Need information about the new 24" E-Wheelchair setup

[lifereinspired]

Hello,

My name is Rachel.  I'm 35 and in a wheelchair and have been looking for a powerchair solution for some time.  I don't want one of the "traditional" powerchairs and the 24" E-Wheelchair kit seems like it might be perfect for my needs.  But I have several practical questions about my specific setup and I'm not sure how to get them answered.  I sent Gary at GoldenMotors.ca an email but with several questions and none of them currently in the FAQ's I think it's probably a daunting and time consuming email to respond to...so in order to try to take at least some of the burden off, I decided to see if anyone here has any experience with the E-Wheelchair kit.

I have a fairly high end folding manual wheelchair.  I have two torn shoulders and a ton of medical issues from an underlying genetic disorder and after nearly getting run over by a car a few days ago, I knew I couldn't wait any longer to seek out some other option than my busted arms to propel me. 

Will the E-Wheelchair conversion work OK on a folding manual chair or does it have to be a rigid chair?  I have quick release wheels, are the motorized wheels compatible with that?  What do they need to attach to on the wheelchair to work?  I read that there are 5 speeds on the joystick controller...does anyone know how fast it can go?  Is it known if I could use a higher voltage battery (even though I know I'd sacrifice overall distance capability) and increase the speed it can go?

I have other questions that I could go on with but I think that's enough for a starting post.  If no one knows the info, please, please could you help point me to someone, somewhere or whatever that can help me?  I really need this and I'd like to progress with it soon but I have to know what it needs as a base to make it work successfully.

Thanks so much in advance.  I'm really looking forward to any replies!
Rachel

[Bikemad]

Hi andto the forum Rachel.

I don't have the time to go into details right now, but hopefully Dom’s Do It Yourself Power Assist For Manual Wheelchairs can provide more information for the time being.

Alan
 

[Bikemad]

If you have already checked out the previous link you will have noticed that the conversion was carried out on a folding chair.
Unfortunately, none of the motorised wheels are unlikely to be compatible with your quick release fittings.
More details on the smaller wheel fixings can be found here.

The wheelchair controller for the brushless motors appears to be only suitable for 24V use. Unless the controller is able to withstand higher voltages, higher speeds would not be an option with that controller.

However, there is another way of powering your wheelchair at higher speeds for outdoor use:

Da Vinci Trail Rider Power Wheel - davincimobility.co.uk

Unlike the twin 24" wheels, this conversion (front wheel, frame and battery assembly) can be quickly removed for transportation.

Alan