Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons allow wheelchair users to travel longer distances and over difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort required for propulsion. This results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These chairs are simple to move and don't alter the appearance of traditional chairs. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most robust and stable. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, enabling the chair to traverse difficult terrain like grass, gravel or steps. This design is ideal when you need to maneuver your wheelchair through tight spaces. You can make quick turns using the front drive.
In the process of selecting your Therapist or Assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components best meet your needs. A power assist auxiliary add-on is also something to consider. There are many options for power assist, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel add-ons, 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 wheel' provides you extra power with every push. This helps reduce fatigue and allows you to increase your speed with each push. The smaller rim of the drive gives you continuous power, making climbing easier. WheelDrive can be fitted to any manual wheelchair, without additional components or modifications. It is also easy to switch between the two driving modes pressing the power button in a simple way.
The power assistance is provided by an electric hub motor that is powered by detachable, lightweight batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact size and ease of use makes it the ideal solution for those who need some extra assistance to travel long distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance, unlike battery-powered power assist systems which can be difficult to keep in working order.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs to get more information and to view an example if you're contemplating the addition of a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you are considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair the standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which raises your safe seat elevation up to 12 inches. This allows you to complete the mobility-related tasks of your daily life such as toileting, reaching, and grooming at a higher height.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power accessories for wheelchairs are a great way to reduce the amount of work required to propel a manual chair. They can also preserve shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that comes with prolonged, repetitive manual propulsion. You can go further, navigate steep slopes, and maneuver in difficult conditions 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 that raise the caster wheels of manual chairs off of the ground (similarly to a bicycle), and hybrid systems combining both features. Front attachments are typically operated by a hand-rim-activated device, such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist and rear attachments are typically joystick conversion devices like the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power accessories are powered by a rechargeable battery and others, like the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and are powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's movement. Those that are powered by batteries are usually lighter and smaller than those powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most well-known wheelchair add-ons. It attaches to either the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support and they are able to be adjusted by pressing the button. It is easy to switch from manual to powered mode and reverse the switch.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel, which also has three different levels of support and can be controlled with the joystick, making it ideal for those who require varying degrees of power assistance in different environments. These types of power add-ons can also assist in reducing the pressure on elbows and shoulders which allows you to go farther with less effort. This is especially useful if you are concerned about the effect of long-distance propulsion on your shoulders.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
Active user wheelchairs are made for those who wish to be independent and mobile and lead an active lifestyle. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will be less worn out. This also allows them to traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without assistance.
A wheelchair designed for an active life will have an elongated frame to enhance mobility. Furthermore, lightweight self propelling wheelchair www.mymobilityscooters.uk are generally larger than standard wheelchairs in order so that the user can easily access them and then propel themselves forward. The backrest height is often lower to enable the user to move their arms and shoulders freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are a great method to make your active wheelchair more efficient, as 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 add-on can be controlled by the user using voice commands or by adjusting their eyes, which can help them to be more independent and lessen the need for a person to push them.
The E-bike attachments on wheelchairs are a brand new and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of the wheelchair and transform it into a tri-wheeled hand bike that allows the user to travel more quickly and farther than they would on their own. This is a great option for those who wish to commute to work, run errands or simply enjoy a leisurely bike ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the needs and preferences of the rider. There are different options for rear wheel angles as well as adjustable seat tension and footrest placement. This offers the ultimate in 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 permit the user to go on more distances with less effort. They are lightweight and come with advanced control systems that allow for remote fault detection and monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are aftermarket components that can be fitted to various manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is started through pushing one button or switch and is controlled using a wireless wristband to activate the motor and change settings like speed. Some models also come with a built-in push tracker to keep record of how far the power add-on has been utilized.
They permit individuals to travel longer distances without getting tired and can aid them in climbing slopes and other obstacles with ease. They are ideal for those who want to remain independent by continuing to engage in daily activities, work, and socialize with friends and family, and enjoy more freedom to travel for leisure.
In some instances the use of a power-assist option can reduce the amount of pressure being put on the person. They can also reduce the time required to complete tasks that require mobility, and make it easier for people to overcome obstacles like steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist products are portable, so wheelchair users can take their chair on family trips without having to use a van. They can be detached from the chair for transport to work or other events and then reattached when returning. This could help people keep their job, volunteer activities and other commitments to remain a valued community member and contribute to the society.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are usually larger and heavier. They can be folded and their accessories removed, which can save even more space. They can be stored inside the trunk of any family vehicle. This allows people to travel with their families, to work, go to other places and also to visit family and friends.