SmartDrive Power Assist for Manual Wheelchairs
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- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2024
- In this video I discuss the SmartDrive power assist motor made by MAX Mobility. This motor provides power assistance to most manual wheelchairs and will extend the range/terrain wheelchair users can handle. This unit is great for paraplegics but also gives lower level quadriplegics added freedom through the option of using a manual wheelchair.
I’m not paralyzed, but my parents got me a SmartDrive after they realized that pushing myself manually, particularly on uphill slopes and carpeted surfaces, was a bit difficult because I don’t have a lot of arm strength due to how skinny I am, and after owning one for almost 2.5 to 3 years, this device is definitely a game-changer! :)
The newer MX2+ to be more specific
I own one of those units. The designers got a few things wrong:
1) Outrageously expensive but as somebody pointed out: medical equipment is sold by greedy companies and unless there is good competition we are doomed to overpay.
2) Outdoor mode is suicide mode. When you are about to crash, your instincts are not to let go of the hand-rims and find that pesky switch. I've crash enough times to tell you to go easy on the axle torque because it can easily damage your chair or the unit itself.
3) The switches are not easy to operate and at the slightest tap from a person next to you and you are in suicide mode.
4) Lithium battery has to be carry-on instead of checked in as luggage when you fly. Like it wasn't hard enough to fly being paralyzed.
5) Outdoor mode is a 3 speed thing which makes able people uncomfortable to follow your pace. It is either too slow or to fast for walker.
6) Very hard or impossible to control the outdoor mode speed. Specially trying to slow it down.
7) If you are going downhill with the unit on then you'll be in a lot of trouble trying to turn it off.
Even if your insurance pays for it, IMHO it is not worth it. It is useful in very few super hilly situations but is dangerous too. I rather keep my arms in shape.
Smart Drive should do some existing customer focus groups and gather feedback before they add stupid features like Bluetooth, etc. Make it work in a safely and easy manner first.
LOL!!... forgive me for laughing but a lot of what you said is true the older model has a lot of pros and cons but the newer version is a lot simpler and it has a lot more control but at the end of the day you have to be vigilant of the ground your surroundings people and you can seriously get hurt if you don't Master it I'm the owner of the smart Drive the newer version and it truly works for me I fell one time Outdoors thank God I didn't get hurt I know when to use it when not to use it never try going up a hill or down the hill because I don't think that'll work because there's times will it'll will just shut off and you can find yourself in trouble still laughing AKA suicide mode everything ain't for everybody but it truly works for me my arms can't take it anymore 12 years.
Some of us can't use a manual wheelchair. I have a connective tissue disorder and already dissected an artery once. Me straining to push is a high risk of further dissections or ruptures so it's either this or a power chair. At this this I have way more freedom than a power chair.
Hi, is it the 1 or 2 you are having the issues with? I’m looking into one but for starters don’t fancy committing chair suicide and secondly want my family to be able to walk at a comfortable speed with me
@@DisabledAtDisney The 2 and 2+ (the newest one) have basically infinite settings within the speed range from really slow to fairly fast. Hope that helps.
#3 suicide mode 🤣
I can see it now, you just admiring the Grand Canyon from a few feet away and here comes a kid and brush against the switches 🤣
it really sucks that the things to make a disabled persons life just a little bit easier is outrageously expensive. As if we don't already have it hard enough. :-/
Mesha Rebel same sentiment here.
Mesha Rebel
I need power assist wheel to move myself in my wheelchair because it's too hard on my joints without the assist. But because fibromyalgia, cfs and syringomyelia aren't seen as 'real' diseases in the Netherlands so insurance doesn't cover a single cent of it. The system is screwed. Chronically ill people should rule the world and make things easier for the people.
my jaw dropped at the price in new zealand. $16000 was a total turn off. looking for cheaper alternatives...
The device is simple to build, it must go in the 200 $
I know, besides these looking like a giant prophylactic, they are 6 grad or more. In other countries (other than the states) they are more.
I don't know how I would live without this! Love my Smart Drive. Great video demonstration. The older version (MX1) is easier to control perhaps, so may be worth the extra "process" to use. New version (M2) is what I am using, and with practice is easily controlled. The entire weight is in one unit, so you need to be able to lift that. But process is about as simple as it gets. Great tool!
