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 reduce the effort required for propulsion. This results in lower heart rates, and less muscle fatigue.
The good thing about these devices is that they don't alter the appearance of a manual chair and they can be easily moved. They are also extremely simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs provide the highest level of stability and power. The large drive wheels "grab" the road and let the chair tackle difficult terrain such as grass, gravel or steps. This configuration is great if you have to maneuver your wheelchair around tight areas. You can make quick turns using the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will think about which components and base will best suit your needs. In addition to the wheel configuration, the choice of an add-on power assist accessory must also be considered. There are many options for power assist, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel add-ons, and rear-wheel add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design that has different driving modes. The large 'assist rim' provides extra power assistance to every push, which decreases fatigue and allows you to go further per push. While the smaller 'drive rim' provides continuous power for easier climbing. The WheelDrive is simple to install on virtually every manual wheelchair with no extra parts or modifications. It can be switched between the two driving modes with an intuitive power button.
The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by small batteries which can be taken off and fully charged in less than two hours. Its small size and easy to use make it a perfect choice for those who need a little extra help to travel long distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance, unlike power assist accessories powered by batteries that are difficult to keep in good and in good working.
We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs to learn more and to witness an example if you're contemplating the addition of a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair that comes with FrontDrive, the FrontDrive standard model comes with iLevel that raises the safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to complete everyday activities that require mobility living, such as getting up, grooming and toileting at a greater height, which can make you healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power accessories for wheelchairs are a great way to reduce the amount of work required to push a manual chair. They can also help maintain shoulder health and ease the risk of injury that comes with continuous, 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) and front attachments that lift the wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a larger centered wheel (similar to the bicycle) such as the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly, and hybrid systems that combine both of these features. Front attachments are typically operated by a hand-rim-activated device like the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist, while rear attachments are usually joystick conversion devices like the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power accessories are powered by a rechargeable battery, while others, like the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor inside the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy of the wheel rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are usually smaller and lighter than those that rely on energy from the kinetic force to drive the wheels.
One of the most well-known wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of rigid and folding frame wheelchairs. It has three different levels of support that can be changed with the push of an button. It is easy to switch between manual and powered mode and reverse the switch.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel that comes with three different support levels and can be controlled using the joystick, which makes it ideal for people who require different levels of power assistance in different situations. These power accessories are helpful in reducing pressure on the shoulders and elbows. This lets you travel farther and with less effort. This is particularly beneficial if you're concerned about the impact of self-propulsion for long distances on your shoulder health.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are designed for people who want to be independent and mobile and live a full life. They are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will be less worn out. They are also able to travel on difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed to be used in a busy environment will have an elongated frame to enhance mobility. Furthermore, the rear wheels are generally larger than standard wheelchairs to enable the user to easily reach them and propel themselves forward. The backrest is typically lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be a excellent way to make your active user wheelchair more efficient as they can provide additional power when required. This can be useful for going up and down hills, for long distances or when the user is exhausted. A powered add-on can be operated by the user via voice commands or by adjusting their eyes, which could aid in independence and reduce the need for a person to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair, transforming it into a handbike with three wheels, which allows users to travel more quickly and further than they could by themselves. This can be beneficial for people who are looking to commute to work or for running errands or simply want to take a leisurely ride. The power bike can be customized to meet the needs and preferences of the user. There are a variety of options for rear wheel angles, as well as adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This offers the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their original rear wheels. They are simple to use and enable the user to go longer distances with less effort. These are typically lightweight and offer advanced control systems that allow you to adjust programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket attachments that can be affixed to a wide range of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch, and controlled by the wireless wristband. Some models also have an integrated push tracker that can keep record of how far the power add-on has been used.
They enable people to travel further without fatigue and aid them in climbing hills and other obstacles more easily. lightweight self propelled wheelchairs are perfect for those who want to remain independent by continuing to engage in daily activities and working, as well as socializing with family and friends and travel more freely for leisure.
In some instances an assisted power option can reduce the amount of pressure placed on the person. They can also reduce the time required to complete tasks that require mobility, and help people to get over obstacles like steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist devices have the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to take their wheelchair with them on trips in the family vehicle without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be removed from the chair in order to travel to work or other occasions and then reattached once they return home. This will allow people to retain their paid employment, volunteer work and other efforts to contribute to society and become an active member of the community.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are typically heavier and larger. Many of them are foldable and can have their accessories removed to make more space. They can be put in the trunk of a regular family vehicle, which permits individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations, as well as visit relatives and friends.