Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons with power assist allow wheelchair users to move further and traverse more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort needed for propulsion. This leads to lower heart rate and less muscle fatigue.
These devices are easy to move around and don't alter the look of the 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 and allow the chair to take on difficult terrains such as gravel, grass or steps. This configuration is also a great option if you have to maneuver your chair in tight spaces as you can easily turn sharp turns using the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will think about which components and base meet your requirements. In addition to the wheel configuration, the choice of an auxiliary power assist add-on should be considered. There are many options for power assist, including front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The relaunched and new WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design, with a variety of driving modes. self propelled wheelchairs for sale uk My Mobility Scooters 'assist wheel' gives you extra power with every push. This reduces fatigue and lets you get further ahead with each push. The smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power for easier climbing. WheelDrive can be mounted on nearly any manual wheelchair without any additional parts or modifications. It is also easy to switch between the two driving modes by pressing the power button in a simple way.
The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by lightweight batteries that can be removed and fully charged in under two hours. Its compact size and ease of use make it the perfect solution for those who need some extra assistance to travel long distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free, unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons that can be difficult to maintain in good in good working order.
If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we recommend that you speak to one of our ATPs for further details and a demonstration. If you are 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 perform the mobility-related activities of daily life, like toileting, grooming, and reaching at a more independent height, which will help you live healthier and happier.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the amount of effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They also protect shoulder health and decrease the fear of injury that is associated with prolonged, repetitive manual propulsion. By adding power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel farther, climb steep slopes and navigate through difficult terrain with greater confidence.
Wheelchair power add-ons can be classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that lift the wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a larger centered wheel (similar to bicycles) such as the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that incorporate both of these features. Front attachments are usually controlled by a hand-rim activated device, such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist and rear attachments are usually joystick-converting devices, such as the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair accessories make use of rechargeable batteries, and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation. The ones powered by a battery are usually lighter and compact than those that are powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel 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 support levels, and they are able to be adjusted by pressing the button. It is easy to switch from manual to powered mode and vice versa.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It has three levels of support and is also controlled by the joystick. This makes it perfect for those who require different degrees of assistance in different situations. These types of power add-ons can also be used to help reduce the strain on your elbows and shoulders which allows you to go further with less effort. This can be particularly helpful in the event that you're concerned about the effects of long-distance self-propulsion on your shoulder health.
Active User Wheelchairs
A wheelchair for active users 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 fatigued. This allows them to traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without the need for assistance.
A wheelchair designed to be used in a busy environment will have smaller frames to improve maneuverability. Additionally the rear wheels are typically bigger than standard wheelchairs to enable the user to easily access them and then propel themselves forward. The backrest height is also usually lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are a excellent way to make your active wheelchair more efficient, as they can offer additional power when needed. This can be beneficial when climbing hills, travelling long distances, or when the user is exhausted. The user can control a powered accessory through voice commands or eye movements. This can assist users to become more independent and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a brand new and exciting method of increasing mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair and transform it into a hand-bike with three wheels, allowing users to travel further and faster than they could by themselves. This can be beneficial for those who want to commute to work or to run errands, or simply would like to take a relaxing ride. A power bike add-on can also be adjusted to meet the individual's preferences and needs with a variety of angles for the rear wheel available and an adjustable seating tension and footrest position. This gives you the most versatility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons connect to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their 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 permit remote fault detection and monitoring of battery levels, and programming.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be affixed to a variety of manual wheelchairs that fold, such as the SmartDrive MX2+. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pushing one button or switch. It is controlled with a wireless wristband to activate the motor and adjust settings such as speed. Some models also have a built-in push tracker to keep track of how long the power add-on has been used.
They allow people to travel further without fatigue and assist them to climb slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are ideal for those who want to 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 instances the use of an assist device can reduce the risk of developing sores caused by pressure by reducing the amount of force being put on the body by the user. They can also reduce the time required to complete activities that require mobility and help individuals to conquer obstacles such as stairs, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist devices have the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to carry their wheelchairs along on trips in the family car without the need for a fully equipped van. They can be detached from the chair for transportation to work or other events and then reattached when returning. This can help people to continue to work for a salary or volunteer initiatives to continue contributing to society and become an active member of the community.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are usually heavier and larger. A lot of them can be folded, and their accessories removed to save even more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of any family vehicle. This lets people travel with their families to work, go to other places and also to visit friends and family.