A degenerated disc between the C6 & C7 started causing nerve pain in my shoulders, arms, and hands in April. It's been really hard to push my chair even up the slightest incline. I've been working with a vendor for six months, but I finally was able to order mine. Thanks for the video. My wife liked the part about not having to push me up hills.
Thanks for all the help. I had a c7 injury. I relate to everything. its only been 1 yr. a lot of things I still have issues with. I'M LEARNING
I'm from Pittsburgh I'm actually at the owner of the smartdrive the newer version control by The Watch I love it absolutely love it there's some pros and cons to go along with that and safety cautions but once you master it and get to know it it's Free Willy you gained so much Independence with that assisting GoSmart Drive genius change my life.
Mine has changed my life also!!!
This is exactly what I need! I am currently in a power chair and am wanting to go back to a manual chair. I used to have a hard time pushing myself due to easily getting tired and my body's natural tendency to lean forward, but this will help out a lot!
Heartbreaking to see prices like that.
Especially since you can just buy an electric wheelchair or scooter for less than $3,000. There are some on amazon that fold up like a suitcase and you can just wheel them along with a handle if you're an assistant or something.
Not affordable so I did this to have some fun under $700 ruclips.net/video/wp1Uk0nrjhk/видео.html
@@zero00044 not sure what electric wheelchairs you’re talking about, but mine have all been over $30,000
@@natreeves1111 you are both right. Electric wheelchair are more like 15-30k …but that doesn’t mean it’s not disgraceful for a motor like this to be priced at 5k. Its why persons with disabilities are trapped in poverty. Instead of making insurance companies pay 25k for an electric wheelchair, something like this could be prescribed a lot more or be cheap enough that someone could afford it over the counter
Brilliant product, if priced appropriately, this can be a huge hit. Happy to see a product that is uniquely designed for the differently able people. God bless u guys
I definitely need one of these grass being my rival!😂 I love my manual chairs and would never switch to a fully automatic wheelchair. Having the option to detach this is wonderful an the fact that it goes over curbs no problem wow. I hope I can have my insurance cover it. I also need the car unit as well so I can drive! I also would love to have a Harley Davidson someday and want a handicapped unit of some sort where I can bring my chair with me and not leave it behind like the one you use for your sport bike. Awesome vid I greatly appreciate you posting this bringing this to my attention. I want!
This is the best video I've found explaining this. Thanks!
PS whoever does your camera 🎥 work is always excellent 💯
Absolutely 🎯 especially when showing exactly what and how.
So very helpful 👍🏻 thanks
Thanks! That would be my wife! She's had plenty of practice helping me make these vids over the years. I'll let her know!
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, how are you? Your camera is always excellent. Absolutely,especially when showing exactly what and how. So very helpful. Thank you. Nice video. Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
You can purchase a very good mobility scooter for less than this power assist and that's ridiculous. I can't afford a mobility scooter, but I was wondering if there was some way to motorize a wheelchair so I went looking and found this video. How depressing to find that once again I will remain mostly immobile because I am not rich.
I got one of these too! the VA covered mine, this thing is great getting around my college campus
I got mine through the VA as well. I would not be able to afford it out in the wild. The price tag runs $6,000.00. Crazy priced for real. I love mine and I am so happy I finally received one. They actually had mine in the wheelchair repair office, but assumed that I was getting a new chair with it. I called and asked if it came in and they explained that they were waiting for my new wheelchair. lol I have only had this chair for a year and a half I don't need a new one yet. Got it installed and it has been such a useful tool.
Mx2 is definitely much much better. Push to go and tab on the wheel to stop. Simple as that. Changed my life!
Yep, although I’ve had a few problems with mine, notably the display of the PushTracker the controls it being difficult to read in direct sunlight, and the device will apparently pop off if you try to go through a pothole going fast enough with it.
this is a nice little review. Thanks for taking the time.
So if it goes automatically by itself, if it hits a hole in the ground it will try to keep going and you become a projectile/catapult.
