Redefining Personal Mobility
Going beyond wheelchairs
The challenge was to re-invent a functional mobility solution which pushes boundaries of independence and ignites a sense of pride, aspiration and confidence within wheelchair users.
Company
Neomotion Assistive Solutions
Role
Industrial Design
Market Research
Prototyping
Wheelchair often become a loud symbol of disability, overshadowing the individual's unique personality. A wheelchair is more than just a mobility device; it shapes the user's identity and influences how they are perceived in society.
The emotional needs of users were seldom addressed by existing wheelchair designs, and this is where our team saw an opportunity for transformation.
Optimizing ride efficiency by helping users make real time informed decisions
People who are new to wheelchair lifestyle have to deal with ride anxiety and fear of toppling over while maneuvering over ramps, inclinations, roadside curbs. Further, poor CG calibration can make the wheelchair unstable, painful and hard to maneuver.
“Adaptive center of gravity system” calculates the position of CG in real time and informs user about fine tuning their posture to ride in the most safe and efficient way without feeling anxious.
While carrying heavy things like a backpack, laundry bag, etc the user can on-the-go calibrate the center of gravity so that they can safely maneuver with maximum efficiency without experiencing fatigued and having to worry about toppling due to change in weight balance.
While antitippers are essential safety attachments to prevent people from toppling over it prevents users from performing wheelie. (lifting front castors up in the air to maneuver over small, everyday obstacles like bumps and curbs without loosing momentum.) Choosing efficiency over safety, few users prefer not attach antitippers subjecting them to greater risk of toppling over and getting hurt.
On the go retraction and deployment of anti-tippers enables users to perform wheelie in controlled environment while also providing safety against unforeseen toppling. Users don’t have to choose one over other.
Natural fit grip
Users have to deal with dirty hands, bruises and blisters due to fingers getting stuck in the joints.
Few users have low strength in their fingers and tend to use their palm surface to push forward. Inclusive form and texture enhances comfort and enables uses to interact with palm grip as well as finger grip.
Relying on assistance to transfer a wheelchair during commutes instills a sense of helplessness, diminishing user’s independence and autonomy.
Easy portability empowers users to regain a sense of control over their travel experience, and navigate various transportation options without the need for external assistance.
Portability and compactness
Relying on assistance to transfer a wheelchair during commutes instills a sense of helplessness, diminishing user’s independence and autonomy.
Easy portability empowers users to regain a sense of control over their travel experience, and navigate various transportation options without the need for external assistance.
