Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that provide power assist enable wheelchair users to travel further 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.
The great thing about these devices is that they don't alter the appearance of a traditional chair and they are easy to transport. They are also very easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the most stable and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and let the chair take on difficult terrains such as grass, gravel, or steps. This is an ideal choice if you require to maneuver your chair around tight spaces as you can easily make sharp turns with the front drive.
In the process of selecting your Therapist or Assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components will best suit your requirements. In addition to the wheel configuration, the selection of an auxiliary power assist add-on should be considered. There are many options for power assist, such as 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 different driving modes. The larger 'assist rim' offers additional power assistance with every push, which decreases fatigue and allows you to increase the distance you push. self propelled wheelchair with removable arms ' offers continuous power to make it easier to climb. The WheelDrive is simple to install on virtually every manual wheelchair without any additional parts or modifications and can be switched between the two driving modes by pressing an easy-to-use power button.
The power assistance is provided by a brushless hub motor which is powered by detachable light batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact design and simple operation makes it a perfect solution for those who require an extra boost to travel further distances. The WheelDrive doesn't require any maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist add-ons which can be a bit difficult to keep in good condition.
If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we suggest that you contact one of our ATPs for more details and an opportunity to see a demonstration. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair, the standard FrontDrive system comes with iLevel, which raises your safe seat elevation up to 12 inches. This allows you to perform everyday activities that require mobility like toileting, reaching and grooming at a higher elevation.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs are a great way to reduce the amount of effort required to push manually a chair. They also protect shoulder health and reduce the fear of injury that can result from prolonged, repetitive manual propulsion. You can go further, climb steep slopes, and maneuver through challenging environments by incorporating power assist into your chair.
Wheelchair power accessories are 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 bigger centered wheel (similar to the bicycle) such as 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, such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist and rear attachments are usually joystick conversion devices like the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power accessories are powered by rechargeable batteries, while others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and powered by kinetic energy from the wheel rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are generally lighter and more compact than those that use kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most sought-after wheelchair accessories. It is attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three support levels, and they can be adjusted by pressing the button. It is easy to switch between manual and powered mode and in reverse.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel that comes with three different support levels and can be controlled by a joystick, making it ideal for those who require different levels of assistance from power sources in various situations. These types of power add-ons can also be used to help relieve the pressure on elbows and shoulders which allows you to go further and with less effort. This can be particularly helpful when you're worried about the negative effects of self-propulsion for long distances on the health of your shoulder.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are designed for those who want to be mobile and independent and live a full life. They are lighter and more manoeuvrable than standard self-propelled wheelchairs, so users will experience less wear and tear on their upper body. They can also traverse difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair that is specifically designed for active use will usually have a compact frame size that helps increase mobility. Furthermore, the rear wheels are generally bigger than standard wheelchairs to allow the user to easily access them and move forward. The backrest height is also typically lower, allowing the user to move their arms and shoulders freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be a excellent way to make your active user wheelchair more efficient as they can supply additional power when needed. This can be beneficial when climbing hills, travelling long distances or when the user feels exhausted. A powered add-on can be controlled by the user through voice commands or by moving their eyes, which could help them to be more independent and lessen the need for someone to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair to transform it into a handbike with three wheels, allowing users to travel further and faster than they would 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 enjoy a leisurely ride. A power bike accessory can also be adjusted to suit the individual's preferences and needs, with different angles for the rear wheel available, as well as the ability to adjust the seat tension and footrest positioning. This offers the ultimate in versatility and personalization.
ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchair add-ons attach to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and permit the user to go longer distances with less effort. These are typically lightweight and feature advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be mounted on 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 controlled with the wireless wristband. Some have a built in push tracker that keeps track of how much power was using.
They can help individuals climb hills and other obstacles without difficulty. They help users maintain their independence by completing daily activities, work and spending time with family and friends.
In some instances an assisted power option can help reduce the amount of pressure being placed on the person. In addition they have been found to reduce the amount of time it takes the person to complete activities that require mobility. They can also make it easier to overcome obstacles like steps, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist devices come with the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing users to carry their wheelchairs with them on their trips in the family car without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be separated from the chair for travel to work or other events and then reattached on return. This can help people maintain their job, volunteer activities and other commitments to remain an integral part of their community and contribute to society.
When not in self propelled wheelchair uk -folding power assist devices are usually heavier and larger. They 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, to other locations, and to visit family and friends.