Yep, pretty much. You gotta be on the lookout for stuff like that. Being in a wheelchair I'm already used to hopping over cracks, uneven sidewalks, etc but it definitely shouldn't be used after having a few drinks. I've been dumped out of the chair before doing that. No bueno...
I am the same, especially on the uneven sidewalks. It is second nature for me to wheelie at the right time to get my front casters over it.
Thanks Brian. Keep up your videos! They are a great help. Nader
I'm a quad, but it's complicated. I had to get a power chair because using my manual one is often torturous. This would be good for situations in which a power chair is not ideal.
I've looked at these several times a great idea but couldn't ever afford one and you can't get them on the Nhs here in the uk so no way I'll ever have one I'll be in an electric chair eventually
I agree with you mauimastiff, I too have looked at many of these add-ons including the Alber, Twion etc.
I have a manual chair and a mobility scooter. These things are aimed at rich disabled people I guess :o(
Coming from an electrical engineering background, the smartdrive would likely cost between £400 to £800 to manufacture maybe even less than that, however, it's not a mass produced item so I guess they need to cover the costs plus a couple hundred percent profit on top. If a cheaper alternative came out, these companies would probably buy them out or crush them. Remember the everlasting light bulb....
Thank you give me inspiration
How do you get the smartdrive to turn off, while you are pushing the wheelchair? You said if I am going downhill, the smartdrive will not turn off? How do you make it turn off? I have Cerebral Palsy, and use a manual and power wheelchair. I also use both wheelchairs for events around Santa Maria CA. My power chair has 2 dead motors now and needs repaired. I got a doctor prescription for the parts, and hoping my insurance covers the cost for all repairs.
In "outdoor mode" it won't turn off, but he said that on "indoor mode" it will. Or just turn it off all the way before starting to go down the hill. Thankfully, the more recent models, you just double tap to disengage the unit.
On the newer MX2+ like I got, you double tap with the Pushtracker to turn it on or off, and a single tap sets your speed. there should be a switch on the device itself if you want to turn it off completely.
Have you ever tried E-Motion wheels? I had them first right after my accident. They are built into the wheel itself. They are power assist so they don't stay on like this one. What they do is add different levels of assist to your pushes. I think mine were 50/100. On low they would give an additional 50% assist and high would double what I did.
I have one of these, but I gave up on it, and I'm using the wheelchair like it was manual, because, no matter what I did, it didn't do what I wanted it to.
I really need that so bad
I tested the SmartDrive some weeks ago in "dry conditions" on slopes, grass, uneven surfaces, up small steps and it was very positive.
A week ago, I tested the same way the Yomper+ but in "wet conditions" (typical for Belgium) and it was very dissapointing, the wheel slips very often, no grip at all.
How performs the Smartdrive on wet surfaces, wet slopes, wet grass,... ? Do you have practical experiences with the SmartDrive under wet or slippery conditions ?
Many thanks.
Yes I have experienced slipping in the wet but I think that’s to be expected. I usually just assist with pushing the wheels at the same time. I still think it’s a very helpful device to have regardless.
I got mine on the 7th and I love it
It looks awesome! Pricey but there's a lot there. I hadn't seen this video yet. Your vid's were the first one's I saw when I was in the hospital. 5 years now for me. How do you keep from getting a gut? I can't get rid of mine!
I’m a single mother to a three month old daughter. Could we talk about was to carry my baby on my own in my power chair?
i wish it was less expensive but maybe my insurance would help. i will check your videos for a lighter wheel chair also.
I have one of these a Mx2 I only had to pay a co payment it was useful at the mall etc
nice video!
Such a cool attachment. I've been looking them for awhile. I got a Batec this year which I really enjoy, have a video on it on my page :)
I have the new one, MX2 plus. And it is much easier to use. The control is really easy. I have no issues with my upper body, It did take me a little while to get used to it. There are times when you just need to turn it off. Like in a line in a store. You can accidentally tap twice on your arm and it will take off. So I learned when to use it, and other times when you should just turn it off.,
Gotta look into getting one
with the handle of the battery pack sticking up, does it not interfere with seating or your butt.
No, the battery lip is very thin
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, with the handle of the battery pack sticking up, does it not interfere with seating or your butt. Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
This man is smart and amazing
SmartDrive handles the hills better than my power pack, I really have to push to get up a hill
I have one and never felt the need to use it. It takes away my independence. I’m just stubborn. I prefer to push myself.
