Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons with power assist allow wheelchair users to travel farther and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the effort needed for propulsion. This leads to lower heart rates, and less muscle fatigue.
The great thing about these chairs is that they don't alter the look of a manual chair, and they can be easily moved. They are also extremely simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are most robust and stable. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road and enable the chair to take on difficult terrains such as grass, gravel or steps. This is a great option for those who need to maneuver your wheelchair through tight spaces. You can easily turn sharply using the front drive.
When choosing a wheelchair your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components are best suited to your requirements. In addition to the wheel configuration, the selection of an additional power assist add-on should also be taken into consideration. There are many options for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel additions, and rear-wheel add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design that has different driving modes. The large 'assist ' rim gives extra power assistance to every push, which decreases fatigue and allows you to increase the distance you push. The smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power for easier climbing. The WheelDrive is easy to mount on virtually every manual wheelchair without any extra parts or modifications. It can be switched between two driving modes by pressing an intuitive power button.
The brushless hub motor is powered by lightweight batteries that can be detached and fully charged in under two hours. The compact design and easy operation makes it a perfect option for those who require an extra boost to travel further distances. The WheelDrive doesn't require any maintenance, unlike other battery powered power assist devices which can be quite complicated to keep in good condition.
If you're considering adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your existing manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for further information and a demonstration. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair it comes with iLevel. FrontDrive system standard comes with iLevel which raises the safe seat height to 12 inches. This allows you to complete everyday activities that require mobility such as toileting, reaching and grooming at a higher elevation.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the amount of effort required to propel manual wheelchairs. They can also help preserve the health of your shoulders and reduce the risk of injury that comes with continuous, repetitive, manual propulsion. You can go further, climb steep slopes, and maneuver in difficult environments by adding power assist to your chair.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs can be classified into three categories: rear attachments that are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments that 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 can be controlled using hand-rim-activated systems such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments on the rear, on the other hand are a joystick conversion device, like the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair add-ons utilize rechargeable batteries as do others such as the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation. These that are powered by a battery 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 well-known wheelchair add-ons. It can be attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three support levels, and they can be changed by pressing one button. It is also simple to switch from manual mode to power mode and then back again.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It has three support levels, and is also operated by the joystick. This makes it perfect for those who require different degrees of assistance in different settings. These power add-ons are also useful for reducing pressure on the shoulders and elbows. This allows you to go farther with less effort. This is particularly useful when you are concerned about the effects of propulsion for long distances on your shoulders.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are made for people who want to be independent and mobile and live a full life. They are lighter and more maneuverable than standard self propelled wheelchairs, which means that users will experience less wear and wear on their upper bodies. They can also travel over difficult terrains for longer distances with no assistance.
A wheelchair designed for active lifestyles will have smaller frames to improve mobility. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for active use are typically larger than standard ones, allowing the user to reach them easily and propel themselves forward. The backrest's height is often lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons are a excellent option to make your active user wheelchair more efficient, as they can provide additional power when required. This is helpful when climbing up hills, navigating long distances, or when the user is 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.
The E-bike attachments to wheelchairs are a new and exciting method of increasing mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front wheel of a wheelchair to transform it into a hand-bike that has three wheels, allowing riders to travel further and faster than they could by themselves. This is beneficial for people who are looking to commute to work or to run errands, or for those who simply would like to take a relaxing ride. A power bike can also be adjusted to meet the needs and preferences of the user, with different rear wheel angles available along with adjustable seating tension and footrest position. This gives you the most flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing their existing rear wheels. They are simple to use and permit the user to go longer distances with less effort. These are typically lightweight and feature advanced control systems to alter programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
self propelled wheelchair near me mymobilityscooters.uk are accessories from the aftermarket that can be affixed to a wide range of manual wheelchairs that fold, such as the SmartDrive MX2+. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch, and controlled with the wireless wristband. Some come with a built in push tracker that tracks the amount of power that was used.
They enable individuals to travel longer distances without fatigue and help them climb hills and other obstacles with ease. They are ideal for helping users maintain their independence by continuing to participate in daily activities and working, as well as socializing with friends and family, and move around more freely for leisure.
In certain instances using a power assist option can help prevent sores from pressure by reducing amount of force applied by the person. They also can reduce the time required to perform activities that require mobility and help individuals to conquer obstacles such as stairs, inclines, or curb cuts.
Many of the power assist products that fold can be carried around, meaning that users can take their wheelchair on family trips without having to use a van. They can be removed from the chair in order to travel for work or other activities, and then reattached when they return home. This will allow people to retain their paid employment or volunteer work, as well as other endeavours to continue to contribute to society and become an integral part of the community.
Power-assist devices that are not foldable are generally heavier and bulkier than their folding counterparts, but they can be compact when not in use. Many of them can be folded and their accessories removed to save 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.