Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons enable wheelchair users to travel greater distances and over difficult terrain. They also decrease the amount of effort required for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These devices are easy to move around and don't alter the appearance of manual chairs. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most stable and powerful. The large drive wheels "grab" the road and enable the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as grass, gravel, or steps. This is an excellent option for those who have to maneuver your chair around tight spaces because you can easily make sharp turns using the front drive.
When 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 choice of an additional power assist add-on should also be considered. There are many options for power assistance, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel additions and rear-wheel add-ons.
The new and refreshed WheelDrive add-on offered by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that offers different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' gives you extra power with each push. This reduces fatigue, and allows you to get further ahead with each push. While the smaller 'drive rim' provides continuous power for easier climbing. The WheelDrive can be mounted on virtually every manual wheelchair without any extra parts or modifications. It can be switched between the two driving modes by pressing an intuitive power button.
The brushless hub motor is powered by small batteries that can be removed and fully charged in under two hours. Its small size and ease of use make it the perfect solution for those who require some extra assistance to travel long distances. The WheelDrive is not in need of maintenance, unlike other battery powered power assist accessories which can be quite complicated to keep in good working order.
If you're thinking of adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for further information and an opportunity to see a demonstration. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair that comes with FrontDrive, the FrontDrive standard model comes with iLevel that raises the safe seat's elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to complete everyday activities that require mobility living, such as toileting, grooming, and reaching at a greater height, which can make you healthier and happier.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs can be a great way to reduce the amount of effort it takes to push a manual chair. mymobilityscooters.uk protect shoulder health and reduce the fear of injury that can result from the repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. You can go further, navigate steep slopes, and maneuver in difficult environments by adding power assist to your chair.
Wheelchair power add-ons can be classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that lift a manual wheelchair's caster wheels 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 can be controlled with 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 such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power add-ons are powered by rechargeable batteries and others, such as the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and are powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's movement. The ones powered by batteries are typically lighter and more compact than those that rely on kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
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 levels of support that can be adjusted with the push of an button. It is easy to switch between manual and powered mode and vice versa.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It comes with three levels of support, and is also controlled with the joystick. This makes it ideal for those who require different degrees of assistance in different environments. These kinds of power accessories can also be used to help relieve pressure on shoulders and elbows, allowing you to go further with less effort. This is particularly useful if you are concerned about the effect of propulsion for long distances on your shoulders.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
Active user wheelchairs are made for those who wish to be independent and mobile and lead an active lifestyle. They are much lighter and more maneuverable than standard self propelled wheelchairs, so users will have less wear and wear on their upper body. They are also able to travel on difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed for an active life will have an elongated frame to enhance mobility. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for active use are typically larger than standard ones to allow the user to get them easily and then propel themselves forward. The backrest height is usually lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to increase the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can give you extra power when required. This can be useful for climbing up hills, traveling long distances, or when the user is exhausted. A powered accessory can be controlled by the user using voice commands or by adjusting their eyes, which can help them to be more independent and lessen the need for someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of a wheelchair and transform it into a tri-wheeled hand bike that allows the user to travel more quickly and further than they could on their own. This can be beneficial for people who are looking to commute to work or for running errands or simply want to take a leisurely ride. The power bike can be customized to suit the needs and preferences of the rider. There are different options for rear wheel angles, and also adjustable seat tension and footrest placement. This offers the ultimate in versatility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons connect to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their existing rear wheels. They are simple to operate and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. They are usually lightweight and have advanced control systems to alter programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket attachments that can be connected to a wide range of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing an appropriate button or switch and controlled with an electronic wristband. Some models also come with an integrated push tracker that can keep track of the amount of time the power add-on has been used.
They enable people to travel further without getting tired and can aid them in climbing slopes and other obstacles with ease. They are perfect for helping users keep their independence and continue to engage in daily activities and work, socialize with friends and family and enjoy more freedom to travel to enjoy leisure.
In certain situations, a power assisted option can help reduce the amount of pressure being placed on the person. Additionally, they have been shown to reduce the amount of time required for an individual to complete tasks that require mobility and make it easier to overcome obstacles like steps, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist gadgets offer the added benefit of being portable, enabling users to take their wheelchair along on trips in the family vehicle without the need for a fully equipped van. They can be detached from the chair in order to transportation to work or other occasions and then reattached upon return. This will allow people to continue their paid employment, volunteering or other activities to continue to be an active member of the community and contribute to the society.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are typically heavier and larger. A lot of them can be folded and have their accessories removed to free even more space. They can be stored in the trunk of a family car, allowing individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations and visit relatives and friends.