Why You'll Need To Read More About Power Assisted Self Propelled Wheelchair
Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Add-ons that offer power assist enable wheelchair users to travel farther and over more difficult terrain. They also reduce the amount of effort needed for propulsion, resulting in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
The good aspect of these chairs is that they don't alter the look of a manual chair, and they are easily transported. 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 let the chair take on difficult terrains such as grass, gravel or steps. This is an ideal choice if you require to maneuver your chair around tight spaces because it is easy to make sharp turns with the front drive.

When making a selection your therapist or assistant Technology Professional will consider which components and bases best meet your needs. A power assist auxiliary add-on is also important to consider. There are a variety of options for power assistance, such as front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel add-ons and rear-wheel add-ons.
The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on by Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design, which offers a variety of driving modes. The larger 'assist rim' offers additional power assistance with each push, which reduces fatigue and allows you to get more out of each push. The smaller 'drive' rim provides continuous power to aid in climbing. WheelDrive can be fitted to almost any manual wheelchair without any additional parts or modifications. It is also simple to switch between the two driving modes pressing the power button in a simple way.
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. Its compact design and simple operation makes it the perfect option for those who require an extra boost to travel further distances. The WheelDrive does not require maintenance unlike battery-powered power assist add-ons which can be difficult to maintain in good and in good working.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs to learn more and to view the demonstration if you're contemplating adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're thinking about the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair, the standard FrontDrive system includes iLevel, which increases the safe seat height up to 12 inches. This allows you to perform the mobility-related activities of daily living, such as getting up, grooming and toileting at a greater height, which will make your life more comfortable and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power add-ons for wheelchairs can be an excellent way to cut down on the amount of effort required to propel manually a chair. They also protect shoulder health and decrease the fear of injury that is associated with the repetitive, long-lasting manual propulsion. Adding power assist to your wheelchair will allow you to travel farther as well as traverse steep slopes. You can also maneuver in challenging environments with greater confidence.
The power add-ons for wheelchairs could be classified into three categories: rear attachments that are similar to the SmartDrive front attachments that raise the wheels of manual chairs off of the ground (similarly to a bicycle), and hybrid systems combining both features. Front attachments can be controlled with hand-rim-activated systems like the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Rear attachments are, on the other hand, are joystick conversion devices such as the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair power add-ons are powered by rechargeable batteries and others, like the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and are powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. The ones that are powered by batteries are usually lighter and more compact than those that rely on energy from the kinetic force to drive the wheels.
One of the most awaited wheelchair power add-ons is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axle of rigid and folding frame wheelchairs. It has three different support levels that can be changed with the press of one button. It is easy to switch between manual and powered mode and reverse the switch.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It has three levels of support, and can be operated by the joystick. This makes it ideal for people who require different degrees of assistance in different settings. These power add-ons can be beneficial in reducing the pressure on shoulders and elbows. This allows you to travel farther and with less effort. This is especially beneficial if you're concerned about the effects of self-propulsion for long distances on your shoulder health.
Active User Wheelchairs
Active user wheelchairs are designed for those who want to be mobile and independent and lead an active lifestyle. They are lighter and more maneuverable than standard self propelled wheelchairs, so users will have less wear and wear on their upper body. They can also travel over difficult terrain for longer distances without assistance.
A wheelchair designed for active lifestyles will have a smaller frame to increase mobility. The rear wheels of a wheelchair made for active use are typically larger than the standard ones to enable users to reach them easily and then propel themselves forward. The backrest is typically lower to allow the user to move their arms and shoulders freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to boost the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can supply additional power when required. This is useful when climbing up hills, travelling long distances or when the user is feeling exhausted. My Mobility Scooters can control a powered add-on via eye movements or voice commands. This can assist users to become more independent and less dependent on someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting method of improving mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair to transform it into a tri-wheeled handbike which allows the user to travel faster and further than they could on their own. This is a great option for people who want to commute to work, do around or just take a relaxing bike ride. The power bike can be customized to suit the requirements and preferences of the rider. There are different options for rear wheel angles as well as adjustable seat tension and footrest placement. This provides the ultimate in versatility and personalization.
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 operate and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. They are usually lightweight and feature advanced control systems that allow you to adjust programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket attachments that can be attached to a variety of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is started through pressing one button or switch. It is controlled using the wristband wireless to start the motor and change settings like speed. Some models come with an integrated push tracker that tracks how much power was using.
They permit individuals to travel longer distances without fatigue and help them climb slopes and other obstacles more easily. They enable users to maintain independence by completing regular activities, work and socializing with family and friends.
In some cases the use of a power-assist option may reduce the amount of pressure placed on the person. In addition they have been found to cut down on the time required for the person to complete activities that require mobility. They can also help them overcome obstacles like steps, inclines, and curb cuts.
Many foldable power-assist gadgets offer the added benefit of being able to be carried around, allowing users to carry their wheelchairs with them on trips in the family car without the need for a fully-equipped van. They can be detached from the chair for transportation to work or other occasions and then reattached upon return. This can help people maintain their paid job, volunteer work and other endeavors to remain a valued community member and contribute to society.
Non-folding power-assist devices are typically heavier and bulkier than their folding counterparts. However, they can still be very compact when not being used. Many 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 car, which allows people to travel with their families to work or other locations and also visit relatives and friends.