Artist Sue Austin flies through the water in a self-propelled underwater wheelchair. The prototype wheelchair enables Sue to go on a gentle, dreamlike exploration of an exotic underwater world. This impressed us so much, we wanted to do a post on wheelchair prototypes and design concepts. Photo #1 by © 2012 Susan Austin
Segway requires standing, but Segway and GM launched the P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility) prototype for the future of transportation needs — including people otherwise confined to a wheelchair. The PUMA is efficient, powered by lithium batteries. It has two self-balancing in-wheel electric motors which are controlled by gyroscopes, as well as a fly-by-wire system. PUMA can cover 35 miles on one charge, but it is expected the range will extend to 50 miles or more in the future. The PUMA has a digital network that can pull up and read information on nearby parking spaces, charge points, and coffee shops. It also has vehicle-to-vehicle communications capabilities by connecting a smartphone or other smart device to the PUMA. Photos #2 by © Segway
Designers Julia Kaisinger, Mathias Mayrhofer and Benesch Xiulian worked together to create the CARRIER Wheelchair to insure the user is completely independent and capable of traveling over any terrain and in any situation. The “Galileo Wheel” adds climbing traction to climb the stairs. The standing position allows the user to be at eye level of other people as well as adding the ability to reach things that previously could not reached from a seated position. Another design element would eliminate the need to physically transfer to a toilet seat. The design concept was turned into a wheelchair prototype by the designers for a University of Applied Arts project in the Studio Industrial Design 2 Esslinger (Vienna). Photos #3 by © Julia Kaisinger, Mathias Mayrhofer, Benesch Xiulian
WISB handbike concept designed by Bär Claudia combines adaptive and recumbent bike styles. Created to be used both inside and outside, while also functioning as a sports bike, users can toggle between ‘high mode’ for indoors or normal outdoors riding, or use ‘low mode’ for long distance or cross-country rides. Photos #4 by © Bär Claudia
Mauricio Maeda says he’s not a professional designer, but we loved this uber cool, geeky, gamer, fun design concept wheelchair. “In my humble opinion, design should not be just about making beautiful things, but to improve people’s lives and serve a purpose as well. I decided to model a wheelchair because I hardly ever could find one that presented a little more comfort and some additional features (at least here in Japan! ). I’ve put a portable computer case under the seat, a joystick (to move the wheelchair), a trackball, a monitor, a keyboard, speakers, a wireless headset, a webcam, a drink holder, a stereo sound gadget (behind the seat), a power source on the back and a remote control. Some other features could be added, but I didn’t want to turn it into a Christmas tree…So… that’s it…” Photos #5 by © Mauricio Maeda
HEROes Series of Sport Wheelchairs by designer Jairo da Costa Junior. If you’ve ever tried to wheel or push a regular wheelchair on a sandy beech, then you know it’s virtually impossible. Each of these wheelchair can navigate on beaches and can be used for beach volleyball or other sports. HERO Zupan was inspired by Mark Zupan, a quadriplegic who was also captain of the United States wheelchair rugby team, so it’s built to allow for beach rugby. HERO Daredevil was inspired by Marvel Comics’ fictional superhero Daredevil. HERO Xavier was inspired by fictional superhero and leader of the X-Men Charles Francis Xavier aka Professor X. Photos #6 by © Jairo da Costa Junior
This is a yes you can wheelchair! It’s no longer a wheelchair design concept, but a working reality for fun. Mountain Trike, the all terrain wheelchair company, says we love the outdoors! “The Mountain Trike offers riders the freedom to venture out around town or into the countryside. Whether that is to the beach, down muddy tracks, over grass or along cobbled streets, gravel driveways and even through snow. We call this All-Terrain.” This wonderfully innovate wheelchair won the Peterborough Mobility Roadshow 2011 Able Magazine Awards. (AngelBear wants one!) Photos #7 by © Mountain Trike
Ultra Long Distance Wheelchair by designer Andrew Mitchell. After studying how psychological performance can be gained from having equipment that looks like it is meant for performance, this wheelchair design concept was envisioned for ultra long distance use. The positioning of the rider is meant to ensure maximum efficiency. “By keeping the shoulders over the front edge of the driving wheels, the whole body position can be engaged by the rider to provide maximum power. The body and legs are in a more open position, giving good breathing potential, and placing less strain on the lower limbs.” Photos #8 by © Andrew Mitchell
