Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs

Power assist add-ons allow wheelchair users to travel greater distances and over difficult terrain. They also decrease the amount of energy required to propel the wheelchair, which results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.

The good aspect of these chairs is that they don't alter the appearance of a manual chair and they can be easily moved. They are also easy to use.

WheelDrive

Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most stable and powerful. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and enable the chair to take on difficult terrains such as grass, gravel, or steps. This design is ideal if you have to maneuver your wheelchair through tight areas. You can make quick turns with the front drive.

When choosing a wheelchair your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will think about which components and base are best suited to your requirements. In addition to the drive wheel configuration, the choice of an auxiliary power assist add-on should be considered. There are a variety of options for power assist, such as front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel power add-ons.

The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on offered by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that offers different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' gives you additional power with each push. This reduces fatigue, and lets you increase your speed with each push. The smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power assisted Self Propelled wheelchair to make it easier to climb. The WheelDrive can be mounted on any manual wheelchair, without the need for additional parts or modifications and can be switched between the two driving modes by pressing an intuitive power button.

The power assistance is provided by the hub motor, which is a brushless design. It is powered by detachable lightweight self propelled folding wheelchair batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. The compact design and easy operation make it an ideal option for those who require an extra boost when traveling further distances. The WheelDrive requires no maintenance, unlike battery-powered power assist systems that are difficult to maintain in good order.

We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs to learn more and to see an example if you're considering adding a power wheelchair that has front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair that comes with FrontDrive, the FrontDrive standard model comes with iLevel which raises the safe seat height to 12 inches. This allows you to perform everyday activities that require mobility such as reaching, toileting, and grooming at a higher level.

Rear Power Assist Add-ons

Power wheelchair add-ons can reduce the amount of effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They can also help maintain shoulder health and reduce the fear of injury that comes with the repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. You can go further, navigate steep slopes, and maneuver in challenging environments by adding power assist to your chair.

Wheelchair power add-ons can be classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that raise the wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a bigger 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 usually joystick conversion devices like 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 motor in the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation. Those that are powered by a battery are usually lighter and smaller than those powered by kinetic energy from the wheel's rotation.

Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It attaches to either the rigid or folding frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support and they can be changed by pressing a button. It is also easy to switch from manual to power mode and then back again.

Another option is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel It also comes with three different support levels and can be controlled using a joystick, making it ideal for those who require varying degrees of assistance from power sources in various settings. These kinds of power add-ons can also be used to help reduce the strain on your elbows and shoulders, allowing you to go further and with less effort. This is especially beneficial in the event that you're concerned about the effects of self-propulsion over long distances on the health of your shoulder.

Active Wheelchairs for Users

A wheelchair for active users is one that has been made for people who have an an active lifestyle and want to stay mobile and independent. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will not be as exhausted. This allows them to travel longer distances over challenging terrain without needing assistance.

A wheelchair that is designed for active lifestyles will have a smaller frame to increase maneuverability. Furthermore, the rear wheels are typically larger than standard wheelchairs to allow the user to easily reach them and move forward. The backrest height is often lower to enable the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self propelled wheelchair with suspension-propelling.

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

E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled hand bike, allowing the user to travel more quickly and farther than they would on their own. This is an excellent option for those who wish to commute to work, run some errands, or simply take a relaxing bike ride. A power bike accessory can also be adjusted to suit the needs and preferences of the user, with different angles for the rear wheel available, as well as an adjustable footrest and seat tension. This offers the ultimate in flexibility and individualization.

Foldable Power Assist Device

Power add-ons connect to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow for greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are typically light and offer advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery levels 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 the button or switch and controlled with the wireless wristband. Some models also have an integrated push tracker that can keep track of the amount of time the power add-on is used self propelled wheelchair.

They enable people to travel further without getting tired and can help them climb slopes and other obstacles more easily. They enable users to maintain independence by continuing with regular activities, work and having fun with friends and family.

In some instances, a power assisted option can help reduce the amount of pressure being put on the person. In addition they have been found to reduce the amount of time required for the person to complete mobility tasks and can aid in overcoming obstacles like steps, inclines, and curb cuts.

Many foldable power-assist products are portable, which means that wheelchair users can take their chair on family trips without having to use a van. They can be removed from the chair to travel to work or other occasions, and then reattached when they return home. This could help people continue to work for a salary, volunteer work and other initiatives to continue contributing to society and become an integral part of the community.

When not in use non-folding power assist devices are usually larger and heavier. They are often foldable and can have their accessories removed to create more space. They can be put in the trunk of any family car. This allows people to travel with their families to work, to other places and also to visit family and friends.