Permobil – The Bugatti Veyron of All Power Chairs

Where does Permobil from?

A Swedish inventor Dr. Per Uddén is the founder of the company. He was a doctor who was concerned for the disabled. In 1963, people who are disabled are often completely over looked by the society. Dr Uddén wants to address this issue by building a machine that can make even the most severely disabled enjoy life again.

The company:

Permobil is a Swedish company and our head offices are at Timrå, 450 km north of the Swedish capital, Stockholm. Timrå is a small town with 18,000 inhabitants and can justifiably be called the world's foremost competence centre where the development of powered wheelchairs is concerned. The experience and knowledge accumulated within this specific area of technology goes back more than 40 years.

Some facts:

Permobil is a leader today in developing and manufacturing power chairs. As a true global company, their products can be found in 30 different countries across the world.

Their products:

The products are one of the best in material quality and durability. Thus, the price range is on par with the quality. The base models are at the 6,000 and the top of the line is at a bit over 10,000 dollars.

For more information visit:

http://www.permobil.com/Permobil-Export/Showroom-/

Here is a video:

Walking assist device by Honda

Honda developed yet another robotic device, a “walking assist device” that can help humans to…WALK!
The device looks like a bicycle seat connected by mechanical frames to a pair of shoes. It was unveiled on Friday and designed to generally support the regular body weight, reduce knee stress when getting up from crouching positions. The device reduces stress and should make you feel less tired.



The new walking assist device with the bodyweight support system reduces the load on leg muscles and joints (in the hip, knees, and ankles) by supporting a portion of the person’s bodyweight. The device has a simple structure consisting of seat, frame, and shoes, and the user can put it on by simply wearing the shoes and lifting the seat into position. Moreover, a mechanism that directs the assisting force toward the user’s center of gravity and the ability to control the assist force in concert with the movement of the legs – both unique Honda innovations – make it possible for the device to provide natural assistance in various postures and motions. via JCN Network

The hi-tech device was engineered by Honda’s Jun Ashihara. He said that he envisions it as a device for factory workers and people who use to stand a lot. “This should be as easy to use as a bicycle,” Ashibara said.
Honda is still undecided about the pricing and commercial product plans. They will begin testing a prototype with its assembly line workers later this month for feedback.
Specifications:
Weight – 6.5kg (including shoes and batteries)
Drive system – Motor X 2
Battery pack – Lithium ion battery
Operating time (per charge) – 2 hours
The device was designed for people who are still capable of walking, but would you like to wear it? Can you stand the feeling of the device pushing your crotch (for male) for a long period of time?


Read more: http://dailycontributor.com/hondas-wearable-walking-aid/1095/#ixzz1QdfaqVL6

Motorized wheelchair / Power chair, a summary...

A motorized wheelchair, powerchair, electric wheelchair or electric-powered wheelchair (EPW) is a wheelchair that is propelled by means of an electric motor rather than manual power. Motorized wheelchairs are useful for those unable to propel a manual wheelchair or who may need to use a wheelchair for distances or over terrain which would be fatiguing in a manual wheelchair. They may also be used not just by people with 'traditional' mobility impairments, but also by people with cardiovascular and fatigue based conditions.

History

The electric-powered wheelchair was invented by George Klein who worked for the National Research Council of Canada, to assist injured veterans during World War II.

Design

Powerchair design may be categorised by drive system/chassis, battery, controller, seat, and use.

Drive System/Chassis

Former President Clinton, Dean Kamen and the iBot

Powerchairs are generally four-wheeled and non-folding, however some folding designs exist and other designs may have some ability to partially dismantled for transit.

Four general styles of powerchair drive systems exist: front, centre or rear wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Powered wheels are typically somewhat larger than the trailing/castoring wheels, while castoring wheels are typically larger than the castors on a manual chair. Centre wheel drive powerchairs have castors at both front and rear for a six-wheel layout.

Powerchair chassis may also mount a kerb-climber, a powered device to lift the front wheels over a kerb of 10 cm or less.

Some manual wheelchairs may also be fitted with an auxiliary electric power system. This can take one of three forms: integrated with the hub of hand-propelled wheels, so that any force on the pushrims is magnified by the drive system, or mounted under the wheelchair and controlled as for a powerchair, but with the motive force either transmitted to the main wheels via a friction drive system, or delivered directly through an auxiliary drive wheel.

Some experimental all-terrain powerchair designs have been produced with tracks rather than wheels, but these are not in common use.

Other experimental designs have incorporated stair-climbing abilities and Dean Kamen's iBOT design featured both stair climbing and the ability to 'stand' on its up-ended chassiss via the use of advanced gyroscopic sensors. The iBOT was at one time a production model, but is no longer marketed.

