Independent Living | 17 Comments |
Powered Wheelchairs
On this page are some of the latest developments in powered wheelchair technology, and lower down there is a range of general information about powered wheelchairs.
You can click to go straight to more on:
Power Pack Add-Ons (convert a manual chair to a powered one)
This includes power assistance for self-propelling, power packs to assist a carer, stair climbing power add-on and power trike add-on, to convert a manual chair into a powered three wheeler.
To explore the different components of a power chair, visit Powered wheelchair components and features
or, you can download a PDF with all the information – Choosing a powered wheelchair
If you are considering a powered wheelchair for the first time, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account, and it is important that you try before you buy – either by making an appointment at your local Disabled Living Centre or by taking advantage of the home demonstration facility offered by many suppliers.
The prize-winning Atigra (left) is a mid-wheel powerchair, which has been designed to be easily configurable, using just a few tools.
It can be adjusted with the user seated, making it easy to ensure that all the elements are set to suit them exactly.
The chassis benefits from patented ATR suspension, which gives a comfortable ride, even over the sort of undulating ground that is traditionally a problem for mid-wheeled chairs. It has powerful 300 W motors to cope with challenging terrain.
Power Add-ons
Users of manual wheelchairs, whether self-propelled or attendant-assisted, can sometimes do with some help – and this is increasingly available in the form of add-on power units. In this way, you can retain the advantages of a manual chair, while getting extra assistance, depending on the system chosen, for long journeys, hills, rough terrain…
Most power packs are designed to be used with most manual wheelchairs – but you really do need to check before you buy!
Click to go straight to more information on:
Power assistance for self-propelling
Power assistance for the carer
Assistance with stair climbing
Convert to a powered handcycle
Power assistance for self-propelling
You can add power to self-propelling wheelchairs with a clever wheel-mounted system, such as the one shown on the right.
The motors are mounted in the wheel hubs, and activated by pushing the handrims, so the user propels their chair in the normal way, but with extra power at their disposal, making the system intuitive and easy to use.
Batteries are rechargeable, of course, and the power is variable, so that you can have more when you need it – to go uphill, perhaps, – and less for when you are just moving around indoors.
The system can be retro-fitted to most manual chairs, so you can continue to use a wheelchair that has been adjusted to suit you.
Power assistance for the carer
All-in-one power packs that fit onto the back of the frame of most manual wheelchairs can be attached and detached very quickly, once the holding bracket has been fitted.
They enable the carer to push the wheelchair with less effort, allowing longer journeys or more difficult terrain to be tackled. The maximum speed is between about 2 and 4 mph, and the drive is controlled by the carer using a control that clips to one or other of the push handles.
The unit shown on the left has twin drive wheels for greater traction, and includes reverse as well as forward propulsion. It is suitable for users up to 21 stone.
An alternative to the rear-mounted power pack is a wheel replacement system, such as the SD Motion Drive (right). This system can be controlled from the rear push handles, or alternatively, by the wheelchair user, employing a joystick.
Sophisticated units like these at the top end of the market, have additional features, such as reverse gear. Unlike the majority of rear-mounted power packs, those mounted in the wheel hubs can remain in place when a chair is folded for transportation.
Whatever system you choose, add-on power packs are not intended for full-time use, but rather as an occasional assistance. A power wheelchair or scooter is probably a more suitable choice if you need the power all the time.
And bear in mind that battery ranges are affected by factors such as the weight of the user, the roughness of the ground and steepness of hills – you don’t want to find yourself without power just when you need it most!
Assistance with stair climbing
For assistance specifically with stairclimbing, an add-on such as the S-max (left) could be ideal.
This unit has been designed to work with virtually any attendant-operated wheelchair, once it has been fitted with the right connecting bracket, and will enable one person to transport a user in their wheelchair up or down stairs.
Depending on factors such as the weight of the wheelchair and user, height of steps, etc, the stairclimber will tackle up to 300 steps on one charge. It can be fitted and uncoupled quickly and easily, and used on any sort of floor covering without damage.
Convert your wheelchair into a powered handcycle
If you fancy powering your way across the countryside, a robust unit that converts almost any rigid manual wheelchair into a powered hand cycle could be the answer. The simple docking system is permanently mounted to the wheelchair, and the unit can then be connected and removed in seconds. It is very light, adding about one kilogram to the weight of the chair.
Mobility retailers will be required to have training, in order to make scooter and power chair use safer. TGA Mobility looks at the new drive for safety.
Karma Mobility has produced an interesting overview of the powerchair industry, past, present and future.
17 Replies to “Powered Wheelchairs”
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I am interested in a power pack for my husband’s manual wheelchair to assist me when I am pushing him
Thank you
Hi Joyce,
The best way to get more information about a power pack for your husband’s manual wheelchair is to get in contact directly with the suppliers listed in the righthand sidebar. I am sure they will be pleased to help you out.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything else you want to ask.
