Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that provide power assist allow wheelchair users to travel further and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort required to propel. This results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These chairs are simple to move and don't alter the look of the manual chairs. They are also extremely simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs give the highest level of stability and power. self propelled wheelchair with removable arms can "grab" the road and allow the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as gravel, grass, or steps. This configuration is also an excellent option for those who require to maneuver your chair around tight spaces as you can easily make sharp turns using the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components meet your requirements. In addition to the wheel configuration, the choice of an additional 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 new and refreshed WheelDrive add-on offered by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design, which offers a variety of driving modes. have a peek here 'assist rim' provides extra power assistance to every push, which decreases fatigue and allows you to get more out of each push. The smaller rim for driving provides continuous power to make climbing easier. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on almost every manual wheelchair, without the need for additional parts or modifications and can be switched between the two driving modes with an intuitive power button.
The power assistance is provided by a brushless hub motor which is powered by detachable, lightweight batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact design and simple operation makes it the perfect solution for people who need an extra boost for traveling longer distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance unlike power assist accessories powered by batteries that can be difficult to maintain in good order.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs to get more information and to view a demonstration if you are contemplating the addition of a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair The standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which increases your safe seat elevation up to 12 inches. This allows you to complete the mobility-related activities of daily living, such as toileting, grooming, and reaching at a higher, more comfortable height, which will help you live healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power accessories for wheelchairs are great ways to reduce the amount of effort it takes to propel manually a chair. They can also help preserve shoulder health and ease the fear of injury associated with repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. Adding power assist to your wheelchair enables you to travel farther as well as traverse steep slopes. You can also move through challenging terrain with more confidence.
Wheelchair power accessories are classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive) and front attachments that raise the caster wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a larger centered wheel (similar to bicycles) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that incorporate both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled with hand-rim-activated systems, such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments on the rear are, however are a joystick conversion device, like the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power add-ons are powered by rechargeable batteries as well as others, such as the WheelDrive are connected to the motor inside the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy of the wheel's rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are usually lighter and more compact than those that rely on kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchair ZX-1 is one of the most well-known wheelchair add-ons. It is attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support and they are able to be adjusted by pressing the button. It is easy to switch between manual and powered mode and reverse the switch.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel It also comes with three different support levels and can be controlled using the joystick, making it ideal for people who require different levels of power assistance in various environments. These kinds of power accessories can also be used to help reduce the strain on your elbows and shoulders, allowing you to go farther with less effort. This is especially useful if you are concerned about the effect of long-distance propulsion on your shoulders.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are made for those who want to be independent and mobile and live a full life. They are much lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self propelled wheelchairs, which means that 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 specifically designed for active use typically comes with a small frame size, which helps to improve mobility. The rear wheels of a wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle are usually larger than standard ones to allow the user to reach them easily and propel themselves forward. The backrest's height is usually lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are a fantastic way to make your active wheelchair more efficient, as they can supply additional power when required. This can be helpful for climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user is exhausted. The user can control an accessory powered through eye movements or voice commands. This can help them to be more independent and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting method of improving mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair to transform it into a hand-bike that has three wheels, which allows 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 want to enjoy a leisurely ride. A power bike add-on can be adjusted to fit the user's needs and preferences, with different angles for the rear wheel available, as well as adjustable seating tension and footrest position. This allows for the most personalization and versatility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing the existing rear wheels. They are easy to operate and allow users to travel greater distances to be covered with less effort. These are typically lightweight and offer advanced control systems that allow you to adjust programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be attached to a variety of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing the button or switch and is controlled using a wireless wristband. Some models also come with an integrated push tracker that can keep track of how long the power add-on has been used.
They allow individuals to travel greater distances without fatigue and help them climb slopes and other obstacles more easily. They enable users to maintain independence by completing daily activities, work and socializing with family and friends.
In some cases, a power assisted option can reduce the amount of pressure placed on the person. They can also reduce the amount of time needed to complete tasks that require mobility, and help people to overcome obstacles like stairs, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold offer the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing users to take their wheelchairs with them on trips in the family vehicle without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be removed from the chair in order to travel for work or other activities and then reattached after they return home. This could help people continue to work for a salary, volunteer work and other efforts to contribute to society and be a valued member of the community.
Power-assist devices that are not foldable are generally heavier and larger than their folding counterparts. However, they can still be compact when not being used. Many of them can be folded and have their accessories removed to save even more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of any family vehicle. This allows people to travel with their families to work, to other places and even visit friends and family.