Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that provide power assist allow wheelchair users to travel farther and over more difficult terrain. They also decrease the amount of effort needed to propel the wheelchair, which results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These chairs are simple to move and don't alter the look of traditional chairs. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most stable and powerful. The large drive wheels are able to "grab" the road, allowing the chair to take on difficult terrain like grass, gravel, or steps. This is a great option if you have 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 consider what base and components are best suited to your needs. An add-on for power assist is also something to consider. There are a variety of options for power assist, including front-wheel, middle-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on offered by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design, which offers a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' provides you extra power with each push. This reduces fatigue and lets you get further ahead with each push. The smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power to make it easier to climb. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on almost every manual wheelchair, without the need for additional parts or modifications and can be switched between the two driving modes with an easy-to-use power button.
The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by small batteries that can be removed and fully charged in under two hours. Its small size and easy to use make it the perfect solution for those who need some extra assistance to travel long distances. The WheelDrive is not in need of maintenance, unlike other battery powered power assist devices, which can often be a bit difficult to keep in good working order.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs to learn more and to view the demonstration if you're thinking about adding a power wheelchair that has 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 the safe seat height up to 12 inches. This lets you perform everyday activities that require mobility life, like toileting, grooming, and reaching at a greater height, which can make you healthier and happier.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the effort required to propel manually-driven wheelchairs. They can also help preserve shoulder health and ease the fear of injury associated with sustained, repetitive manual propulsion. You can go further, climb steep slopes, and maneuver in difficult environments by incorporating power assist into your chair.
Wheelchair power add-ons can be classified 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 bigger centered wheel (similar to a bicycle) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that incorporate both of these features. Front attachments are typically controlled by a hand-rim activated device like 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 add-ons use a rechargeable batteries, and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the wheelchair motor and powered by the energy generated by wheel rotation. Those that are powered by batteries are usually more lightweight and smaller than those powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most well-known wheelchair add-ons. It can be attached to the rigid or folding frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they are able to be adjusted by pressing the button. It is also simple to switch from manual to power mode and back again.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It comes with three support levels, and can be controlled by the joystick. This makes it ideal for people who require different degrees of assistance in different settings. These kinds of power accessories can also help reduce the pressure on elbows and shoulders, allowing you to go further and with less effort. This can be particularly helpful in the event that you're concerned about the impact of self-propulsion for long distances on the health of your shoulder.
Click To See More for Users
An active user wheelchair is one that is specifically designed for those who lead an an active lifestyle and want to stay mobile and independent. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will not be as worn out. This allows them to travel for longer distances through challenging terrain without the need for assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed to be used in a busy environment will have a smaller frame to increase maneuverability. In addition the rear wheels are usually larger than standard wheelchairs so that the user can easily access them and move forward. The backrest is typically lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely while self-propelling.
These add-ons powered by electricity can be used to increase the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when needed. This can be beneficial when climbing hills, travelling long distances, or when the user is tired. The user can control a powered accessory via voice commands or eye movements. This can help users become more self-sufficient and less dependent on someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair, transforming it into a handbike with three wheels, allowing users to travel further and faster than they could on their own. This is a great option for those who want to commute to work, do 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 different options for rear wheel angles as well adjustable seat tension and footrest placement. This lets you achieve the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons connect to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their existing rear wheels. They are simple to use and enable the user to go on more distances with less effort. They are light and have advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be fitted to a wide variety of manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing an appropriate button or switch and is controlled using the wireless wristband. Some models also have a built-in push tracker to keep record of how far the power add-on has been utilized.
They can help individuals climb mountains and other obstacles with ease. They help users maintain their independence by continuing to engage in regular activities, work and having fun with friends and family.
In some instances, a power assisted option can reduce the amount of pressure being put on the person. They can also cut down on the amount of time needed to complete tasks that require mobility, and make it easier for people to overcome obstacles like stairs, inclines, or curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist products can be carried around, meaning that users can bring their wheelchair on family trips without needing a van. They can be removed from the chair to travel to work or other occasions and then reattached once they return home. This can help people to keep their jobs or volunteer work, as well as other efforts 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. They are often foldable and have their accessories removed to create more space. They can be put in the trunk of any family vehicle. This allows people to travel with their families to work, to other places, and to visit family and friends.