Benefits of Power Assist for Manual Wheelchair

Nowadays there are limitless choices when it comes to mobility aid, your range can start ranging from as simple as a manual wheelchair to all terrain powered wheelchair. This choice doesn’t mean that going for all terrain wheelchair would be the best for you maybe you don’t use your mobility aid on uneven terrain but that is a totally different question.
A manual wheelchair is also a great option for people suffering from a lack of mobility as they are all rounded and durable in the long term and don’t require much maintenance compared to other powered wheelchairs. Manual wheelchair still does have its drawbacks like needing constant assistance as soon as you meet the slope or get tired as manual wheelchair mobility is directly proportioned to your strength in running it.

The bad thing about human strength is that at some point it will run out or maybe you won’t feel like exhausting yourself just to move and this is an obstacle many manual wheelchair user face. To get rid of this problem for once and for all, innovators have spent hours searching for a solution and perfected it. It is a ” power assist ” device for manual wheelchairs.

Understanding Power Assist Devices for Manual Wheelchairs

A power assist is a motorized accessory or a tool that can be attached to a manual wheelchair. Power assist device will aid in reducing energy expenditure of the user and propel the manual wheelchair with its powerful motor. This will drastically reduce the physical strain on the manual wheelchair user and prolong the distance a wheelchair user can travel with ease.

With a power, assist device you will gain independence to use manual wheelchairs in someplace where you couldn’t for example, on a ramp, or a carpet, or anywhere incline basically a place where you face resistance is where the power assist tool will aid you.

Key Benefits of Power Assist Tools

Power assist tools for manual wheelchairs offer numerous benefits to individuals with mobility limitations. Here are some of the advantages of using power assist tools in manual wheelchairs:

1. Increased Independence: Power assist tools enable individuals to maintain or regain their independence. They reduce the physical effort required to propel a manual wheelchair, allowing users to navigate various terrains and inclines with greater ease. This increased independence can enhance self confidence and improve the overall quality of life.
2. Reduced Physical Strain: Propelling a manual wheelchair can be physically demanding, especially for individuals with limited upper body strength or endurance. Power assist tools alleviate much of the strain by providing an additional boost of power, which reduces the effort required to propel the wheelchair. This can help prevent muscle fatigue, shoulder injuries, and other long term physical complications associated with manual wheelchair use.
3. Flexibility and Adaptability: Power assist tools can be added to most manual wheelchairs, making them highly adaptable. Users can choose from various types of power assist mechanisms, such as add on motors, power wheels, or push rims with built in power assist. This versatility allows individuals to customize their wheelchairs to suit their specific needs and preferences.
4. Ease of Use: Most power assist tools are designed to be user friendly, with intuitive controls and simple operation. They can be easily activated or deactivated, allowing users to switch between manual and powered modes as needed. This ease of use ensures a smooth transition for individuals who may have limited experience or familiarity with powered mobility devices.

Top Recommended Power Assist Devices

Smart Drive from Permobil Manual Wheelchair Power Assist

The Smart Drive from Permobil is a popular manual wheelchair power assist system that does offer many benefits that will make it an ideal choice for many manual wheelchair users. Also, this device is FSA approved.

• Portable and Lightweight: The Smart Drive system is designed to be lightweight and easily portable. The motor and battery components are compact, making it convenient to transport and install on different manual wheelchairs.
• Intuitive Controls: The Smart Drive features intuitive controls that are easy to operate. It utilizes a wireless wristband or push tracker to control the motor, allowing users to start, stop, and adjust the speed of the power assist with simple gestures.
• Customizable Speed Settings: The Smart Drive offers customizable speed settings to accommodate individual preferences and varying environments. Users can adjust the power assist speed to match their desired level of assistance, whether it’s for navigating tight spaces or traveling on open roads.
• Automatic Braking and Anti Rollback: The Smart Drive includes automatic braking and anti rollback features for enhanced safety. When the user stops pushing, the system engages the brakes automatically to prevent unintended movement. The anti rollback feature ensures that the wheelchair remains stationary on inclines or declines.
• Compatibility with Various Wheelchairs: The Smart Drive is designed to be compatible with a wide range of manual wheelchairs, including folding, rigid, and tilt in space models. It can be easily installed and removed without the need for extensive modifications to the wheelchair.
• Durability and Weather Resistance: The Smart Drive is built to withstand daily use and various weather conditions. It is constructed with durable materials that can handle the rigors of everyday activities, ensuring long lasting performance and reliability.

Sunrise Medical Xtender Power Assist

The Xtender Power Assist from Sunrise Medical is a highly regarded power assist system designed for manual wheelchairs. It is one of the best power assist devices available in the market.

• Dual Wheel Power Assist: The Xtender SM XTENDER utilizes dual wheel power assist technology. It features two motorized wheels that provide propulsion assistance, making it easier for users to propel their manual wheelchair over various terrains and inclines.
• Quick and Easy Installation: The Xtender is designed for easy installation on a wide range of manual wheelchairs. It can be quickly attached to the rear of the wheelchair frame without the need for extensive modifications, ensuring a hassle free setup process.
• Reverse Mode: The Xtender SM XTENDER includes a reverse mode that enables users to maneuver in tight spaces or navigate obstacles more easily. The reverse function allows for greater maneuverability and flexibility in various environments.
• Adaptive Assist Technology: The Xtender features adaptive assist technology that responds to the user’s pushing force. It seamlessly integrates with the user’s natural propulsion motion, providing assistance when needed and adapting to changes in pushing force in real time.
• Durability and Weather Resistance: It’s created with the ability to withstand the hard weather of the outside and is built to withstand daily torture. It is constructed with durable materials that can handle different environmental conditions, providing reliable performance in various situations.

Conclusion

power assist tools for wheelchairs offer a multitude of benefits that significantly enhance the mobility and independence of individuals with manual wheelchairs. By reducing physical strain, increasing ease of use, and improving accessibility, power assist tools empower users to navigate diverse terrains and overcome obstacles with greater confidence and efficiency.

Whether it’s the Smart Drive from Permobil or the Xtender Power Assist from Sunrise Medical, these innovative technologies are transforming the wheelchair experience, providing users with newfound freedom and opportunities. Embracing power assist tools opens doors to new horizons, empowering individuals to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Visit Cura360 for useful product information and photos of power assist devices. At Cura360, we are waiting to help you make the perfect decision regarding you improving your independence and mobility.

Send us a message in our chat box, and we will get back to you ASAP. You can also request a call back by clicking on the “call back” button or calling us at 1-833-207-3433.