you're contemplating adding a power wheelchair that has 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 raises your safe seat elevation up to 12 inches. This allows you to complete mobility-related activities of daily life such as toileting, reaching and grooming at a higher elevation.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power wheelchair accessories can cut down on the effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They also aid in maintaining shoulder health and ease the anxiety of injuries that come with repetitive, long-lasting, manual propulsion. By adding power assist to your wheelchair will allow you to travel farther as well as traverse steep slopes. You can also navigate through difficult terrain with more confidence.
Wheelchair power add-ons are categorized into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive) and front attachments that lift the wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a bigger centered wheel (similar to bicycles) such as the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that incorporate both of these features. Front attachments are usually controlled by a hand-rim activated device, such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist, while rear attachments are usually joystick conversion devices like the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair add-ons 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's rotation. Those that are powered by batteries are usually lighter and compact than those that are powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation.
One of the most awaited wheelchair power add-ons is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of folding and rigid frame wheelchairs. It has three different support levels that can be adjusted with the press of an button. It is easy to switch from manual to powered mode and in reverse.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It comes with three levels of support and can be controlled by a joystick. This makes it perfect for people who require different levels of assistance in different environments. These types of power add-ons can also assist in reducing pressure on shoulders and elbows which allows you to go further with less effort. This can be particularly helpful if you're concerned about the impact of self-propulsion over long distances on the health of your shoulder.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are made for those who wish to be mobile and independent and live an active life. They are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will be less exhausted. They can also traverse difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed for an active life will have smaller frames to improve maneuverability. The rear wheels of a wheeled chair designed for an active lifestyle are usually larger than the standard ones to enable the user to get them easily and move forward. The backrest 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 improve the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when required. This is useful when climbing up hills, travelling long distances, or when the user is feeling exhausted. A powered add-on can be controlled by the user using voice commands or by moving their eyes. This can help them to be more independent and lessen the need for a person to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a tri-wheeled hand bike, allowing users to travel faster and further than they could on their own. This can be beneficial for those who want to commute to work or run errands, or just want to enjoy a leisurely ride. The power bike can be customized to suit the needs and preferences of the rider. There are different options for rear wheel angles, as well adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This gives you the most flexibility and individualization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace their existing rear wheels. They are simple to operate and allow users to travel greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are lightweight and come with advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are aftermarket attachments that can be attached to a wide range of manual wheelchairs that fold, such as the SmartDrive MX2+. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is started through pressing a button or switch and is controlled by using the wristband wireless to start the motor and alter settings such as speed. Some come with an integrated push tracker that tracks the amount of power that was using.
They can assist people to climb up hills and other obstacles with ease. They help users maintain their independence by continuing with their daily routine, working and socializing with family and friends.
In certain situations an assisted power option can help reduce the amount of pressure exerted on the individual. Additionally they have been found to cut down on the time it takes a person to perform activities that require mobility. They can also make it easier to overcome obstacles like stairs, inclines and curb cuts.
Many of the power assist products that fold are portable, so users can take 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 after they return home. This could help people keep their paid employment, volunteering work and other endeavors to continue to be a valued community member and contribute to the society.
When not in use non-folding power assist devices are typically larger and heavier. They are often foldable and can be used with their accessories removed to create more space. They can be stored in the trunk of a regular family car, which allows individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations, as well as visit relatives and friends.