Why You Should Be Working With This Power Assisted Self Propelled Wheelchair
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 required for propulsion. This results in lower heart rates, and less muscle fatigue.
The great aspect of these chairs is that they don't alter the appearance of a manual chair, and they are easy to transport. They are also very easy to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the highest level of stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, allowing the chair to take on difficult terrain like grass, gravel, or steps. This configuration is great for those who need to maneuver your wheelchair around tight spaces. You can easily turn sharply using the front drive.
During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will take into consideration which base and components meet your needs. In addition to the wheel configuration, the selection of an additional power assist add-on must also be considered. There are many options available 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 with different driving modes. The larger 'assist rim' gives extra power assistance to each push, which helps reduce fatigue and lets you get more out of each push. The smaller rim of the drive offers continuous power to make climbing easier. WheelDrive can be mounted on almost any manual wheelchair without additional components or modifications. It is also easy to switch between the two driving modes pressing the power button with a simple click.
The hub motor with a brushless design is powered by batteries of light weight that can be detached and fully charged in just two hours. Its compact size and user-friendly make it the perfect solution for those who need some extra assistance to travel long distances. The WheelDrive does not require any maintenance, unlike other battery powered power assist add-ons that can be quite complicated to keep in good working order.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs for more information and to witness an example if you're contemplating adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you're considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 powered wheelchair, the FrontDrive system standard comes with iLevel which raises the safe seat's elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to complete mobility related activities of daily living such as reaching, grooming and toileting at a more independent height, which can make you healthier and more joyfully.
Rear Power Assist add-ons
Power wheelchair accessories can cut down on the effort required to propel a manual wheelchair. They can also help maintain shoulder health and lessen the risk of injury that comes with repetitive, long-lasting, manual propulsion. The addition of power assist to your wheelchair allows you to travel further distances, traverse steep slopes and move through challenging terrain with more confidence.

The power add-ons for wheelchairs can be divided into three categories: rear attachments, which are similar to SmartDrive front attachments that raise the wheels of the casters of manual chairs off of the ground (similarly to a bicycle), and hybrid systems that combine both features. Front attachments are typically controlled by a hand-rim activated device such as the Alber Smoov or Klaxon Twist, while rear attachments are usually joystick-converting devices such as the Alber E-Motion or SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair accessories 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 rotation. The ones powered by batteries are typically lighter and more compact than those that use energy from the kinetic force to drive the wheels.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons. It attaches to either the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support and they are able to be adjusted by pressing one button. It is also simple to transfer from manual to power mode and then back again.
Another alternative is the BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel It also comes with three different levels of support and can be controlled with the joystick, which makes it ideal for users who require varying degrees of power assistance in different situations. These kinds of power accessories 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 when you are concerned about the effect of long-distance propulsion on your shoulders.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
A wheelchair for active users is one that is made for people who have an life in active ways and want to stay mobile and independent. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will not be as worn out. This also allows them to travel for longer distances through challenging terrain without assistance.
A wheelchair designed to be used in a busy environment will have a smaller frame to increase mobility. Furthermore self propelled wheelchair with removable arms are usually bigger than standard wheelchairs so that the user can easily reach them and propel themselves forward. The backrest is usually lower so that the user can move their arms and shoulders freely when self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to improve the efficiency of your wheelchair for active users. They can provide extra power when needed. This is useful when climbing up hills, traveling long distances or when the user is feeling exhausted. A powered accessory can be controlled by the user using voice commands or by adjusting their eyes, which can aid in independence and reduce the need for a person to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting method of improving mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of a wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled handbike that allows the user to travel faster and further than they could on their own. This is a great choice for people who want to commute to work, do some errands, or simply take a relaxing bike ride. A power bike accessory can be adjusted to suit the user's needs and preferences with a variety of rear wheel angle options available, as well as an adjustable seating tension and footrest position. This gives you the most flexibility and personalization.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs and replace their 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 alter programming, monitor battery level and fault detection remotely.
These are aftermarket attachments that can be connected 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 started through pressing a button or switch. It is controlled with the wristband wireless to start the motor and alter settings such as speed. Some also come with a built-in push tracker to keep record of how far the power add-on is used.
They allow people to travel further without fatigue and assist them to climb hills and other obstacles with ease. They are perfect for helping users remain independent by continuing to engage in daily activities and working, as well as socializing with friends and family, and move around more freely for leisure.
In some cases the use of power assist can help prevent sores caused by pressure by reducing the amount of force applied by the person. In addition, they have been shown to reduce the amount of time it takes for a person to perform activities that require mobility. They can also help them overcome obstacles like curb cuts.
Many power-assists that fold can be carried around, meaning that users can bring their wheelchair on family trips without the need for a van. They can be separated from the chair for travel to work or other occasions and then reattached when returning. This will allow people to keep their jobs, volunteer work and other efforts to contribute to society and become an integral part of the community.
Non-folding power-assist devices are typically larger and heavier than their folding counterparts, however they can still be very compact when not in use. They are often foldable and can have their accessories removed to create more space. They can be stored in the trunk of a regular family car, which allows people to travel with their families to work or other locations and also visit friends and relatives.