I really do hope Pegasus wheelchair is going to be mass produced, it will help a lot of disabled people moving efficiently. Compared to manually operated wheelchairs, pegasus is trying to break the image of the old wheelchair by combining electric drive motor with gyroscopic sensors to help the driver to move not just forward and backward but also in an upright position. The problem left would be the balance issue, since this is still a concept, there is no detailed description on how this Pegasus wheelchair will handle that.
Source : Porsche Design Studio
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A more streamlined and refined version of Segway's iBot Wheel Chair. Great Post!
Dream on! Nice concept, but balance is the most crucial aspect. People who have a disability that affects their mobility do NOT have good balance. So if they didn't address this issue first, they have a long way to go. Also, I have heard of people (who did not have a disability) falling from a Segway. So I'm not holding my breath, sorry!
There is a similar concept wheel chair that was at the prototype stage last time I saw it on TV… a tri-wheel design (total 6 wheels) It could climb stairs and also had a standing mode where user was lifted to their former standing height. If that design did not make market share, I very much doubt that this one will.
This concept looks too flimsy…. I agree … Segways are not stable enough for this purpose. There are a lot of raskel type devices out there for the light wheel chair need. Never say never, but the demand for this product might not be there.
Perhaps part of the frame its self could be the actual battery? – It could be the receptacle for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and if the lower framework assembly were used in such a manner it would significantly lower the chairs center of gravity. The seat, seat back, and armrests could incorporate one of the new thin-film solar materials for recharging. An optional umbrella or surrey style top of similar materials could be offered to increase recharging capability and shade at the same time.
I don't care if its flimsy…I want one anyway…..but I'm thinking I'll have to sell some body parts to afford one LOL Have a great one people!!!;-)
Charleen: The iBot wheelchair uses gyroscopic control systems to handle balance. The user does not have to have good balance, the chair's control system balances on its own. The chair is able to raise the user to a "standing" height, climb stairs, etc. If falling over was an issue, iBot would not be in business.
For more info on the iBot wheelchair, see
http://www.ibotnow.com/about-ibot.html.
Great concept!
– needs more work though, esp. with the balance aspect!
I agree with daryl.
umm.. see ibot
http://www.ibotnow.com/about-ibot.html.
oh, and here is another revolutionary wheelchair.
it was developed by high school students!
http://team357.org/media/Video/InvenTeam/inventea…
Great Concept!
Back when the Segway guy did it.
@Charleen,
Don't be sorry, you dont even need to hold your breath. Manufacturers and inventors don't need your permission or blessing to create new ideas and inventions.
I'm sure that this kind of additional mobility is great if someone needs it, even if there is a risk of them "falling off".
I've also seen some mobility restricted people have more balance kayaking than some able bodied people,
Off the cliff!
The balance issue depends on one's level of injury and whether the SCI is complete or incomplete. I'm T12/L1 incomplete and have good trunk muscles so balance is not an issue for me.
Looks great. Balance might be an issue with some but I'm sure there are a lot of differently abled who have great control with their superior upper body strength. Overall, weight might be a factor here though, for taking in and out of one's vehicle.
hello…
your design looking interesting for handicap people and easier for them…
I'm a student that involve in design a new wheelchair for handicap people…
for the new wheelchair,i need to using solar energy..
can you suggest to me a new design for wheelchair..?
If anyone is thinking about getting an ibot i suggest they read this report. The ibot was tested before being released on the market but as you can see it was a very limited study and people suffered injuries from the chair falling.
http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/293_stairclimbingstaircase...
Excellent chair. I wonder how far you got on the balance issue. I have a son with cerebral palsy and this chair intrigues me. I have an idea that may help you. If you still read this blog and you interested, write me and we'll discuss it.
Thank you
cool man.!!!!!! ur design is cool….
can let me know more bout how this chair works..u can mail me….hp 2 listen 4m u…tc
that is nice to see a new concept.. but i have a question: what if the user is an amputee? or even with weak but working limbs? i wonder how the user is gonna maintain the "height"
This is a pretty good idea….. but the balance seems to not work much at all.
Hello all together,
the pictures you see here on this blog is still the concept status. actually we now have an operating mockup. Thanks for all your comments, I`m interrested in all your criticism and ideas.
Ibot is out of business now. Medicare and insurance providers wont pay for it. Also, to use the stair climb function, good balance was required. It was clearly stated on the website, and the literature they put out at rehab centers. As a paraplegic, I can confidently say that standing frame type chairs will ALWAYS be in demand. The expense is the major factor. With most of them, there is a knee stop on each side, and a waist and chest strap to keep one in the chair during standing. Standing has lots of advantages, not just reaching things. It helps keep bone density for one. That is very important, as I know a quad who broke his femur just by putting his foot on his other knee to put on his shoe. I can guarantee that if this chair hits market, I will be in line for one of them!
please send all information about wheelchair that lifts patient to an upright position….thanking you in advance
There,s nothing better for us Paralyzed Then to be standing.