Electric drives
Setting up a periodic comparative test for electric wheelchair drives
Type of project: Feasibility study
Disability concerned: Motor disability
Theme: Travel
Status: Completed
The aim of this study is to gather as much information as possible on the different types of electric wheelchair drive available in Switzerland, so that a transparent comparison can be made of the qualities and faults of each.
Moving around in a wheelchair can quickly become extremely tiring (uphill, paved roads, long distances, etc.). It is therefore understandable to turn to an auxiliary means of propulsion. Various questions then arise: What to choose? Is there really a product that suits my needs and my pace of life?
There are all kinds of drive systems available: a fully electric wheelchair, a manual wheelchair with electric motors on the rear wheels, an additional electrically driven wheel at the back of the chair or an electric wheel to be coupled to the front of the wheelchair.
Our feasibility study deals with motorised front wheel systems. These products have the advantage of being easily installed on a chair, and can be decoupled at any time, allowing the user to move without additional cumbersome weight. These products allow for a great gain in freedom and autonomy. However, they have major stability problems, which make them sometimes dangerous machines that can cause serious injuries to their users as well as to passers-by.
The aim of this study is to gather as much information as possible on the different types of drives that can be purchased in Switzerland, in order to allow a transparent comparison of the qualities and defects of each of them. In addition, the potential dangers related to the stability and performance of these products will be exposed. It will then be possible to offer future users a reliable source of information, enabling them to make a conscious future purchase adapted to their needs, abilities and desires.
We have currently been able to set up a test schedule for 3 products from 5 manufacturers present in Switzerland. Two of these five manufacturers have not yet validated their participation in our test.
Contact
SCI-Mobility / Haute Ecole Spécialisée Bernoise
Vincent Morier-Genoud
vincent.morier@bfh.ch