Powering-up Manual Wheelchairs
jay.thal (jay.thal@TCS.WAP.ORG)
Mon, 28 Dec 1998 17:43:17 -0500
The other day I was given the opportunity to help a friend in need. =
She
is a wheelchair user, and had secured a new =93accessory=94 for it.
The device converts most ordinary folding wheelchairs into a motorize=
d
three-wheeled scooter, and in less than 15 seconds can become an
ordinary wheelchair again.
So, off I went with a socket wrench and two small end wrenches in han=
d
(three hex wrenches are supplied), and a roll of duct tape (for tapin=
g
down a cable). It is so universally designed, that=92s all I needed =
- no
drills, hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.
Once a small locking mechanism is bolted to the back of the wheelchai=
r
frame, and several alignment guides are adjusted to the power unit, y=
ou
merely lock the wheelchair=92s large wheels, power up the unit and pu=
t it
into reverse, and it lifts the front pivot wheels and locks in. To
disengaged, one merely pulls on the locking cable (it looks like a bi=
ke
brake lever) and puts the power unit into forward. That simple!
Powered by two 12 volt (24v) gel batteries it has a speed of up to 4 =
mph
and a 20 mile range. The mechanism, itself, does NOT increase the
length or width of the wheelchair, which can still turn on a dime. T=
he
=93scooter=94 is steered by a tiller to which is attached an on-off s=
witch,
a speed control, and a forward-backup switch. The
power/steering/battery unit weighs about 90 lbs. The mechanism is
Medicare eligible.
So if any of you have, or know someone with, a need for something lik=
e
this e-mail me privately and I=92ll give you more information.
YIS
Jay Thal
