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. 4 uab.edu/sci