An apparatus includes a frame assembly configured to be selectively connectable with a seat assembly of a wheelchair assembly once the seat assembly is selectively disconnected and removed from the wheelchair assembly. The frame assembly is also configured to be selectively connectable with spaced-apart wheel assemblies of the wheelchair assembly once the spaced-apart wheel assemblies are selectively disconnected and removed from the wheelchair assembly.

A propulsion assist device connected to a manual wheelchair to provide driving force is disclosed. The propulsion assist device provides sufficient driving force and braking force while using the motor by the self-energizing effect. The propulsion assist device can be easily connected to manual wheelchairs without the need for bending over. The self-energizing effect is provided in a mechanical way, and the risk of failure is low due to the simple structure of the device.

The propulsion assist device is economically priced, enabling the elderly and disabled to improve their self-esteem as members of society and engage in safer and more active social activities.

The present invention is a system, device, and method for use of a steerable tractor powered unit (STPU) comprising a vacuum cleaner mounted to a self-leveling platform coupled to a tactile joystick staff operable to control said steerable tractor powered unit, considerably reducing the effort required to operate said vacuum cleaner; a variety of vacuum cleaner types are adaptable for use with said STPU.

A system, device, and method for adapting a self-leveling tractor platform to provide powered mobility to a manual wheelchair. The system includes a universal adapter bracket which can be attached to a variety of wheelchairs and then coupled by a specialized latching mechanism to a self-leveling platform having multiple degrees of freedom controlled by the intuitive rotating and tilting of an attached control stick. The platform and control stick can be easily detached and used as a walking mobility aid.

A swing arm assembly for a foldable wheelchair consisting of a camber tube and adapters is disclosed. The adapters mount to the frame of the wheelchair and receive the ends of the camber tube. One end of the camber tube is pinned into an adapter such that it pivots. The other end is pinned in an adapter using a quick release pin. The camber tube improves the stability of the foldable wheelchair. When desired to fold the wheelchair, the quick release pin is removed and the camber tube is rotated approximately 90 degrees, thereby allowing the wheelchair to fold. The adapters may be mounted to the wheelchair frame or to stub axles if used. The swing arm assembly adds substantial stiffness and stability to a folding wheelchair.

An apparatus for moving a wheelchair, the apparatus having a base including a drive motor drivingly connected to a drive wheel and a first forwardly extending lower arm member engageable with the wheelchair when the wheelchair is in the engageable position. The first lower arm member is operable between a lowered position in which the first lower arm member is disengaged from the wheelchair and a raised position in which the first lower arm engages the wheelchair. The first lower arm member has a first stop member whereby, when the first lower arm member is in the raised position and engages the wheelchair, and when the wheelchair is on a forwardly extending declined surface, the first stop member inhibits forward motion of the wheelchair.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a removable power assist for converting a manual wheelchair into an electronic wheelchair, based on configuring a friction roller to releasably engage with a wheelchair wheel, configuring the friction roller when engaged to drive the wheel through a contact surface with the wheel that may be positioned under the wheelchair seating area, or to the side of the wheelchair seating area, or to the underside of an armrest, or in front of a wheelchair wheel, configuring a motor to rotate the friction roller, and moving the wheelchair based on engaging the friction roller and activating the motor to turn the wheel through force by the friction roller against the contact surface with the wheel. Some designs include a lever configured to permit a user seated in the wheelchair to engage or disengage the friction roller. Configuring the friction roller under the wheelchair seating area, or to the side of the wheelchair seating area, or to the underside of an armrest, or in front of a wheelchair wheel may permit wheelchair folding or unfolding without uninstalling the power assist.

A motion-based push activation power assist system for manual wheelchairs. The system uses motion-based measurements to determine when the user applies a push to the wheelchair handrims and brakes with the handrims. The push recognition activates a drive system that provides an assistive driving force-pulse to the wheelchair to reduce the demand on the user during propulsion. The brake recognition deactivates the power assist. The provided power assist is proportional to the sensed push and can be modulated to different proportional settings.

Drifting karts in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described that include a front wheel drive train and rear caster wheels that can be dynamically engaged to induce and control drift during a turn. One embodiment of the invention includes a chassis to which a steering column is mounted, where the steering column includes at least one front steerable wheel configured to be driven by an electric motor, a battery housing mounted to the chassis, where the battery housing contains a controller and at least one battery, wiring configured to provide power from the at least one battery to the electric motor, two caster wheels mounted to the chassis, where each caster wheel is configured to rotate around a rotational axis and swivel around a swivel axis, and a hand lever configured to dynamically engage the caster wheels to induce and control drift during a turn.

A drive device for a wheelchair includes a control element, a chassis and a support frame. A fixing arrangement is mounted on the support frame and can be fixed to a wheelchair frame of the wheelchair. The fixing arrangement is designed such that it can be automatically connected to and released from the wheelchair frame of the wheelchair by a fixing drive.