Battery

The electric motors of powerchairs are usually powered by 4 or 5 amp deep-cycle rechargeable batteries, similar to those used to power outboard boat engines. These are available in wet or dry options. As wet-cell batteries may not legally be carried on an aircraft without removing them from the wheelchair and securing them in a shipping container, dry-cell batteries are preferred for powerchair use. Many powerchairs carry an on-board charger which can be plugged into a standard wall outlet; older or more portable models may have a separate charger unit.

Controller

A typical joystick controller

Controllers are most commonly an arm-rest mounted joystick which may have additional controls to allow the user to tailor sensitivity or access multiple control modes. The controller may be swing-away to aid in side-transfers. For users who are unable to use a hand controller various alternatives are available such as sip-and-puff controllers, worked by blowing into a sensor. In some cases the controller may be mounted for use by an aide walking behind the chair rather than by the user.

'Thought-control' of powerchairs, actually working by the detection of brainwaves or nerve signals via sensors on the scalp or elsewhere, has been demonstrated in the laboratory environment.

Seat

The seating on a powerchair may be little more than the sling seat found on low-end manual wheelchairs, but is generally more substantial, frequently a 'captain's chair' design. Head rests are a common adaption and specialist seating solutions are available for users who need individually tailored support. Leg rests may be integrated into the seating design and may have powered adjustment for those users who need to vary their leg position. Powerchairs may also have a reclining facility for users who are unable to maintain an upright seating position indefinitely.

Certain high-end powerchairs feature a 'standing' capability in which either the entire seat elevates to bring the user to standing height or the seat-base, seat-back and leg rests move in conjunction to bring the user into an upright position. The powerchair may or may not be able to move while in the elevated position.

Environment

A large ATV-style outdoor chair

Powerchairs may be designed for indoor, outdoor or indoor/outdoor use. Some indoor chairs may actually resemble a conventional armchair and have neglibible ability to deal with obstacles. Indoor/outdoor chairs generally give more consideration to their size and the need to navigate within a home environment than do outdoor chairs.

Some very large outdoor powerchairs have been designed with cross-country mobility in mind and show design convergence with other types of cross-country vehicle.

Use

Powerchairs are generally prescribed for use by users who are unable to use a manual wheelchair. However in both the US (Medicare and some private insurers) and the UK (National Health Service) powerchairs are generally not prescribed to users who have any ability to walk within the home, even if that ability is so functionally constrained as to be practically useless and where the user is unable to use a manual wheelchair independently. Disability rights activists are campaigning for prescription procedures to focus on an individual needs based assessment rather than on inflexible application of prescription rules. The restricted prescribing leads to many users being forced to procure a solution privately, in some cases settling for a powerchair or a mobility scooter that is less than ideal to their needs but which falls within their budget.

The use of powerchairs is not restricted solely to users unable to use manual chairs. Any disabled person with a mobility, fatigue or pain-based impairment or cardio-vascular issues may find a powerchair advantageous in some circumstances, however existing prescription practises generally means that powerchairs for such use must be privately procured or hired for the occasion.

Limitations

Access adaptions such as wheelchair spaces on public transport and wheelchair lifts are frequently designed around a typical manual wheelchair (in the UK referred to as a 'reference wheelchair'). Unfortunately powerchairs frequently exceed the size and weight limits of manual wheelchairs as they are not constrained by the ability of the user to self-propel. This may mean that certain powerchair designs are unable to use some wheelchair spaces and may be too heavy to use some wheelchair lifts.

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Source: wikipedia

Power-Chair

A powerchair can be used by someone who hasn’t got the dexterity or mobility, perhaps, to drive a mobility scooter due to arm, hand, shoulder or more general disabling conditions, and do not have the leg strength to propel a manual chair with their feet. EPWs can offer various powered functions such as tilt, recline, leg elevation, seat elevation, and others useful or necessary to health and function.

A powerchair user might also have special seating or arm and leg rest requirements that are better served by a powerchair than a mobility scooter. The technology involved in electric wheelchairs is similar to that of mobility scooters and some powerchair manufacturers are offering models that look more like a mobility scooter than a traditional wheelchair.

Today you will find three general styles of electric powered chairs (EPWs): rear, center, front wheel driven or four wheel driven. Each style wheelchair has particular handling characteristics.

EPWs are also divided by seat type; some models resemble manual chairs, with a sling-style seat and frame, whereas others have 'captain's chair' seating like that of an automobile. EPWs run the gamut from small and portable models, which can be folded or disassembled, to very large and heavy full-featured chairs (these are often called 'rehab' chairs).

