Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs

Power assist add-ons enable wheelchair users to travel for longer distances and over difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of effort needed for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.

The good aspect of these chairs is that they don't alter the style of a traditional chair and they are easily transported. They are also easy to use.

WheelDrive

Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs provide the highest level of stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and allow the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as gravel, grass or steps. This configuration is great if you have to maneuver your wheelchair around tight spaces. You can make sharp turns easily with the front drive.

During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what is the lightest self propelled wheelchair base and components are best suited to your needs. In addition to the drive wheel configuration, the selection of an auxiliary power assist add-on must also be considered. There are many options available for power assistance, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel add-ons and rear-wheel add-ons.

The relaunched and new WheelDrive Power Assisted Self Propelled Wheelchair add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design that has different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' provides you additional power with each push. This reduces fatigue, and allows you to increase your speed with each push. The smaller 'drive rim' provides continuous power to aid in climbing. The WheelDrive can be mounted on almost every manual wheelchair with no additional parts or modifications and can be switched between two driving modes with an easy-to-use power button.

The power assistance is provided by the hub motor, which is a brushless design. It is powered by detachable, lightweight batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its small size and easy to use make it the perfect solution for those who require a little extra help to travel long distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance, unlike battery-powered power assist systems that can be difficult to maintain in good and in good working.

If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we suggest that you speak to one of our ATPs for more details and an opportunity to see a demonstration. If you are considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair, the standard FrontDrive system comes with iLevel, which increases your safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to perform mobility-related activities of daily life such as toileting, reaching, and grooming at a higher elevation.

Rear Power Assist Add-ons

Power wheelchair accessories can cut down on the amount of effort required to propel a manual wheelchair. They can also help preserve shoulder health and ease the anxiety of injuries that come with repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. Adding power assist to your wheelchair will allow you to travel further, climb steep slopes and move through challenging all terrain self propelled wheelchair with more confidence.

Wheelchair power add-ons are categorized 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 combine both of these features. Front attachments are usually controlled via a hand-rim activated device such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist, while rear attachments are typically joystick conversion devices like the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.

Some of these wheelchair power accessories are powered by rechargeable batteries and 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 powered by batteries are usually smaller and lighter than those that use kinetic energy to drive the wheels.

Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most sought-after wheelchair accessories. It attaches to either the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support and they can be adjusted by pressing the button. It is also easy to transfer from manual to power mode and back.

Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel, which also has three different support levels and can be controlled by the joystick, making it ideal for users who require varying degrees of power assistance in various settings. These kinds of power accessories can also be used to help reduce the pressure on elbows and shoulders and elbows, allowing you to travel further with less effort. This is particularly beneficial if you are concerned about the impact of propulsion for long distances on your shoulders.

Active User Wheelchairs

A wheelchair for active users is one that has been made for people who have an life in active ways and want to remain mobile and independent. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less worn out. They can also travel longer distances over challenging terrain without the need for assistance.

A wheelchair that is designed for an active life will have smaller frames to improve maneuverability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle are typically larger than standard ones to allow users to reach them easily and move forward. The backrest's height is usually lower to enable the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.

Powered add-ons can also be used to improve the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can supply additional power when needed. This can be beneficial when climbing hills, travelling long distances or when the user is exhausted. The user can control a powered add-on through eye movements or voice commands. This can help users to become more independent and less dependent on someone else to push them.

E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting method of improving mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of the wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled handbike which allows the user to travel more quickly and farther than they would on their own. This is a great choice for those who wish to commute to work, run some errands, or simply enjoy a leisurely bike ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the preferences and needs of the user. There are a variety of options for rear wheel angles, and also adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This lets you achieve the most flexibility and personalization.

Foldable Power Assist Device

Power add-ons are attached to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their original rear wheels. They are simple to operate and allow users to travel greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are usually lightweight self propelled wheelchairs and offer advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.

These are aftermarket accessories that can be fitted to 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 controlled by the wireless wristband. Some models also come with a built-in push tracker to keep track of how long the power add-on has been utilized.

They permit individuals to travel longer distances without getting tired and can assist them to climb slopes and other obstacles with ease. They help users maintain their independence by continuing with daily activities, work and having fun with friends and family.

In some cases using a power assist option can reduce the risk of developing sores from pressure by reducing amount of force being applied by the person. In addition they have been found to reduce the amount of time it takes a person to perform tasks that require mobility and help them overcome obstacles like steps, inclines, and curb cuts.

Many foldable power-assist products are portable, which means that users can bring their wheelchair on family trips without the need for a van. They can be detached from the chair for transportation to work or other occasions and then reattached on return. This could help people continue to work for a salary or volunteer work, as well as other initiatives to continue contributing to society and become an active member of the community.

Power-assist devices that are not foldable are generally heavier and larger than their folding counterparts. However, they can be compact when not in use. Many of them are foldable and can be used with their accessories removed to make more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of a regular family car, which allows individuals to travel with their families to work and other locations and also visit friends and relatives.