I see the issue with the handle where your seat is. Is it rubber so it goes down? I mean, if its hard its in the way of the seat.
Mesh’s I have the same problems there’s a widening on the bottom of my spine filled with spinal fluid the dr never said it was Syringomyelia they said they don’t operate on adults but they do with children. I can’t walk. And I’m in severe pain 24/7. I never go anywhere because my husband has a bad knee and he has a hard time pushing my wheelchair. I’m afraid he’s going to fall when he pushes me down the ramp from our house.
It’s s shame that when you’re disable it cost so much to get around when you could really use something like this.
To expensive for 99% of disabled people.....
Exactly. People need to innovate and make cheaper wheelchairs. Companies are just greedy. The community has to do something. IF we can take prosthetics from costing $30,000 to $300 with 3d printing and new tech then why can't we do the same with wheelchairs?
@@emanandchill They are already cheap to make. You can get a manual wheelchair for less than $100 bucks, but most of us who are disabled need more than just a manual chair. The motors and batteries are what cost $$. Those shouldn't even cost that, but insurance companies can dictate prices because they have tons of money. So if they are willing to pay 6k then there is no incentive for these companies to make them cheaper, insurance will pay. So if your insurance won't you are just screwed.
Great demo.
Doesn't the handle poke your cushion or even you? I have a problem with autonomic dysreflesxia and handle digging into my butt would seriously end me up in the hospital.
Morgan Calvi the handle goes under the cushion and it’s a solid piece of foam in the front so I never had issues. The newer version doesn’t use the battery under the seat. The battery is actually built into the wheel itself.
@@ParalyzedLiving right...I see that. I was just wondering.
@@ParalyzedLiving does the new version look better than a big thing dragging behind your chair?
@@morgancalvi6675 The 2+ attaches the same place the 1 does - on the axle - so it looks the same (more or less, without the cord) but for most people it doesn't stick out much, if any, farther than the rear wheels.
To me, it looks like a horse having a BM...so I'm not sure I would ever be sold on it. LOL
hows the wear and tear on this thing? maintenance?
How did you get insurance to pay for it!? Thanks.
I got a good therapist to write a letter of necessity. That's what it takes
Paralyzed Living Haha, got one working on it right now as a matter of fact!
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, how did you get insurance to pay for it? Thank you for your wonderful answer. Kind regards,from, PaulLaw.
This is such a cool thing!
Hi Brian. Thank for the video. I notice that you're using an ADI backrest now. Do you prefer it to a Jay3? I'm asking because I am sort of struggling with backrest choice right now (for a couple of reasons) and would appreciate some direction on it. Thanks in advance for your response. . . . . Nader
Yes, I like the ADI much more than the Jay J3. The J3 is decent but the ADI looks better and is much more streamlined. Plus it's much lighter.
Just followedWe're funding to get our daughter an Ogo wheelchair.. but in the mean time I think looking into one of these will be beneficial.. let me ask you.. she has tip bars on her chair.. would it fit between them?? Or does it act as an anti tip bar on its own??
You know, many people who see me with mine, they somehow always think it is for anti tipping. But it does not help at all on anti tipping. If the person who uses the chair needs that installed, it will work fine.
Sorry I meant ZERO years with power assist. Driving an 07 Subaru Legacy these days.
my chair has a cross bar in the middle this can still work with it?
I think it should work. Hard to tell without seeing it though.
HOW DO YOU TURN AND STOP QUICKLY. PLEASE SHOW ME HOW THANK YOU.
This wheelchair is fitted with wheelchair disc brakes similar to what you would find on a bicycle. There are levers on each side of the chair that I am pulling to activate the brake independently on each side of the chair which allows me to turn quickly. I no longer have them on my current chair but have rubber coated hand rims which give me more control over turning the chair. Love your username by the way. 😉
Dos the motor unit act as an anti-tipper as well?
Can you turn the chair for corners when in outdoor mode or is it too fast?
Can you do a video on your brakes. Thank you
This looks really nice, but it's $6000.00 and this was in 2016? YIKES! Wish I could afford it.