Best wishes,
Liane
I’m interested in purchasing the add on that converts the wheelchair to a motorised one . Would you be kind enough to have someone call me so we can discuss this further..
MANY THANKS
KARL PENNANT
Hi Karl,
The best way to get more information on the add-ons that convert the wheelchair to a motorised one is by contacting the suppliers directly by email:
AAT Stairclimbers – info@aatgb.com
Drive DeVilbiss – info@drivedevilbiss.co.uk
Steering Developments – info@steeringdevelopments.co.uk
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to come back to me if you have any other questions.
Best wishes,
Liane
We have a add on power pack for the wheelchair, that is quite large and sticks out past the end of the wheelchair, which makes for a very uncomfortable guidance position for the wheelchair pusher. Is there anything available to extend the handlebars out, as all I’ve been able to find are handlebars for taller people that extend upwards
Hello Elaine
That is a very interesting question, and although I feel that there really should be an accessory of this kind, I don’t know of one off the top of my head.
I will make some enquiries, and let you know what I come across.
Best wishes,
Frances
Please can you tell me which electric mobility scooters and/or electric wheelchairs are suitable for very hilly areas as all the roads leading into our town in Lancashire are steep. Many thanks.
Hello Hazel
Horizon Mobility makes very robust scooters, suitable for hills and rough terrain. You can contact them by phone 01684 275626 or email. There is more information about the scooters on this page:
https://www.independentliving.co.uk/supplier/horizon-mobility/
You need to make sure that a scooter is suitable, rather than a powerchair. Reasonable balance and upper body strength are required in order to drive one.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Frances
A single motor chair for about the bungalow and patio for a small 5ft 8 stone lady with no driving experiences any help appreciated.
Hello Terry
A mid wheel drive chair generally offers good control and manoeuvrability in confined spaces, such as inside the home. Rear wheel drive gives stability for outdoor travel and on uneven terrain. You also need to think about comfort – what sort of seating would suit her best; will she be using the chair occasionally or all/most of the time? And perhaps also portability: would it be useful to have a chair that can be taken apart and stowed in the boot of the car for use on outings?
You will see in the right-hand sidebar on this page a number of helpful wheelchair suppliers are listed. If you contact any of them directly, I am sure they will be happy to advise you about suitable chairs in their range.
Best wishes,
Frances
Your mother needs to have a NHS wheelchair assessment. The GP will refer her to the local Centre. They
are the experts & will measure her etc and recommend a wheelchair/powerchair to suit her individual
needs
Hello which would be the best folding powered wheelchair which can also be pushed by the carer? I am buying the first chair for my mother after her stroke and she will take some time to learn the controls so I want to be able to push her as well. I need to purchase this tomorrow as I am collecting her on Saturday.
I wouldn’t recommend buying a chair without first making sure that it is suitable for your mother – right size, right features, controls she is able to manage, et cetera – so going out to buy one tomorrow may not be the best idea. It is easy to make an expensive mistake. If you are very keen to get a chair as quickly as possible, maybe an idea to hire one?
You can contact Mobility Hire by phone, Freephone 0800 111 6234 or email ilw@mobilityhire.com or if you are in London and the south-east, Wheelfreedom – phone, Freephone: 0800 046 3502 or email enquiries@wheelfreedom.com
Hello my husband has a brain injury after suffering cardiac arrest 2 years ago. He does not have great mobility and can only walk very short distances. We have just been on a holiday to Centre Parcs. I took his normal wheelchair, I had to push him up and down hills and I found it very difficult. He is not cognitive enough to drive a powered wheelchair, any help as I would like to see if I could get something that would help me to push him when going up and down hills. He is nearly 14 stone and it’s not easy for me. Thank you.
Hello Linda
You can get a powerpack to take the strain out of pushing. AAT has one that is compatible with most manual wheelchairs – you can see more about it and get in touch with them if you wish on this page http://www.independentliving.co.uk/product/aat-v-max-and-v-max-plus/.
If your husband gets the enhanced rate of PIP, you can use it to fund a wheelchair and powerpack combination on the Motability scheme (unless you’re already using it to lease a vehicle).
You could also hire one first, to see how you get on with it. Mobility Hire can help with this – http://www.independentliving.co.uk/supplier/mobility-hire/
Best wishes,
Frances
My friends have a wheelchair. The wife is blind so could not in any way use a motorised wheelchair by herself. What would be the best solution by way of a motorised wheelchair to make life easier? Molly
Hello Molly – is it the wheelchair user or the carer who is blind? What sort of wheelchair do they have?