Whether you are new to wheeled mobility or have been in a manual wheelchair for years, considering a power wheelchair is a big deal.

Why?

• A power wheelchair may mean changing my environment to accommodate a new chair footprint
• A power wheelchair changes how I travel: need an accessible van or lift
• A power wheelchair is bigger and more noticeable

Not sure which mobility base is right for you? Learn more here

Different client populations can benefit from a power assist device including pediatric clients and foot propellers. Learn more about how SmartDrive can work for you.

How did Aaron and Julie know that SmartDrive was right for them?

Julie lives alone and works to support herself. For years Julie suffered from shoulder pain and lack of endurance when propelling her wheelchair. She would get home from work and be too tired and sore to transfer out of her wheelchair or do basic ADL’s like cooking. Julie got her SmartDrive in 2016 and it has completely changed her life. She does the things she loves and no longer needs a caregiver for daily chores

Aaron is married and is always pushing his limits and trying new things. Aaron admits that before SmartDrive there were opportunities that he had to say no to since he knew his physical limitations. Since he’s chose to include SmartDrive as a part of his manual mobility he can say yes to more and his world is open to even more opportunities..

Is SmartDrive right for you? Take this quiz to find out

SmartDrive

Power assist in general is the use of technology to assist with the “push” phase of independent manual wheelchair propulsion. SmartDrive is a power assist method that uses a single motor add-on component that weighs approximately 12.5lbs and is detachable. 

There are two options for controlling the device, offering access to people with varying levels of ability. The device can be used only when needed throughout the day, without having to be removed when not in use.

Learn more about SmartDrive

 

PushTracker E2

The Pushtracker E2 is a wearable Smart band that allows you to turn the device on/off, easily change profile modes, and review system usage. 

When using the Pushtracker E2, tap gestures to the drive wheel are recognized, and they signal the motor via Bluetooth. A double tap activates the motor. It then begins to accelerate at a rate programmed by the end user or therapist. A single tap locks in the speed, at which point all the user needs to do is steer the chair. When the user wants to stop, another double tap disengages the motor, at which point the user will coast and brake with their hands. Want to see it in Action? 

Learn more about the Pushtracker E2

 

SwitchControl

With the push of a button you can get a momentary burst of power or you can activate the SmartDrive in latched mode for consistent power over time.

Learn more about SwitchControl

For someone who uses a wheelchair, something as simple as being invited by friends for dinner can cause anxiety or require significant planning. Aaron shares that a nice offer from his friends would cause him fear and anxiety, and he would often decline. Some of his concerns included:

• Will I be able to transfer in/out of the Uber?
• Will my chair fit in the car?
• Is there a bathroom, where is it, is it accessible?
• How is the restaurant set up, will I be able to get to the bathroom quickly?
• Is the restaurant up a hill, will there be grass or gravel to go over?
• Will there be someone to help me?

See how Aaron travels with SmartDrive on Catalina Island

Wondering if SmartDrive works with your lifestyle? Learn how to customize your SmartDrive experience 

Shoulder pain is a real issue for manual wheelchair users. The average manual wheelchair user pushes 2000-3000x’s per day to accomplish daily tasks. Add to this the stress of multiple daily transfers and overhead reaching on the shoulders. 

Could you benefit from a power assist device? Check out our blog

Julie's physical & functional benefits

Julie experienced this pain for years as well as lack of endurance for even basic ADL’s (activities of daily living). With SmartDrive Julie has experienced the following benefits:

Aaron's physical & functional benefits

Since Aaron’s injury resulted in quadriplegia, all his limbs have been affected. Although he struggled with propulsion of his manual wheelchair and would frequently need assistance, he wasn’t ready to transition to a power wheelchair. Aaron’s life completely changed when he tried SmartDrive in 2015.

SmartDrive may be funded by Medicare or private insurance if the individual meets certain criteria:

• The individual has a significant mobility impairment that impairs their ability to participate in their mobility related activities of daily living that cannot be resolved with a cane or walker, and they have insufficient upper extremity function to self-propel and optimally configured manual wheelchair.
• The individual has to have been propelling a manual wheelchair for at least one year.
• For Medicare, justification is needed for why SmartDrive is needed in the home

An evaluation must be done by a licensed certified medical professional (OT/PT) and include a supplier that employs an ATP. A power assist device is a capped rental under Medicare, which means that for 13 months the device is rented, and the supplier is reimbursed on a monthly basis. After those 13 months, the beneficiary then owns the device.

Julie's justification for SmartDrive

The OT had to justify why SmartDrive was required for Julie in her home. In her case, limitations in upper extremity function lead to decreased endurance, pain, and difficulty with propulsion. They key was to explain how this affected her independence with activities of daily living in the home.

• Labrum tear and a strained bicep tendon
• Chronic pain in right shoulder
• Limited left upper extremity function due to CVA
• Carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic pain in right wrist
• Lack of endurance and strength to perform activities of daily living such as cooking and cleaning independently
• Fatigue and pain in shoulders resulting in difficulty with transfers at the end of the day
  
  

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