That’s the retail price but you can find them cheaper. There are also used ones you can buy on EBay. Insurance will usually cover it though with a proper prescription so you should check into that first if you have health insurance. The one you want to look for is the MX2+. It’s the newer version that has the battery built in rather than 2 separate pieces as shown in this vid.
WOULD INSURANCE HELP IN BUYING THE
MX2 SMART DRIVE
Thank you for the info sir. I really need one of these can you tell me about how much the run for?
Depends on where you look, but, like he put in the video, they're usually $6K+
28 years strong. hurt at 19. 25 in the gym. 0 years without power assist. I like to do things the hard way one might say.
With all do respect Brian don't get to comfy with stuff like this. It can possibly slow you down if it malfunctions. Lol that curb drop was sketchy. Be careful brother.
I can tell you pulling one behind you when not using it, is easy. And they can go a long way on a full battery. I have the MX2 Plus model, and the battery last a very long itme, But you are right, Anything can malfunction. And going over a curb, those Smart Drives handle just fine.. No bother, they are made to go over curbs.
Calvin, I am simply offering another perspective here, my intention is not to contradict yours. Manually propelling wheelchair might appear like getting physical exercise, but the actual motion of pushing the wheels is not a proper way to exercise the arms. Over a period of several years the repetitive motion may cause wrist, arm and shoulder injuries. Among long term wheelchair users its not uncommon to see complaints of rotary cuff tear, muscle and joint weakness in the arms and an early onset of arthritis in fingers and carpal tunnel syndrome at the wrist. Natural aging causes several ailments in human body and for a disabled person those are accelerated due to the extra effort exerted on the muscles and skeleton. So, switching to tools that will improve quality of life earlier than later will help slow down the onset of those aforementioned conditions.
@@vaguy31 I agree. I went without any motorized gizmo for years and I can tell you I have weak arm muscles, My cervical vertebra needed fusing and I still need even more surgeries. I thought that by only using my upper body I was helping to build up my arm muscle and strength but it was the opposite.
Calvin Everyone is different just because you are able to do more does not mean anyone using a power assist product is lazy.
@@wheeliegirlshannon1181 Where in my comment did I say he was lazy?
Do you have any tips for using the smartdrive and steering ?
When going across a dropped curb I really struggle to grip the rims to keep steering straight so much so it’s put me off using it again
ilovebrean I typically turn mine off if I’m going over a curb or majorly uneven surface. That way you have a little more control. Don’t give up! It’s a great tool to have!
Paralyzed Living thanks ido turn it off when going up and down curbs mean when you go across them and they slope down towards the road
@@ParalyzedLiving hi Brian, do you have any tips for using the smart drive and steering? Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
Obviously this video is a few years old now have you upgraded it to the new lower model or is it still going strong ?
ilovebrean yes I upgraded to the MX2+ version. It’s the single unit without the extra battery and uses a Bluetooth watch for activation control instead if buttons. It’s way better for starting from a dead stop and I highly recommend you check one out!!
@@ParalyzedLiving from what I’ve read, I believe you can get the buttons as an option on the MX2+
Have you tried this vs the twion or smoov
Hi. I hope you read my comment. You have a video on a standing wheelchair that i have a very high need for. i live in akron ohio and my special needs son lives in columbus ohio, i think you live there also. we would like to meet you to see your standing wheelchair. how can I reach you. I will be in COlumbus this Friday.
does this thing operate well well in the rain? and better yet because i live i n the great white north, can it do the same in snow and f%&*ing slush?
Rain? Yes (I know of at least one person who got a SmartDrive to replace Twion wheels specifically because Twions cannot get wet and a SmartDrive can hold up to even Florida rainstorms). Snow/slush? Not sure - it is "weather-sealed" (according to one of the manufacturer's videos), but I haven't found anything definitive stating one way or the other about snow (I have that same question, too - possibly a question for an ATP or perhaps the manufacturer).
Take my money!
I want this wheelchair
Do you know if medicare would pay for this?
I believe they will!! You just have to check and get a script for it. Plus, the new one is way better than this one. I have it and am thankful. 👍🏼
@@ParalyzedLiving awesome thank you
where i can buy
めっちゃほしい！
Hi, what kind of cushion is this, that you are seen using in this video?
