Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons enable wheelchair users to travel greater distances and traverse difficult terrain. They also decrease the amount of energy required to propel the wheelchair, which results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These chairs are simple to move and don't alter the look of traditional chairs. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the ultimate in 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 also an ideal choice if you need to maneuver your chair in tight spaces because you can easily make sharp turns with the front drive.
When making a selection, your Therapist or Assistant Technology Professional will consider which base and components will best suit your requirements. In addition to the drive wheel configuration, the selection of an add-on power assist accessory should also be considered. There are many options available for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons add-ons, and rear-wheel add-ons.
The new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on from Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design, which offers a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist ' rim offers additional power assistance with each push, which helps reduce fatigue and lets you go further per push. The smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power to make it easier to climb. The WheelDrive is simple to install on virtually every manual wheelchair, without the need for additional parts or modifications and can be switched between two driving modes by pressing an intuitive power button.
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. The compact design and easy operation makes it a perfect option for those who require an extra boost when traveling longer distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance, unlike battery-powered power assist systems that are difficult to keep in working in good working order.
If you're considering adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your 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 standard model comes with iLevel that raises the safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to perform mobility related activities of daily living, such as reaching, grooming and toileting at a greater height, which will help you live healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the amount of effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They also aid in maintaining the health of your shoulders and reduce the anxiety of injuries that come with repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. By adding power assist to your wheelchair enables you to travel further as well as traverse steep slopes. You can also navigate through difficult terrain with greater confidence.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs can be classified into three categories: rear attachments, which are similar to SmartDrive front attachments, which raise the wheels of the casters of a manual chair off 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 usually joystick-converting devices such as 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 inside the wheelchair and powered by kinetic energy from the wheel's movement. Those that are powered by batteries are typically lighter and smaller than those powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation.
One of the most awaited wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of rigid and folding frame wheelchairs. It has three different levels of support which can be changed at the push of a button. It is easy to switch from manual mode to powered mode and in reverse.
Another option is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel It also comes with three different levels of support and can be controlled by the joystick, making it ideal for those who require different levels of power assistance in different situations. These kinds of power accessories can also be used to assist in reducing the pressure on elbows and shoulders, allowing you to go further with less effort. This is particularly beneficial if you are concerned about the impact of long-distance propulsion on your shoulders.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are made for those who wish to be independent and mobile and live a full life. They are lighter and more maneuverable than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will be less fatigued. They can also traverse difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed to be used for an active lifestyle will usually have a compact frame size that helps increase maneuverability. Furthermore the rear wheels are typically bigger than standard wheelchairs so that the user can easily access them and propel themselves forward. The backrest is often lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulder freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to improve the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can supply additional power when required. This is helpful when climbing up hills, navigating long distances, or when the user is feeling exhausted. The user can control an accessory powered via voice commands or eye movements. This can assist them to be more independent and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
all terrain self propelled wheelchair uk My Mobility Scooters -bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to increase 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 faster and farther than they would on their own. This is a great option for those looking to commute to work or for running errands or just would like to take a relaxing ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the requirements and preferences of the user. There are a variety of options for rear wheel angles and also adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This offers the ultimate in flexibility and individualization.
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 for greater distances to be covered with less effort. These are lightweight and feature advanced control systems that permit remote fault detection, monitoring of battery levels and programming.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be fitted to many manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch, and is controlled by using an electronic wristband that can be used wirelessly to turn on the motor and adjust settings like speed. Some models also have an integrated push tracker that can keep record of how far the power add-on is used.
They can help individuals climb up hills and other obstacles without difficulty. They are perfect for helping users keep their independence and continue to engage in daily activities, work, and socialize with friends and family, and move around more freely for leisure.
In some instances using an assist device can help prevent sores caused by pressure by reducing the amount of force being put on the body by the user. Additionally they have been found to cut down on the time it takes for the person to complete tasks that require mobility and help them overcome obstacles like stairs, inclines and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist devices come with the added benefit of being portable, which allows users to take their wheelchair along on trips in the family vehicle without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be removed from the chair in order to travel for work or other activities and then reattached once they return home. This can help people maintain their paid job, volunteer or other activities to continue to be an integral part of their community and contribute to society.
Power-assist devices that are not foldable are generally heavier and larger than their folding counterparts, however they can be compact when not being used. Many of them 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, to other places, and to visit friends and family.