Power assist wheels have the same concept as push rim wheels, but have a motor attached. Once the user pushes the chair, the motor kicks on to assists in propelling the wheelchair farther.
Benefits:
- Power assist rims benefit individual who have some strength to push a wheelchair, but occasionally need assistance
- Help to relieve a lot of pressure and strain from the shoulder muscles and joints
- Frequently the power assist adaptation will fit almost any wheelchair and any existing wheel on the individual’s wheelchair
- Programmable parameters to customize the strength of the power assist
Limitations:
- The largest limitation of power assist wheelchairs is the cost. Power assist adaptations typically cost around $6,000
Recommended for:
- Power assist adaptations for manual push rim wheelchairs are recommended most for wheelchair users who are in between using a standard manual wheelchair and a power wheelchair
- Wheelchair users who have a manual wheelchair but feel excessive strain and muscle weakness in the shoulder and upper arm would benefit the most from this added modification
wheelchair advance 