What is a wheelchair power pack?

A wheelchair power pack is an attachable set of battery-powered wheels that give your loved one’s wheelchair that extra-ordinary push you need to get across rugged terrain, slopes and such.

Wheelchair Power Pack – No More Struggling to Push A Wheelchair: Video

Wheelchair power packs are super-easy to use and can be attached to a standard carer/ attendant controlled wheelchair in seconds. They are controlled by a simple switch on the handlebars, which can be fitted to either side of the wheelchair.

There are three options for wheelchair power assist devices for carers/ caregivers. wheelchair power assist devices for carers/ caregivers are useful for when loved ones are unable to – or do not wish to – control their wheelchair. These 3 options include the power assist wheelchair wheels or wheelchair power packs or attendant controlled electric power wheelchairs.

Carer Controlled Wheelchair Power Pack

A carer controlled wheelchair power pack gives you that strain-free freedom to go out more with your loved one. And to actually share and enjoy the experience without having to worry about pain to your own muscles/ joints.

Once a wheelchair power pack is fitted, it automatically moves the wheelchair forward at your controlled pace, so you simply guide – instead of pushing it.

The carer-controlled attendant wheelchair power pack is operated by yourself – the carer/ attendant – and not your loved one in the wheelchair. You simply press a button, walk behind, and let the Powerpack do all the work for you!

There are various models to suit user weights of up to 32 stones. Many offer different brackets to ensure compatibility with various manual wheelchairs.

Carer Controlled Wheelchair Power Pack: What to Consider

When considering what wheelchair power pack to invest in, one of the most important considerations is the maximum weight the powerpack can bear. The additional weight of the wheelchair itself must be considered. That helps you decide on the suitable size/ model of the power pack to choose from.

Usually, the higher the user weight, the higher the motor power – but the lower the maximum speed limit. However, considering that you won’t be pushing at all – only guiding – that is a small trade-off for their ease of use.

Most wheelchair power packs feature speeds up to 4mph and an approximate range of up to 10 miles on a charge, so there is more than enough capacity for most days out.

Power Packs are great for occasional use. However, if you need to use one all of the time, and your loved one has the capacity and can operate it, a mobility scooter or power/ electric wheelchair might be a better option.

The fitting of a wheelchair power pack is straightforward. It usually involves mounting its brackets, one on either side of the chair. Once that is mounted, the motor unit can be attached and detached quite quickly without any tools.

A wheelchair power pack has one big advantage: you simply add it to your loved ones current manual wheelchair. If you both are happy with their manual wheelchair and the only concern is that of difficulty pushing to navigate rough terrain/ slopes, then you both might benefit from the use of a wheelchair power pack.

Carer Controlled Power Assisted Wheelchair: Video

Another option to consider is to replace your loved ones’ current manual wheelchair with an attendant controlled electric power wheelchair. This is a more expensive option than a wheelchair powerpack. If your loved one qualifies for one, they can actually get one on prescription from their GP or Occupational Therapist.

Carer Controlled Wheelchair Power Pack: How to Get One

To get a wheelchair on the NHS, they’ll need to ask their GP, physiotherapist or hospital staff to refer them to their local wheelchair service for an assessment. Based on the assessment result, the local wheelchair service will then decide if they need a wheelchair and the most suitable type. If they don’t like the wheelchair being offered, they could get a voucher instead, which would allow them to pay towards the cost of a wheelchair of your choice.

Or, suppose your loved one gets the enhanced rate of PIP. In that case, you can use that to fund a wheelchair and powerpack combination on the Motability scheme (link to Motability). Note that you won’t be able to use Motability for a wheelchair/ wheelchair power pack if you’re already using it to lease a vehicle).

Alternatively, you could hire one first to see if and how it works for them and yourself.

These options work for whichever power-to-manual wheelchair assistive device you choose – the Power Assist Wheelchair Wheels, Wheelchair Power Pack or the Attendant-Controlled Electric Power Wheelchair.

Conclusion

With Wheelchair Power Assist Devices such as wheelchair power packs for carers/ caregivers, you enjoy more freedom and comfort. You can also better support your loved one. Wheelchair power packs help you both travel further, faster, easier.

If you haven’t, you really ought to get one ASAP! To make your caring life easier and more pleasurable. Enjoy outings, enjoy the company of your loved one, and take good care of yourself all at once. Your joints will definitely thank you for it 🙂

We always advise that with Mobility Aids such as these, you always get one from your local Mobility Independence Living Store. Doing so gives you the assurance to try different options before you buy. And to choose the best mobility aid for your particular circumstance. Plus you get aftersales care and returning the product – if faulty – is easier.

Enjoy 🙂 And please share this post with your loved ones who need it. Thank you 🙂