The Leeding E.D.G.E. stand up wheelchair by designer Tim Leeding is an innovative, fresh, manual standing wheelchair. It features easy drive handles with different gearing options to promote accessibility while also combating shoulder injury that can be caused by traditional wheeling techniques. The wheelchair handles can also be used to elevate the user in seconds, alleviating pressure sores, increasing reach capabilities and “closing social boundaries which inhibit the lives of the disabled day to day.” Photos #9 by © Tim Leeding
On the left is RoTrike by ROTA Mobility; it is a human-powered scooter that is rowed by pushing and pulling on a central lever. On the right is the RoChair by ROTA Mobility; it is a wheelchair that is propelled by rowing, by pushing and pulling on a central lever. Photos #10 by © ROTA Mobility
The Tandem: “Designing for Social Stigma” by designer Alexandre Pain. He spent an extended amount of time in a wheelchair in order to better understand the challenges of people with disabilities. He found that the most difficult aspect was not limited mobility, but the stigma associated with the easily identifiable wheelchair. This Tandem scooter comes with an additional seating for one in the back and the electric vehicle aims to reduce the negative perception of disability by erasing the taboo of the wheelchair. Photos #11 by © Alexandre Pain
Wheelchairs are expensive — period. Power wheelchairs can cost more than some fancy cars. The NEWS (New Electric Wheelchairs) by designer Ju Hyun Lee is designed to attach to any standard wheelchair to give it instant motorized power. Photos #12 by © Ju Hyun Lee via Yanko Design
TEK Robotic Mobilization Device “is the world’s smallest motorized standing movement device. It is only 36 cm wide and 62 cm long. With these dimensions it covers only one third of the space of a small wheelchair. This way users can pass through many narrow spaces which they cannot pass through with a wheelchair of an average width of 60 cm.” Users mount from the back. Tek RMD says “paraplegic people must stay in a standing position for approximately one hour everyday. This exercise is of vital importance for preserving the body’s health. Standing wheelchair-like devices that can move while standing up, usually cannot lift their users to a fully upright position. HKAFO (long leg braces) like walking aids can only be used with canes or walkers. This device holds the user in an upright position while leaving his hands free.” Photos #13 by © TEK Robotic Mobilization Device
Velo Modular Handcycle by designer Mark Wafforne is aimed at users who want to participate in sports, but who cannot afford a specialized chair just for playing sports. It is meant to be cost effective because it works with any manual wheelchair. Photos #14 by © Mark Wafforne via Tuvie
CTC 41 (Cradle to Cradle) Wheelchair Concept by industrial designer Douglas Papuga. The honeycomb pattern of this manual wheelchair is extremely strong yet lightweight, precisely as modern Target-like shopping carts are. The CTC 41 folds up like other collapsible chairs, but the cost is low and it’s recycled material which is good for our environment. He put lots of thought into his design concept, interviewed people who use wheelchairs, and tried to work around some issues such as how hands get dirty while wheeling. The final concept includes personalization in wheel colors, frame colors and even a special edition clear wheelchair. Photos #15 by © Douglas Papuga
Designer Wai Lam Wong came up with these two wheelchair design concepts: the Big Foot Wheelchair and the LIME Cycle. Innovation and creation of wheelchair designs are a good thing, so tearing apart someone’s idea would be unwise. Yet we’re not sure how practical either of these would be. The Big Foot Wheelchair has a “pair of hollow cartoon-like legs, making it somewhat humorous and comical” and is meant to give the chair “more personality.” On the left is the LIME Cycle: “The green transport is meant for commuters with walking disabilities (amputees). The concept is to have a basic wheelchair used for indoor or short distance movement & with the help of a front attachment, be able to travel as a handcycle to medium distances.” Photos #16 by Wai Lam Wong & © Wai Lam Wong
Catapult by Tom Robbins Design was one of 20 international finalists in the Accessibility category of 2010 WT Award. This lever drive wheelchair is a prototype that uses both the upward and downward motion of the levers to move the chair forward. The brake is on the right handle and the gear shift is attached to the left handle. The steering for the wheelchair is controlled via the user’s feet offering “people with physical disabilities the opportunity to play sports and fighting attitude to a static and sedentary life that forces them to stay in the same position for many hours during the day.” As the mom of someone who uses a wheelchair daily for mobility, I can’t quite comprehend this design since it requires steering to be done by legs/feet. Until you deal with a wheelchair on a regular basis, perhaps it’s difficult to wrap your head around designing one? Or perhaps it’s for people who still have the ability to use their legs? There’s a version of this wheelchair that is steered only with the arms, but we couldn’t find any images of it. Photos #17 by © Tom Robbins Design
