Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons with power assist allow wheelchair users to travel further and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of energy required for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The best thing about these chairs is that they don't alter the appearance of a manual chair, and they can be easily moved. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most robust and stable. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, enabling the chair to navigate difficult terrain like gravel, grass or steps. This is a great option for those who need to maneuver your wheelchair around tight areas. You can easily turn sharply with the front drive.
When choosing a wheelchair your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will think about which components and base are best suited to your requirements. In addition to the wheel configuration, the choice of an auxiliary power assist add-on should be taken into consideration. There are many options available for power assist, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel additions and rear-wheel add-ons.
The relaunched and new WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design with different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' gives you additional power with each push. This reduces fatigue and allows you to go further with each push. The smaller rim for driving offers continuous power to make climbing easier. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on virtually every manual wheelchair, without the need for additional components or modifications. It can be switched between two driving modes using an easy-to-use power button.
The power assistance is provided by the hub motor, which is a brushless design. this contact form is powered by detachable, lightweight batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact size and easy to use makes it the ideal solution for those who need an extra helping hand to travel for long distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free, unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons which can be difficult to keep in working order.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs to learn more and to view a demonstration if you are considering the addition of a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair the standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which increases your safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to complete 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 work required to propel manually a chair. They can also preserve shoulder health and lessen the fear of injury that is associated with prolonged, repetitive manual propulsion. You can travel further, climb steep slopes, and maneuver in difficult environments by adding power assist to your chair.
Wheelchair power add-ons are categorized into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive) and front attachments that lift a manual wheelchair's caster wheels 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 incorporate both of these features. Front attachments are usually operated by 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 accessories utilize rechargeable batteries while 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 usually lighter and more compact than those that rely on kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most sought-after wheelchair accessories. It attaches to either the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three support levels, and they can be adjusted by pressing a button. It is also easy to transfer from manual to power mode and then back again.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It comes with three support levels, and is also controlled by a joystick. This makes it ideal for those who require different degrees of assistance in different environments. These types of power add-ons can also be used to assist in reducing the pressure on elbows and shoulders and elbows, allowing you to travel further and with less effort. This is particularly useful when you are concerned about the impact of propulsion over long distances on your shoulders.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are made for people who want to be mobile and independent and live an active life. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less fatigued. This allows them to travel longer distances over challenging terrain without assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed for an active life will have smaller frames to improve mobility. Additionally the rear wheels are typically larger than standard wheelchairs to allow the user to easily reach them and propel themselves forward. The backrest height is usually lower, allowing the user to move their arms and shoulders freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be used to increase the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can give you extra power when required. This can be beneficial when climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user feels exhausted. A powered accessory can be controlled by the user through voice commands or by moving their eyes. This can help them to be more independent and lessen the need for a person to push them.
The E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a new and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair, transforming it into a handbike with three wheels, allowing riders to travel more quickly and further than they could on their own. This is a great option for people who want to commute to work, run some errands, or simply take a relaxing bike ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the requirements and preferences of the user. There are various options for rear wheel angles as well as adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This allows for the highest level of flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs to replace their current rear wheels. They are simple to use and permit the user to go on more 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, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing the button or switch and controlled by an electronic wristband. Some models also come with an integrated push tracker that can keep track of how long the power add-on is used.
They can aid people in climbing up hills and other obstacles easily. They allow users to maintain independence by continuing to engage in their daily routine, working and having fun with friends and family.
In some cases the use of an assist device can prevent sores from pressure by reducing amount of force being applied by the person. Additionally, they have been shown to decrease the amount of time required for the person to complete mobility tasks and can aid in overcoming obstacles such as curb cuts.
Many power-assists that fold can be carried around, meaning that wheelchair users can take their chair on family trips without having to use a van. They can be detached from the chair in order to transportation to work or other events and then reattached upon return. This can help people maintain their job, volunteer or other activities to remain an integral part of their community and contribute to the society.
Non-folding power-assist gadgets are generally heavier and bulkier than their folding counterparts. However, they can still be compact when not in use. A lot of them fold and can have their accessories removed to make more space. They can be put in the trunk of a family car, which allows people to travel with their families to work and other locations and visit friends and relatives.