Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons allow wheelchair users to travel for longer distances and over difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort required to propel. This leads to lower heart rate and less muscle fatigue.
The great thing about these chairs is that they don’t alter the look of a manual chair and they are easily transported. They are also extremely simple how to use a self propelled wheelchair use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the most stable and power. The large drive wheels “grab” the road and allow the chair to take on difficult terrains such as grass, gravel or steps. This configuration is also an ideal choice if you require to maneuver your chair in tight spaces because you can easily turn sharp turns with the front drive.
When you are choosing a wheelchair, your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components are best self propelled wheelchair suited to your needs. In addition to the wheel configuration, the choice of an add-on power assist accessory should also be considered. There are a variety of options for power assistance, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel add-ons, and rear-wheel add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design with different driving modes. The large ‘assist wheel’ gives you extra power assisted self propelled wheelchair with every push. This reduces fatigue and lets you get further ahead with each push. The smaller ‘drive’ rim provides continuous power to make climbing more comfortable. WheelDrive can be installed on any manual wheelchair, without any additional parts or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes pressing the power button with a simple click.
The brushless hub motor is powered by lightweight batteries that can be detached and fully charged in under two hours. Its small size and easy to use makes it the ideal solution for those who require a little extra help to travel for long distances. The WheelDrive doesn’t require any maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist accessories, which can often be quite difficult to maintain in good condition.
If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for further details and a demonstration. If you’re considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair, the standard FrontDrive system comes with iLevel, which increases your safe seat elevation up to 12 inches. This allows you to perform mobility related activities of daily life, like reaching, grooming and toileting at a higher, more comfortable height, which will make your life more comfortable and happier.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power wheelchair add-ons can reduce the amount of effort required to propel manually-driven wheelchairs. They can also help maintain shoulder health and decrease the risk of injury that comes with prolonged, repetitive manual propulsion. Adding power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel further, traverse steep slopes and move through challenging terrain with more confidence.
Wheelchair power add-ons can be classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive) and front attachments that raise the wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a bigger 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 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 add-ons are powered by a rechargeable battery as well as others, such as the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and are powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel’s rotation. Those that are powered by batteries are usually more lightweight and smaller than those powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most sought-after wheelchair self propelled accessories. It is attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three support levels, and they can be adjusted by pressing a button. It is also simple to transfer from manual to power mode and back again.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel that comes with three different support levels and can be controlled by a joystick, making it ideal for those who require varying degrees of power assistance in various situations. These kinds of power add-ons can also help relieve pressure on shoulders and elbows and elbows, allowing you to travel further with less effort. This is especially useful when you are concerned about the impact of propulsion over long distances on your shoulders.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
An active user wheelchair is one that is specifically designed for those who lead an an active lifestyle and want to stay mobile and independent. These wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than self propelled wheelchairs for sale uk-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will not be as worn out. They are also able to travel on difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed for active lifestyles will have smaller frames to improve maneuverability. Furthermore the rear wheels are typically bigger than standard wheelchairs to allow the user to easily access them and propel themselves forward. The backrest’s height is usually lower to enable the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are a excellent way to make your active user wheelchair more efficient, as they can provide additional power when required. This can be beneficial when climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user feels exhausted. A powered add-on 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 else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a three-wheeled hand bike which allows users 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 want to take a leisurely ride. The power bike can be customized to suit the needs and preferences of the rider. There are different options for rear wheel angles, as well as adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This allows for the ultimate in personalization and versatility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing the existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. They are usually lightweight and have advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket attachments that can be attached to a range of manual wheelchairs, including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing the button or switch and is controlled using the wireless wristband. Some also come with an integrated push tracker that can keep track of the amount of time the power add-on is used.
They permit individuals to travel greater distances without getting tired and can aid them in climbing slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are perfect for those who want to maintain their independence by continuing to participate in daily activities, work, and socialize with friends and family, and travel more freely to enjoy leisure.
In certain situations an assisted power option may reduce the amount of pressure being put on the person. They can also reduce the time required to perform tasks that require mobility, and make it easier for individuals to conquer obstacles such as stairs, inclines, or curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist devices come with the added benefit of being portable, enabling users to take their wheelchairs 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 transport to work or other occasions and then reattached when returning. This will allow people to continue to work for a salary or volunteer work, as well as other endeavours to continue to contribute to society and become a valued member of the community.
Non-folding power-assist gadgets are generally larger and heavier than their folding counterparts, but they can still be very compact when not in use. A lot of them can be folded and their accessories removed to save even more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of a regular family vehicle, which permits individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations and also visit relatives and friends.