Electric Wheelchair Future Technology

As we follow the technological advancements in field of assistive devices for the last five years, we are shocked by products on the market now and 5 years ago. Although we covered many news technology announcements, scientific breakthrougs and wrote about prototype products that are coming to market in 1-2 years, this still did not happen.

We can not disagree with Merlexi Craft people (manufacturer of plastic wheelchairs in the USA) in comment here when they say that most concept wheelchairs never make it to market even if they receive National Institute of Health funding. Major obstacle on the road to new products is extensive testing and govt regulations regarding to Medicare/caid. While smaller outfits and innovators have always had trouble finding funding; it now looks that bureaucratic/paperwork obstacles are even harder to break, not to mention that you need experienced people/lawyers just to navigate thru all the regulations and updates of updates on regulations…

Therefore public expects new products from big players, same companies that are on the bleeding development edge in various sectors (robotics, automobilism, autonomous home assistance devices) like Toyota, Honda. But even here – where are the Toyota i-Real? The Toyota i-Swing? The Honda Personal Mobility Device U3-X and Honda’s Robotic Leg or CLEG? Where is the powered ExoSkeleton? Where is the mind controlled electric wheelchairs controller? Where are stem cell powered engines/hybrid batteries? Where and when?

So for the near term we are not optimistic about the development of the assistive technology market and products. Way from lab and prototype to market is too long, too steep and too expensive!

NOTE: few words about Merlexi Craft – they are manufacturers of plastic manual wheelchairs, that are cheap (sub $1000) and light. They are made from lightweight plastic, have folding contoured seats, come in various colors and offer quick-release wheels/footrests… Special versions are available for hospitals – and such wheelchair is appropriate for magnetic imaging, is safe, durable and shellock approved… If would be nice to see if company can fit an electric motor on top of the plastic frame and create economically feasible electric wheelchairs for mass market… See introductory video below:

In start of June 2010 several Chinese business websites (like alibaba.com) added new electric wheelchair model THR-FSP129 to the list of available electric wheelchairs. Product comes from Zhangjiagang Thriving Import & Export co. from Zhangjiagang City. Actual producer is unknown, but what stands out is the design of this electric wheelchair.

It is one of the rarely available standing up electric wheelchairs. It allows user to actually rise up to standing position, so user is on the same height as other people around – on the eye height. This is very important, and as we wrote before, beneficial for user’s psyche.

Technical parameters of this electric wheelchair are pretty common. Its length and height is 1,15 x 1,05 meters, overall width is 0,63, and seat is 0,57m above the floor.

Powertrain of the electric wheelchair consists of two 12V 38Ah batteries, that give 2x 200W of power, which suffices for 20 km maximum reach, and a maximum speed of 7 km/h.

On the down side, maximum capacity of the chair is only 100kg; and seats dimensions are only 43cm x 43cm, which makes it small for bigger users. Wheelchair is also not the lightest, as it weights 65 kg.

Highlights of the wheelchair are imported quality controller, and environmentally friendly spraying plastics steel frame. Chair has adjustable and detachable PU armrest and detachable strengthening hold. Both wheels are from expanding rubber.

Price is still unknown, but as all Chinese merchandise should be negotiable. It remains to be seen whether this electric wheelchairs will come to western markets.