Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that provide power assist for wheelchair users allow them to travel further and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort required to propel. This leads to lower heart rates, and less muscle fatigue.
self propelled wheelchair with elevated leg rest about these devices is that they don't alter the look of a manual chair and they are easy to transport. They are also very easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the highest level of stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, enabling the chair to navigate difficult terrain like grass, gravel or steps. This is a great option if you have to maneuver your wheelchair through tight spaces. You can easily turn sharply with the front drive.
When making a selection your Therapist or assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components will best suit your requirements. In addition to the wheel configuration, the selection of an additional power assist add-on should be taken into consideration. There are many 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 rim' gives extra power assistance to each push, which reduces fatigue and allows you to go further per push. While the smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power for easier climbing. WheelDrive can be installed on almost any manual wheelchair without any additional parts or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes pressing the power button in a simple way.
The power assistance is provided by a brushless hub motor which is powered by detachable, lightweight batteries and can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact size and easy to use makes it the ideal solution for those who require a little extra help to travel for long distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance, unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons that can be difficult to maintain in good in good working order.
We suggest you contact one of our ATPs to learn more and to witness the demonstration if you're thinking about adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the brand new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair it comes with iLevel. FrontDrive system comes standard with iLevel which raises the safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to perform mobility related activities of daily living, such as toileting, grooming, and reaching at a higher, more comfortable height, which can help you live healthier and happier.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the amount of effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They can also help maintain shoulder health and lessen the fear of injury that can result from long-term, repetitive manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel further distances, traverse steep slopes and move through challenging terrain with greater confidence.
Wheelchair power add-ons can be classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that raise the wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a bigger centered wheel (similar to bicycles) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly, and hybrid systems that combine both of these features. Front attachments are usually controlled via a hand-rim activated device like 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 add-ons are powered by a rechargeable battery as well as others, such as the WheelDrive are connected to the motor inside the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are typically lighter and more compact than those that rely on kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
One of the most popular wheelchair power add-ons is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of folding and rigid frame wheelchairs. It comes with three different support levels that can be changed with the press of a button. It is also easy to switch from manual to power mode and back.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It has three levels of support, and is also controlled by a joystick. This makes it perfect for people who require different levels of assistance in various situations. These kinds of power add-ons can also be used to help relieve the strain on your elbows and shoulders which allows you to go further with less effort. This is especially useful in the event that you are concerned about the impact of propulsion over long distances on your shoulders.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
A wheelchair for active users is one designed for people who live in a busy lifestyle and want to stay mobile and independent. These wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less exhausted. They can also travel over difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair specifically designed for active use will usually have a compact frame size that helps increase manoeuvrability. In addition, the rear wheels are generally bigger than standard wheelchairs so that the user can easily reach them and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is often lower so that the user can move their arms and shoulders freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are a excellent option to make your active user wheelchair more efficient, as they can provide additional power when needed. This can be useful for climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user is exhausted. A powered accessory can be operated by the user via voice commands or by adjusting their eyes, which could aid in independence and reduce the need for someone to push them.
The E-bike attachments on wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting method of increasing mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair and transform it into a hand-bike that has three wheels, which allows users to travel faster and farther than they could by themselves. This is beneficial for those who want to commute to work or run errands, or just want to take a leisurely ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the preferences and needs of the user. There are different options for rear wheel angles, as well adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This gives you the most flexibility and personalization.
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 simple to use and enable the user to go on more distances with less effort. They are lightweight and come with advanced control systems that allow for remote fault detection and monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be fitted to various manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing an appropriate button or switch and controlled with an electronic wristband. Some have a built in push tracker that keeps track of how much power the add-on was using.
They permit people to travel further without fatigue and aid them in climbing slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are ideal for helping users remain independent by continuing to participate in daily activities and work, socialize with family and friends and enjoy more freedom to travel for leisure.
In some instances an assisted power option can help reduce the amount of pressure being exerted on the individual. Additionally, they have been shown to reduce the amount of time it takes for a person to perform activities that require mobility. They can also aid in overcoming obstacles such as stairs, inclines and curb cuts.
Many power-assists that fold are portable, so users can bring their wheelchair on family trips without having to use a van. They can be removed from the chair to travel to work or other occasions and then reattached when returning. This could help people keep their paid employment, volunteering work and other endeavors to remain an integral part of their community and contribute to the society.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are usually larger and heavier. A lot of them can be folded and their accessories removed to free even more space. They can be stored inside the trunk of any family car. This allows people to travel with their families to work, to other locations and even visit friends and family.