# Gear-Shifting Wheelchairs The IntelliWheels Give Paraplegics the Mobility they Deserve By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-07-26 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intelliwheels References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/5824204/intelliwheels-ags-shifts-the-wheelchair-into-a-higher-gear) & [futurity.org](http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/smart-wheelchair-can-switch-gears/) With everything going "smart" these days, from phones to computer applications, it was only a matter of time before these IntelliWheels, a [fully-functioning wheelchair](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightweight-electric-wheelchair) capable of shifting gears, were created. Shifting his attention from a bicycle to a wheelchair, engineer Scott Daigle was puzzled by the absence of [gear-equipped wheelchair](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheelchair-mode). After all, why shouldn't paraplegics be able to move around with the same speed, control and momentum as everyone else? The IntelliWheels AGS combines the versatility of a [road bike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intelligent-cycling-system) with the reliability of a wheelchair to provide a new, unseen package. But unlike typically bicycles, the IntelliWheels employ a gear-shifting system that automatically adapts to how the wheelchair is pushed, so newcomers to the product don't have to relearn how to use their chair! By September 2012, you might see these bad boys on the streets as Daigle and his colleagues work to perfect their prototype. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Smart Wheelchairs:** The development of gear-shifting wheelchairs like IntelliWheels is part of a larger trend of smart wheelchairs equipped with advanced technology. - **Adaptive Gear Shifting:** The gear-shifting system in IntelliWheels showcases the trend of adaptive gear shifting technology, which automatically adjusts to the user's pushing motions. - **Hybrid Mobility Solutions:** IntelliWheels combines the versatility of a road bike with the reliability of a wheelchair, reflecting the trend of hybrid mobility solutions. ### Where This Applies - **Assistive Technology:** The development of gear-shifting wheelchairs presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the assistive technology industry. - **Healthcare:** Smart wheelchairs like IntelliWheels have the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by improving mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities. - **Transportation:** The emergence of hybrid mobility solutions, such as IntelliWheels, has disruptive innovation potential in the transportation industry by offering new options for inclusive and accessible transportation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Assistive Manual Wheelchair Add-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manual-wheelchair.md) - [All-Terrain Electric Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scewo-bro.md) - [Robotic Movement-Interpreting Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honda-unione.md) - [Sleek Robotic Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-wheelchair.md) - [Modular Powered Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheelchair-hand-cycle.md) - [Smartphone-Controlled Mobility Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosolo-personal-mobility-device.md) - [Predictive Shifting E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gocycle-gxi.md) - [Advanced Wheelchair Treadmills](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheely-x.md) - [Smart-Shifting Trail Bicycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trail-bicycle.md)