Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons enable wheelchair users to travel longer distances and on challenging 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 thing about these devices is that they don't alter the style of a manual chair, and they are easily transported. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most stable and powerful. The large drive wheels "grab" the road and let the chair take on difficult terrains such as gravel, grass, or steps. This configuration is great when you need to maneuver your wheelchair around tight spaces. You can make sharp turns easily using the front drive.
When you are choosing a wheelchair, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components are best suited to your requirements. In addition to the drive wheel configuration, the choice of an add-on power assist accessory should be considered. There are a variety of options for power assist, including 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 different driving modes. The larger 'assist rim' offers additional power assistance with each push, which reduces fatigue and allows you to get more out of each push. While the smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power to aid in climbing. The WheelDrive is simple to install on any manual wheelchair with no extra parts or modifications. It can be switched between the two driving modes by pressing an easy-to-use power button.
The power assistance is provided by an electric hub motor that is powered by detachable light batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact size and ease of use makes it the ideal solution for those who require a little extra help to travel for long distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free, unlike power assist accessories powered by batteries that can be difficult to keep in good and in good working.
If you're thinking of adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we recommend that you speak to one of our ATPs for more information and a demonstration. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair it comes with iLevel. 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 higher, more comfortable height, which can make you healthier and happier.
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 shoulder health and lessen the anxiety of injuries that come with repetitive, long-lasting, manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel further distances, climb steep slopes and navigate through difficult terrain with more confidence.
Wheelchair power add-ons are categorized into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that lift the caster wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a larger, centered wheel (similar to a bicycle) such as the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that include both of these features. Front attachments are typically controlled via a hand-rim activated device such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist and rear attachments are typically 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, like the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and are powered by the kinetic energy of the wheel's rotation. Those that are powered by a battery are usually more lightweight and compact than those that are powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation.
One of the most well-known wheelchair power add-ons is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of rigid and folding frame wheelchairs. It has three different support levels that can be adjusted with the press of one button. It is simple to switch between manual and powered mode and in reverse.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It comes with three levels of support and is also operated by the joystick. all terrain self propelled wheelchair makes it perfect for users who need varying levels of assistance in different environments. These kinds of power accessories can also assist in reducing the strain on your elbows and shoulders, allowing you to go further with less effort. This can be particularly helpful if you're concerned about the impact of self-propulsion over long distances on your shoulder health.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are made for those who wish to be mobile and independent and lead an active lifestyle. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self-propelled wheelchairs, which means that users will experience less wear and wear on their upper bodies. They can also traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without needing assistance.
A wheelchair specifically designed for active use typically comes with a small frame size to help increase maneuverability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for an active lifestyle are usually larger than the standard ones to enable the user to reach them easily and move forward. The backrest is usually lower so that the user can move their arms and shoulder freely while self-propelling.
These add-ons powered by electricity can be used to boost the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when needed. This is useful when climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user is tired. A powered add-on can be controlled by the user through voice commands or by moving their eyes, which can help them to be more independent and lessen the need for a person to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of the wheelchair and transform it into a tri-wheeled hand bike that allows the user to travel faster and further than they could on their own. This is beneficial for people who are looking to commute to work or run errands, or for those who simply want to take a leisurely ride. The power bike can be customized to suit the needs and preferences of the rider. There are different options for rear wheel angles, and also adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This allows for the most personalization and versatility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons connect to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing the existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow users to travel greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are usually lightweight and have advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket components that can be mounted on a wide variety of manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch, and controlled with an electronic wristband. Some models also have a built-in push tracker to keep track of the amount of time the power add-on has been used.
They allow individuals to travel longer distances without fatigue and help them climb hills and other obstacles more easily. They are perfect for helping users remain independent by continuing to engage in daily activities and work, socialize with friends and family, and enjoy more freedom to travel for leisure.
In some cases, the use of a power assist option can help prevent sores caused by pressure by reducing the amount of force being put on the body by the user. They can also cut down on the amount of time needed to complete mobility tasks, and help people to overcome obstacles like stairs, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold offer the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to carry their wheelchairs with them on trips in the family vehicle without needing a fully equipped van. They can be removed from the chair to travel to work or other occasions, and then reattached when they return home. This could help people retain their paid employment or volunteer endeavours to continue to contribute to society and be an active member of the community.
When not in use non-folding power assist devices are typically heavier and larger. A lot of them fold and can have their accessories removed for even more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of a family vehicle, which permits people to travel with their families to work or other locations and also visit relatives and friends.