Permobil X850 Corpus All-Terrain Power Wheelchair has a powerful engine and is designed for cross-country use in all weather, including making it through floods. X850 performed great on all terrain and can take you off the beaten track. It also has ESP (Electronic Steering System) car technology. The bad news: it is so big that it could cause trouble on public transport . . . and the cost is about $55,000. Photos #18 by © Permobil
The design team of Adam Wood, Geoff Samuel, Mike Lambert, Lee Birkett and Josefina Chaves-Posse at Haywire Engineer Designs created the Zenith Wheelchair. It is a manually powered chair with stairs-climbing capabilities. Photos #19 by © Haywire Engineer Designs
Wheel by day and store the power to make the wheels glow brightly at night. Designers Mingoo Kim, Yunjin Chang, and Sueun Park created a concept wheelchair for the “Roll Charge Light Protect” Project. Magnets help generate electricity by rotating and sending the “electricity” through a coil to LEDs under the wheel covers. A readout panel shows the remaining amount of electricity and how long the user’s wheels can glow for safety at night. Photos #20 by © Mingoo Kim, Yunjin Chang, Sueun Park
The Comb Multifolding Wheelchair by Rudolf Mihu is meant to be fully adjustable and functional. If you don’t live in a city, then there might not be public accessible transportation. Some wheelchairs don’t break down well to fit into economy or sports cars. This concept wheelchair can be adjusted for the user’s comfort, needs, and even folded down to a tiny compact size that would fit any small vehicle for transportation. Photos #21 by © Rudolf Mihu via Tuvie
Mobi electric folding wheelchair by designer Jack Martinich is a compact electric wheelchair concept that can fold into itself within the diameter of its wheels. It’s made of lightweight materials and functions as a manual wheelchair, yet at the base of the wheels there is a battery-powered mechanism to help move the wheels forward or backward. With only two hubless wheels, you may wonder if there is a risk of tipping forward or backward. Gyroscope technology like is in the Segway, keeps the two-wheeled chair balanced. Photos #22 by © Jack Martinich
Solo is a unique new wheelchair combining the advantages of manual and electrical wheelchairs. With an electrical assist system, Solo increases the range and mobility of a manual wheelchair while providing premium ergonomics and compact foldability. Heavily focused on aesthetics, Solo avoids the medical look and feel often associated with electrical wheelchairs and provides an unique new experience for wheelchair users. When pushing uphill, Solo assists you and reduce the resistant. If you stop, Solo automatically brakes to avoid rolling backwards. When you go downhill, Solo recharge the batteries via its KERS (Kinetic energy recovery system) motor. Photos #23 by © Oystein Husby
Nimbl concept wheelchair by designer Lawrence Kwok. Home rennovations to make doorways, restrooms and kitchens accessible and wheelchair-friendly can cost a fortune. Nimbl was designed specifically for domestic/indoor use to give increased access without sacrificing mobility inside a house. It features “a carbon fiber tub which houses the 10″ lift actuator, motorized hubless wheels and interchangeable battery. The wheelchair also integrates a magnetically placed armrest remote that allows both right- and left-handed control. Designed in collaboration with Tino Sacino, Danna Lei and Alison Ochoa, the wheelchair comes with short wheelbase to increase the maneuverability within the home. Users can rotate the armrests and footrest for easy transfers, while the customizable modular cushion system assures various levels of mobility as well as rehabilitation. Moreover, the Nimble comes with the ability to recline for pressure relief.” Photos #24 by © Lawrence Kwok via Design Buzz
Buen Rumbo wheelchair concept by designer Diana Amaya. She explained, “Buen rumbo is a project I developed at my senior year of college. It is designed for children between 5 and 12 whose requirements in aesthetics are far different from a regular paraplegic adult. Based on a electric motor developed by Victor Gerardo, it provides an alternative for a younger market.” Photos #25 by © Diana Amaya
Designer David Pompa wanted to dress up wheelchairs and inclusive interior design. While it might make people stop and think, these pretty yet impractical design concept wheelchairs could never be functional. Photos #26 by © David Pompa
Elevating electric wheelchair by designer Jake Eadie. These wheelchair concepts were designed to be adjustable in 2 modes, sitting and standing. They “challenge able-bodied people’s perceptions of wheelchair users.” Photos #27 by © Jake Eadie
Electric elevating wheelchair design concept by industrial designer Ivo Tanchev. Photos #28 by © Ivo Tanchev