ROHO Hybrid Elite
okay, thanx
When I first saw this it was $2000 I see it’s now well over $4000, dammed shame.
Nice.
I'm Shocked as most are that Anything for a person who is Disabled cost So Much. However, I'm aware that the reason for this is most likely that being so High allows the company to negotiate a price with Insurance Companies and the Government..
Wil Engle yes I agree. It’s pretty crazy!!
@@ParalyzedLiving Do you think that I'm on track when I mention why the high cost?
Wil Engle yep 100%. It’s all about how much insurance can bill.
I'm very fortunate that I'm Air Force Retired Flight Surgeon and Pilot for 26 yrs and have 100% Service Connected Disability so Tri Care covers the cost for me but even they haggle over the price and its a Take it or Leave it!!
@@wilengle8468 I am a disabled Marine and I was able to receive one.
I have the SMARTDRV MX2 with the watch you tap to start and stop. The worst design ever I don’t know how many times I’ve tried to stop and it keeps going almost pushing me into traffic. Not to mention how many times it has fallen off while on the go. Then there’s the times it stops halfway crossing a road. With my experience using it for the past three years. It’s not worth the $9000 Australian money to purchase.
Yea F the price......
I agree with all that your commetors are saying. The price just kills the cool factor. Hey who know some day china will make them at one third the price. LOL I just kill me I'm the funniest guy I know
wherecan i fiind smartdrive?
$6,000 though???
I don't see it lasting long.
I’ve had mine for 5 years and it’s still going. Knock on wood. I did have the battery replaced but that was partially my fault bc I let the charge get way too low and couldn’t bring it back from the dead.
This is the one thing my insurance won't cover sadly. They'll buy me a power chair, but no power accessories for my manual chair. Sigh....
zennmomma did you do an appeal? Worth a try if you didn't.
zennmomma try again with doc recommendations
I'm getting a power chair now, through insurance I'm a spastic quadriplegic and I'm bothered by the fact that I have to get a power chair. I stayed in a manual chair as long as I could. I totally understand why you'd feel that way. I'm not sure if something like this would work for me, but I'm kinda tempted to look on ebay for one of these, so I'm not ALWAYS confined to a power chair.
It sucks that your insurance won't cover this thing, it's total bullshit. Why do rich abled people get to decide what we do and don't need?
Blow high prices down to hell.
Wow $6000 and it's slow af 😒
Rubbish rubbish this wheel is not fit for purpose as a wheelchair user for 24yrs with shoulder problems definitely would not recommend.
I do not understand what you mean? This has helped me immensely as well as other people.
They should call that a SCAM-DRIVE i have something way better than that and A WHOLE LOT CHEAPER and ive been in the chair now for 3 years due to a motorcycle crash and they offered me that crap..ohhhh HELL NO Hate that rip off bull S@$t drive
What do you use?
@@ParalyzedLiving i use a specialy built little motor that i got email me at kawasakikelley@gmail.com and i will have a small video made and whatever questions you have
I had something made or augmented for me it is a wheel that is elkectric,but it adds the weight that i have and works awesome,it takes my castors completely off the ground so they wont get loose going over bumps im gonna post a pic soon when i get back i will send it to you or you can e-mail me and i can attach it and answer any questions you may have Cheers
Are you talking about a Batec or Firefly type device? Those add to the front of the wheelchair and it limits what you can do and where you can go, like an elevator.
@@wheeliegirlshannon1181 not this I can't use it on elevators but going off a curb on a road no prob. Its like a batec. But a whole hell of a lot cheaper through me obv. Send me an email of ya want
I’m having some health issues with my joints, but we had a family trip planned for New York City. This ruclips.net/user/postUgkxuxJwamLFanm476LC5WPeTouyyU1GXomC was perfect! It’s lightweight enough that my friend could carry it up or down stairs when we needed to. (I can walk very short distances) It was comfortable for me to sit in, I would say if you’re super tall it might be a little cramped. I’m 5’1” and the foot rests were the perfect height. This may not be the best one for long term use, you get what you pay for, but for something that fits our budget that gives me accessibility while we deal with my health this was amazing.