Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons allow wheelchair users to travel greater distances and on challenging terrain. They also reduce the effort required to propel. This results in lower heart rates, and less muscle fatigue.
The great thing about these devices is that they don't alter the style of a manual chair and they are easily transported. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most stable and powerful. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, allowing the chair to traverse difficult terrain like grass, gravel, or steps. This is also a great option if you require to maneuver your chair in tight spaces because you can easily make sharp turns with the front drive.
During the selection process your Therapist or assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components will best suit your needs. In addition to the drive wheel configuration, the choice of an add-on power assist accessory should be considered. There are a variety of options for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel additions, and rear-wheel add-ons.
The relaunched and new WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design that has different driving modes. The large 'assist rim' provides extra power assistance to each push, which helps reduce fatigue and lets you go further per push. The smaller rim for driving provides continuous power to make climbing easier. WheelDrive can be fitted to any manual wheelchair, with no additional parts or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes using an intuitive power button.
The power assistance is provided by the hub motor, which is a brushless design. It is powered by detachable light batteries and can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact size and ease of use make it the perfect solution for those who require some extra assistance to travel long distances. The WheelDrive does not require any maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist add-ons, which can often be quite complicated to keep in good condition.
If you're thinking of adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for more information and a demonstration. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair it comes with iLevel. FrontDrive system comes standard with iLevel that raises the safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to perform everyday activities that require mobility such as toileting, reaching, and grooming at a higher height.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs can be great ways to reduce the amount of effort it takes to push a manual chair. They also aid in maintaining the health of your shoulders and reduce the anxiety of injuries that come with 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 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 via a hand-rim activated device like 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 a rechargeable battery, while others, such as the WheelDrive are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and are powered by kinetic energy from the wheel's movement. The ones powered by batteries are typically lighter and more compact than those that use kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most well-known wheelchair add-ons. It can be attached to the rigid or folding frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support and they can be changed by pressing one button. It is also simple to switch from manual mode to power mode and back.
Another option is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel It also comes with three different levels of support. It can be controlled using the joystick, which makes it ideal for those who require varying degrees of power assistance in various environments. These power accessories are helpful in reducing pressure on the shoulders and elbows. This allows you to go farther with less effort. This is especially useful if you are concerned about the effects of propulsion over long distances on your shoulders.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
A wheelchair for active users is one specifically designed for those who lead an an active lifestyle and want to stay mobile and independent. They are much lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self-propelled wheelchairs, meaning that users will see less wear and wear on their upper body. This allows them to traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without needing assistance.
A wheelchair designed for active lifestyles will have an elongated frame to enhance mobility. Additionally the rear wheels are typically larger than standard wheelchairs to enable the user to easily reach them and move forward. The backrest's height is often lower to enable the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are a excellent method to make your active user wheelchair more efficient, since they can offer additional power when needed. This can be useful for climbing hills, travelling long distances, or when the user is tired. A powered add-on can be controlled by the user through voice commands or by adjusting their eyes, which can help with independence and reduce the need for a person to push them.
mymobilityscooters -bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a tri-wheeled hand bike which allows the user to travel more quickly and farther than they would on their own. This is an excellent option for those who want to commute to work, do around or just enjoy a relaxing ride. A power bike add-on can be adjusted to suit the individual's preferences and needs and preferences, with various rear wheel angle options available and an adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This lets you achieve the highest level of customization and flexibility.
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 easy to operate and allow for greater distances to be covered with less effort. These are lightweight and feature advanced control systems that allow remote fault detection monitoring of battery levels, and programming.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be affixed to a wide range of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is started through pressing one button or switch and is controlled by using the wristband wireless to start the motor and alter settings like speed. Some models come with a built in push tracker that records how much power was used.
They can help individuals climb up hills and other obstacles easily. They enable users to maintain independence by continuing to engage in daily activities, work and spending time with family and friends.
In certain instances the use of an assist device can prevent pressure sores by reducing the amount of force being put on the body by the user. They can also cut down on the time required to complete activities that require mobility and help people to get over obstacles like steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many power-assists that fold are portable, which means that wheelchair users can take their chair on family trips without needing a van. They can be detached from the chair in order to transportation to work or other events and then reattached when returning. This can help people to retain their paid employment or volunteer initiatives to continue contributing to society and be a valued member of the community.
Non-folding power-assist devices are typically heavier and bulkier than their folding counterparts. However, they can still be compact when not in use. A lot of them fold and have their accessories removed to make more space. They can be put in the trunk of any family vehicle. This allows people to travel with their families, to work, go to other places and even visit friends and family.