# Electric Wheelchair Converters WHILL Aims to Improve Mobility for the Disabled By Matt Ho | Published 2011-12-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whill References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/whill-powered-wheelchair/20784/) & [whill.jp](http://whill.jp/concept.html) Not everyone can afford an [electric wheelchair](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-mobility-aids), so WHILL was created to bring a cheaper alternative. The WHILL is basically an [add-on component to the wheelchair](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/estroller-conversion-kit) that provides temporary electric drive. The two hubs have a [lithium-ion battery powered 24-volt motor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clip-electric-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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Autonomous Airport Mobility Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whill-is.md) - [VR Electric Mobility Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobility-wheelchair.md) - [All-Terrain Electric Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scewo-bro.md) - [Ultra-Lightweight Electric Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightweight-electric-wheelchair.md) - [Modified Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leaning-wheelchair.md) - [Inclusive All-Terrain EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exoquad-v2.md) - [Upright Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kime-wheelchair.md) - [Modular Powered Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheelchair-hand-cycle.md) - [Wheelchair-Friendly Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniature-van.md)