Greathouse Labs Wheelchairs & Mobility Devices. “If you have to be in a chair, you should be in a really cool chair. Inspired by his brother’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, Lance Greathouse is determined to help people with physical disabilities continue to pursue their interests and dreams. Whether for work or play, Greathouse Labs can design and build a custom wheelchair to fit your lifestyle. We can even trick out your current chair with accessories that let your personality shine through.” Photos #29 by © Greathouse Labs
For the wheelchair and mobility scooter owner who wants to spice things up, has a need for speed, here are two design concepts by Allegro Medical. The 0-300 mph in 4.2 seconds Jet Chair concept wheelchair “combines today’s advances in jet propulsion with modern wheelchair design to make a practical, general-purpose sub-sonic everyday chair. The wheelchair finally meets the jet age in this aggressively styled, ‘weekend warrior-type’ chair. Perfectly at home in the Bonneville Salt Flats doing 400mph or cruising to the market, the Jet Chair offers something for everyone….The deal crafted with the State Department allows for limited production of the jet powered wheelchair as a recreational use personal transportation device. The stripped down civilian version of the craft is notably missing rocket launchers and heat-seeking missiles….EPA Economy: .0002 / .000012 mpg Highway/City.” Or drop over a million bucks for the Jet Powered Mobility Scooter design concept. 
Photos #30 by © Allegro Medical
Personal Mobility Whill. “Not everyone can afford an electric wheelchair, so WHILL was created to bring a cheaper alternative. The WHILL is an add-on component to the wheelchair that provides temporary electric drive. The two hubs have a lithium-ion battery powered 24-volt motor that brings a range of 30 kilometers and a top speed of 20 km/h (12.5 mph). Each one takes about two hours to charge in order for it to be fully functional. The band that connects the hubs is a steering device that works by having the individual lean into the direction they wish to go, so it’s similar to a Segway. With the prototype already made up, WHILL is currently looking for users to test out the product.” Photos #31 by © Whill via Trend Huner
The Tank Chair by TC Mobility: “Tank Chair is a custom off-road wheelchair that can go anywhere outdoors. TankChair conquers streams, mud, snow, sand, and gravel, allowing you to get back to nature. Using rubber tracks and high-torque electric motors, Tank Chair will take you anywhere and back.” Photos #32 by © TC Mobility Tank Chair
Electric Independent Wheelchair Assistant by designer Oscar Fernandez. His grandfather has been in a wheelchair since the age of 20, so Fernandez was inspired to create the electric Independent Wheelchair Assistant to act as an assistant and eliminate the need to constantly transfer between other devices like scooters or power chairs. It has simple user controls and a headlight to ensure safety at night or in bad weather. Photos #33 by © Oscar Fernandez
Cursum – Stroller for wheelchair users by designer Cindy Sjöblom. “Parenting in the first stages of infancy can be incredibly challenging – add a mobile disability to the equation and you can imagine how daunting it might seem. The Cursum stroller concept aims to make life a little easier by adapting to use in tandem with a wheelchair. Swivel wheels, complete height adjustment, attention to comfort and visibility and advanced safety features give parents added security and a little independence to an already challenging life experience.” The designer also made a video for this stroller. Photos #34 by © Cindy Sjöblom via Yanko Design
EAZ Disabled Mobility Device concept by designer Grayson Stopp. “The EAZ is a revolutionary product for the disabled mobility market, with the potential to revolutionise mobility for people with moderate disabilities who find it difficult getting around. These users include; the injured and operation recoverers, to the frail, old aged, and the slightly disabled (sufferers of MS [multiple sclerosis], Arthritis, or COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease]). The EAZ is a multi-functional mobility device, aimed at filling the void between walkers and wheelchairs. The stylish self balancing two-wheeled device is capable of operation in either a seated and standing configuration. It’s currently in the conceptual and pre-production planning stages.” Photos #35 by © Grayson Stopp
During the the London Paralympic Games, we came across this video of Sue Austin ‘Finding Freedom.’ Watch her underwater acrobatics from her prototype wheelchair. We’d never seen anything like it and we loved it! Video #1 by Freewheeling4
I thought the 2nd motored wheelchair was already cutting edge but based on the succeeding pictures; I was wrong. There are other wheelchairs that are not motorized but have added really good functionality like the one where you can still use even on mud.
