Not everyone can afford an electric wheelchair, so WHILL was created to bring a cheaper alternative.
The WHILL is basically 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.
What's Driving This Trend
- Affordable Wheelchair Mobility
- Creating add-on electric components for wheelchairs to make them more affordable and accessible for disabled individuals presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the mobility industry.
- Personalized Assistive Technology
- Developing assistive technology that is personalized and tailored to the specific needs of disabled individuals is a trend that can disrupt the healthcare industry.
- Sustainable Mobility Solutions
- Designing eco-friendly and sustainable mobility solutions to reduce the environmental impact and cost of traditional electric wheelchairs is a trend that can disrupt the environmental industry.
Who This Affects Most
- Mobility
- The mobility industry can benefit from developing cost-effective electric wheelchair converters that provide individuals with greater accessibility and mobility.
- Healthcare
- The healthcare industry can benefit from creating personalized assistive technology that improves the quality of life for disabled individuals.
- Environmental
- The environmental industry can benefit from developing sustainable mobility solutions that reduce waste and energy consumption associated with traditional electric wheelchairs.
