The Challenge
We were given the challenge to hack a wheelchair and make it better. Through research, we discovered that lever-powered wheelchairs were proven to be a better physical motion for the user. We also discovered how expensive they were, anywhere from $2,000-$10,000
Iterations
Final Outcome
The Hand Drive wheelchair attachment can be attached to any wheelchair and allows it to be powered in a rowing motion. This motion is better for your back, as it uses bigger muscle groups, and it keeps your hands cleaner. Because of our price point and the adaptability of the Hand Drive, all wheelchair users now have access to a lever-powered wheelchair.
Our Hand Drive wheelchair attachment uses a dual ratchet mechanism. One ratchet is naturally engaged by a spring and moves the wheelchair forward as you pump the handles. To move backwards, the user squeezes the brake on the handlebar which disengages one ratchet and engages the other, and the wheelchair moves backwards.
Because it is open source, it can be adapted for individual user's needs. For instance, if the user is a child and they have smaller hands, they can adjust the handles and handlebar length to fit. If the user has unusual wheels on their wheelchair, then they can adapt the attachment piece so it can fit snugly on their wheel as well.