Is this about $$$. or compassion. This friend of mine is of a character that is above most, I would lay my life down for this person. His motives are pure and Godly. What would it take for you to help me in behalf of him, to assist him in his reaching out to others with his character in order to save people from Hell. I am asking for help. Life these days is tough for “normal” people, let alone those that have challenges. I love my brother, in Christ. He has a heart for others that I envy. I aspire to have that compasion. He is challenged to be in a wheelchair for the rest of his lie….no doubt. He reaches out to others, despite his restrictions, at a great cost of time and effort and $$$$ that he gives without regard.
At 6ft 6 300 pounds and living in a wheelchair! They dont really make chairs like any of these! I would love designs like these to force the industry to advance! Hopefully these designs would hold someone my size!
I worked in the rest-home/assisted care industry as a maintenance supervisor for a large facility. I was first amazed at how many disabled do not have “wheel chairs”. My facility must have had 300 old “wheel chairs” in storage from residents who had passed. Yet, the management was not allowed by law to issue these chairs to people in need. Instead, they had to have brand new devices. I took the old chairs, refurbished them and issued them anyway. I got in trouble, but the people who got the chairs really appreciated them. So what? I didn’t care and I was important enough I suffered no real consequinces for my action. I thought Medicare-etc. would buy them a chair. Unfortunately, the circumstances of a lot of people in need did not qualify them. And, it also surprised me at how antequated the so-called “modern” wheel chair is based on 1860’s era design. People, this is 2016…it’s about time to use our fantastic technology and modern era wealth to solve these problems. This is a really greate article. Now, if only we can tanslate these fantastic designs into getting them to the millions of people who need them. Also, a lot of peole have over weight problems and still need help getting around. We have the technology and economy to help everyone no matter age, weight, size, or what ever. Let’s do it!
Hi Jim,
I wound up in a wheelchair after being hit by a car. I too was amazed at the ancient design of the wheelchairs and the price of the lighter frames. The designs demonstrated are light years better than what is for sale now.
The Segway was initially meant for wheelchairs but the developers thought that upright people would snap them up, but they did not. Now you can get mini sized Segway type products the size of scateboards. Surely someone could take these designs and make the best of them for manufacture.
It’s no use going to present manufacturers as they have not advanced the wheelchair at all. The lighter materials were pioneered for push bikes .
Cheers,
Les
Les, sorry about your accident… God bless ya.
Yes, it seems to me the time is now for these old chair designs to be put in museums. I have some background in engineering and design, but absolutely nothing that would come close to what these kids have shown us in this dispaly. But, I do have enough background to know what is available. We absolutely can and should be doing better than what we are in this field.
I think the problem is the same one that holds back so much more in our society…economics and dedication. Look what Elon Musk has accomplished…look what Bezos has accomplished. They have the cash and the desire and the support to push space travel into the 21st century…admittedly the science is being brought along kicking and screaming (Government! Right?)
That said, I strongly feel that given the right dedicated movement by our society, we could collect the funds, assemble the brain power, build the manufacturing facility…and provide at absolutely ZERO profit (ha…501C!)…modern mobility, life improvement devices for everyone in need…Everyone! I am fortunate (aside from old age and fatness) in my body…I can dance, jump, run, walk my dogs…reach cans on the top shelf at the grocery and go swimming with my grand kids. I literally can not imagine not being able to do that. And by God, if there was a way, I can assure you I would do what I could to get others not as fortunate as most of us as much freedom as possible.
I guess the thing that yanks my chain is the idea that I know how inexpensive the technology is…the same chip that make a Segway work is in a $35.00 Radio Shack kid toy quad copter…the accelerometers and gyros are in there. A micro computer (Arduineo micro) to run it is on Amazon, ten for $35.00 (I actually made that purchase last year!) and routinely available for $9.95 each. The whole frame work, seat, wheels for a common pusher “Wheel Chair” is much less complex than a $120.00 Walmart Mountain bicycle! High speed, 2/3 HP scooter motors with full pwoer control and battery can be bought for less than $150.00 Tell me why, then, with just re-arranging these items with a bit of clever desgin and some common garage tools, we do not have at least a modicum of inexpensive power mobility life improvement devices for everyone who needs it on the same level as these fantastic designs shown ehre?? We have fantastic design engines…Autocad, Maya, that 17 year old kids are using to make cartoons. Yet, we still have theold 1870 wheelchair designs on the market and they sell new for $890.00 or more! Bull crap!