The user typically controls speed and direction by operating a joystick on a controller. Many other input devices can be used if the user lacks coordination or the use of the hands or fingers, such as chin controls and puff/sip scanners

Powerchairs are usually controlled by a joystick on the armrest which can be fitted on either armrest to suit left or right handed use. The arm rest can usually be swung out of the way so that the user can get closer to a desk or table for example. If a joystick control isn’t appropriate for the user’s needs, there are other methods of operating the powerchair, including a head controller, a sip and puff tube, fingertip control or foot control for those with C2-3 spinal cord lesions or head injuries (the user blows into a tube located near the mouth, which controls the movement of the chair).

A powerchair or electric wheelchair can bring independence and freedom to those currently reliant on others. Once you have decided on a powerchair rather than a mobility scooter or wheelchair, there are still plenty of other choices to be made. Including the price, the style and size of the powerchair, how portable the powerchair is, and how far it goes between charges.

Traditionally powerchairs were not designed to be transported, and so were very difficult to dismantle. Nowadays, most electric wheelchairs are transportable, and some are very easy to dismantle.  Powerchairs are using technology and features found on mobility scooters such as easy to remove battery packs, and easy to dissemble components that may mean the user doesn’t need any additional help in order to transport or recharge the electric wheelchair.

Powerchairs are usually more customisable than disabled scooters, and can offer different types of control method and seating. For example, the range of the powerchair between charges may not be as important as it having an electric lift so that you can reach shelves or cupboards. It might be more important that it is available with a specialist seat, rather than dismantling to fit in the car.

Up until recently, electric wheelchairs were predominantly designed for indoor use, this has now changed as the technology and user requirements have changed. It is now possible to buy powerchairs that are equally suited to indoor and outdoor use. Nowadays, electric wheelchairs are available with a range of well over 20 miles and a speed of up to 6mph. These powerchairs come with outdoor style wheels and tyres and look more rugged and suitable for outdoor use. They sometimes have additional rear wheels to aid stability when off road for example. These models are much more suitable for outdoor use than indoor use. Rear or mid wheel drive powerchair are the most popular and ideal for using outdoors as well as indoors.

If the powerchair is going to be used in the home as well as outdoors, it is important to ensure that the powerchair is suitable, comfortable and provides the right level of support. A 6mph high-performance electric wheelchair designed for use outside is not necessarily suitable for all day use in a small flat. As powerchair users often spend more time in their powerchairs, the powerchair needs to be right for the environment it’s going to be used in. There is no point having a big high performance powerchair if it’s too big to use indoors, or a small compact powerchair if it is to be used primarily outdoors. The powerchair performance may be an important factor if it is to replace a car, or provide independence and allow extended journeys.

Different users will need different sorts of seat, leg rests and armrests as they provide the user with comfort and stability. A powered seat, tilt and recline back, or electric leg rests might also be an optional accessory.  If the user will be spending a lot of time in the powerchair, then a wheelchair cushion, especially a memory foam cushion will be a wise investment to ensure comfort and help to prevent pressure sores.

Powerchairs charge in the same way that mobility scooters do. The battery charger will usually plug into the powerchair control unit whilst the batteries are attached. This means that the user doesn’t have to worry about lifting or refitting batteries.

Most models of electric wheelchair have a range of additional extras available. These can include different leg rests, armrests, oxygen tank holders, and in some cases a different seating system. Some powerchairs are available with elevating seats so that the user can reach items on a work surface, on a shelf, or in a cupboard, that are normally out of reach of powerchair users.

Another option for someone who uses a traditional style of wheelchair is to add a battery pack and motor to the wheelchair. This will then turn the wheelchair into an attendant controlled powerchair.  This is a good option if the attendant regularly pushes the wheelchair up hills, or wants to be able to be able to go up hills.  The only downside to this option is that the user isn’t independent and has to rely on someone to push them around.  However, this can be a good compromise between a traditional wheelchair and a powerchair.

A powerchair can help to maintain or bring back independence. As they are easy to operate and maintain, electric wheelchairs can make a significant difference to the quality of life.

Read more: http://www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/mobility/wheelchairs/electric/#ixzz1M0omblir

Pride is one of the best company out there and their price won't break your B-account

Pride Mobility Products Corporation is the manufacturer of the number one selling brand of mobility scooters in the United States. Putting a tremendous amount of effort into designing and manufacturing high quality mobility scooters is just one of the reasons Pride Mobility has risen above the competition. Their innovative designs and durable product lines help individuals who have difficulty walking participate in activities and events they might otherwise have to avoid. A Pride Mobility Scooter helps an individual who is having some trouble getting around on their own to easily move themselves around the house, shopping mall, or village streets while allowing them to maintain their independence.

