Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons allow wheelchair users to travel for longer distances and on challenging terrain. They also reduce the effort needed for propulsion. This results in lower heart rate and less muscle fatigue.
The best aspect of these chairs is that they don't alter the style of a manual chair and they can be easily moved. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most robust and stable. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, allowing the chair to take on difficult terrain like grass, gravel or steps. This configuration is great if you have to maneuver your wheelchair in tight spaces. You can easily turn sharply using the front drive.
When you are choosing a wheelchair, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components meet your needs. A power assist auxiliary add-on is also important to consider. There are many options for power assist, including front-wheel add-ons add-ons and rear-wheel add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on offered by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design, which offers a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' provides you extra power with each push. This helps reduce fatigue and lets you increase your speed with each push. The smaller 'drive' rim gives you continuous power, making climbing more comfortable. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on virtually every manual wheelchair, without the need for additional components or modifications. It can be switched between the two driving modes by pressing an intuitive power button.
The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by batteries of light weight which can be taken off and fully charged in just two hours. Its compact size and ease of use make it a perfect choice for those who require some extra assistance to travel for 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 thinking of adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for more information and an example. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair the standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which increases the safe seat height up to 12 inches. This allows you to perform mobility-related activities of daily life such as reaching, toileting, and grooming at a higher elevation.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs can be an excellent way to cut down on the amount of work required to propel the manual chair. They also protect shoulder health and decrease the fear of injury that can result from long-term, repetitive manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair enables you to travel farther, climb steep slopes and navigate through difficult terrain with greater confidence.
Wheelchair power accessories are classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that lift a manual wheelchair's caster wheels off the ground and replace them with a larger centered wheel (similar to bicycles) such as the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that combine both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled using a hand-rim-activated system, such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments to the rear, on the other hand are devices that convert joysticks such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair add-ons make use of rechargeable batteries, while 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 batteries are typically smaller and lighter than those that rely on energy generated by kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It attaches to either the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support and they can be adjusted by pressing a button. It is easy to switch between manual and powered mode and vice versa.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It comes with three support levels, and can be operated by a joystick. This makes it ideal for users who need varying levels of assistance in various settings. These power add-ons can be helpful in reducing pressure on elbows and shoulders. This allows you to move further with less effort. This is particularly beneficial in the event that you're concerned about the effects of self-propulsion over 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 remain mobile and independent. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self propelled wheelchair s, so users will see less wear and tear on their upper body. This also allows them to travel longer distances over challenging terrain without the need for assistance.
A wheelchair designed to be used in a busy environment will have an elongated frame to enhance mobility. The rear wheels of a wheelchair designed for active use are usually larger than standard ones, allowing users to reach them easily and move forward. The backrest is usually lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulder freely when self-propelling.
These add-ons powered by electricity can be used to boost the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can give you extra power when needed. This can be useful for climbing hills, travelling long distances, or when the user feels exhausted. The user can control an accessory powered by using eye movements or voice commands. This can help users become more self-sufficient and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair to transform it into a handbike with three wheels, allowing riders to travel faster and farther than they could by themselves. This is a great option for people who are looking to commute to work or for running errands or for those who simply would like to take a relaxing ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the preferences and needs of the rider. There are different options for rear wheel angles, and also adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This gives you the most flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their existing rear wheels. They are simple to use and allow the user to take on more distances with less effort. These are typically lightweight and feature advanced control systems to alter programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be affixed 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 by a wireless wristband. Some models come with an integrated push tracker that keeps track of how much power was used.
They can assist people to climb hills and other obstacles without difficulty. They are perfect for helping users keep their independence and continue to take part in everyday activities and work, socialize with friends and family and move around more freely for leisure.
In certain situations the use of a power-assist option can help reduce the amount of pressure put on the person. They can also cut down on the time required to perform tasks that require mobility, and help individuals to conquer obstacles such as stairs, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist gadgets come with the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to take their wheelchairs with them on their trips in the family vehicle without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be separated from the chair in order to travel to work or other activities and then reattached upon return. This could help people keep their job, volunteer activities and other commitments to continue to be an active member of the community and contribute to the society.
Non-folding power-assist devices are typically heavier and larger than their folding counterparts, but they can still be compact when not being used. Many of them can be folded and their accessories removed to save even more space. They can be put in the trunk of any family car. This lets people travel with their families, to work, to other places and even visit friends and family.