Like I say…with some money and dedication…this is solvable. All we need is a “Zukerberg”…a dedicated, smart guy with “cash-ola” focused on mobility/life improvement devices…
Anyway…that’s my rant for today…Good luck to you….keep on….
JB
Hi Les,
I believe this the latest in wheelchair design. I have lost count how many I have modified; older and ancient design but this is newer for me to customize! Segway based:
http://ogotechnology.com
On the Ogo…That’s the ticket! I do not know how much an Ogo chair might cost but what ever, in the range of a good motorcycle, perhaps? it would be worth it.
I am thoroughly impressed. I especially like the core body control which I am almost certain can be adapted to a remote gyro/accelerometer head or helmet control for quads. I sincerely hope this product get’s manufactured and out to the general public as soon as possible. Yay!
Re: questions about the battery and can it be operated manually…pretty clearly, it is made to get past all that. Reliability…like I don’t lug a bicyle on the back of my 2015 Chevy in case it breaks down…this is now, not 1946. The benfits of all electric mobility should be far outweighing the necessity for contengincy break down.
I’m not disabled…forune has msiled on me and mine. But, By gosh, I have the greatest hope we can get folks not so fortunate into these new devices to help their situation be as advanced as possible.
I would love to try all of products + give feedback . I’m in Australia
Greetings,
I have two electric wheelchairs. Both are high end units capable of completely altering my posture when I sit in them, as I have a problem with the kyphosis of my back due to severe ankylosing spondilitis.
I have always had some design ideas bubbling in the back of mind about incorporating a cowling over the wheelchair’s chassis, so that I may use the wheelchair even in the most inclement of weathers. I envision this cowling enclosing the rider, shielding him from debris, water, and other stuff kicked up from the sidewalks and the street.
I am interested in working with a competent designer, if anyone is out there listening and curious, to see about designing, then prototyping, a futuristic cowling.
If anyone finds this as interesting as I do, or can offer a referral, please reply.
Many thanks & best,
-bobby klein
Hi Bobby, we are thinking alike. i am designing a low cost wheel chair that has similar features. maybe can talk. i hope to assemble a team who can assist in the next month or so. can we work together?
Hi to you both, i have already made a cover which keeps the rain away from the wheelchair user, it operated electrically and the handset is phematic,no need for power, so no shorting when raining. The cover folds away at the back of the chair when not in use and then by depressing the air button the cover folds from the back over the to of you protecting you from the weather. Im currently macking Mk2 version, the first one i produced had been in use now for three years and is on a friends chair which is used daily, when finished will forward on some pictures, hope to have the Mk2 in production one day.
Have any wheelchair designers used the concept that our primate ancestors used hands, arms, upper body for most locomotion in trees? Maybe a wheelchair giving opportunity for reciprocal motion of grasping, pulling, etc. would enhance the experience. Thanks,Jean
[…] http://www.lovethesepics.com/2012/09/35-wildly-wonderful-wheelchair-design-concepts/ here are too many concepts to be believed! From the simple and sublime (like the Mountain Trike) to the absurd (jet powered wheelchairs!) to individual power packs that can be attached to any chair and then can be recharged while you are at work….This website has ideas and concepts for every user. […]
I am in a wheelchair and would love to try some of the new designs and give my feedback.
I am in a wheelchair and would love to try some of the new designs, i would love to buy if i like it
I am interested in participating in the design of a novel/futuristic wheelchair that will make the quality of life for disabled people better.
My background is engineering and though I am a chemical engineer I have had a spiked interest for the past 3 months in power wheelchair mechanics and control systems.
I have a few ideas up my sleeve as well and I am looking to create a team (or even simpler join a team if possible).
If there are like-minded people out there please reply and I am confident we can make something happen.
Best
Hi Tamer, I’m interested to know whether you got involved in any wheelchair projects, as I have one based around a Segway that I currently use as an off road wheelchair but needs more development. Where in the world are you and are you still interested?
