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Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that provide power assist for wheelchair users allow them to travel further and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort needed to propel. This results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The good thing about these devices is that they don't alter the style of a manual chair, and they are easy to transport. They are also extremely simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most stable and powerful. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, enabling the chair to traverse difficult terrains such as grass, gravel or steps. This configuration is great if you have to maneuver your wheelchair in tight spaces. You can make quick turns using the front drive.
When making a selection, your Therapist or Assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components best meet your needs. An add-on for power assist is also something to consider. There are many options for power assist, including front-wheel, middle-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The relaunched and new WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design with different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' provides you extra power with each push. This helps reduce fatigue and lets you get further ahead with each push. The smaller rim for driving offers continuous power to make climbing more comfortable. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on almost every manual wheelchair, without the need for additional components or modifications. It can be switched between the two driving modes using an easy-to-use power button.
The motor's brushless design is powered by small batteries which can be taken off and fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact size and easy to use makes it the ideal solution for those who require some extra assistance to travel long distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons that are difficult to maintain in good in good working order.
We suggest you contact one of our ATPs to learn more and to view the demonstration 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 that comes with FrontDrive, the FrontDrive system comes standard with iLevel that raises the safe seat's elevation to 12 inches. This lets you perform everyday activities that require mobility living, such as getting up, grooming and toileting at a greater height, which can help you live healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the amount of effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They can also help maintain shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that comes with sustained, repetitive manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel further distances, traverse steep slopes and maneuver in challenging environments with greater confidence.
The power add-ons to wheelchairs can be classified into three categories: rear attachments that 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 combining both features. Front attachments are usually controlled via a hand-rim activated device, such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist and rear attachments are typically joystick-converting devices such as the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power accessories are powered by a rechargeable battery as well as others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor inside the wheelchair and powered by kinetic energy from the wheel's rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are typically lighter and more compact than those that rely on energy generated by kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It can be 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 one button. It is easy to switch between manual and powered mode and in reverse.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It comes with three support levels, and can be controlled by the joystick. This makes it ideal for people who require different levels of assistance in various situations. These kinds of power accessories can also assist in reducing the pressure on elbows and shoulders and elbows, allowing you to travel farther with less effort. This can be particularly helpful if you're concerned about the negative effects of long-distance self-propulsion on the health of your shoulder.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are made for people who want to be mobile and independent and live an active life. These wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less exhausted. This also allows them to traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without assistance.
A wheelchair designed for an active life will have a smaller frame to increase maneuverability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for an active lifestyle are usually larger than standard ones, allowing the user to get them easily and propel themselves forward. The backrest 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 performance of your wheelchair for active users. best lightweight self propelled wheelchair can provide extra power when required. This is helpful when climbing up hills, navigating long distances or when the user is feeling exhausted. A powered accessory can be operated by the user via voice commands or by adjusting their eyes, which can help with independence and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair and transform it into a tri-wheeled handbike which allows the user to travel faster and farther than they would on their own. This is a great option for those who want to commute to work, run around or just enjoy a leisurely bike ride. A power bike can also be adjusted to suit the user's needs and preferences with a variety of rear wheel angle options available and the ability to adjust the seat tension and footrest positioning. This provides the ultimate in versatility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons connect to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their original rear wheels. They are easy to use and enable the user to go longer distances with less effort. They are typically light and offer advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket accessories that can be mounted on various manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing an appropriate button or switch and is controlled using an electronic wristband. Some models come with a built in push tracker that records how much power the add-on was used.
They permit people to travel further without fatigue and assist them to climb the slopes and other obstacles with ease. They are perfect for those who want to remain independent by continuing to engage in daily activities and working, as well as socializing with friends and family and travel more freely to enjoy leisure.
In some cases, a power assisted option can reduce the amount of pressure placed on the person. Additionally they have been proven to reduce the amount of time it takes for a person to perform tasks that require mobility and aid in overcoming obstacles like steps, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many power-assist devices that fold come with the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing users to take their wheelchair with them on trips in the family vehicle without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be separated from the chair in order to travel to work or other occasions and then reattached on return. This can help people maintain their job, volunteer work and other endeavors to remain an active member of the community and contribute to society.
Non-folding power-assist devices are typically larger and heavier than their folding counterparts, however they can be compact when not in use. 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 family vehicle, which permits people to travel with their families to work and other places, as well as visit relatives and friends.