Pushin' On: UAB Spinal Cord Injury Model System Digital Newsletter Volume 32 | Number 2 | Page 4

TECHNOLOGY WATCH

Firefly from Rio Mobility

SmartDrive from Max Mobility

ZX-1 from Spinergy

Firefly is an electric handcycle that
snaps on to your manual wheelchair
and takes you twice as fast (12 mph
/ 18 kph) and twice as far (15 miles /
24 km) as a power wheelchair. It can
also be easily detached and stored in
any trunk so there is no need for an
expensive custom van.
All the controls are within easy
reach. There are 5 power levels
selected through the display,
speedometer and odometer, battery
level indicator, reverse switch (red),
two brake handles with parking
brake capability, and motorcyclestyle throttle. Plus, the steering
turns 90 degrees so you can turn in
place for maneuvering indoors and
outdoors.
The Firefly is powered by a
powerful, compact, and quiet
brushless electric hub motor. Sealed
and maintenance free, it will give
years of reliable service.
It has a high-capacity lithium
battery that provides an extra-long
life and long range in a lightweight,
compact package. It slides off easily
for storage or charging.
The Firefly is totally adjustable
for all wheelchairs and wheelchair
users, and it can be easily snaped on
and off with a patented attachment
system.
There are two options for added
function. The optional basket easily
attaches to your Firefly and snaps on
and off without tools. The optional
knobby tires can add off-road
traction on grass or gravel.
Go to the website to find out
if Firefly is compatible with your
wheelchair.

The SmartDrive is a revolutionary
new power assist device that will
change your life.
The SmartDrive is surprisingly
powerful. You can cruise up the
steepest ramps and sidewalks. Even
a thick padded hotel carpet is no
problem. The SmartDrive has an
anti-rollback feature that allows you
to stop on a hill and then easily get
going again.
Using the SmartDrive is natural.
You push to go and brake to stop,
it’s that simple. Speed ranges from
1.5mph to 5.5mph. To go slow, push
slow. To go fast, push fast. The
SmartDrive is like a cruise control
and you set the speed by the speed
of your push. You turn using the
pushrims, just like you would turn
while going downhill.
The SmartDrive is lightweight and
easy to install. The Li Fe PO4 – 24v
10 Ah battery weighs 8 lbs and the
motor weighs 11 lbs. The battery
slips under the seat and the motor
attaches to a hitch on back of the
chair. The SmartDrive fits on almost
any wheelchair, including folding
chairs.
The SmartDrive gives you freedom
to do more. It moves with you and
it’s so lightweight, you don’t even
know it’s there. You can spin in
place, be in a wheelie, or hop off
curbs. The SmartDrive is compatible
with your active lifestyle.
Plus, the SmartDrive is likely
covered by your insurance, including
Medicare, the VA, Workers Comp,
and most private insurance. Go to
the website to find out if SmartDrive
is right for you.

Manual wheelchair users know the
name of Spinergy. Now the company
is offering the ZX-1. The wheelchair
power add-on is easy to operate
and is packed with features allowing
you to engage in more day-to-day
activities with style.
The easy to use joystick features
complete movement control, horn,
charge meter and chair mounting
button. The joystick is adjustable for
either left or right hand operation and
user arm length. The handlebars are
rugged, compact, lightweight and
removable. Comfortable arm pads
provide support.
The ZX-1 has a joystick controllable
electric mounting mechanism
provides simple, easy and secure
attachment or detachment to most
rigid manual wheelchairs with little
or no adjustment to your wheelchair
needed. The ZX-1 fits wheelchair
widths of 15” - 20” and rear wheel
sizes of 24”, 25” and 26”.
The anti-tilt mechanism is made
from TIG welded stainless steel.
The ZX-1 comes with a carbon
fiber motor cover provides
lightweight protection for the two
12v 15amp batteries that powers two
320w 24v motors to speeds up to
4mph.
Frogleg suspension is on the rear
caster. The performance-minded
inflatable rubber tires with traction
pattern that are mounted to stylish
polished aluminum wheels.
ZX-1 comes with a lifetime
warranty, and there is a limited
1-year warranty on electronics and
other components. Go to the website
to get more information on the ZX-1.

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