How to Decide on a Wheelchair Front Wheel Power Assist Device

With so many brands of Front Wheel power assists, how is a community therapist suppose to know all of them??

Good news. You don’t. Same goes for all #AssistiveTechnology. Therapist often tell me how they want more information on all the product available but that is a lot to ask with the resources available today (might be more in the future – hint hint). So, the best thing to do is to know, what do I need to check. In terms of front wheel power assists, I would say you want to understand:

⚫ How light do you need the product to be? Not necessarily the weight but the geometry of the product as well (some things are just awkward to carry). Remember, generally speaking, the lighter = the less performance you get.
⚫ How much performance do you need? What terrains are we trying to tackle.
⚫ How does it mount? This can be a dealbreaker for some brands
⚫ Does it have all the accessories you need (e.g. one arm drive)
⚫ How well can it be fitted to the user?
⚫ Does it turn appropriately for your needs?

Basically, just trial a few and you will soon notice the differences. Have fun!

#OccupationalTherapy #AssistiveTechnology #Wheelchairs #Seating #Education #OTstudent #PhysicalTherapy #Physiotherapy #CRT #OccupationalTherapist #PhysicalTherapist