The WHILL Type-A Motorized Wheelchair is different from conventional wheelchair designs, mainly because it has people sit in an active rather than an inactive position. The wheelchair can be leaned into, like a Segway or a bike, plus a controller that can be manipulated with a single hand.
The wheelchair also has a small turning radius and can be turned on a dime without hassle. Additionally, it can handle riding on difficult terrain like grass, gravel, snow and dirt with ease.
The chair has three different modes: one that requires its user to sit actively and leaning in and out, another to provide optimal position for sitting at a table and a third “off-mode” for total relaxation.
What's Driving This Trend
- Active Position Wheelchair
- Opportunity to develop motorized wheelchairs that allows users to sit actively rather than in an inactive position.
- Versatile Terrain Wheelchair
- Opportunity to create new wheelchairs that can handle difficult terrains like grass, gravel, snow, and dirt with ease.
- Multi-mode Wheelchair
- Opportunity to design motorized wheelchairs with multiple modes that cater to different situations like sitting at a table, relaxation, and active participation.
Who This Affects Most
- Medical Equipment Industry
- Companies in the medical equipment industry can explore creating innovative and versatile mobility solutions for individuals who require wheelchairs.
- Assistive Technology Industry
- Companies in the assistive technology industry can cater to a broader range of customers by creating motorized wheelchairs that can handle different terrains and offer multiple modes.
- Rehabilitation Industry
- Rehabilitation centers can adopt versatile mobile wheelchairs as part of their programs to provide patients with a more active and varied experience to aid in their recovery.