The Next Big Thing In The Power Assisted Self Propelled Wheelchair Industry
Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons enable wheelchair users to travel for longer distances and on challenging terrain. They also reduce the effort needed for propulsion. This results in lower heart rate and less muscle fatigue.
The good thing about these devices is that they don't alter the appearance of a manual chair and they are easy to transport. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most stable and powerful. The large drive wheels are able to "grab" the road, enabling the chair to traverse difficult terrain like gravel, grass or steps. This design is ideal for those who need to maneuver your wheelchair through tight spaces. You can easily turn sharply using the front drive.
During the selection process your therapist or assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components will best suit your needs. An add-on for power assist is also important to consider. There are many options for power assistance, including 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' gives extra power assistance to each push, which reduces fatigue and lets you increase the distance you push. The smaller rim of the drive provides continuous power to make climbing easier. The WheelDrive can be mounted on virtually every manual wheelchair without any additional parts or modifications and can be switched between two driving modes with an intuitive 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 small size and user-friendly make it the perfect solution for those who require some extra assistance to travel for long distances. The WheelDrive is maintenance-free unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons which can be difficult to keep in good and in good working.
We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs to get more information and to witness an example if you're thinking about adding a power wheelchair that has front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair that comes with FrontDrive, the FrontDrive system comes standard with iLevel which raises the safe seat height to 12 inches. This allows you to complete everyday activities that require mobility like toileting, reaching, and grooming at a higher level.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power accessories for wheelchairs are an excellent way to cut down on the amount of effort it takes to propel a manual chair. They can also help maintain shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that comes with repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. You can go further, traverse steep slopes, and maneuver in challenging environments by incorporating power assist into your chair.
Wheelchair power accessories are 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 bicycles) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that include both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled by hand-rim-activated systems such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments on the rear are, however, are joystick conversion devices such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair add-ons utilize rechargeable batteries as do others such as the WheelDrive are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are typically lighter and more compact than those that rely on kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It is attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they can be adjusted by pressing one button. It is easy to switch between manual and powered mode and in reverse.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel, which also has three different levels of support and can be controlled using a joystick, making it ideal for users who require different levels of power assistance in various situations. These kinds of power accessories can also help reduce the pressure on elbows and shoulders which allows you to go further with less effort. This is particularly beneficial if you are concerned about the effects of long-distance propulsion on your shoulders.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are designed for those who want to be mobile and independent and live an active life. They are much lighter and more manoeuvrable than standard self propelled wheelchairs, meaning that users will have less wear and tear on their upper body. This allows them to traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without assistance.
A wheelchair that is specifically designed for active use typically has a smaller frame size to help increase maneuverability. Additionally, the rear wheels are usually larger than standard wheelchairs so that the user can easily access them and move forward. The backrest height is also often lower to enable the user to move their shoulders and arms freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to improve the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when required. This is useful when climbing up hills, traveling long distances, or when the user is tired. The user can control a powered add-on by using eye movements or voice commands. This can assist users to become more independent and reduce 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 wheel of a wheelchair, transforming it into a handbike with three wheels, allowing users to travel further and faster than they could on their own. This is beneficial for those who want to commute to work or run errands, or for those who simply want to enjoy a leisurely ride. A power bike add-on can be adjusted to suit the user's needs and preferences, with different rear wheel angle options available and adjustable seating tension and footrest position. This gives you the most flexibility 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 users to travel greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are lightweight and come with advanced control systems that permit remote fault detection, monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be affixed to a variety of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is started through pushing one button or switch. It is controlled by using a wireless wristband to activate the motor and change settings like speed. lightweight self propelled wheelchairs have a built-in push tracker that records how much power was using.
They permit people to travel further without getting tired and can assist them to 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 certain instances using an assist device can reduce the risk of developing sores from pressure by reducing amount of force being exerted by the individual. They also can reduce the time required to perform tasks that require mobility, and help individuals to conquer obstacles such as stairs, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many power-assists that fold are portable, so users can take their wheelchair on family trips without needing a van. They can be removed from the chair in order to transport to work or other events and then reattached upon return. This will allow people to continue their job, volunteer or other activities to remain an active member of the community and contribute to society.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are typically heavier and bulkier. A lot of them can be folded, and their accessories removed to free even more space. They can be put in the trunk of a family vehicle, which permits individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations and also visit relatives and friends.