Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs

Add-ons that offer power assist allow wheelchair users to move further and traverse more difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of effort needed to propel the wheelchair self propelled, which results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.

The great thing about these devices is that they don't alter the style of a manual chair, and they are easily transported. They are also easy to use.

WheelDrive

Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the most stable and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and allow the chair to navigate difficult terrain like gravel, grass, or steps. This configuration is also an ideal choice if you have to maneuver your chair around tight spaces as it is easy to make sharp turns using the front drive.

When choosing a wheelchair your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components will best suit your needs. In addition to the wheel configuration, the selection of an additional power assist add-on should be taken into consideration. There are a variety of options for power assist, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel 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 wheel' provides you extra power with each push. This reduces fatigue, and lets you get further ahead with each push. The smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power to aid in climbing. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on almost every manual wheelchair with no 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 an electric hub motor that is powered by detachable light batteries that can be fully charged in less than two hours. The compact design and easy operation makes it a perfect solution for people who need an extra boost to travel further distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance, unlike battery-powered power assist systems which can be difficult to keep in working and in good working.

We suggest that you speak with one of our ATPs to learn more and to witness the demonstration if you're contemplating adding a power wheelchair that has front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the brand 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 everyday activities that require mobility living such as toileting, grooming, and reaching at a higher, more comfortable height, which can make your life more comfortable and more joyfully.

Rear Power Assist add-ons

Power wheelchair add-ons can reduce the amount of effort required to propel a manual wheelchair. They also aid in maintaining the health of your shoulders and reduce the fear of injury associated with continuous, repetitive manual propulsion. Adding power assisted Self propelled wheelchair assist to your wheelchair enables you to travel farther as well as traverse steep slopes. You can also move through challenging terrain with greater confidence.

Wheelchair power add-ons are categorized 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 larger, centered wheel (similar to bicycles) such as the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly, and hybrid systems that include both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled with a hand-rim-activated system such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Rear attachments are, however are a joystick conversion device such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.

Some of these wheelchair power add-ons are powered by a rechargeable battery, while 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. These that are powered by batteries are usually lighter and compact than those that are driven by kinetic energy from the wheel's rotation.

One of the most awaited wheelchair power add-ons is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of rigid and folding frame wheelchairs. It comes with three different levels of support that can be changed with the press of a button. It is easy to switch from manual to powered mode and vice versa.

Another option is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel that comes with three different support levels and can be controlled by the joystick, making it ideal for people who require different levels of power assistance in different situations. These kinds of power add-ons can also help reduce the pressure on elbows and shoulders, allowing you to go further and with less effort. This can be particularly helpful in the event that you're concerned about the effects of self propelled wheelchair with attendant brakes-propulsion over long distances on the health of your shoulder.

Active Wheelchairs for Users

Active user wheelchairs are designed for those who want to be independent and mobile and Power assisted self Propelled wheelchair live a full life. These wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than self propelled wheelchair with attendant brakes-propelled ones. This means that the upper body will be less exhausted. They are also able to travel on difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.

A wheelchair that is designed for an active lifestyle typically has a smaller frame size to help increase mobility. The rear wheels of a wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle are usually larger than the standard ones to enable the user to reach them easily and propel themselves forward. The backrest is usually lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self propelled wheelchair with removable arms-propelling.

These add-ons powered by electricity can be used to increase the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can give you extra power when needed. This can be helpful for climbing up hills, navigating long distances, or when the user is feeling exhausted. A powered add-on can be controlled by the user through voice commands or by adjusting their eyes. This can aid in independence and reduce the need for power assisted self propelled wheelchair someone to push them.

E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting way to improve mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of the wheelchair and transform it into a tri-wheeled hand bike, allowing the user to travel faster and farther than they would on their own. This is beneficial for people who are looking to commute to work or to run errands, or simply want to enjoy a leisurely ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the preferences and needs of the user. There are a variety of options for rear wheel angles and also adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This gives you the most flexibility and individualization.

Foldable Power Assist Device

Power add-ons are 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. These are typically lightweight self propelling wheelchair and feature advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.

These are aftermarket components 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 the wristband wireless to start the motor and adjust settings like speed. Some come with an integrated push tracker that tracks how much power the add-on was using.

They permit individuals to travel greater distances without getting tired and can assist them to climb slopes and other obstacles with ease. They enable users to maintain independence by completing daily activities, work and having fun with friends and family.

In some instances using an assist device can prevent pressure sores by reducing the amount of force being exerted by the individual. They also can reduce the time required to complete mobility tasks, and make it easier for individuals to conquer obstacles such as stairs, inclines, or curb cuts.

Many power-assist devices that fold have the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing users to take their wheelchairs along on trips in the family car 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 after they return home. This will allow people to continue their paid employment, volunteering activities and other commitments to remain an integral part of their community and contribute to society.

When not in use non-folding power assist devices are usually heavier and bulkier. A lot of them can be folded and have their accessories removed to free even more space. They can be put in the trunk of a family car, allowing individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations and also visit friends and relatives.