Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist accessories allow wheelchair users to travel longer distances and over difficult terrain. They also decrease the amount of energy required for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These chairs are simple to transport and don't change the appearance of manual chairs. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs provide the highest level of stability and power. The large drive wheels "grab" the road and let the chair tackle difficult terrain such as gravel, grass, or steps. This configuration is great for those who need to maneuver your wheelchair in tight spaces. You can make sharp turns easily using the front drive.
When you are choosing a wheelchair, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components meet your needs. An auxiliary power assist add-on is also important to consider. There are many options for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel additions, and rear-wheel add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive power 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 helps reduce fatigue and lets you increase your speed with each push. The smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power for easier climbing. The WheelDrive can be mounted on any manual wheelchair, without the need for additional components or modifications. It can be switched between the two driving modes by pressing an easy-to-use power button.
The power assistance is provided by a brushless hub motor which is powered by detachable light batteries and can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its compact design and easy operation makes it the perfect option for those who require an extra boost when traveling further distances. The WheelDrive does not require any maintenance, unlike other battery powered power assist devices that can be quite difficult to maintain in good working order.
If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you speak to one of our ATPs for more details and an opportunity to see a demonstration. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair it comes with iLevel. FrontDrive system standard comes with iLevel that raises the safe seat height to 12 inches. This allows you to perform the mobility-related activities of daily living such as reaching, grooming and toileting at a greater height, which will make you healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs are great ways to reduce the amount of effort it takes to push a manual chair. They can also help preserve shoulder health and ease the fear of injury associated with sustained, repetitive, manual propulsion. You can travel further, traverse steep slopes, and maneuver in challenging environments by incorporating power assist into your chair.
The power add-ons to wheelchairs can be classified into three categories: rear attachments that are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments that raise the wheels of manual chairs off the ground (similarly to a bicycle), and hybrid systems combining both features. Front attachments are usually operated by a hand-rim-activated device like the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist, while rear attachments are usually joystick-converting devices such as the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair add-ons use a rechargeable batteries, while others like the WheelDrive are connected to the wheelchair motor and powered by the energy generated by wheel's rotation. The ones powered by batteries are generally lighter and more compact than those that use energy generated by kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most sought-after wheelchair accessories. It is attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they can be changed by pressing the button. It is easy to switch from manual to powered mode and vice versa.
Another option is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel, which also has three different levels of support. It can be controlled by the joystick, making it ideal for users who require different levels of assistance from power sources in various settings. These power accessories are helpful in reducing pressure on the shoulders and elbows. This allows you to travel farther and with less effort. This can be particularly helpful when you're worried about the negative effects of long-distance self-propulsion on your shoulder health.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are designed for those who want to be mobile and independent and live an active life. www.mymobilityscooters.uk are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will be less worn out. They can also traverse longer distances on difficult terrain without needing assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed for an active lifestyle typically has a smaller frame size that helps increase manoeuvrability. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for active use are typically larger than the standard ones to enable the user to reach them easily and move forward. The backrest is typically lower so that the user can move their shoulders and arms freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are a fantastic way to make your active wheelchair more efficient, as they can offer additional power when needed. This is useful when going up and down hills, for long distances or when the user feels exhausted. The user can control a powered accessory via voice commands or eye movements. This can help them to be more independent and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of the wheelchair and transform it into a tri-wheeled hand bike, allowing users to travel faster and farther than they would on their own. This is a great option for those who wish to commute to work, do around or just enjoy a relaxing ride. A power bike can be adjusted to suit the needs and preferences of the user with a variety of rear wheel angle options available along with an adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This allows for the highest level of flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons can be attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace the existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow the user to take longer distances with less effort. They are typically light 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 connected to a variety of manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pushing one button or switch, and is controlled by using an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and alter settings like speed. Some models also come with an integrated push tracker that can keep track of the amount of time the power add-on has been utilized.
They allow individuals to travel greater distances without fatigue and help them climb the slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are ideal for allowing users to remain independent by continuing to take part in everyday activities, work, and socialize with friends and family and travel more freely to enjoy leisure.
In some cases using a power assist option can reduce the risk of developing sores caused by pressure by reducing the amount of force put on the body by the user. Additionally they have been found to decrease the amount of time it takes for the person to complete activities that require mobility. They can also aid in overcoming obstacles like curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist products are portable, so users can take their wheelchair on family trips without having to use a van. They can be removed from the chair to travel for work or other events and then reattached once they return home. This could help people continue to work for a salary or volunteer initiatives to continue contributing to society and become an active member of the community.
When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are usually heavier and larger. They are often foldable and can have their accessories removed for even more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of a family car, which allows individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations and visit relatives and friends.