Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist accessories allow wheelchair users to travel greater distances and traverse difficult terrain. They also decrease the amount of effort required to propel the wheelchair, which results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These chairs are simple to move around and don't alter the look of the manual chairs. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most stable and powerful. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and allow the chair to take on difficult terrains such as gravel, grass, or steps. This design is ideal if you have to maneuver your wheelchair in tight spaces. You can make quick turns using the front drive.
In the process of selecting 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 must also be taken into consideration. There are several different options for power assist, such as front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that offers different driving modes. The large 'assist' wheel gives you extra power with each push. This reduces fatigue, and lets you go further with each push. The smaller 'drive' rim gives you continuous power, making climbing easier. The WheelDrive is simple to install on any manual wheelchair, without the need for additional parts or modifications and can be switched between two driving modes with an easy-to-use power button.
The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by small batteries which can be taken off and fully charged in under two hours. The compact design and easy operation make it an ideal option for those who require an extra boost for traveling longer distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free, unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons that are difficult to keep in working in good working order.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for more information and to witness a demonstration if you are considering adding a power wheelchair that has front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you are considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair The standard FrontDrive system comes with iLevel, which raises your safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to perform everyday activities that require mobility such as reaching, toileting, and grooming at a higher level.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs are a great way to reduce the amount of effort it takes to propel manually a chair. They also aid in maintaining the health of your shoulders and reduce the risk of injury that comes with repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. You can travel further, traverse steep slopes, and maneuver through difficult 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 lift a manual wheelchair's caster wheels 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 can be controlled by a hand-rim activated system such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. best self-propelled wheelchair , on the other hand are a joystick conversion device, like the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power add-ons are powered by rechargeable batteries and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and are powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's movement. The ones that are powered by batteries are usually lighter and more compact than those that use kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
One of the most well-known 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 changed with the push of a button. It is simple to switch from manual mode to powered mode and vice versa.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It has three levels of support, and can be controlled by a joystick. This makes it perfect for users who need varying levels of assistance in different settings. These power add-ons can be helpful in reducing pressure on shoulders and elbows. This lets you go farther with less effort. This can be particularly helpful when you're worried about the effects of self-propulsion over long distances on your shoulder health.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
Active user wheelchairs are made for people who want to be independent and mobile and live a full life. These wheelchairs are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will be less worn out. They can also travel for longer distances through challenging terrain without the need for assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed for an active life will have an elongated frame to enhance maneuverability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle are usually larger than standard ones, allowing the user to get them easily and propel themselves forward. The backrest height is typically lower to enable the user to 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 is helpful when climbing up hills, travelling 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 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. They attach to the front of the wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled hand bike which allows the user to travel more quickly and further than they could on their own. This is a great choice for those who wish to commute to work, run some errands, or simply enjoy a leisurely bike ride. A power bike add-on can also be adjusted to suit the user's needs and preferences, with different rear wheel angle options available along with the ability to adjust the footrest and seat tension. This provides the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons can be attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace their existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and permit the user to go longer distances while requiring less effort. These are lightweight and feature 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 attached to a variety of manual wheelchairs that fold, such as the SmartDrive MX2+. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is started through pushing one 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 have an integrated push tracker that keeps track of the amount of power that was used.
They enable individuals to travel longer distances without fatigue and aid them in climbing hills and other obstacles more easily. They are perfect for those who want to maintain their independence by continuing to engage in daily activities and work, socialize with friends and family, and travel more freely to enjoy leisure.
In certain situations the use of a power-assist option can reduce the amount of pressure being exerted on the individual. In addition they have been proven to decrease the amount of time it takes for a person to perform mobility tasks and can make it easier to overcome obstacles such as curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist products are portable, so users can bring 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 once they return home. This could help people continue to work for a salary or volunteer work, as well as other efforts to contribute to society and become an integral part of the community.
Non-folding power-assist gadgets are generally heavier and larger than their folding counterparts. However, they can still be very compact when not being used. Many of them can be folded and have their accessories removed, which can save even more space. They can be put in the trunk of a family vehicle, which permits individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations and visit relatives and friends.