Pride Mobility Scooters are well respected in their industry for being more than just a means of transportation. Their scooters are designed with the reliability needs, comfort and convenience of the user being highly accounted for in their designs. Pride Mobility Scooters are carefully constructed to be smooth riding, quiet and easy to operate.

The individual is never forgotten during the design of a Pride Mobility Scooter and personal style and taste preferences are also taken into consideration during the design process. A large selection of models that accommodate different individual needs and budgets are available in a wide array of colors.  Convenient features and accessories help to ensure the rider is able to move about with the least amount of physical exertion and at a more than adequate level of personal comfort.

Pride Mobility Products Corporation has several authorized sales and distribution centers throughout the United States. These distributors represent the world leader in mobility equipment and represent the Pride Mobility Scooter product line and also provide service when necessary. These authorized distributors are knowledgeable and experienced at answering questions and making recommendations that will help you select the Pride Mobility Scooter that is best for the individual. Some distributors will even allow a potential buyer to take the mobility scooter out for on-site trials for a specific period of time.  A trial period allows the individual to more accurately determine the scooters performance, and whether the controls, seating, and leg room are sufficiently comfortable for long-term use.

The combination of style, solid performance and exceptional value found with Pride Mobility Scooters is consistent throughout their various models. For many people who have conditions that adversely affect their mobility, a Pride Mobility Scooter can be a cost effective and attractive alternative to a motorized wheel chair.  For some a more attractive, less “medical” appearance is an important factor.  For others, greater flexibility is a primary consideration.  For those not requiring the sophisticated electronics or seating systems of a powered wheelchair, the smaller price tag is attractive.  Whatever the reason for considering a scooter, models should be carefully evaluated for their capability to accommodate a person’s disability and meet the requirements of the intended use.  In addition to gathering information from a Pride Mobility Scooter distributor, those who are purchasing their first Pride Mobility Scooter should consult with their physician, therapist, or other rehabilitation professional to determine whether a mobility scooter is the best option and what functional features are required to suit their individual needs.

Concept Electric powered wheelchair

Electric powered wheelchairs are the only way of movement for too many disabled users. But motorized wheelchairs never really changed much from classical wheelchair design and concept – which is more than 100 years old.. Because of this, they are often also very expensive, and inaccessible to many, especially in developing countries.

But new concept designed by s Ju Hyun Lee, gives hope to change all that. Their proposal for solution is named NEWS (New Electric Wheelchairs) and is still in concept phase.

The main idea and technological breakthrough is that this is not self standing electric powered wheelchair, but rather a motorized wheelchair add-on for existing manual wheelchairs. So it actually does not want to replace your existing electric wheelchair; rather it is attached to the standard wheelchair. NEWS gives instant electric motorized power to wheelchair.

Also the design of the concept is clean, well-thought and robust. It brings the design of 21st century to assistive devices. If NEWS concept becomes a reality, it will definitely change the industry.

Price wise not much is known, but it should not be expensive – meaning that once mass productions starts, we should see it at very competitive price point, which will make electric wheelchairs available to broader masses of people in need… Meaning it should be perfect for end users and also hospitals, therapy centers and nursing homes…

Stair-Walking electric wheelchair

This is a bit older news, but somehow it got unnoticed by us at the time of launch… But still it is so interesting, that we are fixing our mistake and running a story! French company named HMC2Development has launched a stair-walking motorized wheel chair named TOPCHAIR in mid 2007! The motorized wheel chair was in development since 2001. This was even before the well known and world-wide appraised iBOT Electric electric wheelchair… But the iBOT is a wheelchair that runs on wheels, and was first developed in 90s. While it can actually rise up on the rear wheels to attain a stand position and also has a certain capabilities of climbing stairs, the fact that it runs on wheels, makes this type of wheelchair less stable and so it has its limitations compared to the Top chair stair climbing wheelchair.

Topchair uses different approach to conquering the stairs, as it uses rubber tracks similar to those found in tanks. This technology allows Topchair motorized wheel chair to go up or down the 20 cm high step (8 inch) made from metal or wood or concrete with maximum slope of 33° (65%). It does so while user sits comfortably and safely onboard without any help of  fixed structure like a ramp and with no need for an attendant.

Topchair uses two 60 Ah gel batteries, allowing it 35 km driving authonomy or over 300 steps in a single charge. This stair walking wheelchair also got the prestigius 2008 Frost & Sullivan Award for Product Innovation in the European mobility aids markets. You can get more information on manufacturer’s website.