Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons enable wheelchair users to travel for longer distances and on challenging terrain. They also reduce the amount of effort required to propel the wheelchair, which results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
They are simple to move around and don't alter the look of manual chairs. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs give the highest level of stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, enabling the chair to take on difficult terrains such as gravel, grass or steps. This configuration is great for those who need to maneuver your wheelchair around tight spaces. You can make sharp turns easily 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 needs. A power assist auxiliary add-on is also something to consider. There are many options for power assist, including front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The new and refreshed WheelDrive add-on from Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design, which offers a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' gives you additional power with each push. This reduces fatigue, and lets you increase your speed with each push. While the smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power to make it easier to climb. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on virtually every manual wheelchair with no extra parts or modifications. It can be switched between two driving modes with an easy-to-use power button.
The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by lightweight batteries which can be taken off and fully charged in under two hours. Its compact design and simple operation make it an ideal option for those who require an extra boost for traveling further distances. The WheelDrive does not require any maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist accessories that can be quite difficult to maintain in good working order.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs to learn more and to see an example if you're considering adding a power wheelchair that has front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. 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 perform mobility related activities of daily life, like toileting, grooming, and reaching at a more independent height, which can help you live healthier and happier.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs can be great ways to reduce the amount of work required to push the manual chair. They also protect shoulder health and reduce the risk of injury that can result from the repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. By adding power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel further, traverse steep slopes and move through challenging terrain with more confidence.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs can be divided into three categories: rear attachments, that are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments that raise the wheels of the casters of manual chairs off the ground (similarly to a bicycle) and hybrid systems that combine both features. Front attachments are typically operated by a hand-rim-activated device, such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist, while rear attachments are typically joystick conversion devices like the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power add-ons are powered by rechargeable batteries, while others, such as the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation. These that are powered by a battery are usually more lightweight and smaller than those powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation.
One of the most awaited wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of folding and rigid frame wheelchairs. It comes with three different levels of support that can be adjusted with the push of an button. It is also simple to transfer from manual to power mode and then back again.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It has three levels of support, and can be controlled with the joystick. This makes it ideal for those who require different levels of assistance in various environments. These power accessories are helpful in reducing stress on shoulders and elbows. This lets you travel farther and with less effort. This can be particularly helpful when you're worried about the impact of long-distance self-propulsion on your shoulder health.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
Active user wheelchairs are designed for those who want to be mobile and independent and live an active life. They are much lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self propelled wheelchairs , so users will experience less wear and tear on their upper body. This allows them to travel longer distances over challenging terrain without assistance.
A wheelchair designed for active lifestyles will have smaller frames to improve mobility. The rear wheels of a wheelchair designed for active use are typically larger than the standard ones to enable the user to reach them easily and propel themselves forward. The backrest height is often lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulders freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to boost the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when needed. This is helpful when climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user is feeling exhausted. A powered add-on can be operated by the user via voice commands or by adjusting their eyes, which can help with independence and reduce the need for someone to push them.
The E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair to transform it into a hand-bike that has three wheels, allowing users to travel more quickly and further than they could on their own. This is beneficial for people who are looking to commute to work or to run errands, or for those who simply want to take a leisurely ride. The power bike can be customized to meet the preferences and needs of the user. There are a variety of options for rear wheel angles, and also adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This gives you the most flexibility and individualization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs to replace their current rear wheels. They are easy to use and permit the user to go on more distances with less effort. They are typically light and offer advanced control systems 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 pushing one button or switch, and is controlled using an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and adjust settings like speed. Some models come with an integrated push tracker that tracks how much power was using.
They can assist people to climb mountains and other obstacles easily. They help users maintain their independence by continuing to engage in daily activities, work and spending time with family and friends.
In some cases an assisted power option can reduce the amount of pressure put on the person. Additionally they have been found to cut down on the time it takes the person to complete tasks that require mobility and make it easier to overcome obstacles like stairs, inclines and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist devices come with the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to take their wheelchair along on trips in the family car without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be separated from the chair in order to travel to work or other occasions and then reattached when returning. This can help people to continue to work for a salary or volunteer work, as well as other initiatives to continue contributing to society and be an integral part of the community.
Power-assist devices that are not foldable are generally larger and heavier than their folding counterparts. However, they can still be very compact when not being used. They can be folded, and their accessories removed, which can save even more space. They can be stored inside the trunk of any family car. This lets people travel with their families, to work, to other locations and even visit family and friends.