Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that offer power assist for wheelchair users allow them to travel farther and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of effort required for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These devices are easy to transport and don't change the look of manual chairs. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most stable and powerful. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and enable the chair to tackle difficult terrain such as gravel, grass or steps. This is also an ideal choice if you have to maneuver your chair in tight spaces as it is easy to make sharp turns with the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will take into consideration which base and components meet your needs. In addition to the wheel configuration, the selection of an additional power assist add-on should be taken into consideration. There are many options for power assist, such as front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on from Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that provides different driving modes. The large 'assist ' rim gives extra power assistance to each push, which reduces fatigue and allows you to increase the distance you push. The smaller rim of the drive offers continuous power to make climbing easier. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on virtually every manual wheelchair with no additional parts or modifications and can be switched between two driving modes using an intuitive power button.
The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by batteries of light weight which can be taken off and fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact design and simple operation make it an ideal option for those who require an extra boost for traveling further distances. The WheelDrive doesn't require any maintenance, unlike other battery powered power assist accessories that can be a bit difficult to keep in good working order.
We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs to get more information and to witness a demonstration if you are contemplating adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair the standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which increases the safe seat height up to 12 inches. This lets you perform mobility related activities of daily life, like toileting, grooming, and reaching at a more independent height, which will make your life more comfortable and happier.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs are an excellent way to cut down on the amount of effort it takes to propel manually a chair. They also aid in maintaining shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that comes with sustained, repetitive, manual propulsion. You can travel further, traverse steep slopes, and maneuver in difficult conditions by incorporating power assist into your chair.
Wheelchair power accessories are classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that raise a manual wheelchair's caster wheels off the ground and replace them with a larger centered wheel (similar to a bicycle) such as the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that combine both of these features. Front attachments are typically controlled via a hand-rim activated device like 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 add-ons are powered by rechargeable batteries as well as others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy of the wheel's rotation. Those that are powered by batteries are usually more lightweight and smaller than those powered by kinetic energy from the wheel's rotation.
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 simple to switch from manual mode to power mode and back again.
Another option is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel, which also has three different support levels and can be controlled by the joystick, which makes it ideal for users who require varying degrees of assistance from power sources in various situations. These kinds of power accessories can also be used to help reduce pressure on shoulders and elbows, allowing you to go farther with less effort. This is particularly beneficial in the event that you're concerned about the negative effects of self-propulsion over long distances on your shoulder health.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are made for people who want to be independent and mobile and live an active life. They are much lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self propelled wheelchairs, so users will see less wear and wear on their upper body. They are also able to travel on difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed to be used for an active lifestyle typically comes with a small frame size that helps increase maneuverability. In addition, the rear wheels are generally larger than standard wheelchairs in order to enable the user to easily reach them and propel themselves forward. The backrest height is often lower to enable the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can be used to boost the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can supply additional power when needed. 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 through voice commands or by moving their eyes, which could help with independence and reduce the need for someone to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair and transform it into a hand-bike with three wheels, allowing riders to travel faster and farther than they could by themselves. mymobilityscooters.uk is a great option for those who want to commute to work or for running errands or just want to enjoy a leisurely ride. A power bike can be adjusted to fit the user's needs and preferences with a variety of angles for the rear wheel available and the ability to adjust the seating tension and footrest position. This provides the ultimate in versatility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace their existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow the user to take longer distances while requiring less effort. These are typically lightweight and have advanced control systems that allow you 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 one button or switch, and is controlled with an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and alter settings such as speed. Some come with an integrated push tracker that records the amount of power that was using.
They allow people to travel further without getting tired and can assist them to climb the slopes and other obstacles more easily. They help users maintain their independence by completing regular activities, work and spending time with family and friends.
In some instances the use of an assist device can prevent pressure sores by reducing the amount of force being applied by the person. They can also cut down on the amount of time needed to complete activities that require mobility and make it easier for people to get over obstacles like steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many power-assists that fold are portable, so wheelchair users can take their chair on family trips without needing a van. They can be removed from the chair to travel to work or other events and then reattached upon return. This can help people maintain their paid job, volunteer work and other endeavors to continue to be an active member of the community and contribute to the society.
Non-folding power-assist gadgets are generally larger and heavier than their folding counterparts, however they can still be compact when not in use. A lot of them fold and can have their accessories removed to create more space. They can be put in the trunk of a regular family vehicle, which permits individuals to travel with their families to work and other locations and visit friends and relatives.
