Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons allow wheelchair users to travel for longer distances and traverse difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort required for propulsion. This results in lower heart rates, and less muscle fatigue.
The great thing about these chairs is that they don't alter the appearance of a manual chair and they can be easily moved. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most sturdy and stable. The large drive wheels "grab" the road and allow the chair to take on difficult terrains such as gravel, grass, or steps. This configuration is great if you have to maneuver your wheelchair in tight spaces. You can make sharp turns easily with the front drive.
When you are choosing a wheelchair, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will think about which components and base will best suit your requirements. In addition to the drive wheel configuration, the selection of an auxiliary power assist add-on should also be taken into consideration. There are several different options for power assist, such as front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design, which offers a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist ' rim gives extra power assistance to every push, which decreases fatigue and lets you get more out of each push. The smaller rim for driving provides continuous power to make climbing more comfortable. WheelDrive can be mounted on any manual wheelchair, with no additional parts or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes by pressing the power button with a simple click.
The power assistance is provided by an electric hub motor that is powered by detachable light batteries and can be fully charged in less than two hours. The compact design and easy operation makes it a perfect solution for people who need an extra boost for traveling further distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance unlike battery-powered power assist systems which can be difficult to keep in good in good working order.
If you're thinking of adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we suggest that you contact one of our ATPs for more details and an opportunity to see a demonstration. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair, the standard FrontDrive system comes with iLevel, which increases your safe seat elevation up to 12 inches. This allows you to complete everyday activities that require mobility such as reaching, toileting and grooming at a higher elevation.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs can be an excellent way to cut down on the amount of effort it takes to propel the manual chair. They can also preserve shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that can result from prolonged, repetitive manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair will allow you to travel farther, climb steep slopes and navigate through difficult terrain with more confidence.
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 larger, centered wheel (similar to the bicycle) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that include both of these features. Front attachments are typically controlled 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 accessories are powered by a rechargeable battery 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 batteries are generally lighter and more compact than those that use energy generated by 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 levels of support and they can be changed by pressing a button. It is easy to switch between manual and powered mode and in reverse.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It has three levels of support and can be controlled with the joystick. This makes it ideal for people who require different levels of assistance in various environments. These types of power add-ons can also help reduce the pressure on elbows and shoulders which allows you to go farther with less effort. This is especially beneficial if you're concerned about the impact of self-propulsion for long distances on your shoulder health.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
A wheelchair for active users is one specifically designed for those who lead an in a busy lifestyle and want to remain independent and mobile. They are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will not be as fatigued. They can also traverse difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle typically has a smaller frame size that helps increase mobility. what is the lightest self propelled wheelchair of a wheelchair made for active use are typically larger than standard ones to allow the user to reach them easily and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is usually lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulder freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are a excellent option to make your active wheelchair more efficient as they can supply additional power when required. This can be beneficial when climbing up hills, traveling long distances, or when the user is tired. A powered accessory can be controlled by the user through voice commands or by moving their eyes, which could aid in independence and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled handbike that allows the user to travel more quickly and farther than they would on their own. This is beneficial for those who want to commute to work or for running errands or just want to enjoy a leisurely ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the needs and preferences of the user. There are various options for rear wheel angles and also adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This offers the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons connect to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their original rear wheels. They are easy to use and enable the user to go longer distances while requiring less effort. These are typically lightweight and feature advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be fitted to a wide variety of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing one button or switch and is controlled using the wristband wireless to start the motor and change settings like speed. Some have an integrated push tracker that keeps track of how much power the add-on was used.
They permit people to travel further without fatigue and help them climb the slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are perfect for allowing users to remain independent by continuing to engage in daily activities and working, as well as socializing with friends and family, and travel more freely for leisure.
In certain instances, the use of a power assist option can help prevent sores from pressure by reducing amount of force being applied by the person. Additionally they have been proven to decrease the amount of time it takes the person to complete tasks that require mobility and help them overcome obstacles such as steps, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist devices offer the added benefit of being portable, enabling users to take their wheelchair with them on their trips in the family car without needing a fully equipped van. They can be separated from the chair in order to transport to work or other occasions and then reattached upon return. This can help people maintain their paid job, volunteer or other activities to continue to be an integral part of their community and contribute to the society.
When not in use non-folding power assist devices are typically heavier and bulkier. Many 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 lets people travel with their families, to work, to other places, and to visit family and friends.