Tamer,
I’m here in Western Australia not know where you are but felt compelled to write a few words. An power wheelchair has changed little in the 33 years I’ve been in a chair. They have gone from 12v to 24 but should be 36v to 48v at least by now like most electric bikes. Instead of Lead Acid we use Sealed Lead Acid or Gel when we should be using the new breed of LiFePo4 batteries from companies like Fusion in Australia. The light weight of these batteries, smaller size and significant power increase would allow the physical build of the wheelchair to be much less about managing the extreme weight of SLA batteries which weigh about 60% more than modern LiFePo4 batteries and more about design. The last change is the drive motors that are inefficient two or four pole magnetic motors that are inefficient and heavy. All motors now and for the last decade should have been Brushless Hub Motors or Brushless Gearless Hub Motors which are much more efficient, low maintenance and take up no room because they are part of the wheel. You will also need the joystick and power module to control those motors. All this is the begining of a power chair that will take us through the next decade as push chairs have already moved on. I know there’s parts available mainly from china but have been left with some junk from the motor and controller angle that just don’t work and really haven’t the smarts or physical ability to locate or have built quality electronics.i have been running LiFePo4 batteries for over five years which has given me a new freedom especially when travelling, with less than a 2 hour charge time. The only other thing would be let’s use carbon fibre lick they are doing with push chairs.
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for the detailed response. I am curious what your technical background is? Your knowledge in batteries and the frame is comprehensive and you could enlighten me tremendously.
Do you think we can start a correspondence to understand if we can find a potential synergy?
I “customize” manual and power wheelchairs (for myself so no one can sue me when landing on their head using my device :-D)- and have since a 1974 decoration contest. I went from decorating to changing designs. Amazing how many concepts throughout the years are still “concepts”! This is indeed terrific eye-candy!
I’ve been in a chair for about 23 years now and have not seen anything close to what I’ve seen here, it’s incredible!!! I’m very interested in trying the hand cycle contraption and any other thing. If I like what I see I’m willing to buy it. I hope to hear back from you.
That handcycle addition to a manual wheelchair was being sold in the U.S. in 1973. Most likely those, or similar add-on devices, are still available. I had an old one in 1978 that was too difficullt for me. An excellent workout – but mine vanished about 1980. Too slow and did not go far enough. I am more into speed, comfort, distance now! If that jet powered 100 mile per hour wheelchair was a serious option available- that is more my interest 😀 !
There are some cool factors here. However I think most of the designers are missing some major considerations. Being handicapped and a designer, I might have a different perspective. Maybe less in your face designs and more practical would be my suggestion. People with disabilities for the most part don’t want to be highlighted but rather have solutions that fit their needs. Also consider this. If you design a mobile product for a disabled person so that he or she can venture by themselves, which inevitably will happen, make sure that disabled person can still upright or reorient that device to function. Meaning a 200 hundred lbs machine would be very difficult reorient and quite dangerous if it is flipped over, which of course will happen. Designers should keep in mind that there is a huge segment of disabled people that constantly pushes their boundaries and their equipment.
I have Multiple Sclerosis and am confined to a wheelchair. I am relatively young and my husband and I love the outdoors but I am in the majority. I have Medicare and Medicaid and there is no way they would pay for these. I had to fight for a year to justify why I needed a tilt feature. These are great, downright exciting but how does the average person on disability afford something like this. Yes it would revolutionize our world, remove barriers and allow for more independence but reality is this is for the financially elite not the average disabled individual.
Kindly inform me how to buy these chair.
Thanks
I am also on Medicaid and they pay for nothing, except batteries and tires for the life of the chair. I have a very expensive canopy that I did myself for 30.00 instead of the 600.00 they wanted for the pre-made one. I have brake lights, blinkers, a 120 Db horn, and a clear 8mm plastic cover for the canopy as well so you have a rain, wind proof seating area. All of this done with self powered bike type lights.
I have a friend that has done a total solar chair and other great ideas for CHEAP
I admin or have created 35 plus groups on FB just look for my name we have wheelchair groups this is going to be posted in and we are a brain trust for cheap ideas that work, how do I know it’s all on my chair and others
Great Ideas I would love to have been able to post a pic or 2 of ours but these are great and really heading in the right direction
Peace and thank you it was a great time looking
These are chairs I have daydreams about!! If I ever win the lottery I will have a different one for each day!! I do wish some if the ones that allows one to sit up higher could be a standard for approval regarding insurance/medicare they are my favorite. I would like to look at people eye to eye level.
I want access! I am not seeking a power chair with which to go scuba diving or mountain climbing but one with which I can get outdoors when it rains or snows and be able to navigate standard seven inch curbs, reach top shelves in grocery stores and can afford on a fixed income from Social Security. Can anyone steer me in the right direction to find such a machine?
