Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist accessories allow wheelchair users to travel for longer distances and on challenging terrain. They also reduce the amount of effort needed for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The good thing about these devices is that they don't alter the look of a traditional chair and they are easily transported. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the highest level of stability and power. The large drive wheels are able to "grab" the road, allowing the chair to take on difficult terrains such as grass, gravel, or steps. This is a great option for those who need to maneuver your wheelchair in tight spaces. You can easily turn sharply with the front drive.
In the process of selecting your Therapist or Assistant Technology Professional will consider which components and bases best meet your requirements. In addition to the wheel configuration, the choice of an additional power assist add-on should be taken into consideration. There are many options for power assist, including front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel power 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 each push. This helps reduce fatigue and lets you go further with each push. The smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power to aid in climbing. WheelDrive can be fitted to almost any manual wheelchair with no additional parts or modifications. It is also easy to switch between the two driving modes by using an intuitive power button.
The motor's brushless design is powered by batteries of light weight that can be removed and fully charged in under two hours. Its small size and user-friendly make it a perfect choice for those who need a little extra help to travel long distances. The WheelDrive is not in need of maintenance, unlike other battery powered power assist accessories that can be a bit difficult to keep in good condition.
We suggest you contact one of our ATPs to get more information and to see a demonstration if you are contemplating adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair it comes with iLevel. FrontDrive system comes standard with iLevel which raises the safe seat height to 12 inches. This allows you to complete the mobility-related activities of daily living, such as reaching, grooming and toileting at a higher, more comfortable height, which will make you healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the amount of effort required to propel manually-driven wheelchairs. They can also help maintain shoulder health and ease the fear of injury associated with sustained, repetitive, manual propulsion. You can go further, traverse steep slopes, and maneuver through difficult environments by incorporating power assist into your chair.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs can be classified into three categories: rear attachments, that are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments that raise the caster wheels of manual chairs off the ground (similarly to a bicycle), and hybrid systems combining both features. Front attachments can be controlled using a hand-rim-activated system like the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments on the rear, on the other hand are devices that convert joysticks, like the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair add-ons make use of rechargeable batteries, while others like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. These that are powered by a battery are typically lighter and smaller than those powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation.
One of the most well-known wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axle of rigid and folding frame wheelchairs. It has three different support levels which can be changed at the press of one button. It is also simple to switch from manual mode to power mode and back.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It comes with three levels of support and is also operated by the joystick. This makes it ideal for those who require different degrees of assistance in different settings. These kinds of power accessories can also be used to help relieve pressure on shoulders and elbows and elbows, allowing you to travel further and with less effort. This is especially useful in the event that you are concerned about the effect of propulsion for long distances on your shoulders.
self propelled wheelchair near me for active users is one designed for people who live an active lifestyle and want to stay independent and mobile. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will not be as exhausted. They are also able to travel on difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle will usually have a compact frame size to help increase maneuverability. In addition, the rear wheels are generally larger than standard wheelchairs to enable the user to easily reach them and propel themselves forward. The backrest is often lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulder freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are another excellent method to make your active user wheelchair more efficient, as they can offer additional power when required. This can be helpful for climbing up hills, navigating long distances or when the user is feeling exhausted. The user can control a powered add-on via eye movements or voice commands. This can allow users become more self-sufficient and less dependent on someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a brand new and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair to transform it into a hand-bike that has three wheels, allowing riders to travel faster and farther than they could by themselves. This is a great option for those looking to commute to work or run errands, or just want to enjoy a leisurely ride. A power bike can be adjusted to meet the user's needs and preferences, with different angles for the rear wheel available, as well as the ability to adjust the footrest and seat tension. This provides the ultimate in flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons can be attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace the existing rear wheels. They are simple to operate and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. They are typically light and have advanced control systems that allow you to adjust programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be affixed to a wide range of manual wheelchairs that fold, such as the SmartDrive MX2+. 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 come with a built-in push tracker that tracks the amount of power that was using.
They allow individuals to travel greater distances without getting tired and can aid them in climbing slopes and other obstacles more easily. They allow users to maintain independence by continuing to engage in daily activities, work and spending time with family and friends.
In some instances an assisted power option can reduce the amount of pressure exerted on the individual. In addition, they have been shown to cut down on the time it takes an individual to complete activities that require mobility. They can also make it easier to overcome obstacles like stairs, inclines and curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold have the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to carry their wheelchairs with them on their trips in the family vehicle without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be removed from the chair to travel for work or other activities and then reattached once they return home. This could help people keep their paid job, volunteer activities and other commitments to remain an integral part of their community and contribute to the society.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are usually heavier and larger. Many of them can be folded, and their accessories removed, which can save even more space. They can be stored in the trunk of a regular family car, which allows people to travel with their families to work or other locations, as well as visit friends and relatives.