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If you've ever been on a roadtrip in the U.S. then you've probably seen an Electric Wheelchair Attachment in action and you didn't even realize it. Imagine all the crazy terrain we come across in nature... gravel paths, grassy hills, dirt patches, tree roots. How do wheelchair users navigate all that whacky terrain without tiring their arms or limiting their fun?
The Best Wheelchair Attachments are single-wheeled, add-on accessories that you can snap on to the front of your manual wheelchair in less than a minute. If you haven't been on a roadtrip lately, let us fill you in: Electric Wheelchair Attachments and Handcycles are SUPER popular right now. What's not to love about them? They’re easy to operate, fun to drive, and take us to places we really couldn’t get to otherwise.
With the rising demand for Electric Wheelchair Attachments, the number of companies producing power assisted add-ons for manual wheelchairs has increased. More options means more competition for the manufacturers, but it's also led to a drop in cost for the Average Joe.
With so many options, it can be overwhelming deciding which one is right for you. Here at American Mobility Specialists our goal is to educate our customers on their options. This guide aims to provide a detailed overview of the Best Electric Wheelchair Attachments and Handcycles available in 2023.
An electric or manual wheelchair attachment is a single-wheeled add-on used by active wheelchair users who want to access hard-to-get-to places or just get some exercise. The add-on clips to the front of your personal manual wheelchair in less than a minute and uses electric or manual power from your arms to propel your wheelchair forward.
Wheelchair Attachments are useful for active wheelchair users who live in hilly cities like San Francisco where even 1 city block can be hard to navigate in a wheelchair. Electric wheelchair attachments are especially useful for people who like to explore the outdoors since they can rely on electric power to get them where they want to go without breaking a sweat.
There are 3 different types of manual wheelchair attachments for active user wheelchairs. Remember, we're focusing on powered add-ons for people personally operating their own wheelchair.
In this guide we will explore the benefits of the different attachment types. Let's get started!
Fully electric attachments for manual wheelchair are battery-powered add-ons that turn your wheelchair into a sporty 3-wheeler. Most fully electric options have top speeds of 10 - 15 miles per hour with a range of 15 - 18 miles on a single charge.
Electric attachments are great for manual wheelchair users who don't have much arm strength or have joint pain that makes cycling with their arms difficult. Just snap the attachment in place and push the power throttle with your thumb to start your ride and regulate your speed. Most electric attachments also have a separate brake lever so you can slow down and stop safely on hills and corners.
Like the name describes, manual handcycles work a lot like a bicycle where power comes from the user's physical effort. But with handycles, all of the energy comes from the user's arms. Most handcycles have a gear system (like a mountain bike) that improves the energy output from the user so you won't get tired quickly while pedaling. This is perfect for long rides and hills since you can shift gears for a comfortable drive.
Manual handcycles turn your wheelchair into a bicycle for your hands. The biggest advantage to handcycling is it's a GREAT form of of exercise for your arms, chest, and abdomen. You can also go a lot further with a handcycle than a manual wheelchair alone because you can coast on flat, paved surfaces with very little effort.
Electric-assisted handcycles are hybrid wheelchair attachments that let you pick between electric or manual power. Feeling tired after pedaling for a long time? Just switch over to electric power and let the battery do all the work. Want to get some exercise? Just grab the hand pedals and go to work!
Hybrid handcycles are popular for people who expect to use their manual wheelchair attachment a lot and want the option to switch between cycling with their arms and letting the battery do all the work. Hybrids really are the best of both worlds if you want to use your wheelchair attachment in all kinds of different settings.
The best manual wheelchair attachments are made with lightweight aluminum frames so you can transport your add-on easily in the back of a car or on a flight. High quality aluminum also reduces vibration for the user and is more durable so your attachment will last for many years without breaking down.
You also want to consider the comfortability of the attachment you choose... nobody wants to buy an expensive wheelchair add-on only to find it is too uncomfortable to use. The best attachments and handcycles have ergonomic handlebar grips and the ability to adjust the handlebar height so your wrists and forearms won't ache after a long day of cycling.
You also want to consider the amount of time it takes to attach and detach your wheelchair attachment when it's not in use. Wrestling with your wheelchair attachment for longer than a minute is super frustrating. A lot of high-quality wheelchair attachments actually have kickstands like a bike so you can stand them upright when you detach if you just need to wheel inside a store or up to a table for a meal but don't want to lay your attachment down on the ground.
If you're using a fully-electric or hybrid wheelchair attachment then you have to consider the battery longevity before you purchase. Do you expect to use your manual wheelchair attachment over distances longer than 10 miles? The last thing you want is to get stranded on a hillside with a dead battery. High-quality wheelchair attachments have specially-designed batteries that will carry you between 15 - 18 miles on a single charge. That's a long ride!
This should go without saying, but you should consider the average and top speed of the wheelchair attachment you are thinking about buying. The best electric wheelchair attachments have speed settings that allow you to turn down the power so you can coast along at a comfortable cruising speed or maneuver tight spaces. Then you can power up for a more sporty experience or if you just need to get to your destination quicker.
Yes, you speed demons - brakes matter too! Whenever you're dealing with higher speeds you want to make sure you have durable, trustworthy brakes that will work for a long time and won't wear out quickly. The best wheelchair attachments have brake levers near your hands so you can react quickly and stop on a dime.
Different wheelchair handcycles and electric attachments have different turning radiuses. The great thing about the 3-wheel setup with manual wheelchair attachments is you can make really tight turns - even tighter than most mobility scooters. Consider whether you're going to be using your wheelchair attachments outdoors or indoors. If you think you'll be using your wheelchair attachment indoors, be sure to measure your doorways to make sure you can get around your house, school, or office comfortably.
Some attachments are specifically designed for outdoor use, while others are more suitable for indoor use. If you plan to use your wheelchair attachment outdoors, you may consider attachments such as power-assist wheels or handcycles, which are suitable for rough terrain. On the other hand, if you need to navigate tight indoor spaces, you may want to consider smaller attachments such as a joystick or a power add-on.
The frequency of use will affect the type of attachment you choose. If you plan to use your attachment regularly, you may want to consider more durable and high-performance options. Alternatively, if you only need to use your attachment occasionally, a more basic and affordable option may suffice.
It's essential to consider storage when purchasing a wheelchair attachment. Some attachments are more compact and easier to store, while others require more space. If you have limited storage space, you may want to consider a more compact option or attachments that can be easily disassembled for storage.
The answer to this question will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some people may be looking for attachments that provide more independence and freedom, while others may be more interested in attachments that offer increased comfort and convenience. It's important to consider your individual goals and needs when choosing a wheelchair attachment.
The type of attachment you choose will depend on your intended use. If you plan to use your attachment indoors, you may want to consider attachments that are more maneuverable and compact. Alternatively, if you plan to use your attachment outdoors, you may want to consider attachments that are more durable and capable of handling rough terrain.
Wheelchair attachments can vary widely in price, so it's important to consider your budget when choosing an attachment. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the type of attachment you choose. It's important to balance your budget with the features and functionality you need in a wheelchair attachment to find the best option for your needs.
