Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that provide power assist enable wheelchair users to travel farther and over more difficult terrain. They also decrease the amount of effort needed for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The best thing about these chairs is that they don't alter the look of a manual chair, and they are easy to transport. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs give the ultimate in stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and allow the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as 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 you are choosing a wheelchair, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will think about which components and base meet your needs. An auxiliary power assist add-on is also a good option to think about. There are many options available for power assist, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel additions and rear-wheel add-ons.
The new and refreshed WheelDrive add-on by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design, which offers a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist rim' offers additional power assistance with every push, which decreases fatigue and allows you to increase the distance you push. The smaller rim of the drive offers continuous power to make climbing more comfortable. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on any manual wheelchair without any extra parts or modifications. It can be switched between the two driving modes with an intuitive power button.
The power assistance is provided by a brushless hub motor which is powered by detachable lightweight batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. The compact design and easy operation makes it a perfect solution for those who require an extra boost to travel longer distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance unlike battery-powered power assist systems that are difficult to maintain in good in good working order.
If you're thinking of adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for more information and an opportunity to see a demonstration. If you are considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair the standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which increases your safe seat elevation up to 12 inches. This allows you to perform the mobility-related tasks of your daily life such as toileting, reaching, and grooming at a higher elevation.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchair add-ons can reduce the amount of effort required to propel a manual wheelchair. They also aid in maintaining shoulder health and lessen the fear of injury associated with sustained, repetitive manual propulsion. You can travel further, navigate steep slopes, and maneuver in difficult conditions by incorporating power assist into your chair.
The power add-ons to wheelchairs can be classified into three categories: rear attachments which are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments, which raise the wheels of manual chairs off the ground (similarly to a bicycle) and hybrid systems combining both features. Front attachments are usually operated by a hand-rim-activated device like the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist and rear attachments are usually joystick conversion devices like 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 in the wheelchair and powered by the energy generated by wheel's rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are generally smaller and lighter than those that use kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most sought-after wheelchair accessories. It is attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they are able to be adjusted by pressing a button. It is also easy to switch from manual mode to power mode and then back again.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel It also comes with three different levels of support. It can be controlled using a joystick, making it ideal for those who require varying degrees of power assistance in different settings. These kinds of power accessories can also be used to assist in reducing the pressure on elbows and shoulders and elbows, allowing you to travel further with less effort. This can be particularly helpful when you're worried about the effects of long-distance self-propulsion on the health of your shoulder.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are designed for those who want to be mobile and independent and lead an active lifestyle. what is self propelled wheelchair are much lighter and more maneuverable than standard self propelled wheelchairs, so users will have less wear and wear on their upper body. They can also traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without the need for assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed for active lifestyles will have a smaller frame to increase mobility. In addition the rear wheels are usually bigger than standard wheelchairs to allow the user to easily reach them and then propel themselves forward. The backrest height is also often lower to enable the user to move their arms and shoulders freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be used to boost the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can supply additional power when needed. This is helpful when climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user is feeling exhausted. The user can control an accessory powered by using voice commands or eye movements. This can help users become more self-sufficient and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a three-wheeled handbike that allows the user to travel more quickly and further than they could on their own. This is an excellent option for those who wish to commute to work, run around or just take a relaxing bike ride. The power bike can be customized to suit the needs and preferences of the rider. There are various options for rear wheel angles, as well adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This lets you achieve the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing the existing rear wheels. They are simple to use and allow the user to take longer distances with less effort. They are light and have advanced control systems that permit 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+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch. It is controlled by using an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and alter settings like speed. Some models come with a built-in push tracker that records how much power the add-on was used.
They allow people to travel further without fatigue and aid them in climbing slopes and other obstacles with ease. They are perfect for allowing users to maintain their independence by continuing to participate in daily activities and working, as well as socializing with family and friends and move around more freely for leisure.
In some cases using a power assist option can reduce the risk of developing pressure sores by reducing the amount of force being applied by the person. They also can reduce the time required to complete tasks that require mobility, and help individuals to conquer obstacles such as stairs, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold offer the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing users to carry their wheelchairs with them on trips in the family vehicle without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be separated from the chair to travel to work or other occasions and then reattached upon return. This will allow people to continue their job, volunteer work and other endeavors to continue to be an integral part of their community and contribute to the society.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are typically heavier and bulkier. Many of them can be folded and have their accessories removed to 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.