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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 to propel. This results in lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue. These devices are easy to transport and don't change the look of manual chairs. 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 allow the chair to navigate difficult terrain like gravel, grass, or steps. This is an excellent option for those who have to maneuver your chair in tight spaces as you can easily make sharp turns with the front drive. During the wheelchair selection process your therapist or Assistant Technology Professional (ATP) will consider what base and components meet your needs. In addition to the drive wheel configuration, the choice of an auxiliary power assist add-on should be considered. There are a variety of options for power assistance, including front-wheel add-ons, mid-wheel add-ons and rear-wheel add-ons. The brand new and relaunched WheelDrive add-on from Sunrise Medical features a dual rim design that provides different driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' provides you extra power with each push. This helps reduce fatigue and lets you increase your speed with each push. The smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power to aid in climbing. The WheelDrive can be mounted on virtually every manual wheelchair, without the need for additional components or modifications. It can be switched between the two driving modes using an intuitive power button. The power assistance is provided by the hub motor, which is a brushless design. It is powered by detachable light batteries and can be fully charged in less than two hours. Its small size and ease of use make it a perfect choice for those who need an extra helping hand to travel long distances. The WheelDrive doesn't require any maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist add-ons, which can often be quite complicated to keep in good working order. If you're thinking of adding a front-wheel drive power wheelchair to your manual wheelchair, we recommend that you speak to 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 comes standard with iLevel that raises the safe seat elevation to 12 inches. This allows you to complete the mobility-related activities of daily living such as toileting, grooming, and reaching at a higher, more comfortable height, which will make your life more comfortable and happier. Rear Power Assist Add-ons Power add-ons for wheelchairs are an excellent way to cut down on the amount of effort it takes to push a manual chair. They also aid in maintaining shoulder health and ease the risk of injury that comes with sustained, repetitive manual propulsion. By adding power assist to your wheelchair will allow you to travel farther, climb steep slopes and maneuver in challenging environments with greater confidence. Wheelchair power accessories are classified into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive), front attachments that lift the caster wheels of a manual wheelchair off the ground and replace them with a bigger centered wheel (similar to bicycles) like the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly, and hybrid systems that include both of these features. Front attachments are usually 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 power accessories are powered by a rechargeable battery and others, like the WheelDrive, are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel's rotation. These that are powered by batteries are typically lighter and compact than those that are powered by the kinetic energy generated by the wheel rotation. One of the most popular wheelchair power accessories is the Spinergy ZX-1, which attaches to the back axel of folding and rigid frame wheelchairs. It has three different support levels that can be adjusted with the push of a button. It is simple to switch from manual to powered mode and vice versa. The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another option. It comes with three levels of support, and can also be operated by a joystick. This makes it perfect for people who require different degrees of assistance in different environments. These kinds of power accessories can also help reduce the strain on your elbows and shoulders which allows you to go further with less effort. This is particularly beneficial if you are concerned about the impact of propulsion over long distances on your shoulders. Active Wheelchairs for Users Active user wheelchairs are made for those who want to be independent and mobile and lead an active lifestyle. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will not be as worn out. They are also able to travel on difficult terrains for longer distances with no 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 usually larger than standard ones to allow users to reach them easily and then propel themselves forward. The backrest height is often lower to allow the user to move their shoulders and arms freely when self-propelling. These add-ons powered by electricity can be used to boost the performance of your wheelchair for active users. lightweight self propelled folding wheelchair can provide extra power when required. This is useful when climbing up hills, travelling long distances or when the user is exhausted. The user can control an accessory powered via eye movements or voice commands. This can allow them to be more independent and reduce the need for someone else to push them. The E-bike attachments to wheelchairs are an innovative and exciting method of increasing mobility and efficiency. These attach to the front of a wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled hand bike which allows the user to travel more quickly and farther than they would on their own. This can be beneficial for those who want to commute to work or run errands, or just would like to take a relaxing ride. The power bike can be adapted to meet the needs and preferences of the user. There are various options for rear wheel angles as well as adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This offers the ultimate in flexibility and individualization. Foldable Power Assist Device Power add-ons are connected to the rear wheels of manual wheelchairs to replace their current rear wheels. They are easy to operate and allow the user more distances to be covered with less effort. These are typically lightweight and feature advanced control systems to alter programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely. These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be affixed to a wide range of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ or Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch, and controlled by a wireless wristband. Some models also have a built-in push tracker to keep track of how long the power add-on has been utilized. They permit people to travel further without fatigue and help them climb slopes and other obstacles more easily. They allow users to maintain independence by continuing with daily activities, work and socializing with family and friends. In some cases, the use of power assist can help prevent sores caused by pressure by reducing the amount of force put on the body by the user. They also can reduce the time required to perform mobility tasks, and make it easier for people to get over obstacles like stairs, inclines, or curb cuts. Many power-assists that fold are portable, which means 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 after they return home. This could help people keep their job, volunteer work and other endeavors to continue to be an active member of the community and contribute to the society. When not in use, non-folding power assist devices are typically heavier and bulkier. They can be folded and their accessories removed, which can save even more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of a regular family car, which allows individuals to travel with their families to work or other locations and visit relatives and friends.