5 Clarifications On Power Assisted Self Propelled Wheelchair
Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that offer power assist for wheelchair users allow them to travel further and over more difficult terrain. lightweight self propelled folding wheelchair mymobilityscooters reduce the amount of effort needed for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The great thing about these chairs is that they don't alter the appearance of a manual chair and they are easy to transport. They are also easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive wheelchairs are the most robust and stable. The large drive wheels "grab" the road and let the chair tackle difficult terrain such as grass, gravel or steps. This is a great option if you have to maneuver your wheelchair around tight spaces. You can make sharp turns easily with the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components are best suited to your needs. An add-on for power assist is also something to consider. There are many options for power assistance, including 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 larger 'assist rim' provides extra power assistance to every push, which decreases fatigue and lets you increase the distance you push. While the smaller 'drive rim' provides continuous power to make it easier to climb. The WheelDrive is simple to install on any manual wheelchair without any additional parts or modifications and can be switched between the two driving modes with 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. Its compact design and simple operation make it an ideal option for those who require an extra boost when traveling further distances. The WheelDrive doesn't require any maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist accessories which can be a bit difficult to keep in good condition.
If you are considering adding a front-wheel drive wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for further details and an opportunity to see a demonstration. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair that comes with FrontDrive, the FrontDrive system comes standard with iLevel, which raises the safe seat height to 12 inches. This allows you to complete mobility related activities of daily living, such as reaching, grooming and toileting at a higher, more comfortable height, which will help you live healthier and happier.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power wheelchairs can help reduce the amount of effort required to propel a manual wheelchair. They can also help maintain shoulder health and decrease the fear of injury that can result from long-term, repetitive manual propulsion. You can go further, climb steep slopes, and maneuver through difficult conditions 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 larger centered wheel (similar to a bicycle) such as the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly and hybrid systems that include both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled by a hand-rim activated system, such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments on the rear, on the other hand 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, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor of the wheelchair and are powered by the kinetic energy of the wheel rotation. The ones powered by batteries are typically lighter and more compact than those that use energy generated by kinetic energy to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most sought-after wheelchair accessories. It attaches to either the rigid or folding frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they can be adjusted by pressing a button. It is easy to switch from manual mode to powered mode and reverse the switch.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It has three support levels, and can be controlled with a joystick. This makes it ideal for people who require different degrees of assistance in different situations. These types of power add-ons can also be used to help reduce the strain on your elbows and shoulders which allows you to go further and with less effort. This is particularly useful in the event that you are concerned about the effects of long-distance propulsion on your shoulders.
Active User Wheelchairs
An active user wheelchair is one that is made for people who have an in a busy lifestyle and want to remain mobile and independent. They are much lighter and easier to maneuver than standard self-propelled wheelchairs, meaning that users will have less wear and wear on their upper bodies. They can also travel for longer distances through challenging terrain without assistance.
A wheelchair designed for an active lifestyle typically has a smaller frame size that helps increase manoeuvrability. Furthermore, the rear wheels are generally larger than standard wheelchairs in order to enable the user to easily reach them and propel themselves forward. The backrest height is usually lower, allowing the user to move their arms and shoulders freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to improve the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can give you extra power when required. This is useful when climbing up hills, navigating long distances, or when the user is feeling exhausted. A powered accessory can be controlled by the user using voice commands or by moving their eyes, which could aid in independence and reduce the need for a person to push them.
The E-bike attachments to wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting method of increasing mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a tri-wheeled handbike, allowing the user to travel more quickly and farther than they would on their own. This is a great option for people who want to commute to work, do around or just enjoy a leisurely bike ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the preferences and needs of the rider. There are various options for rear wheel angles as well as adjustable the footrest and seat tension. This gives you the most customization and flexibility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are attached to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace their existing rear wheels. They are simple to operate and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. These are typically lightweight and offer advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be fitted to many manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing an appropriate button or switch and controlled by an electronic wristband. Some also come with a built-in push tracker to keep track of how long the power add-on has been used.
They permit individuals to travel greater distances without fatigue and aid them in climbing slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are perfect for those who want to keep their independence and continue to take part in everyday activities and work, socialize with friends and family and move around more freely for leisure.
In some cases the use of a power-assist option can help reduce the amount of pressure being exerted on the individual. They can also cut down on the amount of time needed to complete mobility tasks, and help individuals to conquer obstacles such as stairs, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many of the power assist products that fold can be carried around, meaning that wheelchair users can take their chair on family trips without having to use a van. They can be separated from the chair to travel to work or other events and then reattached on return. This could help people keep their paid employment, volunteering work and other endeavors to remain an active member of the community and contribute to society.
Non-folding power-assist devices are typically heavier and bulkier than their folding counterparts, but they can be compact when not being used. A lot of them can be folded and their accessories removed, which can save even more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of any family vehicle. This lets people travel with their families to work, to other locations and also to visit friends and family.