But new concept designed by s Ju Hyun Lee, gives hope to change all that. Their proposal for solution is named NEWS (New Electric Wheelchairs) and is still in concept phase.

The main idea and technological breakthrough is that this is not selfstanding electric powered wheelchair, but rather an motorized wheelchair addon for existing manual wheelchairs. So it actually does not want to replace your existing electric wheelchair; rather it is attached to the standard wheelchair. NEWS gives instant electric motorized power to wheelchair.

Also the design of the concept is clean, well-thought and robust. It bring the design of 21st century to assistive devices. If NEWS concept becomes a reality, it will definitely change the industry.

Price wise not much is know, but it should not be expensive – meaning that once mass productions starts, we should see it at very competitive price point, which will make electric wheelchairs available to broader masses of people in need… Meaning it should be perfect for end users and also hospitals,therapy centers and nursing homes…

Honda

U3-X is based on technology developed in Honda’s humanoid robot Asimo. Honda is well known for its R&D in robotics and assistive technology, and although its announcements are many (see the one about artificial robotic leg) most of this is still years away from production and sale. Looks like Honda is competing heavily against local rival Toyota, which is also aggressive on robotics and research – and both move in similar direction (toyota shows segway personal transporter with seat, toyota and mind controlled wheelchair, toyota i-swing personal mobility device)…

Anyhow, U3-X is on contrary with Toyota’s i-Swing a small device, which is also very portable. It can be carried around and put in trunk with ease. U3-X has a seat height a bit higher than an average person’s waist line, so passenger must “jump” on it to commence the ride. Passenger then puts his his feet to the foot rests (similar as found on motor bikes). The rest is already known from segway – passenger leans in the direction he wants to go, and U3-X personal mobility device moves. It can drive in 8 directions (cross and diagonally as well) and reaches a top speed of 3,7 MHP (5,5 km/h) – meaning that it moves at pace of average persons walk.

Honda’s chairman Takanobu Ito commented that “And if my legs get a little weak, I would like to have one of these around the house. It makes it easy to move about.”. We guess he has a big house… Honda did not want to comment on price and availability of the U3-X nor any plans to produce similar versions of power wheel chair or electric wheel chair devices like toyota i-swing where user sits and leans back on it…

See link to video on the next page.

To see video of U3-X in action (looks like a lots of fun, and very simple), click here.

New electric wheelchair is called Rodem. User sits on the four-wheeled wheelchair similar like on scooter. User rests his knees and chest on the cushions, steering the wheelchair with a joystick wile holding on to motorbike-style handles. The result is that user feels less load on their body.  

The whole new approach to electric wheelchair design allows users to mount the device more easily, and dismount it quickly and with less strain and pain as well. Target audience are elderly, hospitalized for smaller injuries which prevent them from freely moving around without help. Rodem is lessening reliance on care-givers to lift these patients.

Rodem promises greater mobility. Its prototype was demonstrated in the medical university in Tokyo. The two main wheels of the Rodem are independently driven by a control valve type lead battery. Autonomy of the electric wheelchair is around four hours per charge. Maximum moving speed is 6km/h, but can be set to lower limits as well. The dimensions of the Rodem are equivalent to the size of a normal wheelchair, and it weights about 200 lbs (100kg). It also features small minimum turning diameter.

While western nation’s (and Japan’s) populations are growing fast, and these kind of nursing robots are intended for them, the inventors say they have no immediate plans to commercialize the new vehicle. Their primary goal is to meet and exceed the governmental safety standards, but they remain open to offers from private companies.

TMsuk Robotic’s president  Yoichi Takamoto said the Rodem may also be used by people who are not disabled to simply ride and enjoy. Takamoto added that Rodem was too simple to be called a robot at this point in time, but that it may evolve into one by adding new robot-like features like example, that it comes to your bedside when you call for it.

Future is in deed interesting for next generation of electric wheelchairs, as Toyota recently showed off a mind controlled electric wheelchair, while other researchers announced wifi controlled wheelchair…

Topchair uses different approach to conquering the stairs, as it uses rubber tracks similar to those found in tanks. This technology allows Topchair motorized wheel chair to go up or down the 20 cm high step (8 inch) made from metal or wood or concrete with maximum slope of 33° (65%). It does so while user sits comfortably and safely onboard without any help of  fixed structure like a ramp and with no need for an attendant.

Topchair uses two 60 Ah gel batteries, allowing it 35 km driving authonomy or over 300 steps in a single charge.

This stair walking wheelchair also got the prestigius 2008 Frost & Sullivan Award for Product Innovation in the European mobility aids markets. You can get more information on manufacturer’s website.

The difference between a normal or electric chair and their heavy duty counterparts lies mainly in the construction.  A conventional wheelchair will work soundly for many years on pavement, asphalt and indoors.  They are meant for mainly urban and suburban environments.  But try and take a conventional model down a trail, or over other bumpy terrain, and more than likely it can break.

A heavy duty wheelchair doesn’t have that problem.  In fact, it was made for just such challenges.  It can go down trails and other difficult terrain just as easily as it can coast over smooth pavement.  Stronger construction, the inclusion of a suspension, sturdier tires and more durable materials make heavy duty wheelchairs almost indestructible.  And, thanks to the increase in strength, heavy duty models can carry a much heavier payload, too. There are even electric wheelchairs rugged for heavy users.

Just like that truck you had when you were younger, these models will last and last.  You don’t need to change who you are just because you are handicapped.  See for yourself just how big the world still is.

Owning a portable wheelchair means several things, some of them bad, but many of them positive. Consider that most wheelchairs can be a two person undertaking.  This means that while in your chair, you will have a friend, family member or loved one always behind you, helping you on your way.  For many, this is very comforting.  Companionship of this sort will also help to bring you closer to those around you, and help elucidate the many reasons to be happy that these people are in your life.

You may also want to travel, to see the people in your life that aren’t always so near.  Far off relatives or friends from college may be long plane, train, or bus rides away.  Many travel services, such as airlines, are very accommodating to the handicapped traveler.  You can do your part to make it even easier for them by bringing along a portable wheelchair.  Bringing a chair that is easy to fold and store will help streamline your travel and see that you get to your destination on time.

As a disabled person, you have the option to control your own destiny.  You can regain your independence and your self esteem by getting a wheelchair that works for you.  Together, with friends and family, a wheelchair can help get your life back on track.  Always ask your doctor or a professional for advice when looking for a chair that is right for you.

Everything you wear and do says a lot about you as a person.  Instead of looking at your wheelchair as a handicap, why not embrace it as a new, stylish accessory?  Find a shape and level that matches your own personal look, pair that with the right color scheme, and you’ll find yourself way ahead of the game!

The change will be dramatic.  It would be easy to dread your appearance when you wake up every morning.  But with a jazzy wheelchair, you just might look forward to riding around in your shiny chrome wheels.  You’ll also be able to attract the right kind of attention.  Others may notice you are physically handicapped, but you’ll be able to show them that your sense of style is still fully intact.

A stylish wheelchair can even act as an icebreaker.  Instead of letting people quietly feel bad for your handicap, you can turn the tables when you boast of how proud you are of your sleek, new, jazzy wheelchair.  When you express your confidence like that, people will notice.  Your personality is the most important part of who you are.  Show those around you just how much you have to offer, and those around you will respond in kind.  Feel good about who you are and don’t be afraid to let it show.