Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that offer power assist allow wheelchair users to move further and traverse more difficult terrain. They also decrease the amount of effort required to propel the wheelchair, which results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The great aspect of these chairs is that they don't alter the appearance of a manual chair, and they can be easily moved. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the ultimate in stability and power. wheelchair self propelled folding can "grab" the road and enable the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as gravel, grass or steps. This is also an excellent option for those who require to maneuver your chair around tight spaces as you can easily turn sharp turns using the front drive.
In the process of selecting, 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 many options available for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel 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 a variety of driving modes. The larger 'assist rim' provides extra power assistance to each push, which helps reduce fatigue and lets you increase the distance you push. While the smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power to make it easier to climb. WheelDrive can be installed on any manual wheelchair, without additional components or modifications. It is also easy to switch between the two driving modes by using an intuitive power button.
The power assistance is provided by an electric hub motor that is powered by detachable, lightweight batteries and can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its small size and easy to use makes it the ideal solution for those who require some extra assistance to travel long distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free, unlike power assist accessories powered by batteries which can be difficult to keep in working and in good working.
If you're considering adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you speak to one of our ATPs for further details and an example. If you are considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair, the standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which raises your safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This lets you perform everyday activities that require mobility living, such as toileting, grooming, and reaching at a more independent height, which will make your life more comfortable and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchair add-ons can reduce the amount of effort required to propel manually-driven wheelchairs. They can also help preserve the health of your shoulders and reduce the risk of injury that comes with continuous, repetitive, manual propulsion. You can go further, navigate steep slopes, and maneuver in challenging 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 raise the caster 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 are usually operated 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 accessories use a rechargeable batteries, and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of 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 use energy generated by kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
One of the most awaited wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axle of rigid and folding 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 mode to powered mode and reverse the switch.
Another option is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel It also comes with three different levels of support and can be controlled using the joystick, which makes it ideal for people who require varying degrees of power assistance in different situations. These power add-ons are also beneficial in reducing the pressure on the shoulders and elbows. This allows you to go farther with less effort. This can be particularly helpful if you're concerned about the negative effects of self-propulsion over long distances on your shoulder health.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
Active user wheelchairs are designed for people who want to be independent and mobile and lead an active lifestyle. They are much lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self propelled wheelchairs, which means that users will experience less wear and wear on their upper body. They are also able to travel on difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair designed to be used in a busy environment will have a smaller frame to increase mobility. The rear wheels of a wheeled chair designed for active use are typically larger than standard ones, allowing users to reach them easily and move forward. The backrest is often lower so that the user can move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to increase the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can give you extra power when required. This can be helpful for climbing up hills, traveling long distances, or when the user is exhausted. The user can control a powered add-on through voice commands or eye movements. This can help them to be more independent and less dependent on someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of a wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled handbike that allows users to travel faster and further than they could on their own. This is an excellent option for those who wish to commute to work, run some errands, or simply take a relaxing bike ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the requirements and preferences of the user. There are various options for rear wheel angles as well as adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This gives you the most personalization and versatility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons can be attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace the existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow for greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are typically light and offer advanced control systems to alter programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket attachments that can be affixed to a range of manual wheelchairs that fold, such as the SmartDrive MX2+. 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 have an integrated push tracker that tracks how much power the add-on was using.
They enable individuals to travel longer distances without fatigue and aid them in climbing the slopes and other obstacles more easily. They help users maintain their independence by continuing with daily activities, work and spending time with family and friends.
In certain instances using an assist device can reduce the risk of developing pressure sores by reducing the amount of force put on the body by the user. Additionally, they have been shown to cut down on the time it takes for the person to complete mobility tasks and can help them overcome obstacles like stairs, inclines and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist devices offer the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing users to take their wheelchairs along on trips in the family car without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be separated from the chair in order to transportation to work or other activities and then reattached when returning. This will allow people to continue to work for a salary, volunteer work and other endeavours to continue to contribute to society and be an active member of the community.
Non-folding power-assist devices are typically larger and heavier than their folding counterparts, however they can be compact when not being used. Many of them are foldable and can be used with their accessories removed to create more space. They can be stored in the trunk of a family car, allowing individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations, as well as visit relatives and friends.