Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons allow wheelchair users to travel longer distances and over difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of energy required for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These devices are easy to transport and don't change the appearance of manual chairs. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the most stable and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, allowing the chair to take on difficult terrains such as gravel, grass or steps. This configuration is great if you have to maneuver your wheelchair through tight spaces. You can make quick turns with the front drive.
When choosing a wheelchair your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will think about which components and base meet your needs. In addition to the drive wheel configuration, the selection of an auxiliary power assist add-on should also be taken into consideration. There are many 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 a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' gives you extra power with every push. This helps reduce fatigue and allows you to increase your speed with each push. The smaller rim of the drive provides continuous power to make climbing easier. The WheelDrive can be mounted on virtually every manual wheelchair without any additional components or modifications. It can be switched between two driving modes using an easy-to-use power button.
The brushless hub motor is powered by small batteries which can be taken off and fully charged in under two hours. Its compact size and easy to use make it the perfect solution for those who require a little extra help to travel long distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons that are difficult to keep in working order.
We suggest you contact one of our ATPs for more information and to see an example if you're 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 comes with iLevel, which increases your safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This lets you perform everyday activities that require mobility like toileting, reaching and grooming at a higher height.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs can be great ways to reduce the amount of effort required to push the manual chair. They can also help maintain the health of your shoulders and reduce the anxiety of injuries that come with sustained, repetitive, manual propulsion. You can go further, traverse 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), front attachments that lift the caster wheels of a manual wheelchair 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 can be controlled with hand-rim-activated systems like the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments to the rear, on the other hand are a joystick conversion device such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power accessories are powered by a rechargeable battery and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. Those that are powered by batteries are usually lighter and smaller than those powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It attaches to either the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they can be adjusted by pressing one button. It is easy to switch from manual to powered mode and in reverse.
Another option is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel It also comes with three different support levels and can be controlled with the joystick, which makes it ideal for users who require different levels of power assistance in various environments. These power add-ons can be helpful in reducing pressure on elbows and shoulders. This lets you travel farther and with less effort. This is especially beneficial when you're worried about the effects of self-propulsion for long distances on your shoulder health.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are designed for people who want to be mobile and independent and lead an active lifestyle. These wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will be less worn out. They can also traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without the need for assistance.
A wheelchair designed for active lifestyles will have smaller frames to improve mobility. Furthermore the rear wheels are typically larger than standard wheelchairs in order to enable the user to easily access them and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is typically lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulder freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be a fantastic way to make your active user wheelchair more efficient as they can supply additional power when needed. This can be helpful for climbing up hills, navigating long distances, or when the user is exhausted. The user can control a powered add-on via eye movements or voice commands. This can allow users to become more independent and less dependent on someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments on wheelchairs are a brand new and exciting method of increasing mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of the wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled hand bike that allows users to travel faster and farther than they would on their own. This is a great option for people who are looking to commute to work or for running errands or simply want to take a leisurely ride. A power bike add-on can be adjusted to fit the user's needs and preferences and preferences, with various rear wheel angle options available, as well as adjustable seating tension and footrest position. This offers the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached 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 light and have advanced control systems that allow for remote fault detection monitoring of battery levels, and programming.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be attached to a wide range 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 the wireless wristband. Some models come with a built in push tracker that keeps track of the amount of power that was using.
They can help individuals climb up hills and other obstacles with ease. They are ideal for helping users keep their independence and continue to engage in daily activities and working, as well as socializing with friends and family and enjoy more freedom to travel for leisure.
In self propelled wheelchair uk using an assist device can prevent sores from pressure by reducing amount of force applied by the person. They also can reduce the amount of time needed to complete tasks that require mobility, and make it easier for individuals to conquer obstacles such as steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist products are portable, so wheelchair users can take their chair on family trips without the need for a van. They can be removed from the chair to travel to work or other occasions and then reattached after they return home. This could help people keep their jobs, volunteer work and other efforts to contribute to society and be an integral part of the community.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are typically heavier and bulkier. A lot of them can be folded and their accessories removed to free even more space. They can be tucked away 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.