Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist accessories allow wheelchair users to travel longer distances and traverse difficult terrain. They also decrease the amount of energy required for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The great aspect of these chairs is that they don't alter the style of a traditional chair and they can be easily moved. They are also very easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the most stable and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, allowing the chair to take on difficult terrain like grass, gravel, or steps. This design is ideal if you have to maneuver your wheelchair in tight spaces. You can make quick turns using the front drive.
When you are choosing a wheelchair, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will think about which components and base meet your requirements. In addition to the wheel configuration, the selection of an additional power assist add-on must also be considered. There are many options available for power assist, 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 ' rim provides extra power assistance to each push, which reduces fatigue and allows you to go further per push. The smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power to aid in climbing. WheelDrive can be installed on almost any manual wheelchair without any additional parts or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes using an intuitive power button.
The motor's brushless design is powered by lightweight batteries that can be removed and fully charged in under two hours. Its compact size and user-friendly make it a perfect choice for those who need a little extra help to travel for long distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free unlike power assist accessories powered by batteries that are difficult to maintain in good order.
We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs to get more information and to witness an example if you're contemplating adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair it comes with iLevel. FrontDrive system standard comes with iLevel, which raises the safe seat's elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to complete everyday activities that require mobility like toileting, reaching, and grooming at a higher height.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power accessories for wheelchairs are great ways to reduce the amount of effort it takes to push manually a chair. They also protect shoulder health and reduce the fear of injury that is associated with the repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. You can travel further, navigate steep slopes, and maneuver in challenging environments by adding power assist to your chair.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs can be divided into three categories: rear attachments which are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments, which raise the wheels of manual chairs off of the ground (similarly to a bicycle), and hybrid systems that combine both features. Front attachments are typically controlled by a hand-rim activated device, such as 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 accessories make use of rechargeable batteries, and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and powered by the energy generated by wheel rotation. These that are powered by a battery are usually more lightweight and smaller than those powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most sought-after wheelchair accessories. It can be 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 simple 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 can be operated by a joystick. This makes it ideal for users who need varying levels of assistance in different situations. These kinds of power accessories can also help relieve the pressure on elbows and shoulders which allows you to go further with less effort. This is particularly useful when you are concerned about the effect of long-distance propulsion on your shoulders.
Active User Wheelchairs
An active user wheelchair is one that has been specifically designed for those who lead an an active lifestyle and want to remain mobile and independent. These wheelchairs are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will not be as worn out. This allows them to traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without the need for assistance.
A wheelchair that is specifically designed for active use will usually have a compact frame size that helps increase maneuverability. Additionally, the rear wheels are typically larger than standard wheelchairs in order to enable the user to easily access them and move forward. The backrest's height is usually lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulders freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to improve the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. 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 using voice commands or by moving their eyes, which could help with independence and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
The E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting method of increasing mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of the wheelchair and transform it into a tri-wheeled hand bike, allowing the user to travel more quickly and further than they could on their own. This can be beneficial for those looking to commute to work or for running errands or simply would like to take a relaxing ride. A power bike add-on can be adjusted to meet the individual's preferences and needs with a variety of angles for the rear wheel available along with the ability to adjust the seat tension and footrest positioning. This offers the ultimate in versatility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons can be attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace their existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. They are usually 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 fitted to many manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pushing one button or switch. It is controlled with the wristband wireless to start the motor and adjust settings like speed. Some also come with an integrated push tracker that can keep record of how far the power add-on has been used.
They can aid people in climbing hills and other obstacles with ease. They allow users to maintain independence by continuing with daily activities, work and having fun with friends and family.
In some cases using a power assist option can help prevent sores from pressure by reducing amount of force being exerted by the individual. In addition they have been proven to reduce the amount of time required for a person to perform tasks that require mobility and aid in overcoming obstacles like steps, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist products can be carried around, meaning that users can bring their wheelchair on family trips without needing a van. They can be removed from the chair to travel to work or other occasions, and then reattached when they return home. visit here will allow people to continue their job, volunteer work and other endeavors to remain an active member of the community and contribute to society.
Power-assist devices that are not foldable are generally larger and heavier than their folding counterparts, but they can still be compact when not being used. Many of them can be folded, and their accessories removed to free even more space. They can be put in the trunk of any family vehicle. This lets people travel with their families to work, to other places and even visit family and friends.