I’ve been in an electric wheelchair for 5 years and am considered a ” walkie “. I am most interested in buying a segway wheelchair. I have had considerable difficulty finding one, even though I have contacted several foreign companies. Can anyone steer me in the right direction finding a machine like this here in the states?
Thank you.
Hi I love your designs they look spectacular. Although looks are important, its what a wheelchair can provide. Most Stroke patients, (my 25yr old Son being one of them) have only the use of one side of their body. The majority of chairs need two hands. My Son would need a single hand control. To enable him to have the lifestyle he used to have before his motorbike accident, it would be important for the chair to be able to deal with any surface, ie. rough ground, stairs etc. In this day and age you would think going for a walk would be easy, but the lack of drop curbs is frustrating, so it is important for a chair to be able to climb up and down pavements. Rain is also an issue, just getting in and out of a car takes time, so by the time you get to your destination, you usually find youre soaking wet.
Then theres the problem of reaching items in a shop, you can guarentee what you want is always on the top shelf. For this instance, i love the idea of sit to stand.
Well done Guys, you could really change the future of wheelchair users, just need to work on keeping the price affordable.
Please let me know how I can try out the EAZ a, solo, mobi, rough terrain chairs, also their prices thanks sadie
Hi Sadie. We don’t sell anything, so you would need to follow the linked source for pictures or go directly to a manufacturer for those details. As someone in a chair, there are several I’d love to try too. It’s a pity that my insurance would surely say no to most of these.
[…] http://www.lovethesepics.com/2012/09/35-wildly-wonderful-wheelchair-design-concepts/: here are too many concepts to believe! From the simple and sublime Mountain Trike to the absurd jet powered wheelchair, to individual power packs that can be attached to any chair and then can be recharged while you are at work, this website has ideas and concepts for every user. […]
I am T7 paraplegic and have been using an adapted Segway for off and on road, goes pretty much anywhere even got 11mph on the beach. Try to develop it to make a cheaper option than the others on the market, getting there slowly.
Great fun and gives real independence in places other manual and electric wheelchairs struggle.
[…] 35 Wildly Wonderful Wheelchair Design Concepts: This link has too many concepts to believe! From the simple and sublime Mountain Trike to the absurd jet powered wheelchair, to individual power packs that can be attached to any chair and then be recharged while you are at work, this website has ideas and concepts for every user. […]
I have a 9 year old nephew who was just fitted for his first of several wheel chairs. He has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and won’t live past his early 20’s. He is pretty mobile for now but will need a chair fairly soon. I’m not really looking for anything special, but my sister and I would love to find someone who can do a cosmetic customizing of the chair in a Hulk theme. He is a BIG hulk fan.
I’m looking for artists or people in Omaha who might do something like this but wondered if you had any ideas for where to look?
Thank you for your feedback and thoughts!
Michael
Some great ideas. What we the crippled require, are the length to production or in production, the cost, full details of capabilities and where they can be obtained. There are two areas to look at: 1. General use with as small as possible vehicle area, standing ability, ability to traverse uneven terrain and get up and down steps and as light as possible. 2. Recreational chairs ie sporting or all terrain vehicles.
The Segway effect was apparently first designed for wheelchairs but the costs were high and it was felt that standing people were a bigger market. The Segway effect may well return to the wheelchairs for more versatility of the wheelchair.
I would hate to spend a lot of money on one chair only to find the availability of better choices that were not as well known.
Les
The Cursum stroller concept aims to make life a little easier by adapting to use in tandem with a wheelchair.
Wondering if there is a design out there that can hold 2 children . . . a double wheelchair. A very dear friend has two girls, ages 8 and 10 who both suffer from friedreich’s ataxia, and both require the use of mobility aids. This makes it difficult for a single mother to get around. Thought a double wide might be the answer so she can have some independence and take the kids out and about on her own. Any information would be appreciated!
I been using a wheelchair for over 20yrs,I’m c-6-7 a incomplete quad with still good upper body strength.. I was often confused with being a paraplegic because of the use of my hands and arms functionality..I’ve used a lot of different one’s, standard and powered chairs, At my slightly advanced age now, I use a motorized chair, although I would love to try one of those combination chairs that converts a maual chair to a powered chair, I wish I could acuallly afford one of these fabulous chairs shown on this site..the’re awesome. If u ever need a tester I’d like to be one..lol..I’m in georgia